Document:

Document

PHUNWARE, INC.
2022 INDUCEMENT PLAN

1.     Purpose

The purpose of this Phunware, Inc. 2022 Inducement Plan (the “Plan”) is to advance the interests of Phunware, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its Subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively “Phunware” or the “Corporation”), by allowing the Corporation to secure and retain the services of eligible award recipients, provide a material inducement for such individuals to enter into employment with the Corporation within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, align the long-term interests of such individuals with those of stockholders, heighten the desire of participants to continue in working toward and contributing to the success of Phunware, assist Phunware in competing effectively with other enterprises for the services of new employees necessary for the continued improvement of operations, and to attract, motivate and retain the best available individuals for service to the Corporation. This Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, each of which shall be subject to such conditions based upon continued employment, passage of time or satisfaction of performance criteria as shall be specified pursuant to the Plan.

2.     Definitions

(a)     “Award” means a stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock or restricted stock unit granted to a Participant pursuant to the Plan.

(b)     “Award Agreement” means either: (i) a written agreement entered into by the Corporation and a Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award, or (ii) a written or electronic statement issued by the Corporation to a Participant describing the terms and provisions of such Award, including any amendment or modification thereof. The Committee may provide for the use of electronic, internet or other non-paper Award Agreements, and the use of electronic, internet, or other non-paper means for the acceptance thereof and actions thereunder by a Participant.

(c)     “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

(d)     “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as such is amended from time to time, and any reference to a section of the Code shall include any successor provision of the Code.

(e)     “Committee” shall mean the committee appointed by the Board of Directors from among its members to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 3, which Committee may be the Compensation Committee.

(f)     “Compensation Committee” shall mean the compensation committee of the Board of Directors.

(g)     “Effective Date” means December 28, 2022.

(h)     “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any reference to a section of the Exchange Act shall include any successor provision of the Exchange Act.

(i)     “Outside Director” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who is not otherwise an employee of the Corporation.

(j)     “Participants” shall mean those employees to whom Awards have been granted from time to time and any authorized transferee of such employees.

(k)     “Performance Award” means an Award the grant, issuance, retention, vesting and/or settlement of which is subject to satisfaction of one or more of the Qualifying Performance Criteria specified in Section 9(b).
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(l)     “Plan” means this Phunware, Inc. 2022 Inducement Plan.

(m)     “Share” shall mean a share of common stock, $.0001 par value, of the Corporation or the number and kind of shares of stock or other securities which shall be substituted or adjusted for such shares as provided in Section 10.

(n)     “Subsidiary” means any corporation or entity in which Phunware owns or controls, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting power or economic interests of such corporation or entity.

3.     Administration

(a)     Composition of Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall consist of two or more Outside Directors who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall fill vacancies on the Committee and may from time to time remove or add members of the Committee. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may exercise any authority of the Committee under this Plan in lieu of the Committee’s exercise thereof, and in such instances references herein to the Committee shall refer to the Board of Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in the Plan to the contrary, the grant of Awards shall be approved by the Corporation’s independent Compensation Committee or a majority of the Corporation’s independent directors (as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules) in order to comply with the exemption from the stockholder approval requirement for “inducement grants” provided under Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

(b)     Delegation and Administration. The Committee may delegate the day to day administration of the Plan to an officer or officers of the Corporation or one or more agents, and such administrator(s) may have the authority to execute and distribute agreements or other documents evidencing or relating to Awards granted by the Committee under this Plan, to maintain records relating to the grant, vesting, exercise, forfeiture or expiration of Awards, to process or oversee the issuance of Shares upon the exercise, vesting and/or settlement of an Award, to interpret the terms of Awards and to take such other actions as the Committee may specify. Any action by any such administrator within the scope of its delegation shall be deemed for all purposes to have been taken by the Committee and references in this Plan to the Committee shall include any such administrator, provided that the actions and interpretations of any such administrator shall be subject to review and approval, disapproval or modification by the Committee.

(c)     Powers of the Committee. Subject to the express provisions and limitations set forth in this Plan, the Committee shall be authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or desirable, in its sole discretion, in connection with the administration of this Plan, including, without limitation, the following:

(i) to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including the forms of Award Agreement and manner of acceptance of an Award, and to take or approve such further actions as it determines necessary or appropriate to the administration of the Plan and Awards, such as correcting a defect or supplying any omission, or reconciling any inconsistency so that the Plan or any Award Agreement complies with applicable law, regulations and listing requirements and so as to avoid unanticipated consequences or address unanticipated events (including any temporary closure of Nasdaq, disruption of communications or natural catastrophe) deemed by the Committee to be inconsistent with the purposes of the Plan or any Award Agreement, provided that no such action shall be taken absent stockholder approval to the extent required under Section 12;

(ii) to determine which persons are eligible to be Participants, to which of such persons, if any, Awards shall be granted hereunder and the timing of any such Awards, and to grant Awards;

(iii) subject to the last sentence of Section 3(a), to grant Awards to Participants and determine the terms and conditions thereof, including the number of Shares subject to Awards and the exercise or purchase price of such Shares and the circumstances under which Awards 
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become exercisable or vested or are forfeited or expire, which terms may but need not be conditioned upon the passage of time, continued employment, the satisfaction of performance criteria, the occurrence of certain events, or other factors;

(iv) to establish or verify the extent of satisfaction of any performance goals or other conditions applicable to the grant, issuance, exercisability, vesting and/or ability to retain any Award (provided that all such actions shall be made in a good faith and reasonable manner);

(v) to prescribe and amend the terms of the agreements or other documents evidencing Awards made under this Plan (which need not be identical);

(vi) to determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 10 (provided that all such determinations and adjustments shall be made in a good faith and reasonable manner);

(vii) to interpret and construe this Plan, any rules and regulations under this Plan and the terms and conditions of any Award granted hereunder; and

(viii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of this Plan.
 
(d)     Effect of Change in Status. The Committee shall have the discretion to determine the effect upon an Award and upon an individual’s status as an employee under the Plan (including whether a Participant shall be deemed to have experienced a termination of employment or other change in status) and upon the vesting, expiration or forfeiture of an Award in the case of (i) any individual who is employed by an entity that ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Corporation, (ii) any leave of absence approved by the Corporation or a Subsidiary, (iii) any transfer between locations of employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary or between the Corporation and any Subsidiary or between any Subsidiaries, (iv) any change in the Participant’s status from an employee to a consultant or member of the Board of Directors and (v) at the request of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, any employee who becomes employed by any partnership, joint venture, corporation or other entity not meeting the requirements of a Subsidiary.

(e)     Determinations of the Committee. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Committee regarding this Plan shall be final and binding on all persons. The Committee may consider such factors as it deems relevant to making such decisions, determinations and interpretations including, without limitation, the recommendations or advice of any director, officer or employee of the Corporation and such attorneys, consultants and accountants as it may select.

4.     Participants

Awards under the Plan may be granted only to employees who satisfy the standards for inducement grants under Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules, and only when the Award is an inducement material to the individual’s entering into employment with the Corporation within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. A person who previously served as an employee or Outside Director shall not be eligible to receive Awards under the Plan, other than following a bona fide period of non-employment with the Corporation. All Awards must be granted either by a majority of the Corporation’s independent directors or by the Compensation Committee comprised of independent directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

5.     Effective Date and Expiration of Plan

(a)     Effective Date. This Plan was approved by the Board of Directors on December 30, 2022 and became effective on such date.

(b)     Expiration Date. The Plan shall expire on December 29, 2032 or such earlier date as the Board of Directors may determine. The expiration of the Plan will not affect the operation of the terms of the Plan or the Corporation’s and Participants’ rights and obligations with respect to Awards granted on or prior to the expiration date of the Plan.
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6.     Shares Subject to the Plan

(a)     Aggregate Limits. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10, the aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance pursuant to Awards under the Plan from and after the Effective Date is 1,470,588. The Shares subject to the Plan may be either Shares reacquired by the Corporation, including Shares purchased in the open market, or authorized but unissued Shares. Any Shares subject to an Award which for any reason expires or terminates unexercised or is not earned in full will be returned to the Plan but will not again be made subject to an Award under the Plan, including that the following Shares may not again be made available for issuance as Awards under the Plan: (i) Shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right, (ii) Shares used to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes related to an outstanding Award, or (iii) Shares repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the option exercise price.

7.     Plan Awards

(a)     Award Types. The Committee, on behalf of the Corporation, is authorized under this Plan to grant, award and enter into the following arrangements or benefits under the Plan provided that their terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan: stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units. Such arrangements and benefits are sometimes referred to herein as “Awards.” The Committee, in its discretion, may determine that any Award granted hereunder shall be a Performance Award. For purposes of the Plan, “market value” shall mean the average of the high and low sales prices of the Corporation’s common stock.

(i)     Stock Options. A “Stock Option” is a right to purchase a number of Shares at such exercise price, at such times, and on such other terms and conditions as are specified in or determined pursuant to the document(s) evidencing the Award (the “Option Agreement”). The Committee may grant Stock Options that are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options pursuant to Section 422 of the Code (“Non-qualified Stock Options”).

(ii)     Stock Appreciation Rights. A “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” is a right to receive, in cash or stock (as determined by the Committee), value with respect to a specific number of Shares equal to or otherwise based on the excess of (i) the market value of a Share at the time of exercise over (ii) the exercise price of the right, subject to such terms and conditions as are expressed in the document(s) evidencing the Award (the “SAR Agreement”).

(iii)     Restricted Stock. A “Restricted Stock” Award is an award of Shares, the grant, issuance, retention and/or vesting of which is subject to such conditions as are expressed in the document(s) evidencing the Award (the “Restricted Stock Agreement”).

(iv)     Restricted Stock Unit. A “Restricted Stock Unit” Award is an award of a right to receive, in cash or stock (as determined by the Committee) the market value of one Share, the grant, issuance, retention and/or vesting of which is subject to such conditions as are expressed in the document(s) evidencing the Award (the “Restricted Stock Unit Agreement”).

(b)     Grants of Awards. An Award may consist of one of the foregoing arrangements or benefits or two or more of them in tandem or in the alternative.

8.     Employee Participant Awards

(a)     Grant, Terms and Conditions of Stock Options and SARs.  The Committee may grant Stock Options or SARs at any time and from time to time prior to the expiration of the Plan to eligible employee Participants selected by the Committee. No Participant shall have any rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to Stock Options or SARs hereunder until said Shares have been issued. Each Stock Option or SAR shall be evidenced only by such agreements, notices and/or terms or conditions documented in such form (including by electronic communications) as may be approved by the Committee. Stock Options or SARs granted pursuant to the Plan need not be identical but each must contain or be subject to the following terms and conditions:
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(i)     Price. The purchase price (also referred to as the exercise price) under each Stock Option or SAR granted hereunder shall be established by the Committee. The purchase price per Share shall not be less than 100% of the closing sale price of the Corporation’s common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of a Stock Option shall be paid in cash or in such other form if and to the extent permitted by the Committee, including without limitation by delivery of already owned Shares, withholding (either actually or by attestation) of Shares otherwise issuable under such Stock Option and/or by payment under a broker-assisted sale and remittance program acceptable to the Committee.

(ii)     No Repricing. Other than in connection with a change in the Corporation’s capitalization or other transaction as described in Section 10(a) through (d) of the Plan, the Corporation shall not, without stockholder approval, reduce the purchase price of a Stock Option or SAR and, at any time when the purchase price of a Stock Option or SAR is above the market value of a Share, the Corporation shall not, without stockholder approval (except in the case of a transaction described in Section 10(a) through (d) of the Plan), cancel and re-grant or exchange such Stock Option or SAR for a new Award with a lower (or no) purchase price or for cash.

(iii)     No Reload Grants. Stock Options shall not be granted under the Plan in consideration for and shall not be conditioned upon the delivery of Shares to the Corporation in payment of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligation under any other employee stock option.

(iv)     Duration, Exercise and Termination of Stock Options and SARs. Each Stock Option or SAR shall be exercisable at such time and in such installments during the period prior to the expiration of the Stock Option or SAR as determined by the Committee. The Committee shall have the right to make the timing of the ability to exercise any Stock Option or SAR subject to continued employment, the passage of time and/or such performance requirements as deemed appropriate by the Committee. At any time after the grant of a Stock Option, the Committee may reduce or eliminate any restrictions on the Participant’s right to exercise all or part of the Stock Option, except that no Stock Option shall first become exercisable within one (1) year from its date of grant, other than upon the death, disability or retirement of the person to whom the Stock Option was granted, in each case as specified in the Option Agreement. Each Stock Option or SAR that vests in full in less than five (5) years (standard grants) must expire within a period of not more than seven (7) years from the grant date and each Stock Option or SAR that vests in full in five (5) or more years (long-term retention grants) must expire within a period of not more than ten (10) years from the grant date. In each case, the Option Agreement or SAR Agreement may provide for expiration prior to the end of the stated term of the Award in the event of the termination of employment or service of the Participant to whom it was granted.

(v)    Suspension or Termination of Stock Options and SARs. If at any time (including after a notice of exercise has been delivered) the Committee, including any administrator authorized pursuant to Section 3(b) (any such person, an “Authorized Officer”), reasonably and in good faith believes that a Participant has committed an act constituting “Cause” (as such term may be defined in such Participant’s employment agreement with the Corporation), or (B)  a Participant committed an act of misconduct as described in this Section, the Authorized Officer may suspend the Participant’s right to exercise any Stock Option or SAR pending a determination of whether an act of misconduct has been committed. If the Committee or an Authorized Officer reasonably and in good faith determines a Participant has committed an act constituting Cause or an act of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment of any obligation owed to Phunware, breach of fiduciary duty or deliberate disregard of Corporation rules resulting in loss, damage or injury to the Corporation, or if a Participant makes an unauthorized disclosure of any Corporation trade secret or confidential information, engages in any conduct constituting unfair competition, induces any customer to breach a contract with the Corporation or induces any principal for whom Phunware acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship, neither the Participant nor his or her estate shall be entitled to exercise any Stock Option or SAR whatsoever. In addition, for any Participant who is designated as an “executive officer” by the Board of Directors, if the Committee determines that the Participant engaged in an act of embezzlement, fraud or breach of fiduciary duty during the Participant’s employment that contributed to an obligation to restate the 
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Corporation’s financial statements (“Contributing Misconduct”), the Participant shall be required to repay to the Corporation, in cash and upon demand, the Option Proceeds (as defined below) resulting from any sale or other disposition (including to the Corporation) of Shares issued or issuable upon exercise of a Stock Option or SAR if the sale or disposition was effected during the twelve-month period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC of the financial statements required to be restated. The term “Option Proceeds” means, with respect to any sale or other disposition (including to the Corporation) of Shares issuable or issued upon exercise of a Stock Option or SAR, an amount determined appropriate by the Committee to reflect the effect of the restatement, up to the amount equal to the number of Shares sold or disposed of multiplied by the difference between the market value per Share at the time of such sale or disposition and the exercise price. The return of Option Proceeds is in addition to and separate from any other relief available to the Corporation due to the executive officer’s Contributing Misconduct. Any determination by the Committee or an Authorized Officer taken reasonably and in good faith with respect to the foregoing shall be final, conclusive and binding on all interested parties. For any Participant who is an executive officer, the determination of the Committee or of the Authorized Officer shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

(vi)     Conditions and Restrictions Upon Securities Subject to Stock Options or SARs. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee may provide that the Shares issued upon exercise of a Stock Option or SAR shall be subject to such further conditions or agreements as the Committee in its discretion may specify prior to the exercise of such Stock Option or SAR, including, without limitation, conditions on vesting or transferability, forfeiture or repurchase provisions, subject in all cases to the following. Each action under this subsection (vi) shall be taken in good faith and in the reasonable belief that the action will not deprive the Participant of any of the benefits of the Award or the Shares covered thereby, including, but not limited to, the value of the Award or Shares, and the exercisability, timing and payment of the Award or Shares. The obligation to make payments with respect to SARs may be satisfied through cash payments or the delivery of Shares, or a combination thereof as the Committee shall determine. The Committee may establish rules for the deferred delivery of Common Stock upon exercise of a Stock Option or SAR with the deferral evidenced by use of Restricted Stock Units equal in number to the number of Shares whose delivery is so deferred, subject in all cases to the Participant’s written consent.

(vii)     Other Terms and Conditions. Stock Options and SARs may also contain such other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with any of the foregoing terms, as the Committee shall deem appropriate, subject in all cases to the Committee’s good faith and reasonable belief that any such provisions will not deprive the Participant of any of the benefits of the Award or the Shares covered thereby, including, but not limited to, the value of the Award or Shares, and the exercisability, timing and payment of the Award or Shares.

(b)     Grant, Terms and Conditions of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Committee may grant Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units at any time and from time to time prior to the expiration of the Plan to eligible employee Participants selected by the Committee. A Participant shall have rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to a Restricted Stock Award hereunder only to the extent specified in this Plan or the Restricted Stock Agreement evidencing such Award. Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced only by such agreements, notices and/or terms or conditions documented in such form (including by electronic communications) as may be approved by the Committee. Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to the Plan need not be identical but each must contain or be subject to the following terms and conditions:

(i)     Terms and Conditions. Each Restricted Stock Agreement and each Restricted Stock Unit Agreement shall contain provisions regarding (a) the number of Shares subject to such Award or a formula for determining such, (b) the purchase price of the Shares, if any, and the means of payment for the Shares, (c) the performance criteria, if any, and level of achievement versus these criteria that shall determine the number of Shares granted, issued, retainable and/or vested, (d) such terms and conditions on the grant, issuance, vesting and/or forfeiture of the Shares as may be determined from time to time by the Committee, (e) restrictions on the transferability of the Shares 
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and (f) such further terms and conditions as may be determined from time to time by the Committee, in each case not inconsistent with this Plan.

(ii)     Sale Price. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, the Committee shall determine the price, if any, at which Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be sold or awarded to a Participant, which may vary from time to time and among Participants and which may be below the market value of such Shares at the date of grant or issuance.

(iii)     Share Vesting. The grant, issuance, retention and/or vesting of Shares under Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be at such time and in such installments as determined by the Committee or under criteria established by the Committee. The Committee shall have the right to make the timing of the grant and/or the issuance, ability to retain and/or vesting of Shares under Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Awards subject to continued employment, passage of time and/or such performance criteria and level of achievement versus these criteria as deemed appropriate by the Committee, which criteria may be based on financial performance and/or personal performance evaluations. No condition that is based on performance criteria and level of achievement versus such criteria shall be based on performance over a period of less than one year.

(iv)     Termination of Employment. The Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Agreement may provide for the forfeiture or cancellation of the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Award, in whole or in part, in the event of the termination of employment or service of the Participant to whom it was granted.

(v)     Restricted Stock Units. Except to the extent this Plan or the Committee specifies otherwise, Restricted Stock Units represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Corporation and do not confer any of the rights of a stockholder until Shares are issued thereunder. Settlement of Restricted Stock Units upon expiration of the deferral or vesting period shall be made in Shares or otherwise as determined by the Committee. Dividends or dividend equivalent rights shall be payable in cash or in additional shares with respect to Restricted Stock Units only to the extent specifically provided for by the Committee and subject to the limitations of Section 9(c). Until a Restricted Stock Unit is settled, the number of Shares represented by a Restricted Stock Unit shall be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10. Any Restricted Stock Units that are settled after the Participant’s death shall be distributed to the Participant’s designated beneficiary(ies) or, if none was designated, the Participant’s estate.

(vi)     Suspension or Termination of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. If at any time the Committee, including any Authorized Officer, reasonably and in good faith believes that a Participant (A) has committed an act constituting “Cause” (as such term may be defined in such Participant’s employment agreement with the Corporation) or (B)  a Participant committed an act of misconduct as described in this Section, the Authorized Officer may suspend the vesting of Shares under the Participant’s Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Awards pending a determination of whether an act constituting Cause or an act of misconduct (as applicable) has been committed, which determination the Corporation will use commercially reasonable best efforts to make within 60 days of the initial suspension. If the Committee or an Authorized Officer reasonably and in good faith determines a Participant has committed an act constituting Cause or an act of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, nonpayment of any obligation owed to Phunware, breach of fiduciary duty or deliberate disregard of Corporation rules resulting in loss, damage or injury to the Corporation, or if a Participant makes an unauthorized disclosure of any Corporation trade secret or confidential information, engages in any conduct constituting unfair competition, induces any customer to breach a contract with the Corporation or induces any principal for whom Phunware acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship, the Participant’s Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Agreement shall be forfeited and cancelled. In addition, for any Participant who is designated as an “executive officer” by the Board of Directors, if the Committee determines that the Participant engaged in an act of embezzlement, fraud or breach of fiduciary duty during the Participant’s employment that contributed to an obligation to restate the Corporation’s financial statements (“Contributing Misconduct”), the Participant shall be required to repay to the Corporation, in cash and upon demand, the Restricted Stock Proceeds (as defined below) resulting from any sale or other disposition (including to the Corporation) of Shares issued or issuable upon the vesting of Restricted Stock or a Restricted Stock Unit if the sale or disposition was effected during the twelve-month 
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period following the first public issuance or filing with the SEC of the financial statements required to be restated. The term “Restricted Stock Proceeds” means, with respect to any sale or other disposition (including to the Corporation) of Shares issued or issuable upon vesting of Restricted Stock or a Restricted Stock Unit, an amount determined appropriate by the Committee to reflect the effect of the restatement, up to the amount equal to the market value per Share at the time of such sale or other disposition multiplied by the number of Shares or units sold or disposed of. The return of Restricted Stock Proceeds is in addition to and separate from any other relief available to the Corporation due to the executive officer’s Contributing Misconduct. Any determination by the Committee or an Authorized Officer taken reasonably and in good faith with respect to the foregoing shall be final, conclusive and binding on all interested parties. For any Participant who is an executive officer, the determination of the Committee or of the Authorized Officer shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

9.     Other Provisions Applicable to Awards

(a)     Transferability. Unless the agreement or other document evidencing an Award (or an amendment thereto authorized by the Committee) expressly states that the Award is transferable as provided hereunder, no Award granted under this Plan, nor any interest in such Award, may be sold, assigned, conveyed, gifted, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred in any manner, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee may grant an Award or amend an outstanding Award to provide that the Award is transferable or assignable (a) in the case of a transfer without the payment of any consideration, to any “family member” as such term is defined in Section 1(a)(5) of the General Instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, as such may be amended from time to time, and (b) in any transfer described in clause (ii) of Section 1(a)(5) of the General Instructions to Form S-8 under the 1933 Act as amended from time to time, provided that following any such transfer or assignment the Award will remain subject to substantially the same terms applicable to the Award while held by the Participant to whom it was granted, as modified as the Committee shall determine appropriate, and as a condition to such transfer the transferee shall execute an agreement agreeing to be bound by such terms. Any purported assignment, transfer or encumbrance that does not qualify under this Section 9(a) shall be void and unenforceable against the Corporation.

(b)     Qualifying Performance Criteria. For purposes of this Plan, the term “Qualifying Performance Criteria” shall mean any one or more of the following performance criteria, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the Corporation as a whole or to a business unit or Subsidiary, either individually, alternatively or in any combination, and measured either annually or cumulatively over a period of years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous years’ results or to a designated comparison group, on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) or non-GAAP basis, in each case as specified by the Committee in the Award: (a) cash flow, (b) earnings per share, (c) earnings before one or more of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (d) return on equity, (e) total stockholder return, (f) share price performance, (g) return on capital, (h) return on assets or net assets, (i) revenue, (j) income or net income, (k) operating income or net operating income, (l) operating profit or net operating profit, (m) gross margin, operating margin or profit margin, (n) return on operating revenue, (o) return on invested capital, (p) market segment share, (q) product release schedules, (r) new product innovation, (s) product cost reduction through advanced technology, (t) brand recognition/acceptance, (u) product ship targets, or (v) customer satisfaction. The Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a Qualifying Performance Criteria to exclude any of the following events that occurs during a performance period: (i) asset write-downs, (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements, (iii) the effect of changes in or provisions under tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results, (iv) accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs, (v) any infrequently occurring or other unusual items, either under applicable accounting provisions or described in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Corporation’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year, and (vi) any other events as the Committee shall deem appropriate, if such adjustment is timely approved in connection with the establishment of Qualifying Performance Criteria. Notwithstanding satisfaction of any completion of any Qualifying Performance Criteria, to the extent specified at the time of grant of an Award, the number of Shares, Stock Options, SARs, Restricted Stock Units or other benefits granted, issued, retainable and/or vested under an Award on account of satisfaction of such Qualifying Performance Criteria may be reduced by 
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the Committee on the basis of such further considerations as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine.

(c)     Dividends. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, no adjustment shall be made in Shares issuable under Awards on account of cash dividends that may be paid or other rights that may be issued to the holders of Shares prior to their issuance under any Award. The Committee shall specify whether dividends or dividend equivalent amounts shall be credited and/or payable to any Participant with respect to the Shares subject to any Award; provided, however, that in no event will dividends or dividend equivalents be credited or payable in respect of Stock Options or SARs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends or dividend equivalents credited/payable in connection with an Award that is not yet vested shall be subject to the same restrictions and risk of forfeiture as the underlying Award and shall not be paid until the underlying Award vests.

(d)     Documents Evidencing Awards. The Committee shall, subject to applicable law, determine the date an Award is deemed to be granted. The Committee or, except to the extent prohibited under applicable law, its delegate(s) may establish the terms of agreements, including Award Agreements, or other documents evidencing Awards under this Plan and may, but need not, require as a condition to any such agreement’s or document’s effectiveness that such agreement or document be executed by the Participant, including by electronic signature or other electronic indication of acceptance, and that such Participant agree to such further terms and conditions as specified in such agreement or document. The grant of an Award under this Plan shall not confer any rights upon the Participant holding such Award other than such terms, and subject to such conditions, as are specified in this Plan as being applicable to such type of Award (or to all Awards) or as are expressly set forth in the agreement or other document evidencing such Award.

(e)     Additional Restrictions on Awards. Either at the time an Award is granted or by subsequent action, the Committee may, but need not, impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by a Participant or other subsequent transfers by a Participant of any Shares issued under an Award with respect to (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy that generally applies to all executive officers, and (b) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for receipt, resales or other transfers of such Shares, subject in all cases to the following. Each action under this Section 9(e) shall be taken in good faith.

(f)     Subsidiary Awards. In the case of a grant of an Award to any Participant employed by a Subsidiary, such grant may, if the Committee so directs, be implemented by Phunware issuing any subject Shares to the Subsidiary, for such lawful consideration as the Committee may determine, upon the condition or understanding that the Subsidiary will transfer the Shares to the Participant in accordance with the terms of the Award specified by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, such Award may be issued by and in the name of the Subsidiary and shall be deemed granted on such date as the Committee shall determine.

(g)     Compensation Recovery. This provision applies to any policy adopted by any exchange on which the securities of the Corporation are listed pursuant to Section 10D of the Exchange Act. To the extent any such policy requires the repayment of incentive-based compensation received by a Participant, whether paid pursuant to an Award granted under this Plan or any other plan of incentive-based compensation maintained in the past or adopted in the future by the Corporation, by accepting an Award under this Plan, the Participant agrees to the repayment of such amounts to the extent required by such policy and applicable law.

10.     Adjustment of and Changes in the Common Stock 

(a)     The existence of outstanding Awards shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation or its stockholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, exchanges, or other changes in the Corporation’s capital structure or its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any issuance of Shares or other securities or subscription rights thereto, or any issuance of bonds, debentures, preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Shares or other securities of the Corporation or the rights thereof, or the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise. Further, except as 
9

expressly provided herein or by the Committee, (i) the issuance by the Corporation of shares of stock or any class of securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, for cash, property, labor or services, upon direct sale, upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Corporation convertible into such shares or other securities, (ii) the payment of a dividend in property other than Shares, or (iii) the occurrence of any similar transaction, and in any case whether or not for fair value, shall not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Shares subject to Stock Options or other Awards theretofore granted or the purchase price per Share, unless the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, that an adjustment is necessary or appropriate.

(b)     If the outstanding Shares or other securities of the Corporation, or both, for which the Award is then exercisable or as to which the Award is to be settled shall at any time be changed or exchanged by declaration of a stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, extraordinary dividend of cash and/or assets, recapitalization, reorganization or any similar equity restructuring transaction (as that term is used in Accounting Standards Codification 718) affecting the Shares or other securities of the Corporation, the Committee shall equitably adjust the number and kind of Shares or other securities that are subject to this Plan and to the limits under Section 6 and that are subject to any Awards theretofore granted, and the exercise or settlement prices of such Awards, so as to maintain the proportionate number of Shares or other securities subject to such Awards without changing the aggregate exercise or settlement price, if any.

(c)     No right to purchase fractional Shares shall result from any adjustment in Stock Options or SARs pursuant to this Section 10. In case of any such adjustment, the Shares subject to the Stock Option or SAR shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

(d)     Any other provision hereof to the contrary notwithstanding (except Section 10(a)), in the event Phunware is a party to a merger or other reorganization, outstanding Awards shall be subject to the agreement of merger or reorganization. Such agreement may provide, without limitation, for the assumption of outstanding Awards by the surviving corporation or its parent, for their continuation by Phunware (if Phunware is a surviving corporation), for accelerated vesting and accelerated expiration (but with expiration occurring only after a reasonable opportunity to exercise or receive the benefits of the vested Award), or for settlement in cash.

(e)     Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Plan or of any Award Agreement, in the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, divestiture, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Corporation, or other change in the corporate structure of the Corporation affecting the Shares occurs, the Committee, in order to prevent diminution of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan and the Awards, will adjust the number, class, type and exercise price (if any) of the shares covered by the Plan and each Award, including (without limitation) the vesting conditions (for example, without limitation, the performance goals, metrics and hurdles), all in a manner that the Committee reasonably and in good faith believes will preserve for the Participant the benefits and potential benefits that, as of immediately prior to such event, were intended to be conferred by the Plan and each Award (including, without limitation, value, potential value, and time of vesting and payment).

11.     Listing or Qualification of Common Stock

In the event that the Committee determines in its discretion that the listing or qualification of the Shares available for issuance under the Plan on any securities exchange or quotation or trading system or under any applicable law or governmental regulation is necessary as a condition to the issuance of such Shares, a Stock Option or SAR may not be exercised in whole or in part and a Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Award shall not vest or be settled unless such listing, qualification, consent or approval has been unconditionally obtained.

12.     Termination or Amendment of the Plan 

The Board of Directors may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan and the Board or the Committee may to the extent permitted by the Plan amend any agreement or other document evidencing an Award 
10

made under this Plan, provided, however, that the Corporation shall submit for stockholder approval any amendment (other than an amendment pursuant to the adjustment provisions of Section 10) required to be submitted for stockholder approval by Nasdaq or that otherwise would:

(a)     Increase the maximum number of Shares for which Awards may be granted under this Plan;

(b)     Reduce the price at which Stock Options may be granted below the price provided for in Section 8(a);

(c)     Reduce the option price of outstanding Stock Options;

(d)     Extend the term of this Plan;

(e)     Change the class of persons eligible to be Participants; or

(f)     Increase the limits in Section 6.

In addition, without the Participant’s consent, no such amendment or alteration shall be made which would impair the rights of any Participant, result in any diminishment in the material economic value of an Award, delay vesting or settlement of an Award, or prevent a Participant from timely receiving the economic benefits of the Award or underlying Shares under any Award theretofore granted, provided that no such consent shall be required with respect to any amendment or alteration if the Committee determines reasonably and in good faith that such amendment or alteration either (i) is required or advisable in order for the Corporation, the Plan or the Award to satisfy or conform to any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of any accounting standard, or (ii) is not reasonably likely to impair the rights of any Participant, result in any diminishment in the material economic value of an Award, delay vesting or settlement of an Award, or prevent a Participant from timely receiving the economic benefits of the Award or underlying Shares.

13.     Withholding

To the extent required by applicable federal, state, local or foreign law, the Committee may and/or a Participant shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Corporation for the satisfaction of any withholding tax obligations that arise with respect to any Stock Option, SAR, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit Award, or any sale of Shares. The Corporation shall not be required to issue Shares or to recognize the disposition of such Shares until such obligations are satisfied. To the extent permitted or required by the Committee, these obligations may or shall be satisfied by having the Corporation withhold a portion of the Shares of stock that otherwise would be issued to a Participant under such Award or by tendering Shares previously acquired by the Participant.

14.     General Provisions

(a)     Employment At Will. Neither the Plan nor the grant of any Award nor any action by the Corporation, any Subsidiary or the Committee shall be held or construed to confer upon any person any right to be continued in the employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary. The Corporation and each Subsidiary expressly reserve the right to discharge, without liability but subject to his or her rights under this Plan, any Participant whenever in the sole discretion of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, it may determine to do so.

(b)     Governing Law. This Plan and any agreements or other documents hereunder shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and applicable federal law. The Committee may provide that any dispute as to any Award shall be presented and determined in such forum as the Committee may specify, including through binding arbitration. Any reference in this Plan or in the agreement or other document evidencing any Award to a provision of law or to a rule or regulation shall be deemed to include any successor law, rule or regulation of similar effect or applicability.

(c)     Unfunded Plan. Insofar as it provides for Awards, the Plan shall be unfunded. Although bookkeeping accounts may be established with respect to Participants who are granted Awards under this 
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Plan, any such accounts will be used merely as a bookkeeping convenience. The Corporation shall not be required to segregate any assets which may at any time be represented by Awards, nor shall this Plan be construed as providing for such segregation, nor shall the Corporation or the Committee be deemed to be a trustee of stock or cash to be awarded under the Plan.

(d)     Third Party Administrator. In connection with a Participant’s participation in the Plan, the Corporation may use the services of a third party administrator, including a brokerage firm administrator, and the Corporation may provide this administrator with personal information about a Participant, including a Participant’s name, social security number and address, as well as the details of each Award, and this administrator may provide information to the Corporation concerning the exercise of a Participant’s rights and account data as it relates to Awards under the Plan.

15.     Non-Exclusivity of Plan

The adoption of this Plan by the Board of Directors shall not be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board of Directors or the Committee to adopt such other incentive arrangements as either may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

16.     Compliance with Other Laws and Regulations 

This Plan, the grant and exercise of Awards thereunder, and the obligation of the Corporation to sell, issue or deliver Shares under such Awards, shall be subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. The Corporation shall file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-8 or other available form, registering that number of Shares equal to the number of shares covering Awards granted under this Plan, in each case no later than the grant date of such Awards. The Corporation shall not be required to register in a Participant’s name or deliver any Shares prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of such Shares under any federal, state or local law or any ruling or regulation of any government body which the Committee shall determine to be necessary or advisable. To the extent the Corporation is unable to or the Committee deems it infeasible to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Corporation’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, the Corporation shall be relieved of any liability with respect to the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. No Stock Option shall be exercisable and no Shares shall be issued and/or transferable under any other Award unless a registration statement with respect to the Shares underlying such Stock Option is effective and current or the Corporation has determined that such registration is unnecessary.
 
17.     Liability of Corporation

The Corporation shall not be liable to a Participant or other persons as to: (a) the non-issuance or sale of Shares as to which the Corporation has been unable to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority deemed by the Corporation’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder; and (b) any tax consequence expected, but not realized, by any Participant or other person due to the receipt, exercise or settlement of any Stock Option or other Award granted hereunder.

12Document

Exhibit 10.1
Certain identified information has been redacted from this exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii)
information that is private or confidential. The redacted information is identified by the mark “[***]”.

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT 

This Separation and Release Agreement (“Agreement”) is made by and between Gunho Ko (also known as Alex Ko) (“Employee”) and Hope Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Bank of Hope (collectively referred to as “Employer”).  Employee and Employer shall be referred to herein together as the “Parties,” or individually as a “Party.”

RECITALS

WHEREAS, on April 7, 2008, Employee began his employment with Wilshire State Bank, one of the predecessor entities of Employer;

WHEREAS, Employee currently is employed as Employer’s Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer;

WHEREAS, Employee received a copy of the Employee Handbook, most recently updated as of November 2020 (the “Handbook”), which contained a Non-Disclosure Policy section therein that requires Employee to maintain the strict confidentiality of Employer’s confidential, proprietary, and trade secret documents after Employee’s employment with Employer;

WHEREAS, Employee signed an Acknowledgment of Receipt (“Acknowledgment Form”), wherein Employee acknowledged and agreed to the terms of the Handbook, including the requirement to maintain the strict confidentiality of Employer’s confidential, proprietary, and trade secret documents even after Employee’s employment with Employer;

WHEREAS, Employee resigned, or will resign, from his employment with Employer as of January 6, 2023 (the “Resignation Date”); 

WHEREAS, Employee will enter into a consulting agreement (“Consulting Agreement”) with Employer to act as an independent contractor to perform certain consulting services for Employer, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in such agreement (“Consulting Service”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve all disputes, claims, causes of action, complaints, grievances, charges, actions, petitions, and demands (collectively, “Claims”; individually, a “Claim”) that Employee may have against Employer and any of the Releasees (as defined below in Section 5), including, but not limited to, all Claims arising out of or in any way related to Employee’s employment with or separation from Employer.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises made herein, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

COVENANTS

1.Payment.  In exchange for Employee’s execution, and non-revocation of, this Agreement, Employer agrees to pay Employee a lump sum of Four Hundred Thirty Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($430,500.00) in cash (the “Payment”), less applicable 
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withholdings and deductions.  Within fourteen (14) calendar days from the Effective Date (as defined below in Section 27), Employer shall send the Payment, less applicable withholdings and deductions, through payroll.  In all cases, the Payment will be made in calendar year 2023.  The Parties agree that the proffering of this Payment shall not be deemed as, construed as, or argued to represent any admission of fault by Employer.  

2.Resignation; Outstanding Equity Awards.  As of the Resignation Date, Employee (a) has resigned, or will resign, from his employment with Employer and (b) has terminated his relationship (including, but not limited to, termination or resignation of executive officer positions) with any of the Releasees (as defined below in Section 5).  Employee agrees, approves, will not dispute, and will not deny the truth of the points, representations, and language in the press release regarding his resignation from his employment with Employer, attached hereto as Exhibit A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any outstanding equity awards granted to Employee during his employment with Employer shall continue to vest until the termination of the Consulting Service, subject to the other terms and conditions applicable to such equity awards.  After the termination of Consulting Service, all outstanding and unvested equity awards shall be forfeited, subject to the ability to exercise any vested option awards pursuant to the terms and conditions applicable thereto; provided, however, that the Employer’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee shall accelerate the scheduled vesting of the awards set forth on Schedule 1 hereto to the earlier of: (i) March 31, 2023 and (ii) the termination date of the Consulting Agreement as follows: (A) due to the consultant’s death or disability pursuant to Section 3(a)(ii) of the Consulting Agreement, (B) by the Company for any reason upon fourteen (14) days’ notice pursuant to Section 3(a)(vii) of the Consulting Agreement, or (C) by the Company pursuant to Section 3(b) of the Consulting Agreement, with such acceleration subject in all cases to the Employee continuing to provide the Consulting Service through the relevant acceleration date.  

3.Benefits.  Employee’s health insurance benefits ceased on the last day of January 2023 and were subject to Employee’s right to continue Employee’s health insurance under COBRA.  Employee’s participation in all benefits and incidents of employment, including, but not limited to, the accrual of bonuses, vacation, and paid time off, ceased as of the Resignation Date.

4.Payment of Salary and Receipt of All Benefits.  Employee acknowledges and represents that Employer has paid or provided all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation/paid time off, premiums, leaves, housing allowances, relocation costs, interest, severance, outplacement costs, fees, reimbursable expenses, commissions, stock, stock options, vesting, and any and all other benefits and compensation due to Employee, including, but not limited to, any vested equity set forth in any and all equity agreements entered into between Employee and Employer.  The payments from Employer to Employee pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including the Payment in Section 1, are not provided as a raise, bonus, or condition of Employee’s employment with Employer.  

5.Release of Claims.  Employee agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement of all Claims and is above and beyond all outstanding obligations owed to Employee by Employer and its current and former officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, benefit plans, plan administrators, insurers, trustees, divisions, parents, subsidiaries, predecessor corporations and companies, successor corporations and companies, related corporations and companies (including, but not limited to, Hope Bancorp, Inc.; Bank of Hope; Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.; and Wilshire Bank), and assigns 
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(collectively, the “Releasees”).  Employee, on Employee’s own behalf and on behalf of Employee’s respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby and forever releases the Releasees, and agrees not to sue concerning, or in any manner to institute, prosecute, or pursue, any Claim, duty, or obligation relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Employee may possess against any of the Releasees arising from any omissions, acts, facts, or damages that have occurred up until and including the date when Employee executes this Agreement, including, without limitation:

a.         any and all Claims relating to, arising from, or resulting from Employee’s employment relationship with Employer and the termination of such relationship; 

b.         any and all Claims relating to, arising from, or resulting from any equity agreement entered into between Employee and Employer;

c.         any and all Claims for wrongful discharge or constructive discharge of employment; termination (including constructive discharge) in violation of public policy; discrimination; harassment; retaliation; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; fraud; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; conversion; and disability benefits;

d.         any and all Claims for violation of any federal, state, or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Equal Pay Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Employee Polygraph Protection Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”); the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical Leave Act; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act; the Immigration Control and Reform Act; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; the California Family Rights Act; the California Labor Code; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act;

e.         any and all Claims for violation of the federal or any state constitution;

f.        any and all Claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;

g.       any Claims for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the nonwithholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Employee as a result of this Agreement; and

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h.         any and all Claims for or requests to recover attorneys’ fees and costs.

Employee agrees that the release set forth in this Section 5 shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.  This release does not extend to any obligations incurred under this Agreement.  This release does not release claims that cannot be released as a matter of law, including, but not limited to, Employee’s right to file a charge with or participate in a charge by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency that is authorized to enforce or administer laws related to employment, against Employer (with the understanding that any such filing or participation does not give Employee the right to recover any monetary damages against Employer; Employee’s release of Claims herein bars Employee from recovering such monetary relief from Employer).  Employee agrees that he is not an “aggrieved employee” in any way for purposes of California’s Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”), California Labor Code §§ 2698 et seq., and therefore Employer is not liable for any penalties pursuant to PAGA for any conduct arising during Employee’s employment with Employer.  Employee represents that Employee has made no assignment or transfer of any right, Claim, complaint, charge, duty, obligation, demand, cause of action, or other matter waived or released by this Section 5.

6.Specific Release of ADEA Claims.  In further consideration of the payments and benefits provided to Employee in this Agreement, Employee waives, releases, and discharges the Releasees from any and all Claims, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, that Employee may possess against any of the Releasees under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, and its implementing regulations that occurred up until and including the date when Employee executes this Agreement.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that:

a.Employee has read this Agreement in its entirety and understands all of its terms;

b.Employee has been advised to consult with an attorney of Employee’s choosing before signing this Agreement; 

c.Employee knowingly, freely, and voluntarily agrees to all of the terms and conditions in this Agreement including, but not limited to, the waiver, release, and covenants set forth in Sections 5 and 6; 

d.Employee is signing this Agreement, including the waiver and release, in exchange for good and valuable consideration in addition to anything of value to which Employee is otherwise entitled; 

e.Employee was given at least twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the terms of this Agreement and consult with an attorney of Employee’s choice, although Employee may sign this Agreement sooner if desired; 

f.Employee understands that Employee has seven (7) calendar days after signing this Agreement (the “Revocation Period”) to revoke the release in this Section 6 by delivering notice of revocation by mailing and e-mailing a notice to Young K. Lee at 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 610, Los Angeles, CA 90010; E-mail: [***], before the end of this seven-day period; and
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g.Employee understands that the release in this Section 6 does not apply to rights and claims that may arise after the date on which Employee executes this Agreement.

7.California Civil Code Section 1542.  Employee acknowledges that Employee has been advised to consult with legal counsel and is familiar with the provisions of California Civil Code section 1542, a statute that otherwise prohibits the release of unknown Claims, which provides as follows:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR THE RELEASED PARTY.

Being aware of said code section, Employee agrees to expressly waive any rights Employee may have thereunder, as well as under any other statute or common law principles of similar effect.

8.No Pending or Future Lawsuits.  Employee represents that Employee has no lawsuits, actions, or Claims pending in Employee’s name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against Employer or any of the other Releasees.  Employee also represents that Employee does not intend to bring any Claims on Employee’s own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against Employer or any of the other Releasees.

9.No Right to Employment.  Employee understands and agrees that Employee, (a) currently, is not entitled to any employment with Employer and (b) is not entitled to any future employment with Employer.  Notwithstanding Employee’s acknowledgment that Employee is not entitled to employment or future employment with Employer as a matter of right, contract, or other basis, this Section 9 does not prohibit, prevent, or otherwise restrict Employee from applying for or obtaining future employment with Employer pursuant to Employer’s employment application process.  

10.Confidentiality.  Employee agrees to maintain in complete confidence the contents and terms of this Agreement and the consideration for this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Separation Information”).  Except as otherwise required by law, Employee may disclose Separation Information only to Employee’s spouse, a court in any proceedings to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Employee’s counsel, and Employee’s accountant and any professional tax advisor to the extent that they need to know the Separation Information in order to provide advice on tax treatment or to prepare tax returns, and must prevent disclosure of any Separation Information to all other third parties.  Employee agrees that Employee will not publicize, directly or indirectly, any Separation Information.

11.Non-Disclosure and Non-Use of Confidential, Proprietary, and Trade Secret Information. Employee reaffirms and agrees to observe and abide by the terms of the Non- -  ...........

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Disclosure Policy section in the Handbook, which requires Employee to maintain the strict confidentiality of Employer’s confidential, proprietary, and trade secret documents after Employee’s employment with Employer.  In addition to Employee’s obligations set forth therein, Employee also acknowledges and agrees:

a.Employee acknowledges that, during the course of his employment with Employer, Employee has had knowledge of and access to certain confidential, proprietary, and trade secrets information belonging to Employer, including, but not limited to, Employer’s financial documents, business information, operation information and plans, and methodologies developed by Employer (collectively, “Confidential Information”).  Employee agrees to undertake a fiduciary obligation to protect against the disclosure and third-party use of any Confidential Information.  Employee shall not disclose, communicate, divulge, or allow other person or entity to use to their personal, competitive, or economic advantage any Confidential Information, except where Employee has received prior written consent from Employer or as otherwise required by law or by judicial or administrative process or order, and in that case only after compliance with Section 11(b) below.  Confidential Information refers to the information belonging to Employer and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as: (i) a non-competition restrictive covenant between the Parties; (ii) restraining Employee from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind; or (iii) a restriction referring to all aspects of a particular profession, trade, or business.

b.If a person not a Party to this Agreement requests or demands that Employee disclose Confidential Information or produce documents containing Confidential Information, Employee will, to the extent permitted by law, immediately notify Employer and will provide Employer a reasonable opportunity to respond to such request or demand before Employee responds to the request or demand.  

c.Notwithstanding the foregoing nondisclosure obligations, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

d.Employee understands and acknowledges that nothing contained in this Agreement limits Employee’s ability to file a charge or complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any other federal, state, or local governmental agency or commission (individually, “Government Agency”; collectively, “Government Agencies”). Employee further understands and acknowledges that this Agreement does not limit Employee’s ability to communicate with any Government Agencies or to otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to Employer.  

12.Cooperation.  

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a.Employee agrees that Employee will not encourage, counsel, or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, or Claims by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so, and except as otherwise provided in Section 11(c) and 11(d).  Employee agrees both to immediately notify Employer upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or other court order.  If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, or Claims against any of the Releasees, Employee shall state no more than that Employee cannot provide counsel or assistance.

b.The Parties agree that Employee has been involved in certain matters during Employee’s employment, and Employer may need Employee’s cooperation in the future.  Accordingly, Employee agrees that Employee shall cooperate with Employer regarding any complaint, grievance, charge, claim, or allegation relating to any lawsuit, action, investigation, or audit that (i) is brought by or against Employer and (ii) is directly or indirectly related to Employee’s employment with Employer.  

13.Non-Disparagement.  Employee agrees to refrain from any disparagement, defamation, libel, or slander of any of the Releasees, and agrees to refrain from any tortious interference with the contracts and relationships of any of the Releasees.  Employee shall direct any inquiries by potential future employers to Employer’s human resources department.  Nothing in this Agreement prevents Employee from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Employee has reason to believe is unlawful.

14.Equitable Remedies.  Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employer and the Releasees would be irreparably damaged in the event that any provision of this Agreement were breached and that money damages would be an inadequate remedy for any such nonperformance or breach.  Employee agrees that, to the extent permissible under applicable law, Employer and the Releasees shall be entitled, in addition to all other rights and remedies existing in their favor, to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief (including a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, and a final injunction) against Employee to prevent any actual or threatened breach of any of such provisions and to enforce such provisions specifically in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, without the necessity of posting a bond or other security or of proving actual damages.

15.No Admission of Liability.  Employee understands and acknowledges that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of any and all actual or potential disputed Claims by Employee.  No action taken by Employer, either previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be deemed or construed to be (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any actual or potential Claims or (b) an acknowledgment or admission by Employer of any fault or liability whatsoever to Employee or to any third party.

16.No Representations Relating to Taxability.  Neither Employer nor its counsel has made any representations regarding the taxability of the monetary consideration by Employer, including the Payment, made pursuant to this Agreement.  Employee represents that Employee (a) has had an opportunity to receive independent legal advice regarding the taxability of any sums -   .....

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payable to Employee hereunder and (b) has not relied upon any representation of Employer or its counsel relating to the taxability of any sums made pursuant to this Agreement.  Employee understands and expressly agrees that in the event any income or other taxes, including any interest or penalties, are determined to be owed by Employee on the payments made pursuant to this Agreement, that Employee will be solely responsible for the payment of such amounts.

17.Costs of Agreement.  The Parties shall each bear their own costs, attorneys’ fees, and other fees incurred in connection with the preparation of this Agreement.

18.Arbitration.  The Parties agree that:

a.Except for Excluded Claims (as defined below in Section 18(g)), any and all Claims arising out of the terms of this Agreement, their interpretation, and any of the matters herein released, shall be subject to arbitration in County of Los Angeles, California before JAMS, pursuant to the then-existing version of the JAMS Employment Arbitration Rules & Procedures (“JAMS Rules”).  The Parties can obtain a copy of the JAMS Rules (i) on the JAMS’ website (https://www.jamsadr.com/rules-employment) or (ii) by calling JAMS directly at (800) 352-5267.  The JAMS Rules are incorporated herein by reference.  The Parties expressly agree that the arbitrator, not a court, will determine issues of arbitrability or waiver of arbitrability.  

b.The arbitration will be before a neutral arbitrator, who shall have the power to decide, among other things, any motions brought by any Party, including discovery motions, motions for sanctions, motions for summary judgment and/or adjudication, motions to dismiss, and demurrers, applying the standards set forth under the California Code of Civil Procedure.  The arbitrator may also grant injunctions and all other types of relief the Parties would otherwise be available in court.  Although the Parties shall be entitled to more than minimal discovery; however, the arbitrator also shall have the authority to order discovery, by way of deposition, interrogatory, document production, or otherwise, as the arbitrator considers necessary to a full and fair exploration of the issues in dispute, consistent with the expedited nature of arbitration.  To the extent that the JAMS Rules are in irreconcilable conflict with California law, California law shall take precedence over the JAMS Rules.

c.Pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 1283.8, the arbitrator shall issue the arbitration decision (and, if applicable, award) within 180 days of a Party initiating arbitration as set forth in this Section 18 or a Party issuing its arbitration demand, whichever comes sooner.  

d.The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive, and binding on the Parties.  The arbitrator shall issue a written final decision or award on the merits.  The Parties agree that that the prevailing party in any arbitration shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the arbitration award.  

e.The Parties hereby agree to waive their right to have any Claim between them resolved in a court of law by a judge or jury.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 18(e) will not prevent either Party from seeking injunctive relief (or any other provisional remedy) from any court having jurisdiction over the Parties and the subject matter of their Claim relating to 

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this Agreement and any agreements incorporated herein by reference. 

f.Except for Excluded Claims (as defined below in Section 18(g)), the Parties intend and agree that: (i) class action, collective actions, and representative action procedures are hereby waived and shall not be asserted, nor will they apply, in any arbitration pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) the Parties will not assert or participate in any class action, collective action, or representative action claims against the other Party in arbitration, court, or other judicial forum; (iii) the Parties shall only submit their own, individual Claims in arbitration and will not seek to represent the interests of any other person; and (iv) nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted as any Party’s intent to arbitrate Claims on a class, collective, or representative basis.  To the extent the Parties’ Claims involve both timely filed Excluded Claims and Claims subject to arbitration under this Agreement, the Parties agree to bifurcate Excluded Claims from Claims subject to arbitration and stay the Excluded Claims for the duration of the arbitration proceedings.

g.“Excluded Claims” are causes of action or claims: (i) under the National Labor Relations Act; (ii) under the California Workers’ Compensation Act; (iii) for unemployment compensation benefits; (iv) for benefits under a plan that is governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; (v) subject to the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act; or (vi) that are expressly prohibited from mandatory arbitration under applicable law.  

h.With respect to costs associated with and unique to the arbitration set forth under this Section 18, Employee shall only pay the JAMS filing or administrative fee up to the equivalent amount of the initial filing Employee would have paid to commence an action in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.  Employer will pay any other JAMS administrative fees, arbitrator’s fees, and any additional fees unique to arbitration within 30 days after the due date of such fees.

i.A Party who is forced to file a motion or petition to compel arbitration of a dispute arising under this Agreement may recover attorneys’ fees incurred in making the successful motion or petition.

j.Should any part of this Section 18 conflict with any other arbitration agreement between the Parties, whether written, oral, or implied, the Parties agree that this Section 18 shall govern.

19.Authority.  Employer represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to act on behalf of Employer and to bind Employer and all who may claim through them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Employee represents and warrants that Employee has the capacity to act on Employee’s own behalf and on behalf of all who might claim through Employee to bind them to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  Employee warrants and represents that there are no liens or claims of lien or assignments in law or equity or otherwise of or against any of the Claims released herein.

20.No Representations.  Employee represents that Employee has had an opportunity to consult with an attorney and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the - . ............

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provisions of this Agreement.  Employee has not relied upon any representations or statements made by Employer that are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.

21.Severability.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction, arbitrator, or other judicial tribunal declares or finds that any provision or portion of this Agreement is illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision or portion of provision.  To the extent permitted by law, a court of competent jurisdiction, arbitrator, or other judicial tribunal may blue-pencil or interpret the language of a provision in this Agreement in accordance with the Parties and in compliance with applicable law.

22.Fees and Costs.  In the event that either Party brings an action to enforce, defend, or affect its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its costs and expenses, including the costs of mediation, litigation, court fees, and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with such an action (“Fees and Costs”).  Specifically, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, an arbitrator, court, governmental agency, or other judicial tribunal shall (i) award Fees and Costs to the prevailing party of an arbitration under this Agreement and (ii) award Fees and Costs to the prevailing party in the event any legal action or arbitration is commenced of any kind or character to enforce the provisions of this Agreement or to obtain damages for a breach thereof.

23.Entire Agreement; Full Integration.  This Agreement (including Exhibit A) represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Employee’s employment with and separation from Employer and the events leading thereto and associated therewith.  This Agreement (including Exhibit A) supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, promises, representations, and understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and Employee’s relationship with Employer, with the exception of the Handbook and Acknowledgment Form (both of which are incorporated herein by reference).  No extrinsic evidence whatsoever may be introduced in any judicial proceeding or arbitration involving this Agreement.  

24.Mutual Drafting.  Each Party has participated, or had the right to participate, in the drafting, negotiation, and preparation of this Agreement.  The Parties expressly waive any Claim, rule of law, contention, or argument that would require ambiguities in this Agreement to be interpreted or construed against the Party that drafted this Agreement.

25.No Oral Modification.  This Agreement shall only be amended in a writing signed by both Employee and Employer’s Chief Executive Officer.

26.Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard for choice-of-law provisions.  The Parties consent to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the State of California.

27.Effective Date.  Employee understands that this Agreement shall be null and void if Employee does not execute this Agreement within twenty-two days (22) days from the date this Agreement is provided to Employee or Employee’s legal counsel.  This Agreement will become effective on the eighth (8th) calendar day after a copy signed by Employee is tendered to Employer 

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(the “Effective Date”), as long as Employee has not revoked this Agreement pursuant to Section 6(f) of this Agreement.  No Payments due to Employee under this Agreement shall be made prior to the expiration of the Revocation Period.

28.Section Headings.  Section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this Agreement.  

29.Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.  The Parties also understand and agree that a facsimile, electronic signature, or digital signature shall be deemed an original signature for purposes of this Agreement.

30.Voluntary Execution of Agreement.  Employee understands and agrees that Employee executed this Agreement voluntarily, deliberately, without any duress or undue influence on the part or behalf of Employer or any third party, being completely informed, with the full intent of releasing all of Employee’s Claims against Employer and any of the other Releasees.  Employee acknowledges that:

a.Employee has read this Agreement;

b.Employee has been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of Employee’s own choice or has elected not to retain legal counsel;

c.Employee understands the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and

d.Employee is fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.

[Signature page to follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the respective dates set forth below.

                  EMPLOYEE:

Dated:  January 5, 2023                        /s/ Alex Ko           
                  Gunho Ko (also known as Alex Ko)

                  EMPLOYER:

                  HOPE BANCORP, INC.

Dated:  January 5, 2023           By:        /s/ Kevin S. Kim           
                             Kevin S. Kim
                             President & Chief Executive Officer       

                 BANK OF HOPE

Dated:  January 5, 2023           By:        /s/ Kevin S. Kim           
                             Kevin S. Kim
                            President & Chief Executive Officer       

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Schedule 1

Restricted Stock Units

												
		Description	Number of Units	Current Vest Date
	1.	2021 RSU, 2nd tranche
	1,989	March 17, 2023
	2.	2022 RSU, 1st tranche
	2,729	March 23, 2023
	3.	2022 RSU, 1st tranche
	1,912	March 23, 2023
	4.	2020 RSU, 3rd tranche
	3,334	April 22, 2023
	5.	2021 RSU, 2nd tranche
	1,838	May 19, 2023
	6.	2022 RSU, 2nd tranche
	2,730	March 23, 2024

Performance Stock Units

												
		Description	Target Units	Current Vest Date
	1.	2020 Relative ROAA - PSU	5000*	When the performance conditions have been satisfied – performance period ends December 31, 2022
	2.	2020 Relative TSR - PSU	5000*	When the performance conditions have been satisfied – performance period ends December 31, 2022

*If not already vested during the Term based on actual satisfaction of performance conditions, the shares will be vested based on best estimates of the performance conditions relating to ROAA and TSR.

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