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Exhibit 10.10

AGREEMENT OF RETIREMENT AND RELEASE

THIS    AGREEMENT    OF    RETIREMENT    AND    RELEASE    (this
“Agreement”), is made and entered into by and between Chart Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) and Scott W. Merkle (“Executive”) with an Effective Date as defined in Section 4.9.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, since March 16, 2021, Executive has been employed by the Company as its Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, Executive has notified the Company of his desire to retire effective October 1, 2022 (the “Retirement”); and

WHEREAS, the Company accepts Executive’s Retirement, but in advance of the Retirement shall retain him in a different role with the Company; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive wish to resolve all matters and disputes between them arising from or relating to Executive’s employment by the Company and Executive’s cessation of employment with the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, Executive and the Company hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I -- CONSIDERATION

Section 1.1. Retirement. Executive, through his signature below, voluntarily retires from his employment with the Company effective October 1, 2022 ("Date of Retirement"). The Company, through its execution below, hereby consents to and accepts Executive’s Retirement. Executive’s employment records with the Company will reflect the voluntary nature of the cessation of his employment, and the Company and Executive each expressly acknowledge that he has not been "discharged" or "terminated" by the Company, constructively or otherwise.

Section 1.2. Retention Period. During the period between October 1, 2021 and the Date of Retirement (the “Retention Period”), Executive shall continue to be employed by the Company on the terms and conditions described below:

1.As of October 1, 2021, Executive has voluntarily resigned from the position of Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer and will assist with the transition of his duties as well as supporting ongoing back office and acquisition integration, or such other role as the Company may define;

2.During the Retention Period, Executive will not be required to perform his duties at the Company’s offices, and may instead work remotely on a full-time basis;

3.During the Retention Period, Executive shall continue to be compensated at his regular base pay and employee benefits at such level as his base pay and

benefits existed immediately prior to October 1, 2021, but excluding any future bonus pay and equity, except as set forth herein; and

4.During the Retention Period, the Company retains the right to designate any date as Executive’s Date of Retirement, but only for Cause, and with or without notice, but in no event will the Date of Retirement be later than October 1, 2022. For purposes of this Section 1.2.4, “Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following events during the Retention Period: (a) Executive’s commission of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude; (b) Executive’s fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement, theft or conversion of any business opportunity, funds or property of Employer or its Affiliates (whether attempted or actual); or (c) Executive’s breach of this Agreement or failure to adhere to a written rule or policy of Employer in effect as of October 1, 2021; provided, however, that if such breach or failure described in clause (c) is corrected or remedied by Executive within thirty (30) days after written notice is given by Employer of the breach or failure, then such breach or failure shall not be deemed to be “Cause” hereunder.

Section 1.3.   Severance Pay. Provided that Executive signs, on or after the Date of Retirement, the General Release of Claims attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A (the “General Release”), and such General Release is not revoked during the time period specified therein, then upon the Effective Date of the General Release, Executive will be entitled to a lump sum payment in a gross amount equal to six (6) months of his base pay at such level as his base pay existed immediately prior to October 1, 2021, less any applicable payroll taxes and withholdings.

Section 1.4. Target Annual Bonus. The Company shall make a one-time lump sum payment to Executive in an amount representing 100% of Executive’s Target Annual Bonus for Fiscal Year 2021, less applicable payroll taxes and withholdings, payable at such time as bonus payments for Fiscal Year 2021 are paid to the Company’s senior management group. Executive shall be entitled to a lump-sum payment, less applicable payroll taxes and withholdings, equal to Executive’s Short Term Incentive Bonus for 2022 based on the number of days during such year in which Executive was employed by the Company (the “Pro-Rated Bonus”). The Company’s payment of the Pro-Rated Bonus pursuant to this Section 1.4, if any, will be based upon the Company’s level of achievement of the applicable performance targets as reasonably determined by the Company and shall be paid to Executive at the time the Short Term Incentive Annual Bonus for 2022 would otherwise have been paid for such year.

Section 1.5. Equity Awards. Any unvested portion of stock options and restricted stock units granted to Executive under the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan scheduled to vest in January 2022 will vest in January 2022 pursuant to the terms of their award agreements. Any unvested portion of performance units granted to Executive under the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan scheduled to vest in February 2022 will vest in February 2022 pursuant to the terms of their award agreements. Executive acknowledges that following January 2022 and February 2022, no unvested portion of any award of stock options, restricted stock units, or performance units granted to Executive will vest, and accordingly, Executive will forfeit the entirety of such awards, provided, however, that following the Date of Retirement, Executive’s remaining outstanding equity awards will vest according to the retirement provisions of their respective award agreements that Executive is deemed eligible to vest in.

Section 1.6. COBRA Coverage and Health Insurance Premium Payment. Following the Date of Retirement, Executive shall be entitled to continuation of coverage under the Company's health/medical insurance plan at his own expense pursuant to any rights he may have under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended ("COBRA"), part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), as amended; Internal Revenue Code §4980(B)(f). Such continuation shall be afforded up to the maximum period provided by law so long as Executive submits payments for elected coverage and otherwise complies with conditions of continuation on a timely basis. Should Executive elect such continued coverage following the Date of Retirement, then as soon as practicable but in no event later than 30 days following the Effective Date of the General Release, the Company shall make a one-time lump sum payment to Executive equal to six (6) months of the Company’s share of the monthly premium payable on Executive’s behalf under the Company’s health insurance plan, less applicable payroll taxes and withholdings.

Section 1.7. Adequacy of Consideration. Executive hereby agrees and acknowledges that the payments and benefits described in Article I of this Agreement exceed any entitlements, severance payments or other benefits that he may have by reason of his separation from employment with the Company, and that such payments and benefits constitute adequate consideration for all of Executive’s covenants and obligations set forth herein, including, but not limited to, the Release of Claims set forth in Article II of this Agreement and the Other Obligations of Executive set forth in Article III of this Agreement.

Section 1.8. Receipt of Certain Consideration. In order to receive the payments and benefits described in §§1.3 and 1.6 of this Agreement, Executive must execute, on or after (but not before) the Date of Retirement, the General Release, and his execution of the General Release must not be revoked within the period provided by law for its revocation. Thereafter, upon the Effective Date of the General Release, Executive shall be entitled to the payments and benefits described in §§1.3 and 1.6 of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II -- RELEASE OF CLAIMS

Section 2.1. Executive’s Release. In consideration of the promises and agreements set forth herein, Executive does hereby for himself and for his heirs, executors, successors and assigns, release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliated businesses, direct or indirect, together with its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, management, representatives, agents, employees, successors, assigns, and attorneys, both known and unknown, in both their personal and agency capacities (collectively, the “Company Entities”) of and from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions or causes of action, suits, claims, charges, complaints, contracts, whether oral or written, express or implied and promises, at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind or nature, including but not limited to any alleged violation of any state or federal anti-discrimination statutes or regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, ERISA, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), breach of any express or implied contract or promise, wrongful discharge, violation of public policy, or tort, all demands for attorney’s fees, back pay, holiday pay, vacation pay, bonus, group insurance, any claims for reinstatement, employee benefits and claims for money, out of pocket expenses, any claims for emotional distress, defamation and humiliation, that Executive might now have or may subsequently have against the Company Entities or any of them, whether known or unknown,

suspected or unsuspected, by reason of any matter or thing, arising out of or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions of any of the Company Entities arising out of Executive’s employment and change in that employment which have occurred prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement, except those matters specifically set forth herein, except for any health, welfare, pension or retirement benefits which may have vested on Executive’s behalf, if any, except for any rights regarding vested equity held by Executive, and except for any rights Executive has under any applicable policies of Directors and Officers liability insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may file a charge with, testify, assist, or participate in an investigation, hearing or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or state fair employment practices agency as to the employment laws enforced by such agencies; provided, however, that Executive understands and agrees that he is waiving and releasing his rights to monetary damages under such laws by reason of his agreement to the above- stated general release language.

Section 2.2. Age Discrimination in Employment Act/Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Release. Executive waives and releases all rights, remedies, claims and causes of action, known and unknown, he has or may have against the Company Entities for any matter related to his employment and change in that employment under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq., as amended by the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. § 623, by reason of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions which have occurred prior to and including the Effective Date of this Agreement. In other words, by signing this Agreement, Executive will have none of the legal rights against the aforementioned that Executive would otherwise have under these laws.

Section 2.3.   Consideration Period. The Company hereby notifies Executive of his right to consult with his chosen legal counsel before signing this Agreement. The Company shall afford, and Executive acknowledges receiving, not less than twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider this Agreement to ensure that Executive’s execution of this Agreement is knowing and voluntary. In signing below, Executive expressly acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to take at least twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement and that his execution of same is with full knowledge of the consequences thereof and is of his own free act and will.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Company has allowed Executive twenty-one (21) days to consider this Agreement, Executive may elect to execute this Agreement prior to the end of such 21-day period. If Executive elects to execute this Agreement prior to the end of such 21- day period, then by his signature below, Executive represents that his decision to accept this shortening of the time was knowing and voluntary and was not induced by fraud, misrepresentation, or any threat to withdraw or alter the benefits provided by the Company herein, or by the Company providing different terms to any similarly-situated employee executing this Agreement prior to end of such 21-day consideration period. The parties agree changes, whether material or immaterial, to this Agreement shall not restart the running of the twenty-one (21) day time period.

Section 2.4. Revocation Period. Both the Company and Executive agree and recognize that, for a period of seven (7) calendar days following Executive’s execution of this Agreement, Executive may revoke this Agreement by providing written notice revoking the same, within this seven (7) day period, delivered by hand or by certified mail, addressed to Gerry Vinci,

Chart Industries, Inc., One Overton, 3625 Cumberland Blvd., SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 delivered or postmarked within such seven (7) day period. In the event Executive so revokes this Agreement, each party will receive only those entitlements and/or benefits that he/it would have received regardless of this Agreement.

Section 2.5. Acknowledgments. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Agreement, that Executive has not relied on any representations of the Company or any of its representatives, directors, officers, employees and/or agents to induce Executive to enter into this Agreement, other than as specifically set forth herein and that Executive is fully competent to enter into this Agreement and has not been pressured, coerced or otherwise unduly influenced to enter into this Agreement and that Executive has voluntarily entered into this Agreement and the same is Executive’s own free act and will.

ARTICLE III -- OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF EXECUTIVE

Section 3.1. Company Property. Within 10 business days after the Date of Retirement, Executive shall return all tangible personal property belonging to the Company or its affiliates, including, but not limited to, all keys, business equipment, laptop computer, and other computer software and hardware.

Section 3.2. Non-Disparagement & Communications with Third Parties. Executive and the Company each agree not to criticize, disparage, defame, or otherwise sully the character and reputation of the other in any way, including, without limitation, through any communications with other individuals, companies, associations, or the media. Executive further agrees that during the Retention Period and for six (6) months following the Date of Retirement, he will not communicate in any way or for any purpose with past, current, or potential investors in the Company, nor with any representatives of any media organization, regarding the Company’s business or the fact and terms of this Agreement.

Section 3.3.    Permitted Disclosure. Notwithstanding the provisions of §3.4 of this Agreement, Executive may disclose the fact and terms of this Agreement to his immediate family, to Executive’s legal counsel, and to Executive’s tax consultants, all of whom shall be instructed by Executive similarly to hold the fact and terms of this Agreement in the strictest confidence, and as otherwise required by law, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws. The Company will be permitted to disclose a summary of, and copy of, this Agreement in a Form 8-K and other public disclosures to be filed with the SEC.

Section 3.4. Nondisclosure. Executive agrees at all times to hold as secret and confidential (unless disclosure is required pursuant to court order, subpoena in a governmental proceeding, arbitration, or pursuant to other requirement of law) any and all knowledge, technical information, business information, developments, trade secrets, know-how and confidences of the Company or its business, including, without limitation, (a) information or business secrets relating to the customers, strategies, business, conduct or operations of the Company or any of its respective clients, customers, consultants or licensees; (b) the existence or betterment of, or possible new uses or applications for, any of the Company's products or services; (c) any of the Company's customer lists, pricing and purchasing information or policies; and (d) any methods, ways of business, etc. used in the use, sale or marketing of the Company's products or services, (collectively, "Confidential

Information") of which he has acquired knowledge before, during, or after his employment with the Company, to the extent such matters (i) have not previously been made public or are not thereafter made public, or (ii) do not otherwise become available to Executive, in either case via a source not bound by any confidentiality obligations to the Company. The phrase "made public" as used in this Agreement shall apply to matters within the domain of the general public or the Company's industry. Executive agrees not to use, directly or indirectly, such knowledge for his own benefit or for the benefit of others and/or disclose any of such Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company. At the cessation of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to promptly return to the Company any and all written Confidential Information received from the Company which relates in any way to any of the foregoing items covered in this paragraph and to destroy any transcripts or copies the Executive may have of such Information unless an alternative method of disposition is approved by the Company.

Section 3.5. Other Post-Employment Covenants. Executive acknowledges and reaffirms all of Executive’s obligations and the Company’s rights under any covenants of noncompetition, nonsolicitation, and nondisclosure which may exist between him and the Company, all of which covenants shall survive the termination of Executive’s employment.

ARTICLE IV -- MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 4.1. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the General Release, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto and, with the exception of Executive’s obligations and the Company’s rights under any applicable post-employment covenants, and except for any stock option agreement, performance unit agreement, or restricted stock agreement, replaces and supersedes any prior agreements, contracts and/or promises, whether written or oral, with respect to the employment of Executive by the Company or its affiliates, all of which shall be of no further force and effect except to the extent provided herein. This Agreement may not be changed orally, but only in writing, signed by each of the parties hereto.

Section 4.2. Warranty/Representation. Executive and the Company each warrant and represent that, prior to and including the Effective Date of this Agreement, no claim, demand, cause of action, or obligation which is subject to this Agreement has been assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, and no other person or entity has or has had any interest in any such claims, demands, causes of action or obligations, and that each has the sole right to execute this Agreement.

Section 4.3. Invalidity. The parties to this Agreement agree that the invalidity or unenforceability of any one provision or part of this Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) or part(s) hereof invalid or unenforceable and that such other provision(s) or part(s) shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 4.4.   No Assignment; Headings. This Agreement is personal in nature and shall not be assigned by Executive. All payments and benefits provided Executive herein shall be made to his estate in the event of his death prior to his receipt thereof. The headings used in this Agreement are included for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret the meaning of any provision of this Agreement.

Section 4.5. Compliance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) if at the Date of Retirement Executive is a “specified employee” as defined in

Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of Executive’s termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent the imposition of any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to Executive) until the date that is six months following the Date of Retirement (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code), (ii) any reimbursements provided under this Agreement, including reimbursement of past business expenses provided under Section 1.5 of this Agreement (by reference to Section 8.a.(iii)(C) of the Employment Agreement), shall be made no later than the end of Executive’s taxable year following Executive’s taxable year in which such expense was incurred; in addition, the amounts eligible for reimbursement during any one taxable year under this Agreement may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year under this Agreement, and (iii) if any other payments of money or other benefits due to Executive hereunder could cause the application of an accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A of the Code, or otherwise such payment or other benefits shall be restructured, to the extent possible, in a manner, determined by the Company, that does not cause such an accelerated or additional tax or result in an additional cost to the Company. The payments described in Sections 1.3 through 1.6 are intended to be exempt from Section 409A as short-term deferral payments. Company shall consult with Executive in good faith regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Section 4.6; provided that neither the Company nor any of its employees or representatives shall have any liability to Executive with respect thereto.

Section 4.6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

Section 4.7. Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be governed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflict of law principles.

Section 4.8.   Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective only upon
(a)execution of this Agreement by Executive after the expiration of the twenty-one (21) day consideration period described in Section 2.3 of this Agreement, unless such consideration period is shortened as provided in Section 2.3 of this Agreement; and (b) the expiration of the seven (7) day period for revocation of this Agreement by Executive described in Section 2.4 of this Agreement. The date on which this Agreement so becomes effective is referred to herein as the “Effective Date.”

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

CAUTION!

PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING. THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company agree as set forth above: DATE OF EXECUTION BY EXECUTIVE:    AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:

    10/6/2021                        /s/ Scott W. Merkle 
SCOTT W. MERKLE EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:
                                /s/ Terri Merkle 

DATE OF EXECUTION BY COMPANY:    AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY
CHART INDUSTRIES, INC.

10/6/2021
BY: /s/ Gerry Vinci    
TITLE: CHRO    

EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:

                                /s/ Herbert G. Hotchkiss 
                

EXHIBIT A

GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

Scott W. Merkle (“Executive”) and Chart Industries, Inc. (the “Company”), in exchange for their mutual covenants and obligations set forth herein and in the Agreement of Retirement and Release to which this Exhibit A is attached, hereby enter into this General Release of Claims (the “General Release”):

1.Executive’s Release. In consideration of the promises and agreements set forth herein, Executive does hereby for himself and for his heirs, executors, successors and assigns, release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, and affiliated businesses, direct or indirect, together with its and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, members, management, representatives, agents, employees, successors, assigns, and attorneys, both known and unknown, in both their personal and agency capacities (collectively, the “Company Entities”) of and from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions or causes of action, suits, claims, charges, complaints, contracts, whether oral or written, express or implied and promises, at law or in equity, of whatsoever kind or nature, including but not limited to any alleged violation of any state or federal anti-discrimination statutes or regulations, including but not limited to Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, ERISA, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), breach of any express or implied contract or promise, wrongful discharge, violation of public policy, or tort, all demands for attorney’s fees, back pay, holiday pay, vacation pay, bonus, group insurance, any claims for reinstatement, employee benefits and claims for money, out of pocket expenses, any claims for emotional distress, defamation and humiliation, that Executive might now have or may subsequently have against the Company Entities or any of them, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, by reason of any matter or thing, arising out of or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions of any of the Company Entities arising out of Executive’s employment and termination from employment which have occurred prior to the Effective Date of this General Release, except those matters specifically set forth herein, except for any health, welfare, pension or retirement benefits which may have vested on Executive’s behalf, if any, except for any rights regarding vested equity held by Executive, and except for any rights Executive has under any applicable policies of Directors and Officers liability insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may file a charge with, testify, assist, or participate in an investigation, hearing or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or state fair employment practices agency as to the employment laws enforced by such agencies; provided, however, that Executive understands and agrees that he is waiving and releasing his rights to monetary damages under such laws by reason of his agreement to the above-stated general release language.

2.Age Discrimination in Employment Act/Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Release. Executive waives and releases all rights, remedies, claims and causes of action, known and unknown, he has or may have against the Company Entities for any matter related to his employment and the termination of that employment under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, 29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq., as amended by the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act, 29 U.S.C. § 623, by reason of any matter or thing arising out of, or in any way connected with, directly or indirectly, any acts or omissions which have occurred prior to and including the Effective Date of this General Release. In other words, by signing this General Release, Executive will have none of the legal rights against the aforementioned that Executive would otherwise have under these laws.

3.Consideration Period. The Company hereby notifies Executive of his right to consult with his chosen legal counsel before signing this General Release. The Company shall afford, and Executive acknowledges receiving, not less than twenty-one (21) calendar days in which to consider this General Release to ensure that Executive’s execution of this General Release is knowing and voluntary. In signing below, Executive expressly acknowledges that he has been afforded the opportunity to take at least twenty-one (21) days to consider this General Release and that his execution of same is with full knowledge of the consequences thereof and is of his own free act and will.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Company has allowed Executive twenty-one (21) days to consider this General Release, Executive may elect to execute this General Release prior to the end of such 21-day period. If Executive elects to execute this General Release prior to the end of such 21-day period, then by his signature below, Executive represents that his decision to accept this shortening of the time was knowing and voluntary and was not induced by fraud, misrepresentation, or any threat to withdraw or alter the benefits provided by the Company herein, or by the Company providing different terms to any similarly-situated employee executing this General Release prior to end of such 21-day consideration period. The parties agree changes, whether material or immaterial, to this General Release shall not restart the running of the twenty- one (21) day time period.

4.Revocation Period. Both the Company and Executive agree and recognize that, for a period of seven (7) calendar days following Executive’s execution of this General Release, Executive may revoke this General Release by providing written notice revoking the same, within this seven (7) day period, delivered by hand or by certified mail, addressed to Gerry Vinci, Chart Industries, Inc., One Overton, 3625 Cumberland Blvd., SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, delivered or postmarked within such seven (7) day period. In the event Executive so revokes this General Release, each party will receive only those entitlements and/or benefits that he/it would have received regardless of this General Release.

5.Acknowledgments. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this General Release, that Executive has not relied on any representations of the Company or any of its representatives, directors, officers, employees and/or agents to induce Executive to enter into this General Release, other than as specifically set forth herein and that Executive is fully competent to enter into this General Release and has not been pressured, coerced or otherwise unduly influenced to enter into this General Release and that Executive has voluntarily entered into this General Release and the same is Executive’s own free act and will.

6.Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This General Release shall be governed under the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflict of law principles.

7.Effective Date. This General Release shall become effective only upon (a) execution of this General Release by Executive after the expiration of the twenty-one (21) day consideration period described in Section 3 of this General Release, unless such consideration period is shortened as provided in Section 3 of this General Release; and (b) the expiration of the seven (7) day period for revocation of this General Release by Executive described in Section 4 of this General Release. The date on which this General Release so becomes effective is referred to herein as the “Effective Date.”

CAUTION!

PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING. THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL CLAIMS AGAINST THE COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES. YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and the Company agree as set forth above: DATE OF EXECUTION BY EXECUTIVE:    AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY:
(not to be signed prior to the Date of Retirement)

SCOTT W. MERKLE EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:

DATE OF EXECUTION BY COMPANY:    AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY
CHART INDUSTRIES, INC.

BY:     TITLE:     

EXECUTION WITNESSED BY:Document

    

Exhibit 10.2.15
CHART INDUSTRIES, INC.
2017 OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN

NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
THIS NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of this [[grantdatewords]] (the “Grant Date”), between Chart Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and [[FIRSTNAME]] [[LASTNAME]] (the “Participant”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Committee”) administers the Chart Industries, Inc. 2017 Omnibus Equity Plan (the “Plan”); and
WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant nonqualified stock options to the Participant upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Participant agree as follows:
1.    Interpretation.  Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, capitalized terms shall have the meanings attributed to them under the Plan.  The terms and provisions of the Plan, as it may be amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.  In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern, except with respect to Section 4(b) of this Agreement.
2.    Grant of the Option.  As of the Grant Date, the Company grants to the Participant, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the right to purchase all or any part of an aggregate of ([[SHARESGRANTED]]) Shares, which right will vest over a period of time in accordance with Section 4 (the “Option”), subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 3.4 of the Plan.  The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option.
3.    Option Price.  The purchase price of the Shares subject to the Option shall be, and shall never be less than, the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Grant Date.  The Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date is [[grantprice]] (the “Option Price”).  The Option Price is subject to adjustment as described in Section 3.4 of the Plan.
4.    Vesting.
a.    Service-Based.  Subject to the Participant’s continued Employment as of such dates (except as otherwise provided herein with respect to death, Disability, Retirement or Change in Control), the Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares initially covered by the Option on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Grant Date.
b.    Change in Control.  

i.     Company Remains Surviving Entity or Awards Assumed by Successor. 

A.    Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control as defined in the Plan in which either (i) the Company remains the surviving entity or (ii) the Company is not the surviving entity, but this Agreement is Assumed (as defined in Section 4(b)(i)(C) below) by the entity (or any successor or parent thereof) that effects such change in control (the “Post-CIC Entity”), the Option shall continue to vest and become exercisable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement 

unless, during the two-year period commencing on the date of the Change in Control:

1.the Participant’s employment or service is involuntarily terminated by the Company or the Post-CIC Entity, as applicable, for reasons other than for Cause (as defined in Section 4(d)(iii)); or

2.the Participant terminates the Participant’s employment or service for Good Reason (as defined in Section 4(d)(iv)).

B.    If a Participant’s employment or service is terminated as described in Section 4(b)(i)(A)(1) or (2) above (“Protected Termination”), the Option shall become fully vested and remain exercisable until the earlier of (A) the end of the original term of the Option as provided in the Plan or (B) the second anniversary of the date the Protected Termination occurs; provided, that any Participant who is to incur a Protected Termination in connection with Participant’s employment or service for Good Reason must:

1.provide the Company with a written notice of Participant’s intent to incur a Protected Termination of employment or service for Good Reason within sixty (60) days after the Participant becomes aware of the circumstances giving rise to Good Reason; and

2.allow the Company thirty (30) days to remedy such circumstances to the extent curable.    

C.    For purposes of this Section 4, an Award shall be considered assumed by the Post-CIC Entity (“Assumed”) if all of the following conditions are met:

1.    The Option is converted into a replacement award in a manner that complies with Code Section 409A;

2.    the replacement awards contain provisions for scheduled vesting and treatment on Protected Termination of employment (including the definitions of Cause and Good Reason, if applicable) that are no less favorable to the Participant than the Option, and all other terms of the replacement awards (other than the security and number of shares represented by the replacement awards) are substantially similar to, or more favorable to the Participant than, the terms of the Option; and

3.    the security represented by the Option is of a class that is publicly held and widely traded on an established stock exchange.

ii.    Awards Not Assumed by Successor.

A.    Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control in which the Company is not the surviving Company, if the Option is not Assumed by the Post-CIC Entity, the Option shall become fully vested and exercisable on the date of the Change in Control, and the following provisions of this Section 4(b)(ii) shall apply.

B.    The Participant shall receive a payment equal to the difference between the consideration (consisting of cash or other property (including securities of a successor or parent corporation)) received by holders of Shares in the Change in Control transaction and the exercise price of the applicable Stock Option or SAR, if such difference is positive. Such payment shall be made in the same form as the consideration received by holders of Shares. If the Option has an exercise price that is higher than the per share consideration received by holders of Shares in connection with the Change in Control, the Option shall be cancelled for no additional consideration.

C.    The payments contemplated by Sections 4(b)(ii)(B) shall be made at the same time as consideration is paid to the holders of Shares in connection with the Change in Control, provided such payments are made no later than the fifth anniversary of the Change in Control.

c.    Termination of Employment
i.    General Rule.  If the Participant’s Employment is terminated for any reason other than those reasons specifically addressed in Section 4(c), and except as otherwise provided in Section 4(b), the Unvested Portion of the Option shall be canceled and the Participant shall have no further rights with respect thereto and the Vested Portion of the Option shall remain exercisable for the period set forth in Section 5(a) of this Agreement.  
ii.    Death or Disability.  If the Participant’s Employment terminates as a result of death or Disability, the Option shall, to the extent not then vested and not previously canceled, immediately become fully vested and exercisable.
iii.    Retirement.  If the Participant’s Employment terminates as a result of Retirement and the Participant will have continued vesting of unvested stock options that would have otherwise vested in the year following the year in which the Participant retires. The remaining unvested options are forfeited.
d.    Special Terms.
i.    At any time, the portion of the Option which has become vested and exercisable as described above is referred to as the “Vested Portion,” and the portion of the Option which is then unvested is referred to as the “Unvested Portion.”  
ii.    The term “Retirement” or variations thereof means a voluntary termination of Employment with the Company, its Subsidiaries and its Affiliates after either (i) attaining age 60 and completing 10 years of service with such entities or (ii) attaining age 65 and completing 5 years of service with such entities.
iii.    “Cause” shall mean, with respect to the Participant, the meaning ascribed to such term in any employment, severance, or change in control agreement entered into by the Participant. If the Participant has not entered into any employment, severance, or change in control agreement with a definition of Cause, then “Cause” means (i) the Participant’s willful failure to perform duties which, if curable, is not cured promptly, or in any event within ten (10) days, following the first written notice of such failure from the Company, (ii) the Participant’s commission of, or plea of guilty or no contest to a (x) felony or (y) crime involving moral turpitude, (iii) willful 

malfeasance or misconduct by the Participant which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, (iv) material breach by the Participant of any non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality covenants, (v) commission by the Participant of any act of gross negligence, corporate waste, disloyalty or unfaithfulness to the Company which adversely affects the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or (vi) any other act or course of conduct by the Participant which will demonstrably have a material adverse effect on the Company, a Subsidiary or Affiliate’s business; and
iv.    “Good Reason” means, with respect to the Participant, the meaning ascribed to such term in any employment, severance, or change in control agreement entered into by the Participant. If the Participant has not entered into any employment, severance, or change in control agreement with a definition of Good Reason, then “Good Reason” means without the Participant’s consent, (i) a material diminution in the Participant’s authority, position or duties, or a material adverse change in reporting lines, (ii) Participant’s principal place of employment with the Company or Post-CIC Entity is relocated a material distance (which for this purpose shall be deemed to be more than 50 miles) from such Participant’s principal place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control, (iii) any reduction in the Participant’s base salary and (excluding any general salary reduction affecting similarly situated employees of the Company as a result of a material adverse change in the Company’s prospects or business), or (iv) the Participant is excluded, following a Change in Control (other than through Participant’s voluntary action(s)), from full participation in any benefit plan or arrangement maintained for similarly situated employees of the Company or Post-CIC Entity, and such exclusion materially reduces the benefits that otherwise would have been available to the Participant, in each case which is not cured within thirty (30) days following the Company’s receipt of written notice from the Participant describing the event constituting Good Reason.
v.    “Disability” shall mean, with respect to the Participant, a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months which: (i) renders the Participant unable to engage in substantial gainful activity or (ii) results in the Participant receiving income replacement benefits for at least three months under an accident and health plan sponsored by the Participant’s employer.
5.    Exercise of Option.
a.    Period of Exercise.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(b)(i)(B) above, and subject to the provisions of the Plan and this Agreement, the Participant (or his or her successor, as appropriate) may exercise all or any part of the Vested Portion of the Option at any time prior to the earliest to occur of:
i.    the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date;
ii.    the first anniversary of the Participant’s termination of Employment due to death or Disability;
iii.    the fifth anniversary of the Participant’s termination of Employment due to Retirement;
iv.    thirty (30) days following the date of the Participant’s termination of Employment by the Participant without Good Reason (other than Retirement) or by the Company or its Affiliates for Cause; and

v.    ninety (90) days following the date of the Participant’s termination of Employment for reasons other than the reasons described in Section 5(a)(ii), 5(a)(iii) and 5(a)(iv) above.
b.    Method of Exercise.
i.    Subject to Section 5(a), the Vested Portion of the Option may be exercised by delivering written notice of intent to so exercise to the Company at its principal office; provided that, the Option may be exercised with respect to whole Shares only.  Such notice shall specify the number of Shares for which the Option is being exercised and shall be accompanied by full payment of the Option Price.  Payment of the Option Price may be made at the election of the Participant:  (w) in cash or its equivalent (e.g., by check); (x) to the extent permitted by the Committee, in Shares having a Fair Market Value as of the payment date equal to the aggregate Option Price for the Shares being purchased and satisfying such other requirements imposed by the Committee, provided that such Shares have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee); (y) partially in cash and, to the extent permitted by the Committee, partially in such Shares; or (z) if there is a public market for the Shares on the payment date, subject to such rules as may be established by the Committee, through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell Shares obtained upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount out of the proceeds of such sale equal to the aggregate Option Price for the Shares being purchased.  No Participant shall have any rights to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of exercise of the Option, paid the full Option Price for such Shares and, if applicable, satisfied any other requirements imposed by the Committee.
ii.    Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement to the contrary, the Option may not be exercised prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of the Option or the Shares under applicable state and federal securities or other laws, or under any ruling or regulation of any governmental body or national securities exchange that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, to be necessary or advisable.
iii.    Upon the Committee’s determination that the Option has been validly exercised as to any of the Shares, the Company shall issue certificates in the Participant’s name for such Shares.  However, the Company shall not be liable to any person or entity for damages relating to any delays in issuing the certificates, any loss of the certificates or any mistakes or errors in the issuance of the certificates or in the certificates themselves.
iv.    In the event of the Participant’s death, the Vested Portion of the Option shall remain exercisable by the Participant’s successor to the extent set forth in Section 5(a).  No beneficiary, executor, administrator, heir or legatee of the Participant shall have greater rights than the Participant under this Agreement or otherwise.  
6.    Designation of Beneficiary.  By properly executing and delivering a Designation of Beneficiary Form to the Company, the Participant may designate an individual or individuals as his or her beneficiary or beneficiaries with respect to his or her interest under the Plan.  If the Participant fails to properly designate a beneficiary, his or her interests under this Agreement will pass to the person or persons in the first of the following classes (who shall be deemed a beneficiary or beneficiaries) in which there are any survivors:  (i) spouse at the time of death; (ii) issue, per stirpes; (iii) parents; and (iv) the estate.  Except as the Company may determine in its sole and exclusive discretion, a properly completed 

Designation of Beneficiary Form shall be deemed to revoke all prior designations upon its receipt and approval by the designated representative.

7.     Non-Transferability of Option.  The Option (and any portion thereof) may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by beneficiary designation pursuant to this Agreement or the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable.  No permitted transfer of the Option shall be effective to bind the Company unless the Committee is furnished with written notice thereof and a copy of such evidence as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate to establish the validity of the transfer and the acceptance by the transferee or transferees of the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement.  During the Participant’s lifetime, the Option is exercisable only by the Participant.
8.    Non-Transferability of Shares; Legends.  Upon the acquisition of any Shares pursuant to the exercise of the Option, if the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), they may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of unless a registration statement under the Act with respect to the Shares has become effective or unless the Participant establishes to the satisfaction of the Company that an exemption from such registration is available.  The Shares will bear a legend stating the substance of such restrictions, as well as any other restrictions the Committee deems necessary or appropriate.  In addition, the Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Committee may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or this Agreement.
9.    Plan Administration.  The Plan is administered by the Committee, which has sole and exclusive power and discretion to interpret, administer, implement and construe the Plan and this Agreement.  All elections, notices and correspondence relating to the Plan should be directed to the Secretary at:

Chart Industries, Inc.
2200 Airport Industrial Drive
Suite 100
Ball Ground, GA 30107
Attn.:  Secretary

10.    Notices.  Any notice relating to this Agreement intended for the Participant will be sent to the address appearing in the personnel records of the Company, its Affiliate or its Subsidiary.  Either party may designate a different address in writing to the other.  Any notice shall be deemed effective upon receipt by the addressee.
11.    Successors and Legal Representatives.  This Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit of the Company and the Participant and their respective heirs, beneficiaries, executors, administrators, estates, successors, assigns and legal representatives.

12.    Withholding.  The Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate and the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold, any applicable withholding taxes in respect of the Option, its exercise or any payment or transfer under or with respect to the Option and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Committee to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes.  

13.    Integration.  This Agreement, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire agreement between the Participant and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof. No terms of this Agreement shall be construed as amending the Plan in any respect. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan as in effect on the date hereof and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall govern, except with respect to Section 4(b) of this Agreement. This Agreement and the Plan may not be modified, amended, renewed or terminated, nor may any term, condition or breach of any term or condition be waived, except pursuant to the terms of the Plan or Section 21 below or by a writing signed by the person or persons sought to be bound by such modification, amendment, renewal, termination or waiver.  Any waiver of any term, condition or breach 

thereof will not be a waiver of any other term or condition or of the same term or condition for the future, or of any subsequent breach.

14.    Separability.  In the event of the invalidity of any part or provision of this Agreement, such invalidity will not affect the enforceability of any other part or provision of this Agreement.

15.    Incapacity.  If the Committee determines that the Participant is incompetent by reason of physical or mental disability or a person incapable of handling his or her property, the Committee may deal directly with, or direct any issuance of Shares to, the guardian, legal representative or person having the care and custody of the incompetent or incapable person.  The Committee may require proof of incompetence, incapacity or guardianship, as it may deem appropriate before making any issuance.  In the event of an issuance of Shares, the Committee will have no obligation thereafter to monitor or follow the application of the Shares issued.  Issuances made pursuant to this paragraph shall completely discharge the Company’s obligations under this Agreement.

16.    No Further Liability.  The liability of the Company, its Affiliates, and its Subsidiaries under this Agreement is limited to the obligations set forth herein and no terms or provisions of this Agreement shall be construed to impose any liability on the Company, its Affiliates, its Subsidiaries or the Committee in favor of any person or entity with respect to any loss, cost, tax or expense which the person or entity may incur in connection with or arising from any transaction related to this Agreement.

17.    Section Headings.  The section headings of this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and are not intended to define, extend or limit the contents of the sections.

18.    No Right to Continued Employment.  Nothing in this Agreement will be construed to confer upon the Participant the right to continue in the Employment of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates, or to be employed or serve in any particular position therewith, or affect any right the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates may have to terminate the Participant’s Employment or service with or without cause.
19.    Governing Law.  This Agreement will be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its principles of conflict of laws.

    20.    Signature in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures were upon the same instrument.
    21.    Amendment.  The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate this Agreement, but no such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination shall materially adversely affect the rights of the Participant hereunder without the consent of the Participant; provided, however, that the Participant’s consent shall not be required to an amendment that is deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company to ensure (a) compliance with (or exemption from) Section 409A of the Code; (b) compliance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 or any regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Dodd-Frank Act”); or (c) compliance with the terms of any recoupment or “clawback” policy the Company adopts to comply with the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder (even if the terms of that policy are broader than the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act).

22.    Section 409A of the Code.  It is intended that this Agreement and the compensation and benefits hereunder meet the requirements for exemption from Code Section 409A set forth in Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(5), as well as any other such applicable exemption, and this Agreement shall be so interpreted and administered.  In addition to the general amendment rights of the Company with respect to the Plan, the Company specifically retains the unilateral right (but not the obligation) to make, prospectively or retroactively, any amendment to this Agreement or any related document as it deems necessary or desirable to more fully address issues in connection with exemption from (or compliance with)  Section 409A of the Code and other laws.  In no event, however, shall this section or any other provisions of this Agreement be construed to require the Company to provide any gross-up for the tax 

consequences of any provisions of, or payments under, this Agreement.  Except as may be provided in another agreement to which the Company is bound, the Company and its Affiliates shall have no responsibility for tax or legal consequences to the Participant (or the Participant’s beneficiaries) resulting from the terms or operation of this Agreement or the Plan.

23.    Adjustment of Number of Shares, Etc.  Subject to Section 3.4 of the Plan, if, after the Grant Date, the Committee determines 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, redesignation, reclassification, merger, consolidation, liquidation, split-up, reverse split, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company or other similar corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Agreement, then the Committee may, in such manner as it deems equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) subject to the Option and (ii) the Option Price.  Any such adjustment shall be final, binding and conclusive as to the Participant.  Any such adjustment may provide for the elimination of fractional shares if the Committee shall so direct.

By Participant’s signature and the signature of the Company’s representative below, or by Participant’s acceptance of this Award through the Company’s online acceptance procedure, this Agreement shall be deemed to have been executed and delivered by the parties hereto as of the Grant Date. Participant hereby acknowledges that the treatment of the Option upon a Change in Control, as set forth in Section 4(b) hereof, differs from and supersedes the treatment set forth in Section 12.2 of the Plan.

Participant    Chart Industries, Inc.

[[SIGNATURE]]    By: [[SIGNATURE]]

Print Name:  [[FIRSTNAME]] [[LASTNAME]]    Its: [[TITLE]]

Date:  [[SIGNATURE_DATE]]    Date:  [[SIGNATURE_DATE]]

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