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TRANSITION AND CONSULTING AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This Transition and Consulting Agreement and General Release and Exhibits (collectively, the “Agreement”) is entered into on this 11th day of December 2020, by and between Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Jay C. Peterson (“Executive”). The Company and Executive desire to set forth in this Agreement all matters relating to the transition period and termination of Executive’s employment as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the terms of Executive’s consulting arrangement with the Company thereafter. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term “Company” means and includes Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. its successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, divisions and/or affiliates (whether incorporated or unincorporated), all of its related entities, and all of the past and present directors, officers, trustees, agents and employees of each.
1.Transition Arrangement.
a.Transition Period. Executive shall continue in his current position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company through February 12, 2021 (the “Transition End Date”), subject to earlier termination pursuant to Section 3(b). The period prior to Executive’s termination of employment hereunder shall be referred to as the “Transition Period.” On the Transition End Date, Executive shall separate from employment and relinquish the duties of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and any other position Executive holds with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries as of such date.
b.Transition Services. During the Transition Period, Executive shall continue to serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and shall provide support to, and collaborate with, the Company in the transition of Executive’s duties to the Executive’s successor. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company and Executive agree that the services to be provided by Executive during the Transition Period are expected to exceed more than 20% of the average level of services performed by Executive for the Company and its affiliated “service recipients” (within the meaning of Treasury regulation §1.409A‐1(h)(3)) over the immediately preceding 36-month period.
2.Consulting Arrangement.
a.Consulting Period. If Executive is employed with the Company as of the Transition End Date, then immediately following the Transition End Date, Executive shall commence service with the Company as an independent consultant to the Company through June 11, 2021 (the “Consulting Expiration Date”) or such earlier date determined by either the Company or Executive. The period during which Executive serves as an independent consultant hereunder shall be referred to as the “Consulting Period.” As an independent consultant, Executive shall be an independent contractor and shall not be eligible to participate in any of the Company’s employee benefit plans during the Consulting Period. Upon the expiration of the Consulting Period by either party, Executive shall relinquish the duties as an independent consultant. 
b.Consulting Services. During the Consulting Period, Executive shall provide at least ten (10) hours of consulting services to the Company on a calendar month basis, pro-rated for any partial months of service.  During the Consulting Period, Executive shall provide, at the request of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, consulting services relating to finance and accounting matters, including consulting with and supporting Executive’s successor at the Company.
3.Compensation and Benefits.
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a.During the Transition Period. Subject to Executive’s execution, non-revocation and compliance with this Agreement, during the Transition Period: (i) Executive shall continue to receive his annual base salary, at the rate in effect as of the date of this Agreement; (ii) Executive shall continue to be eligible to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans to the same extent as similarly situated employees, subject to the terms of such plans; (iii) Executive’s outstanding equity awards shall continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements, Performance Unit Award Agreements and Stock Option Agreements (collectively, the “Award Agreements”); and (iv) Executive shall continue to be eligible for reimbursement of business expenses pursuant to the Company’s expense reimbursement policy to the same extent as similarly situated employees. 
b.Termination of Employment.  Subject to the effectiveness of this Agreement and Executive’s compliance with this Agreement and the Award Agreements and Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the Supplemental Release (as defined below), with such release to become effective within 60 days following Executive’s termination of employment, as of the earlier of the following dates (such earlier date, the “Separation Date”): (i) the Transition End Date and (ii) the date on which Executive resigns for “Good Reason” or Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than due to “Cause,” death or “Disability” (each, as defined in the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”)), then Executive shall receive the “Standard Severance Benefits” as set forth in the Severance Plan and Executive’s Participation Agreement thereunder (the “Severance Benefits”), which consists of the following:
i.An amount equal to US$333,900.00 payable in substantially equal installments for 12 months after the Separation Date, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, with the 1st installment paid within 60 days following the Separation Date and including amounts that would have otherwise been paid during the period beginning on the Separation Date and ending on such 1st payment date;
ii.An amount equal to US$188,493.41, the Executive’s target annual bonus for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, prorated based on the number of days that Executive remained employed during such fiscal year, paid in a lump sum within 60 days following the Separation Date (for the avoidance of doubt, this payment is in lieu of any payment under the Company’s annual cash bonus program for fiscal year 2021); and
iii.A one-time lump sum cash payment calculated by the Company (in its discretion) equal to 12 times the cost of Executive’s monthly premiums (determined as of the Separation Date) for continued benefit coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (i.e., COBRA), paid within 60 days following the Separation Date.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Award Agreements, upon the Separation Date, Executive shall be treated as being terminated without Cause for purposes of the Award Agreements and shall be eligible to receive the pro-rata vesting contemplated under the Award Agreements, as determined in accordance with the Award Agreements.
For the avoidance of doubt, Executive expressly acknowledges that (i) the only severance benefits that he shall be entitled to upon the Separation Date are the Severance Benefits, and (ii) if Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason other than the expiration of the Transition Period, Executive’s resignation for “Good Reason” or termination by the Company other than due to “Cause,” death or “Disability”, Executive shall not be entitled to any severance benefits under this Agreement or otherwise from the Company.
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c.     During the Consulting Period. Subject to Executive’s execution, non-revocation and compliance with this Agreement and the Award Agreements and the Supplemental Release, during the Consulting Period, the Company shall pay Executive fees at a monthly rate of $20,868.75, prorated for partial months.
For the avoidance of doubt, Executive shall cease to be eligible for the benefits set forth in this Section 3(c) upon the termination of the Consulting Period for any reason and by either party, except with respect to any accrued but unpaid hourly fees for services rendered prior to the termination of the Consulting Period. 
4.     Company Property. Upon the expiration of the Transition Period and except as otherwise expressly agreed to with the Chief Executive Officer or General Counsel in writing for purpose of rendering services during the Consulting Period, Executive shall return to the Company all documents and other property belonging to the Company, including items such as keys, phone, credit cards and computers or other devices that have not already been returned by Executive, with receipt acknowledged by the Company. Upon the expiration of the Consulting Period, Executive shall return to the Company all other documents and other property belonging to the Company.  Executive agrees not to make or retain any copies, electronic or otherwise, of the Company’s confidential information, as described in the Award Agreements.
5.    Cooperation in Investigations and Litigation. In consideration for the payments and agreements set forth in this Agreement, following the expiration of the Transition Period (including during and after the Consulting Period), Executive agrees, upon request of the Company, to cooperate with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates with reasonable advance notice to provide information to and assist the Company, and its subsidiaries and affiliates in the investigation, defense, or prosecution of any suspected claim against or by the Company and its/their subsidiaries and affiliates or any Releasee (as defined herein). Such assistance will include, but is not limited to, participating in interviews with representatives of the Company, attending, as a witness, depositions, trials, or other similar proceedings without requiring a subpoena, and producing and/or providing any documents or names of other persons with relevant information. Executive further agrees that he will provide full, complete and truthful information and testimony in all interviews, meetings, and/or testimony. Executive understands that the Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of such cooperation. Executive will act in good faith to furnish the information and cooperation required by this Section 5, and the Company will act in good faith so that the requirement to furnish such information and cooperation does not create a hardship for Executive.
6.     Certain Covenants of Executive. As a condition of Executive’s employment by the Company and the payment of compensation and receipt of benefits referred to above, Executive agrees to continue to be bound, and will continue to be bound following Executive’s termination of employment, to the covenants contained in the Award Agreements. Executive acknowledges that the Company would not provide the compensation and/or benefits set forth above if Executive was not willing to be bound by the terms of the Award Agreements, and Executive further acknowledges and agrees that if he breaches or threatens to breach the covenants contained in the Award Agreements or the other terms of this Agreement, then to the fullest extent permitted by law, (a) the Company will be entitled to apply for and receive an injunction to restrain any violation of such covenants or this Agreement, without notice and without payment of bond, (b) the Company will not be obligated to make any additional payments or provide any additional benefits, and (c) Executive will be obligated to pay to the Company its costs and expenses in enforcing the covenants contained in the Award Agreements and this Agreement and defending against such lawsuit (including court costs, expenses and reasonable legal fees) if Company is the prevailing party. As the sole exception to the mandatory arbitration obligation pursuant to Section 9(d) below, Executive agrees that the Company may enforce the covenants contained in the Award Agreements or the other terms of this Agreement by bringing such action for injunctive relief in the state 
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and federal courts located in Austin, Texas, and Executive irrevocably consents to, and agrees not to object or assert any defense or challenge to, the jurisdiction and venue of such courts. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement, the Supplemental Release, or the Award Agreements is intended to limit Executive’s ability to (i) report possible violations of law or regulation to, or file a charge or complaint with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Justice, the Congress, any Inspector General, or any other federal, state or local governmental agency or commission (“Government Agencies”), (ii) communicate with any Government Agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any Government Agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to the Company, or (iii) under applicable United States federal law to (A) disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.
7.    Indemnification. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to affect any obligation the Company may have under applicable law, its governing documents, or through an individual agreement to indemnify Executive including, without limitation, the Indemnification Agreement between Executive and the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding the termination of the Transition Period or any provision herein to the contrary, the Company shall honor its obligations under all indemnification agreements and its charter and bylaw provisions providing for indemnification or advance of expenses to Executive.
8.    Waiver and General Release.
a.Release. Executive, on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, family members, attorneys and assigns, hereby waives, generally releases and forever discharges the Company, together with the Company’s directors, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, whether direct or indirect, its and their joint ventures and joint venturers (including each of their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, members, managers, partners, attorneys, insurers, and agents, past, present, and future), and each of its and their respective successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Releasees”), from any and all known or unknown actions, causes of action, suits, complaints, contracts (whether oral or written, express or implied from any source), promises and liabilities of any kind, in law or equity, that Executive ever had, may now have or hereafter can, will or may have against the Releasees as of the Effective Date (as defined below), including, but not limited to: 
i.claims, actions, causes of action or liabilities arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (the “OWBPA”), the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act, the 1991 Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and/or any other federal, state, municipal or local employment discrimination statutes or ordinances (including, but not limited to, claims based on age, sex, attainment of benefit plan rights, race, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, harassment, parental status, handicap, disability, retaliation, and veteran status); and/or 
ii.claims, actions, causes of action or liabilities arising under any other federal, state, municipal, or local statute, law, ordinance or regulation; and/or
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iii.future causes of action under the federal false claims act and/or any state false claims act relating in any manner to information learned while employed with the Company; and/or
iv.any other claim whatsoever including, but not limited to, claims for severance pay, sick pay, unpaid wages, unpaid bonuses, unpaid paid time off, claims based upon breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination, defamation, interference with contract, intentional and/or negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud, tort, personal injury, invasion of privacy, violation of public policy, negligence and/or any other common law, statutory or other claim whatsoever arising out of or relating to his employment with and/or separation from employment with the Company and/or any of the other Releasees, but excluding any claims that by law Executive cannot waive, including claims for indemnification, and any claim that the Company has failed to make any payments or to provide any of the payments or benefits described in this Agreement.
b.    Release of Known and Unknown Claims and Claims Under Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Executive understands that this waiver and release includes a release of all known and unknown claims, including claims under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Executive acknowledges that this waiver and release does not waive any right or claim that he may have under the ADEA, as amended by the OWBPA, that arises after the Effective Date.
c.    Knowing and Voluntary Waiver. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this waiver and release and that he has been advised to and/or has obtained representation by counsel in connection with his execution of this waiver and release. Executive has freely, knowingly and voluntarily elected to execute this waiver and release, in exchange for due consideration, by signing below. Executive further acknowledges that he (i) is not relying upon any statements, understandings, representations, expectations, or agreements other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement; (ii) has made his own investigation of the facts and is relying solely upon his own knowledge; and (iii) knowingly waives any claim that this Agreement was induced by any misrepresentation or nondisclosure and any right to rescind or avoid this Agreement based upon presently existing facts, known or unknown. Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided him with the disclosure information pursuant to the ADEA and OWBPA (under Title 29 U.S.C. Section 626(f)(1)(H)), attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement.
d.    Time to Consider Waiver and Release; Revocation. Executive acknowledges that he has had at least 45 calendar days after the receipt of this waiver and release to consider signing this waiver and release and that he may voluntarily choose to waive this 45-day period. In addition, Executive has seven calendar days after signing this Agreement to revoke it, in which case this Agreement shall be null and void. Any such revocation must be in writing and be submitted to Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., Attn:  General Counsel, 7171 Southwest Parkway, Building 300, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78735. Executive understands that if he signs this Agreement and does not revoke this Agreement within seven calendar days after signing, this waiver and release will become fully effective and enforceable (the “Effective Date”).
e.    Supplemental Release. In addition to complying with the terms of this Agreement, as an additional condition precedent to Executive’s receipt of the Severance Benefits, Executive or his representative also must provide a separately duly signed Waiver and General Release Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Supplemental Release”), before the expiration of 45 calendar days after the Separation Date and not revoke the Supplemental Release. The Company shall provide 
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Executive or his representative with a copy of the Supplemental Release on or around the Separation Date.
9.    Miscellaneous.
a.Assignment. Neither the Company nor Executive may assign this Agreement, except that the Company’s obligations hereunder shall be binding legal obligations of any successor to all or substantially all of the Company’s business by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise.
b.Executive Assignment. Executive represents and warrants that: (i) Executive has the sole right and exclusive authority to execute this Agreement and the Supplemental Release; (ii) Executive has not sold, signed, transferred, conveyed or otherwise disposed of any claim or demand relating to any matter covered in this Agreement; (iii) the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives; (iv) Executive has not relied upon any promise or representation that is not contained within this Agreement; and (v) the obligations imposed upon Executive in this Agreement and the Award Agreements shall not prevent Executive from earning a satisfactory livelihood. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision and shall not in any manner affect or render invalid or unenforceable any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall be carried out as if any such invalid or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.
c.Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Award Agreements, the Severance Plan and Executive’s Participation Agreement thereunder, and the Supplemental Release contain the entire understanding between the Company and Executive relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any contrary provision in any other document, including any prior employment agreement, offer letter or memorandum of understanding between Executive and the Company, whether written or oral.  Executive acknowledges that Executive remains bound by the restrictive covenants set forth in the Award Agreements. Executive further agrees and acknowledges that to the extent there is any conflict between the terms of the Severance Plan on the one hand, and this Agreement or the Supplemental Release on the other hand, the terms of this Agreement and the Supplemental Release shall control. 
d.Applicable Law, Arbitration, and Jury Waiver. 
i.This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted pursuant to the internal laws of the state of Texas, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws.
ii.Subject to the sole exception to this Section 9(d), as set forth in Section 6 above, the Company and Executive agree that any dispute arising out of, related to, or in connection with this Agreement, the Supplemental Release, the Award Agreements, or the Severance Plan shall be exclusively resolved through binding arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators who each have been licensed to practice law for at least fifteen (15) years,  in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration proceedings will be located in Austin, Texas. The arbitrators are not empowered to award damages in excess of compensatory damages and no party shall be entitled to any damages in excess of compensatory damages. Judgment upon any arbitration award may be entered into any court having jurisdiction thereof and the parties consent to the jurisdiction of any court of competent jurisdiction located in the State of Texas for such purpose.
iii.EXECUTIVE WAIVES ANY RIGHT THAT EXECUTIVE MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM ALLEGED BY EXECUTIVE.
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e.    Benefits Unfunded. All rights of Executive and his spouse or any other beneficiary under this Agreement shall at all times be entirely unfunded, and no provision shall at any time be made with respect to segregating any assets of Executive for payment of any amounts due hereunder, and neither Executive nor his spouse or any other beneficiary shall have any interest in or rights against any specific assets of the Company, and Executive and his spouse or any other beneficiary shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.
f.    Waiver. No waiver by either party at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provisions or conditions at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.
g.    Section 409A Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and shall be interpreted and construed consistently with such intent. The payments to Executive pursuant to this Agreement are also intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible, under either the separation pay exemption pursuant to Treasury regulation §1.409A‐1(b)(9)(iii) or as short-term deferrals pursuant to Treasury regulation §1.409A‐1(b)(4), and for this purpose each payment shall be considered a separate payment. Any payment made or contemplated hereunder that is treated as deferred compensation subject to Section 409A shall be paid in compliance with Section 409A and shall not be deferred or accelerated in violation of Section 409A. In the event that the terms of this Agreement would subject Executive to taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code (“409A Penalties”), the Company and Executive shall cooperate diligently to amend the terms of this Agreement to avoid such 409A Penalties, to the extent possible; provided that in no event shall the Company be responsible for any 409A Penalties that arise in connection with any amounts payable under this Agreement unless such 409A Penalties arise in connection with the Company’s failure to comply with the terms hereof. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A of the Code, as of the date of Executive’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), then to the extent any amount payable under this Agreement (i) constitutes the payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, (ii) is payable upon Executive’s separation from service and (iii) under the terms of this Agreement would be payable prior to the date that is six months after Executive’s separation from service, such payment shall not be made to Executive until the earlier of the date that is six months after Executive’s separation from service or Executive’s death and will be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following the date of separation from service. In addition, each payment of nonqualified deferred compensation, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, that is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a release and that is to be paid or provided during a designated period that begins in one taxable year and ends in a second taxable year, shall be paid or provided in the later of the two taxable years. Any reimbursement payable to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall be conditioned on the submission by Executive of all expense reports reasonably required by the Company under any applicable expense reimbursement policy, and shall be paid to Executive within 30 days following receipt of such expense reports, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred the reimbursable expense. Any amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefit provided, during a calendar year shall not affect the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefit to be provided, during any other calendar year. The right to any reimbursement or in-kind benefit pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for any other benefit.
h.    Amendment. No amendment or modification of the terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon either of the parties hereto unless reduced to writing and signed by each of the parties hereto.
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i.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.
j.    Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, representatives and successors.
k.    Notices. Notices required under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent by registered U.S. mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses or to such other address as the party being notified may have previously furnished to the other by written notice:
If to the Company:
Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. 
7171 Southwest Parkway

Building 300 | Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78735
Attention: General Counsel 

If to Executive:
At the most recent address on file with the Company
l.    Headings. The headings contained herein are for reference purposes only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.
m.    Tax Withholding. All payments under this Agreement, except for the hourly payments made to Executive in connection with his services as an independent consultant of the Company, shall be made subject to applicable tax withholding, and the Company shall withhold from any payments under this Agreement, except for hourly payments made to Executive in connection with his services as an independent consultant of the Company, all federal, state and local taxes as the Company is required to withhold pursuant to any law or governmental rule or regulation. Executive shall bear all expense of, and be solely responsible for, all federal, state and local taxes due with respect to any payment or benefit received under this Agreement.  The Company shall not withhold taxes with respect the hourly payments as an independent consultant of the Company and the Executive shall be solely responsible for all taxes associated with such payments.
n.    Possible Recoupment of Certain Compensation. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive shall be subject to the written policies of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) as well as laws and regulations applicable to executives of the Company, including without limitation the Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. Policy on Recoupment of Incentive Compensation and rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, and any other Board policy, law or regulation relating to recoupment or “clawback” of compensation that may exist from time to time during Executive’s employment by the Company and thereafter.

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THEREFORE, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed, each in his or its name on his or its behalf, all as of the date first above written.

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.   
By:    /s/ Bruce A. Thames                                                
Name: Bruce A. Thames          
Title: President, CEO and Director

Executive
/s/ Jay C. Peterson                                                 
Jay C. Peterson  

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EXHIBIT A
Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Disclosure
[Certain identified information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both not material and is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential.]

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EXHIBIT B  
SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This Waiver and General Release Agreement (“Release”) is executed by Jay C. Peterson (“Executive”) on this ___ day of ___________ 2021.
1.         Waiver and General Release. Executive, on behalf of himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, family members, attorneys and assigns, hereby waives, generally releases and forever discharges Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), together with the Company’s directors, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates, whether direct or indirect, its and their joint ventures and joint venturers (including each of their respective directors, officers, employees, shareholders, members, managers, partners, attorneys, insurers, and agents, past, present, and future), and each of its and their respective successors and assigns (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Releasees”), from any and all known or unknown actions, causes of action, suits, complaints, contracts (whether oral or written, express or implied from any source), promises and liabilities of any kind, in law or equity, that Executive ever had, may now have or hereafter can, will or may have against the Releasees as of and including the Release Effective Date (as defined below), including, but not limited to:
a.        claims, actions, causes of action or liabilities arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (the “ADEA”), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (the “OWBPA”), the Equal Pay Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act, the 1991 Civil Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and/or any other federal, state, municipal or local employment discrimination statutes or ordinances (including, but not limited to, claims based on age, sex, attainment of benefit plan rights, race, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, harassment, parental status, handicap, disability, retaliation, and veteran status); and/or
b.    claims, actions, causes of action or liabilities arising under any other federal, state, municipal, or local statute, law, ordinance or regulation; and/or
c.    future causes of action under the federal false claims act and/or any state false claims act relating in any manner to information learned while employed with the Company; and/or
d.    any other claim whatsoever including, but not limited to, claims for severance pay, sick pay, unpaid wages, unpaid bonuses, unpaid paid time off, claims based upon breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, wrongful termination, defamation, interference with contract, intentional and/or negligent infliction of emotional distress, fraud, tort, personal injury, invasion of privacy, violation of public policy, negligence and/or any other common law, statutory or other claim whatsoever arising out of or relating to his employment with and/or separation from employment with the Company and/or any of the other Releasees, but excluding any claims that by law Executive cannot waive, including claims for indemnification, and any claim that the Company has failed to make any payments or to provide any of the payments or benefits described in the Transition and Consulting Agreement, dated as of December 11, 2020, between Executive and the Company (the “Transition Agreement”).
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2.    Remedies if Executive Breaches Waiver and Release. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that if he breaches the provisions of the waiver and release, then to the fullest extent permitted by law, (a) the Company will be entitled to apply for and receive an injunction to restrain any violation of the waiver and release, (b) the Company will not be obligated to make any additional payments or provide any additional benefits, and (c) Executive will be obligated to pay to the Company its costs and expenses in enforcing the waiver and release and defending against such lawsuit (including court costs, expenses and reasonable legal fees) if Company is the prevailing party.
3.    Waiver of Reinstatement Rights. To the extent permitted by law, Executive further waives, releases, and discharges Releasees from any reinstatement rights that Executive has or could have.
4.    Representations and Warranties of Executive. Executive expressly represents and warrants that (a) he is the sole owner of the actual or alleged claims, demands, rights, causes of action, and other matters that are released by Executive herein; (b) the same have not been transferred or assigned or caused to be transferred or assigned to any other person, firm, corporation or other legal entity; and (c) Executive has the full right and power to grant, execute and deliver the releases, undertakings, and agreements contained herein. Executive further represents and warrants that he is unaware of any lien that has been noticed or filed and that would attach to any payment or benefit to be made or given by the Company pursuant to this Release. Executive agrees to indemnify the Releasees, including payment of any attorneys’ fees and costs, and hold the Releasees harmless from and against any and all damages that may be suffered by them in the event that any of the foregoing representations and warranties are untrue in whole or part, and any and all claims based on or arising from any such assignment or transfer, or any attempted assignment or transfer, of any matters released herein.
5.    Release of Known and Unknown Claims and Claims Under Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Executive understands that this waiver and release includes a release of all known and unknown claims, including claims under the federal ADEA. Executive acknowledges that this Release does not waive any right or claim that he may have under the ADEA, as amended by the OWBPA, that arises after the Release Effective Date.
6.    Knowing and Voluntary Waiver. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that he has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release and that he has been advised to and/or has obtained representation by counsel in connection with his execution of this Release. Executive has freely, knowingly and voluntarily elected to execute this Release, in exchange for due consideration, by signing below. Executive further acknowledges that he (i) is not relying upon any statements, understandings, representations, expectations, or agreements other than those expressly set forth in this Release; (ii) has made his own investigation of the facts and is relying solely upon his own knowledge; and (iii) knowingly waives any claim that this Release was induced by any misrepresentation or nondisclosure and any right to rescind or avoid this Release based upon presently existing facts, known or unknown. Executive acknowledges that the Company has provided him with the disclosure information pursuant to the ADEA and OWBPA (under Title 29 U.S.C. Section 626(f)(1)(H)), attached as Exhibit 1 to this Release.
7.    Protected Rights. Executive understands that nothing contained in this Release prohibits or limits Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission. Executive also understands that this Release does not prohibit or limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, or to otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by such an agency or commission, including providing documents or other information.
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8.    Cooperation. In consideration for the payments and agreements set forth in the Transition Agreement, Executive agrees, upon request of the Company, to cooperate with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates with reasonable advance notice to provide information to and assist the Company, and its subsidiaries and affiliates in the investigation, defense, or prosecution of any suspected claim against or by the Company and its/their subsidiaries and affiliates or any Releasee. Such assistance will include, but is not limited to, participating in interviews with representatives of the Company, attending, as a witness, depositions, trials, or other similar proceedings without requiring a subpoena, and producing and/or providing any documents or names of other persons with relevant information.  Executive further agrees that he will provide full, complete and truthful information and testimony in all interviews, meetings, and/or testimony. Executive understands that Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of such cooperation. Executive will act in good faith to furnish the information and cooperation required by this Section 8 (Cooperation), and the Company will act in good faith so that the requirement to furnish such information and cooperation does not create a hardship for Executive.
9.    Time to Consider Release; Revocation. Executive acknowledges that he has had at least 45 calendar days after the receipt of this Release to consider signing this Release and that he may voluntarily choose to waive this 45-day period. In addition, Executive has seven calendar days after signing the Release to revoke it, in which case this Release will be null and void. Any such revocation must be in writing and be submitted to Thermon Group Holdings, Inc., Attn:  General Counsel, 7171 Southwest Parkway, Building 300, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78735. Executive understands that if he signs this Release and does not revoke the Release within seven calendar days after signing, this Release will become fully effective and enforceable (the “Release Effective Date”). Executive also understands that no severance payments will be paid to him until the seven-calendar-day revocation period has expired without him having revoked the Release.

Executive  
By:       ________________________ 
Jay C. Peterson

Date:    ________________________

13

EXHIBIT 1

Older Workers Benefit Protection Act Disclosure
[Certain identified information has been excluded from this exhibit because it is both not material and is the type that the registrant treats as private or confidential.]

14Document

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), made this 1st day of August, 2019 is entered into by Central Garden & Pet Company and/or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, successors and assigns (collectively called "the Company") and John E. Hanson ("Executive").
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive and Executive desires to become employed by the Company;
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1.    Effective Date: This Agreement shall become effective on August 6, 2019 ("Effective Date").
2.    Term of Employment: Executive will be employed by the Company for an indefinite term, subject to termination as set forth below.
3.    Position: Executive shall serve as President -Pet Consumer Products He shall perform those duties and responsibilities consistent with such position that are assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer. Executive's position and related terms and conditions of employment may from time to time be modified by the Company in its discretion.
4.    Full Time Performance of Duties: During the Term of Employment, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence, Executive agrees to devote substantially all his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful and loyal performance of his duties under this Agreement and shall not during his employment with the Company engage in any other business activities, duties or pursuits, render any services of a business, commercial, or professional nature to any other person or organization, whether for compensation or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Company. However, the expenditure of reasonable amounts of time for educational, charitable, or professional activities for which Executive will not receive additional compensation from the Company, shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement if those activities do not materially interfere with the services required of Executive under this Agreement.
5.    Salary: The Company will pay Executive an annualized base salary of $450,000 in accordance with the Company's payroll practices for executives. Executive will be eligible for periodic salary reviews consistent with the Company's salary review practices for executives. Upon Executive's relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area, Executive's annualized base salary shall be increased in an amount deemed appropriate in the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors..
6.    Bonus: Executive will be paid a signing bonus in the amount of $300,000. The Company shall pay $100,000 of this amount upon the Effective Date and the remaining $200,000 upon Executive's relocation to the San Francisco bay area. If Executive terminates his employment within one year of the Effective Date, Executive shall repay this sign-on bonus in its entirety to the extent it has been paid to Executive. If Executive terminates his employment after one year but before two years from the Effective date, Executive will be obligated to repay $200,000 if Executive has relocated to the San Francisco Bay area and been paid the portion of the sign-on bonus contingent upon such relocation. If Executive terminates his employment after two years but prior to three years from the Effective Date, Executive will be obligated to repay $100,000 to the Company if Executive has relocated to the San Francisco Bay area and has been paid the portion of the sign-on bonus contingent upon such relocation. Executive will also be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus each year during the Term of Employment with a target amount of fifty percent (50%) of 

Executive's base salary in effect at the beginning of the year in question, to be awarded upon attainment of the annual operating goals and the personal goals established by the Chief Executive Officer of Central Operating Companies. The award and amount of any such bonus shall be in the discretion of the Company. For FY2019, Executive shall be paid a bonus of not less than $37,500 for his period of employment during that fiscal year payable when bonuses are paid to other named executive officers for that year.
7.    Options: On the Effective Date, Executive will be granted a non-qualified stock option to purchase a number of shares of Company Common Stock (CENT A) with a Black Scholes value, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, equal to $200,000. The exercise price of such options will be equal to the "fair market value" upon the date of grant. The options shall vest over a four (4) year period at a rate of twenty-five percent (25%) per year with the first tranche vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant. All options shall expire on the sixth anniversary of date of grant. The right to exercise the options shall be consistent with the terms of the Central Garden & Pet Company 2003 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. All determinations as to fair market value, Black Scholes value or numbers of shares required by this Section 7 shall be made by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. At the time of the Companywide option grant for each subsequent fiscal year during which Executive is employed hereunder, Executive will receive a similar grant of a non-qualified stock option to purchase a number of shares of Company Common Stock (CENT A) with a Black Scholes value, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, equal to $200,000. If Executive terminates his employment as set forth in Section 15 or the Company terminates Executive's employment without cause as set forth in Section 16, and in either case, Executive executes a general release as contemplated by such Section, all options not yet vested shall continue to vest in accordance with the terms of Section 15 or Section 16; provided, however, that in the fiscal year of termination, only a prorated portion of the options granted with respect to that fiscal year - measured by the portion of the fiscal year during which Executive is employed by the Company - will continue to vest.
8.    Restricted Stock: The Executive will receive restricted shares of Central Garden & Pet Company Stock (CENT A) with a value of $450,000 on the grant date which shall be granted within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date of this Agreement. These shares shall vest at the rate of 33% per year, beginning at the end of year three (3) and being fully vested at the end of year five (5). Executive shall be eligible for a grant of additional restricted stock during the initial quarter of the 2020 fiscal year.
9.    Benefits: Subject to all applicable eligibility requirements Executive will be eligible to participate in any and all 401(k), medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance and/or other benefit plan which, from time to time, may be established as generally applicable to other similarly situated Company executives. If Executive elects not to participate in the Company's group health plan for any period of his employment, he shall receive an allowance to cover medical expenses equal to $15,000 per year for such period. When Executive relocates to the San Francisco bay area, he shall be entitled to full relocation benefits, in accordance with the Company's relocation benefits policy.
10.    Vacation: Executive will earn four (4) weeks vacation annually. Executive's maximum vacation accrual will be six (6) weeks. Once Executive has accrued six (6) weeks vacation, he will stop earning vacation until he has taken vacation and reduced his accrual below six (6) weeks.
11.    Automobile: During the Term of Employment, the Company will provide Executive with a monthly automobile allowance of $1000.00. Executive is responsible for taxes, if any, associated with this allowance.
12.    Reimbursement of Expenses: The Company will reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other expenses incurred or paid by the Executive in connection with, or related to, the performance of his duties, responsibilities or services 

under this Agreement in accordance with the Company's policies, upon presentation by Executive of documentation, expense statements, vouchers and/or other supporting information as the Company may request. Such reimbursable expenses shall include Executive's temporary living expenses and associated travel during the period before his relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area. In no event shall reimbursements be made for expenses incurred by Executive after the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurs the expense.
13.    Incapacity or Death: In the event that Executive becomes physically or mentally disabled or incapacitated such that it is the reasonable, good faith opinion of the Company that Executive is unable to perform the services required under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation, then after four (4) months of continuous physical or mental disability, this Agreement will terminate; provided, however, that during this four (4) month period, Executive shall be entitled to the continuation of his compensation as provided by this Agreement; however such continued payments by the Company shall be integrated with any disability, workers' compensation, or other insurance payments received, such that the total amount does not exceed the compensation as provided by this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, physical or mental disability does not include any disability arising from current use of alcohol, drugs or related issues. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company terminates Executive's employment due to incapacity, all previously granted stock options and restricted stock shall continue to vest notwithstanding such incapacity or termination of employment, and with respect to stock options, shall remain exercisable until the expiration date of each such stock option set forth in Section 7 hereof. In the event of Executive's death during the term of this Agreement: (a) all previously granted stock options shall immediately vest and be exercisable by his estate until the applicable stock option expiration date; and (b) the service requirements of any previously granted restricted stock shall be waived, but the performance requirements, if any, shall still be applicable. Further, if the Company terminates Executive's employment due to incapacity or in the event of Executive's death during the term of this Agreement, all restricted stock previously earned will be immediately released to Executive or his estate, as the case may be.
14.    Termination by the Company For Cause: The Company may terminate Executive for cause. If Executive is terminated for cause, he will receive only his compensation earned pro rata to the date of his termination. All other benefits will cease on the date of Executive's termination. Cause shall be defined as:
(a)    An act or omission constituting negligence or misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company;
(b)    Failure to comply with the lawful directives of the Board of Directors;
(c)    A material breach of this Agreement by Executive, which is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof;
(d)    Failure to perform in a manner acceptable to the Company after written notice and an opportunity to cure;
(e)    The abuse of alcohol or drugs;
(f)    Fraud, theft or embezzlement of Company assets, criminal conduct or any other act of moral turpitude by which is materially injurious to the Company;
(0)    A material violation of any securities law, regulation or compliance policy of the Company;
(h)    Executive's death or incapacity exceeding four (4) months as provided in Section 13 above.

15.    Termination By Executive For Cause: Executive may terminate this Agreement at any time in the event of a material breach by the Company by giving thirty (30) days written notice to the Company's Vice President of Human Resources if the Company fails to cure such material breach or take meaningful steps towards cure of such breach within such 30 day period. If Executive properly terminates his employment under this section, within ten (10) days after a general release signed by Executive and the Company substantially in the form of the general release attached hereto as Exhibit C becomes irrevocable, Executive will be entitled to continued vesting of previously granted stock options and restricted stock to the extent provided in Sections 7 and 8 hereof and subject to his compliance with the terms of the Post Employment Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B. Such continued vesting shall be Executive's sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a termination of this Agreement by Executive pursuant to this Section 15.
16.    Termination By The Company Without Cause: The Company may terminate Executive's employment under this Agreement at any time without cause by giving Executive thirty (30) days written notice of termination. If the Company terminates Executive under this section, within 10 days after Executive signs a general release of claims in a form acceptable to the Company that becomes irrevocable, provided a later payment is not required by Section 17 below, the Company will pay Executive a severance consisting of a continuation of Executive's base salary for a nine (9) month period, subject to applicable payroll deductions, and health insurance continuation for nine (9) months, with the COBRA continuation period to commence at the end of the nine (9) month's salary and health insurance continuation period. Executive will be provided, at most, sixty (60) days to consider whether to sign such release. Severance payments shall cease, and no further severance obligation will be owed, in the event Executive obtains other equivalent employment during the severance period. Executive will be entitled to continued vesting of previously-granted stock options and restricted stock to the extent provided in Sections 7 and 8 hereof and subject to his compliance with the terms of the Post Employment Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B. However, such reduction in severance shall not apply and Executive's severance will not be reduced by any income executive receives under the Post-Employment Consulting Agreement. Such severance payments shall be Executive's sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a termination of this Agreement by the Company without cause. At its option, the Company may pay Executive thirty (30) days additional salary and benefits provided in this Agreement in lieu of giving Executive the thirty (30) days notice as provided above.
17.    Section 409A Delay: Each payment hereunder subject to Section 409A will be considered a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. To the extent that it is determined by the Company in good faith that all or a portion of any payments hereunder subject to Section 409A made in connection with Executive's separation from service are not exempt from Section 409A and that Executive is a "specified employee" (within the meaning of Section 409A) at the time of his separation from service, then payment of such non-exempt payments shall not be made until the date that is six (6) months and one day after his separation from service (or, if earlier, his death), with any payments that are required to be delayed being accumulated during the six-month period and paid in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months and one day following his separation from service and any subsequent payments, if any, being paid in accordance with the dates and terms set forth herein.
18.    Termination by Executive Without Cause: Executive may terminate his employment without cause by giving the Company thirty (30) days written notice of termination. If Executive terminates his employment without cause under this section, he will receive only his salary and benefits earned pro rata to the date of his termination. All other salary and benefits will cease on the date of Executive's termination. At its option, the Company may pay Executive his salary and benefits provided in this Agreement through the effective date of his written notice of termination and immediately accept his termination.

19.    Confidential Business Information: The Company has and will continue to spend significant time, effort and money to develop proprietary information which is vital to
the Company's business. During Executive's employment with the Company, Executive has and will have access to the Company's confidential, proprietary and trade secret information including but not limited to information and strategy relating to the Company's products and services including customer lists and files, product description and pricing, information and strategy regarding profits, costs, marketing, purchasing, sales, customers, suppliers, contract terms, employees, salaries; product development plans; business, acquisition and financial plans and forecasts and marketing and sales plans and forecasts (collectively called "Company Confidential Information"). Executive will not, during his employment with the Company or thereafter, directly or indirectly disclose to any other person or entity, or use for Executive's own benefit or for the benefit of others besides the Company, any Company Confidential Information. Upon termination of this Agreement, Executive agrees to promptly return all Company Confidential Information.
20.    Non-Solicitation of Employees: While Executive is employed by the Company and for twelve (12) months after such employment terminates, Executive will not (acting either directly or indirectly, or through any other person, firm, or corporation) induce or attempt to induce or influence any employee of the Company to terminate employment with the Company when the Company desires to retain that person's services.
21.    Duty of Loyalty: During term of this Agreement, Executive agrees that he will not, nor will he permit any entity or other person under his control, to directly or indirectly hold, manage operate or control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or render executive, managerial, market research, advice or consulting services, either directly or indirectly, to any business engaged in or about to be engaged in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, nutrition or pet related products.
22.    Separability: Each provision of this Agreement is separable and independent of the other provisions. If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid, the remainder shall be given full force and effect as permitted by law.
23.    Complete Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Executive and the Company regarding the subjects covered by this Agreement. No other agreement, understanding, statement or promise other than those contained in this Agreement is part of their employment agreement or will be effective. Any modification of this Agreement will be effective only if it is in writing and signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
24.    Notice: All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein to the contrary) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed or mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid:
						
	(a)    If to the Company to:	Central Garden & Pet Company 
1340 Treat Blvd., Suite 600 
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Attention:      

	with a copy to:	Central Garden & Pet Company
1340 Treat Blvd., Suite 600
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Attention: George Yuhas, General Counsel

(b)    If to the Executive to:

25.    Related Agreements: As an inducement to the Executive and to the Company
to enter into this Agreement, Executive has executed Exhibit A, Agreement to Protect Confidential Information, Intellectual Property and Business Relationships, attached and incorporated by reference and Exhibit B, Post Consulting Agreement. Exhibits A and B shall survive the termination of this Employment Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year referenced above.
						
		/s/ John E. Hanson

		
		Central Garden & Pet Company
		By
		/s/ George Yuhas

EXHIBIT A
AGREEMENT TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, INTELLECTUAL 
PROPERTY AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
This Agreement is made this 15th day of April, 2019 (the "Effective Date") by and between Central Garden & Pet Company and/or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, successors and assigns (collectively called "the Company") and John E. Hanson ("Executive," "I" or "Me").
I RECOGNIZE that during my employment as a key executive with Central Garden & Pet Company and/or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, successors and assigns (collectively called "the Company"), I have had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information (as defined below) and valuable business relationships;
I RECOGNIZE that my employment in certain capacities with a competitor could involve the use or disclosure of Company Confidential Information;
I RECOGNIZE that the Company's Confidential Information and business relationships are critical to its success in the marketplace. The Company operates on a nationwide-basis, and therefore, the Company's commitment to protecting its Confidential Information and business relationships is nationwide;
I RECOGNIZE that the law regarding restrictive covenants varies from state to state and the law that will apply to this Agreement after I terminate will depend on factors such as where I live, where I work, the location of my employer, the location of my former employer and other factors, many which are unknown at this time;
THEREFORE, in consideration for the compensation provided to me, to prevent the use or disclosure of Company Confidential Information, and to protect the valuable business relationships of the Company, I agree to the following:
1.    Definitions.
(a)    Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" shall mean any information, including third-party information, provided to the Company in confidence, regarding the Company, its business, its plans, its customers, its contracts, its suppliers, or its strategies, that is not generally known and provides the Company with an actual or potential competitive advantage over those who do not know it. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, all such information I learned or developed during any previous employment with the Company or its predecessors in interest and all of the Company's confidential, proprietary and trade secret information, which may include information and strategies relating to the Company's products, processes and services, including customer lists and files, product description and pricing, information and strategy regarding profits, costs, marketing, purchasing, sales, customers, suppliers, contract terms, employees, salaries, product development plans, business, acquisition and financial plans and forecasts, and marketing and sales plans and forecasts. I acknowledge that requiring me to enter into this Agreement is one of the measures that the Company uses to maintain the secrecy of its Confidential Information.
(b)    Relevant Territory. For purposes of this Agreement, "Relevant Territory" shall mean any territory or region in which I performed services on behalf of the Company or about which I learned Confidential Information regarding the Company during the two (2) years prior to my separation from the Company for any reason.
(c)    Services. For purposes of this Agreement, "Services" shall mean the same or similar activities in which I engaged during the two (2) years prior to my separation from the Company for any reason.

    2.    Confidentiality. I agree that I will not, during my employment with the
Company (except in furtherance of the Company's interests), or at any time after employment terminates, without the prior written consent of the Company Vice President of Human Resources, disclose any Confidential Information to or use any Confidential Information for, any third party or entity. This restriction prohibits me from, among other activities, engaging in or preparing to engage in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, animal nutrition or pet related products for any business entity if that activity in any way involves the use or disclosure of Company Confidential Information and diverting or attempting to divert any business or customers from the Company using Confidential Information. To the extent that any Confidential Information is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be confidential information rather than a trade secret under applicable law, the prohibition on use and disclosure of that specific information shall be in effect for a period of three years after the termination of my employment with the Company; otherwise the prohibition shall last until the information ceases to be a trade secret (other than through any breach of secrecy by me or other third parties under a duty of secrecy to the Company). In the event that after my employment with the Company ceases, if I have any doubt about whether particular information may be used of disclosed, I will contact the Company Vice President of Human Resources.
    3.    Post-Employment Activities.
(a)    Non-Competition. For twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment with the Company, I will not render executive, managerial, market research, advice or consulting services, either directly or indirectly, to any business engaged in or about to be engaged in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, animal nutrition or pet related products or which would otherwise conflict with my obligations to the Company. This paragraph shall only apply in those jurisdictions where restrictions such as contained in this paragraph are enforceable.
(b)    Non-Solicitation of Customers. For twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment with the Company, I will not solicit directly or indirectly, on behalf of any business entity described in paragraph (a) of this section or which otherwise competes with the Company, any customer I solicited or serviced, or any customer about whom I learned Confidential Information, while in the employ or service of the Company. This paragraph shall apply in those jurisdictions where restrictions such as contained in this paragraph are enforceable.
(c)    Non-Solicitation of Employees. For twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment with the Company, I will not recruit, solicit or induce, or attempt to recruit, solicit or induce, any employee of the Company to terminate their employment with the Company or otherwise cease their relationship with the Company.
(d)    Duty to Present Contract. For twelve (12) months after the termination of my employment with the Company, before I accept employment with any person or organization that is engaged in or about to be engaged in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, animal nutrition or pet related products, I agree (1) to advise that prospective employer about the existence of this Agreement; (2) to provide that potential employer a copy of this Agreement; and (3) to advise the Company's Vice President of Human Resources in writing, within five (5) business days, to whom I have provided a copy of this Agreement.
    4.    Reformation/Severability. If any restriction set forth in this Agreement is
found by a court to be unenforceable for any reason, the court is empowered and directed to interpret the restriction to extend only so broadly as to be enforceable in that jurisdiction. Additionally, should any of the provisions of this Agreement be determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of the other provisions herein.

5.    Further Acknowledgments. I understand that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary and reasonable for the protection of the Company's business, goodwill and its Confidential Information. I understand that any breach of this Agreement will cause the Company substantial and irrevocable damage and therefore, in the event of any such breach, in addition to such other remedies which may be available, including the return of consideration paid for this Agreement, I agree that the Company shall have the right to seek specific performance and injunctive relief. Any business entity that employs me in a capacity in which I violate this Agreement shall be liable for damages and injunctive relief. Further, I understand that the Company intends to install the full measure of protections permitted by the law to protect its Confidential Information and business relationships, but does not intend to impose any greater protections on me than those permitted by law. I acknowledge that the law that governs restrictive covenants such as this, is important, rapidly changing and varies from state to state. I also understand that the law that will apply to this Agreement after I terminate will depend on factors such as where I live, where I work, the location of my employer, the location of my former employer and other factors, many which are unknown at the time I enter this Agreement. I understand that I have been advised to consult with an attorney of my choice to discuss this agreement and my legal obligations under this agreement after my termination of employment. I understand that Paragraphs 3(a) and 3(b) do not apply and will not be enforced in California or other states where restrictions such as contained in those paragraphs are not permitted.
6.    Separability. Courts should treat each numbered paragraph as a separate and severable contractual obligation intended to protect the legitimate interests of the Company and to which I intend to be bound.
7.    Non Waiver. I agree that the Company's determination not to enforce this or similar agreements as to specific violations shall not operate as a waiver or release of my obligations under this Agreement.
8.    Fiduciary Duty. This Agreement is in addition to any fiduciary duty and obligation that may exist under statutory or common law.
9.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. It cannot be modified or waived except in a writing signed by me and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. I enter into this Agreement voluntarily.
AGREED AND ACCEPTED BY:
John E. Hanson
_________________________________

George A. Yuhas
General Counsel
Central Garden & Pet Company

EXHIBIT B
POST EMPLOYMENT CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made as of April 15, 2019 (the "Effective Date") by and between Central Garden & Pet Company and/or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, successors and assigns (collectively called "the Company") and John E. Hanson ("Executive").
WHEREAS, Executive recognizes that in his capacity as a key executive with the Company he will provide unique services that will be exceedingly difficult to replace after termination of his employment;
WHEREAS, Executive recognizes that the Company desires continued access to Executive's unique services, knowledge and a reasonable transition after the termination of Executive's employment;
WHEREAS, Executive recognizes that he has been provided adequate consideration for entering into this Consulting Agreement ("Agreement");
THEREFORE, in consideration of the employment of Executive and other good and adequate consideration, Executive and the Company agree to the following:
1.    Right to Receive Consulting Services. Executive hereby grants the Company the right to receive continuing Consulting Services on the terms provided herein following termination of Executive's employment with the Company.
2.    Consulting Services. Executive will provide continuing strategic advice and counsel related to the business issues and projects Executive was involved in while employed by the Company ("Consulting Services"). Consulting Services shall perform at such times and in a manner as are mutually agreed and shall, on average, consist of ten (10) hours per month during the Term of Agreement.
3.    Term of Agreement. Executive will provide Consulting Services effective upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company and continuing for a period through December 31, 2024 or two (2) years from the termination of employment, whichever is later ("Term of Agreement").
4.    Compensation. Executive shall be paid ten percent (10%) of his base salary at the time of termination of Executive's employment with the Company for each of the years during the Term of Agreement. This amount shall be paid one-twelfth (1/12) at the end of each month.
5.    Expenses. During the Term of Agreement, Executive will be reimbursed by the Company for all expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of this Agreement.
6.    Termination.    Notwithstanding the Term of Agreement specified above, this Agreement shall terminate under any of the following circumstances: (a) in the event Executive dies, this Agreement shall terminate immediately; (b) if due to physical or mental disability, Executive is unable to perform the services called for under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation, either the Company or Executive may terminate this Agreement by providing thirty (30) days' written notice; provided, however, that in the event of termination of Executive by the Company under this clause (b) the Company shall accelerate the vesting of any employee stock options previously granted to Executive which would otherwise cease to vest as a result of such termination; (c) Executive materially breaches the terms of this Agreement; (d) the Company terminates Executive's employment for cause pursuant to Section 14 of the Employment Agreement dated April 
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15, 2019, between the Company and Executive; and (e) the parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual written agreement.
7.    Unique Services. Duty of Loyalty. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the services he performs under this Agreement are of a special, unique, unusual, extraordinary, or intellectual character, which have a peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated in damages in an action at law. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that during his employment and, provided the Company exercises its option to engage Executive to provide Consulting Services and compensate him under the terms of this Agreement, then during the Term of Agreement he will have a continuing fiduciary duty and duty of loyalty to the Company. He agrees that during the Term of Agreement, he will not render executive, managerial, market research, advice or consulting services, either directly or indirectly, to any business engaged in or about to be engaged in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, animal nutrition or pet related products or which would otherwise conflict with his obligations to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 7 shall prevent Executive from serving on the Board of Directors of one or more companies or other entities which are not principally engaged in developing, producing, marketing, distributing or selling lawn, garden, animal health, animal nutrition or pet-related products during the Term of Agreement.
8.    Confidential Information or Materials. During the Term of Agreement, Executive will have access to the Company's confidential, proprietary and trade secret information including but not limited to information and strategy regarding the Company's products and services including customer lists and files, product description and pricing, information and strategy regarding profits, costs, marketing, purchasing, sales, customers, suppliers, contract terms, employees, salaries; product development plans; business, acquisition and financial plans and forecasts and marketing and sales plans and forecasts (collectively called "Company Confidential Information"). Executive will not, during the Term of Agreement or thereafter, directly or indirectly disclose to any other person or entity, or use for Executive's own benefit or for the benefit of others besides Company, Company Confidential Information. Upon termination of this Agreement, Executive agrees to promptly return all Company Confidential Information.
9.    Remedies. Executive understands and acknowledges that Company's remedies at law for any material breach of this Agreement by Executive are inadequate and that any such breach will cause the Company substantial and irrevocable damage and therefore, in the event of any such breach, in addition to such other remedies which may be available, including the return of consideration paid for this Agreement, Executive agrees that the Company shall have the right to seek specific performance and injunctive relief. It is also expressly agreed that, in the event of such a breach, Company shall also be entitled to recover all of its costs and expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in enforcing its rights hereunder.
10.    Independent Contractor Status. For all purposes, during the Term of Agreement, Executive shall be deemed to be an independent contractor, and not an employee or agent of the Company. Accordingly, Executive shall not be entitled to any rights or benefits to which any employee of Company may be entitled.
11.    Other Employment. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Executive from performing services for other employers or business entities, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, during the Term of Agreement.
B-2

12.    Intellectual Property Rights. Company shall" have sole ownership of and all right, title and interest, to all data, drawings, designs, analyses, graphs, reports, products, tooling, physical property, computer programs, software code, trade secrets and all inventions, discoveries and improvements or other items or concepts, whether patentable or not, (collectively, "Intellectual Property") which are conceived or reduced to practice during the Term of Agreement and arising out of or relating to the services performed hereunder or using the equipment or resources of the Company. To the extent any such Intellectual Property qualifies as a "work for hire" under the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. Sec. 101), Executive agrees that the Company is the author for copyright purposes. To the extent that any Intellectual Property is not a work for hire, Executive agrees to assign, and hereby does assign, its entire right, title and interest in such Intellectual Property, including the right to sue for past infringements.
13.    No Authority to Bind Company. During the Term of Agreement, Executive will not have any authority to commit or bind Company to any contractual or financial obligations without the Company's prior written consent.
14.    Assignment. This is a personal services agreement and Executive may not assign this Agreement, or any interest herein, without the prior written consent of the Company.
15.    Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered. It cannot be modified or waived except in a writing signed by both parties.
16.    Agreement Enforceable to Full Extent Possible. If any restriction set forth in this Agreement is found by a court to be unenforceable for any reason, the court is empowered and directed to interpret the restriction to extend only so broadly as to be enforceable in that jurisdiction. Additionally, should any of the provisions of this Agreement be determined to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of the other provisions herein.
17.    The parties agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth above. 
															
	Dated:				
					(John E. Hanson)
					
	Dated:				Central Garden & Pet Company
					
				By:	

B-3

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