Document:

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

RESIGNATION, RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION AGREEMENT

THIS RESIGNATION, RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) dated as of January 9,
2007 is made by and among Popular, Inc. a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico (“Popular”); Popular Financial Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“PFH”) and Cameron E. Williams (“Executive”).

RECITALS

	 	A.	 	Executive has been and is employed by PFH in the capacity of President.

	 	B.	 	Executive has also served as a member of the Corporate Leadership Circle of Popular and
as officer and director of various direct and indirect subsidiaries and controlled
affiliates of Popular and PFH (collectively, the “Popular Subsidiaries”).

	 	C.	 	Executive has announced his intention to resign and retire from his employment at PFH
and the Popular Subsidiaries.

	 	D.	 	The parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to provide for the orderly
separation of Executive and the effective transition and integration of certain businesses
currently operated by PFH into certain lines of businesses at Banco Popular North America
(“BPNA”), an affiliate of PFH.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained in this Agreement, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Executive, PFH and Popular agree as follows:

	1.	 	RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT:

(a) Resignation. The parties acknowledge and agree that effective on and as of
January 9, 2007 (the “Resignation Date”), Executive shall resign (i) as President of PFH;
and (ii) from all other positions Executive currently holds as an officer of any of the Popular
Subsidiaries. In addition, effective on and as of a date to be agreed upon by the parties, but in
any event not later than April 1, 2007, Executive shall resign from his position as a director of
PFH and any of the other Popular Subsidiaries.

(b) Transition Period. For the period commencing on the Resignation Date and ending
on March 31, 2007 (the “Transition Period”), Executive shall continue to be employed by PFH
to assist in the transition, integration and coordination of certain business lines of PFH into
BPNA. Executive’s duties shall be performed during normal business hours and at such times and
from such locations as are mutually acceptable to Executive and PFH. During the Transition Period,
Executive shall have the title of Special Advisor and shall report directly to Roberto R. Herencia,
the President of BPNA.

(c) Compliance. During the Transition Period, Executive shall comply in full with (i)
all applicable laws, orders and regulations, (ii) Popular’s Code of Ethics, Policies and
Guidelines; and (iii) the employee manual in effect for PFH employees.

(d) Payment of Salary/Benefits. During the Transition Period, Executive shall
continue to receive Executive’s current base salary paid in the normal course in accordance with
PFH’s payroll policy, as well as other compensation and benefits to which Executive is entitled in
his current position (but not any accrued but unpaid bonus or other incentive compensation) with
PFH. During the Transition Period, Executive shall not be entitled to participate in any bonus or
incentive compensation program which may be in effect at PFH or Popular. In the event the
Retirement Date shall be accelerated by mutual agreement of the parties, Executive shall continue
to receive his current base salary and benefits during the Transition Period.

(e) Retirement.  On and as of March 31, 2007 (the “Retirement Date”) Executive
shall retire from his employment at PFH and shall no longer be employed by PFH from and after such
date.

(f) Accrued Vacation Pay.  On the Retirement Date, Executive shall be compensated for
all accrued but unused vacation in accordance with PFH’s policy.

(g) Company Automobile. On or as of the Retirement Date, Executive shall have the
right to purchase the 2004 Lexus LS 430 presently used by Executive in the conduct of his duties at
PFH for a book value as of March 31, 2007 of $8,552.00 which amount shall be paid by Executive to
PFH.

	2.	 	PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS DUE TO RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT:

(a) Transition Payment. In exchange for Executive’s covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement, PFH shall pay to Executive a gross amount equal to $1,211,250.00,
which amount, after all applicable deductions (the “Transition Payment”) shall be paid to
Executive in one (1) lump sum within seven (7) days after the Retirement Date. Executive
acknowledges that he is not otherwise entitled to the Transition Payment and the Transition Payment
is solely being provided to Executive in consideration of the covenants and agreements made by
Executive under this Agreement.

(b) Medical Benefits. For a period of twelve (12) months following the Retirement
Date, Executive will continue to be covered under PFH’s group health care plans (medical, dental
and/or vision) under which Executive was covered as of the Resignation Date, at no cost to
Executive.  This coverage shall count as COBRA continuation coverage (i.e., shall reduce the 18
months of COBRA coverage to which Executive is otherwise entitled).  PFH’s cost for Executive’s
coverage under any self-insured plan for the 12-month coverage period will be considered wages to
the Executive and will be reported on Executive’s Form W-2 as taxable compensation, and Executive
will be responsible for any withholding taxes due as a result thereof.    Following the end of the
12-month coverage period, Executive shall be entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage for the
remainder of such period subject to Executive’s timely payment of the full COBRA premium. 

(c) Equity Grants. At various times during Executive’s employment by PFH, Executive
was awarded restricted stock (the “Equity Grants”) under the Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). In consideration of Executive’s resignation and other
agreements and covenants of Executive made in this Agreement, Popular and PFH agree that Popular
will take all action to (i) ensure that no such Equity Grant expires upon Executive’s resignation
and retirement and (ii) accelerate the vesting of any unvested portion of the Equity Grants as of
the Retirement Date. The certificates evidencing such Equity Grants shall be delivered by Popular
to Executive as soon as administratively practicable after the Retirement Date. All other terms
and provisions of the Equity Grants as set forth the applicable agreements relating to the Plan
shall remain in full force and effect. To the Extent that any of the foregoing actions require the
amendment to the Plan documents, Executive, by his execution of this Agreement, consents to such
amendments. Executive acknowledges and agrees that he will be subject to the provisions of Section
16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) with respect to
the sale or disposition of the Equity Grants.

(d) SERP.  Executive and PFH acknowledge and agree that (i) Executive is fully vested
under PFH’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”); (ii) no additional benefits
shall accrue under SERP after the Resignation Date; (iii) Executive’s vested balance under the SERP
as of December 30, 2006 is $410,540.88 and shall be recalculated as of the Retirement Date (and
shall be subject to investment fluctuations based upon Executive’s elections through date of
distribution); and (iv) all benefits accrued under the SERP shall be paid to Executive in
accordance with the payment election made by Executive under the SERP. Executive acknowledges and
agrees that no other benefits shall accrue to him and no other payments shall be made to him with
respect to the SERP.

(e) Popular 401(k) Plan. Executive and PFH acknowledge and agree that Executive is a
participant in the Popular, Inc. USA 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan (the “401 (k)
Plan”) and that Executive’s benefits under the 401(k) Plan shall be determined in accordance
with the provisions thereof and any election related thereto. Executive’s participation in the
401(k) Plan shall end on the Retirement Date. 401(k) deductions will not be deducted from, nor
made by PFH with respect to, the Transition Payment.

(f) Voluntary Deferral Plan. Executive’s participation in the Popular Financial
Holdings Deferral Plan shall end on the Resignation Date. Executive’s vested balance under such
plan shall be calculated as of the Retirement Date and shall be subject to investment fluctuations
based upon Executive’s elections through date of distribution.

(g) No Further Benefits, Payments, Etc. Executive acknowledges and agrees that except
as expressly provided herein, Executive’s coverage or participation under any voluntary deferral
plan, benefit plan, program, policy or arrangement sponsored or maintained by PFH or Popular shall
cease and be terminated as of the Resignation Date. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that
no payment made by PFH pursuant to this Agreement is subject to any employer matching obligation or
any other employer contribution under any benefit or deferred compensation plan, whether or not any
such payment is characterized as wages or other compensation.

	3.	 	DEATH OR DISABILITY.

(a) In the event that Executive dies or becomes disabled prior to the Retirement Date,
Executive’s heirs, representatives or Executive’s estate shall be entitled to the compensation and
benefits described in Section 2 of this Agreement.

	4.	 	RELEASE.

(a) Executive shall execute and deliver the release attached hereto as Annex A (the
“Release”) on the Retirement Date.

	5.	 	ON-GOING RESTRICTIONS ON EXECUTIVE’S ACTIVITIES

(a) General Effect. The parties agree that the provisions of this Section 5 shall
apply while Executive is employed by PFH and for some periods after Executive shall cease being
employed by PFH. This Section uses the following defined terms:

“Competitive Enterprise” means any business enterprise that either (1) engages in the
nonprime consumer mortgage business or the consumer mortgage servicing business (whether
prime or nonprime) in the United States provided PFH or any Popular Subsidiary is engaged in
such business while this Section 5 is in effect; or (2) holds a 5% or greater equity, voting
or profit participation interest in any enterprise that engages in such a competitive
activity.

“Solicit” means any direct or indirect communication, initiation, advice, encouragement
or request of any person to take or refrain from taking any action (regardless of who
initiated the communication in which the preceding occurs).

(b) Executive’s Importance to PFH and the Effect of this Section 5. Executive
acknowledges that:

(1) In the course of Executive’s employment as President of PFH, Executive has and has
had access to Proprietary Information and PFH’s client base and will profit from the
goodwill associated with PFH. On the other hand, in view of Executive’s access to
Proprietary Information and his importance to PFH, if Executive competes with PFH for some
time after his employment, PFH will likely suffer significant harm (but the amount of the
loss to PFH would be uncertain and not readily ascertainable). This Agreement provides
Executive with substantial additional benefits over Executive’s prior arrangements with PFH,
including the substantial additional compensation referred to in Section 2 hereof. In
return for the benefits that Executive will receive from PFH and Popular and to induce PFH
and Popular to enter into this Agreement and in light of the potential harm Executive could
cause PFH, Executive agrees to the provisions of this Section 5. Neither PFH nor Popular
would have entered into this Agreement if Executive did not agree to this Section 5.

(2) This Section 5 limits Executive’s ability to earn a livelihood in a Competitive
Enterprise and Executive’s relationships with Clients. Executive acknowledges, however, that
complying with this Section 5 will not result in severe economic hardship for Executive or
Executive’s family.

(c) Non-Competition. During Executive’s employment and, for the period of one year
following the Retirement Date, Executive agrees that he will not directly or indirectly:

(1) hold a 5% or greater equity, voting or profit participation interest in a
Competitive Enterprise; or

(2) associate (including as a director, officer, employee, partner, consultant, agent
or advisor) with a Competitive Enterprise and in connection with Executive’s association
engage, or directly or indirectly manage or supervise personnel engaged, in any activity:

(A) that is substantially related to any activity that Executive was engaged
in,

(B) that is substantially related to any activity for which Executive had
direct or indirect managerial or supervisory responsibility, or

(C) that calls for the application of specialized knowledge or skills
substantially related to those used by Executive in his activities;

in each case, for PFH or the Popular Subsidiaries at any time before the end of
Executive’s employment.

(d) Non-Solicitation of PFH or Popular Employees. During Executive’s employment and
for one year following the Retirement Date, Executive agree that he will not directly or indirectly
attempt to Solicit anyone who is then an employee, agent or contractor of PFH or any Popular
Subsidiary (or who was an employee, agent or contractor of PFH or any Popular Subsidiary within the
prior six months) to resign from PFH or any Popular Subsidiary or to apply for or accept employment
with any Competitive Enterprise. The term “Solicit” shall not be deemed to include solicitation or
employment of individuals who shall respond to public advertisement media of general distribution
(i.e., not targeted to present or former PFH employees) without specific instruction or
direction by Executive or whom shall have been previously terminated or the subject of a reduction
at PFH.

(e) Executive’s Payment Obligations/Off-sets. If Executive shall fail to comply with
this Section 5, other than any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure that is not in bad
faith, Executive will pay PFH any Transition Payment that Executive shall have received in
connection with this Agreement. PFH will have the right to offset Executive’s obligations under
this Section against any amounts otherwise owed to Executive by PFH or Popular, including under
this Agreement. This payment obligation is in addition to any rights that PFH may have under this
Section 5.

(f) Notice to New Employers. Before Executive accepts employment with any other
person or entity while any of Section 5(c) or 5(d) is in effect, Executive will provide the
prospective employer with written notice of the provisions of this Section 5 and will deliver a
copy of the notice to PFH.

	6.	 	PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

Executive agrees to the proprietary information provisions set forth on Annex B, which is a
part of this Agreement.

	7.	 	DISPUTES

Executive agrees to the dispute resolution provisions, including mandatory arbitration, set
forth on Annex C, which is a part of this Agreement.

	8.	 	GENERAL PROVISIONS

(a) Consideration. This Agreement is entered into as a material inducement to PFH and
Popular in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement. The parties to this
Agreement acknowledge the receipt and sufficiency of the consideration to this Agreement and intend
this Agreement to be legally binding.

(b) Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived
but only if the amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by all
of the parties, or, in the case of a waiver, by the party that would have benefited from the
provision waived.

(c) Bank Regulatory Limitation. If any payment or benefit under this Agreement would
otherwise be a golden parachute payment within the meaning of Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act (a “Golden Parachute Payment”) that is prohibited by applicable law, then the total
payments and benefit will be reduced to the greatest amount that could be made to you without there
being a Golden Parachute Payment. PFH and Popular shall provide Executive with the opportunity to
select the order in which payments or benefits are reduced.

(d) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court of
competent jurisdiction (or legally empowered agency) to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable for
any reason, then (i) the provision will be amended automatically to the minimum extent necessary to
cure the illegality or invalidity and permit enforcement and (ii) the remainder of this Agreement
will not be affected. In particular, if any provision of Section 5 is so found to violate law or be
unenforceable because it applies for longer than a maximum permitted period or to greater than a
maximum permitted area, or otherwise, it will be automatically amended to apply for the maximum
permitted period and maximum permitted area, or otherwise.

(e) Mutual Non-Disparagement. PFH and Popular agree, except as may be required by law,
to refrain from performing any act, engaging in any conduct or course of action or making or
publishing any statements, claims, allegations or assertions which they believe have or may
reasonably be expected to have the effect of demeaning the name or business reputation of Executive
and shall cause their employees, officers, directors, agents or advisors to be similarly bound.
Executive agrees to refrain from performing any act, engaging in any conduct or course of action or
making or publishing any statements, claims, allegations or assertions which have or may reasonably
have the effect of demeaning the name or business reputation of PFH, Popular or any of the Popular
Subsidiaries or any of their respective employees, officers, directors, agents or advisors in their
capacities as such or which adversely affects (or may reasonably be expected adversely to affect)
the best interests (economic or otherwise) of any of them. The parties agree that nothing in this
Section 8(e) shall preclude either party or any other person referenced in this Section 8(e) from
fulfilling any duty or obligation that he, she or it may have at law, from responding to any
subpoena or official inquiry from any court or government agency, including providing truthful
testimony, documents subpoenaed or requested or otherwise cooperating in good faith with any
proceeding or investigation, or from taking any reasonable actions to enforce such party’s rights
under this Agreement in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions specified in Annex C
annexed hereto.

(f) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Annexes attached hereto, sets
forth the entire agreement between the parties, and, except as otherwise provided herein, fully
supersedes any and all prior agreements, understandings, or representations between the parties
pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement.

(g) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the
internal laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

(h) Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be deemed performable by all parties
in, and venue shall exclusively be in the state or federal courts located in New Jersey. The
parties hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objection that
such venue is objectionable or improper.

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(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed as counterparts, each of which will
constitute an original and all of which, when taken together, will constitute one agreement.

* * *

Please confirm your acceptance of the terms of this Agreement by signing where indicated
below.

	 	 	 
	
 
	 	Very truly yours,

By: Popular Financial Holdings, Inc.

S/Gregory S. Fisher
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Name: Gregory S. Fisher

Title: Executive Vice President
	 
	 	 
	
 
	 	By: Popular, Inc.

S/ Roberto R. Herencia
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Name: Roberto R. Herencia

Title: President of Banco Popular North America
	 
	 	 
	Accepted and Agreed:

January 9, 2007

Date:

	 	S/ Cameron E. Williams

—

Employee’s Name: Cameron E. Williams

Title: President of Popular Financial Holdings

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Annex A

GENERAL RELEASE

GENERAL RELEASE (this “Release”), by Cameron E. Williams the “Executive”) in favor of
Popular, Inc. and Popular Financial Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the “Company”) and any of
their respective subsidiaries and affiliates and any of their respective past or present
shareholders, principals, directors, officers, employees, managers, agents, attorneys, trustees,
fiduciaries, representatives, insurers, assigns or benefit plan administrators (collectively, the
“Released Parties”).

RECITALS

A. Executive has been employed by PFH in the capacity of President of PFH.

B. Executive has also served as a member of the Corporate Leadership Council of Popular and as
officer or director of various direct and indirect subsidiaries and controlled affiliates of
Popular and PFH (collectively, the “Popular Subsidiaries”).

C. Executive has resigned and retired from his employment at PFH and the Popular Subsidiaries.

D. Executive is seeking payments under the Resignation, Retirement and Transition Agreement dated
as of January      , 2007 (the “Agreement”) with PFH and Popular that are conditioned on the
execution and effectiveness of this Release.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the
parties agree as follows:

1. General Release. Executive knowingly and voluntarily waives, terminates, cancels,
releases and discharges forever the Released Parties from any and all actions, causes of action,
claims, allegations, rights, obligations, liabilities, or charges (collectively, “Claims”) that he
has or may have, whether known or unknown, by reason of any matter, cause or thing occurring at any
time before and including the date of this Release, including, without limitation. claims for
compensation or bonuses (including, without limitation, any claim for an award under any
compensation plan or arrangement); breach of contract; tort; wrongful, abusive, unfair,
constructive, or unlawful discharge or dismissal; impairment of economic opportunity defamation;
age and national origin discrimination; sexual harassment or discrimination; discrimination based
on marital status; back pay; front pay; benefits; attorneys’ fees; whistleblower claims; emotional
distress; intentional infliction of emotional distress; assault; battery, pain and suffering;
punitive or exemplary damages; all claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the
Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended by the Older
Workers’ Benefit Protection Act, the Employee

Retirement Income Security Act of 1074, as amended (except as otherwise expressly provided in
paragraph 2(iv) below), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, or any other state, county or
city law or ordinance regarding employment discrimination, any claim under the Workers Adjustment
Retraining and Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., and any claims for unpaid compensation,
wages and bonuses under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. § 201, et seq., or any
state, county or city law ordinance regarding wages or compensation, retaliation, negligence, loss
of consortium, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional
distress, or any other claim and any alleged injuries he may have suffered up to and including the
date Executive executes this Release. In addition, in consideration of the provisions of this
Release, the Executive further agrees to waive any and all rights under the laws of any
jurisdiction in the United States, or any other country, that limit a general release to those
claims that are known or suspected to exist in Executive’s favor as of the Effective Date (as
defined below).

2. Surviving Claims. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, this Release
shall not:

	 	(i)	 	release any Claims relating to the payments and benefits set forth in Section
2 of the Agreement;

	 	(ii)	 	release any Claims arising after the date of this Release;

	 	(iii)	 	limit or prohibit in any way Executive’s (or his beneficiaries’ or legal
representatives’) ability to bring an action to enforce the terms of this Release;

	 	(iv)	 	release any claim for employee benefits under plans covered by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, to the extent that such claims may
not lawfully be waived or for any payments or benefits under any plans of the Company
and its affiliates (together, as constituted from time to time, the “Group”)
that have vested according to the terms of those plans:

	 	(v)	 	release any claims for indemnification in accordance with applicable laws and
the corporate governance documents of the Group or any other member of the Group,
including any right to contribution, in accordance with their terms as in effect from
time to time or pursuant to any applicable directors and officers insurance policy
with respect to any liability incurred by Executive as an officer or director of the
Group or any member of the Group or any right Executive may have to obtain
contribution as permitted by law in the event of entry of judgment; or

	 	(vi)	 	release any obligations from any individual who is a Released Party arising
from any personal business relationship with Executive outside of the employment
relationship, including, without limitation, any mortgages or loans.

3. Additional Representations. Executive further represents and warrants that he has
not filed any civil action, suit, arbitration, administrative charge, or legal proceeding against
any Released Party nor has he assigned, pledged, or hypothecated as of the Effective Date his claim
to any person and no other person has an interest in the claims that he is releasing.

4. Acknowledgements by Executive. Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has read
this Release in its entirety and that this Release is a general release of all known and unknown
claims, including, without limitation, to rights and claims arising under the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act (ADEA). Executive further acknowledges and agrees that:

	 	(i)	 	this Release does not release, waive or discharge any rights or claims that
may arise for actions or omissions after the date of this Release;

	 	(ii)	 	Executive is entering into this Release and releasing, waiving and
discharging rights or claims only in exchange for consideration which he is not
already entitled to receive;

	 	(iii)	 	Executive has been advised, and is being advised by the Release, to consult
with an attorney before executing this Release; Executive acknowledges that he has
consulted with counsel of his choice concerning the terms and conditions of this
Release;

	 	(iv)	 	Executive has been advised, and is being advised by this Release, that he has
twenty-one (21) days within which to consider the Release; and

	 	(v)	 	Executive is aware that this Release shall become null and void if he revokes
his agreement to this Release within seven (7) days following the date of execution of
this Release. Executive may revoke this Release at any time during such seven-day
period by delivering (or causing to be delivered) to Banco Popular North America, 9600
W. Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, Illinois 60018, Attention: Roberto R. Herencia, President;
written notice of his revocation of this Release no later than 5:00 p.m. eastern time
on the seventh (7th) full day following the date of execution of this Release (the
“Effective Date”). The Executive agrees and acknowledges that a letter of revocation
that is not received by such date and time will be invalid and will not revoke this
Release

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5. Additional Agreements. Executive agrees that should any person or entity file or
cause to be filed any civil action, suit, arbitration, or other legal proceeding seeking equitable
or monetary relief concerning any claim released by Executive herein, Executive shall not seek or
accept any personal relief from or as the result of such civil action, suit, arbitration, or other
legal proceeding.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has signed this Release on the date set forth on the first page
hereof.

S/ Cameron E. Williams

Cameron E. Williams

Accepted and agreed:

POPULAR FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By: S/Gregory S. Fisher

Its: Executive Vice President

POPULAR, INC.

By: S/ Roberto R. Herencia

Its: President of Banco Popular North America

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Annex B

Proprietary information

(a) Definition. “Proprietary Information” means confidential or proprietary information,
knowledge or data concerning (1) PFH’s or any Popular Subsidiaries’ businesses, strategies,
operations, financial affairs. organizational matters, personnel matters, budgets, business plans,
marketing plans, studies, policies, procedures, products, ideas, processes, software systems, trade
secrets and technical know-how , (2) any other matter relating to PFH or any Popular Subsidiary and
(3) any matter relating to clients of PFH or any Popular Subsidiary or other third parties having
relationships with PFH or any Popular Subsidiary. Proprietary Information includes (1) information
regarding any aspect of Executive’s tenure as an employee of PFH or any Popular Subsidiary or the
termination of Executive’s employment, (2) the names, addresses, and phone numbers and other
information concerning clients and prospective clients of PFH or any Popular Subsidiary, (3)
investment techniques and trading strategies used in, and the performance records of, client
accounts or other investment products, and (4) information and materials concerning the personal
affairs of employees of PFH or any Popular Subsidiary. In addition, Proprietary Information may
include information furnished to Executive orally or in writing (whatever the form or storage
medium) or gathered by inspection, in each case before or after the date of this Agreement.
However, Proprietary Information does not include information (1) that was or becomes generally
available to Executive on a non-confidential basis, if the source of this information was not
reasonably known to Executive to be bound by a duty of confidentiality, (2) that was or becomes
generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by Executive, directly or
indirectly, or (3) that Executive can establish was independently developed by Executive without
reference to any Proprietary Information.

(b) Use and Disclosure. Executive will obtain or create Proprietary Information in the course
of Executive’s involvement in PFH’s or any Popular Subsidiaries’ activities and may already have
Proprietary Information. Executive agrees that the Proprietary Information is the exclusive
property of PFH and Popular, and that, while Executive is employed by a member of PFH or any
Popular Subsidiary, Executive will use and disclose Proprietary Information only for PFH’s or any
Popular Subsidiaries’ benefit and in accordance with any restrictions placed on its use or
disclosure by PFH or Popular. After Executive ceases being employed by PFH, Executive will not use
or disclose any Proprietary Information. In addition, nothing in this Agreement will operate to
weaken or waive any rights PFH or any Popular Subsidiary may have under statutory or common law, or
any other agreement, to the protection of trade secrets, confidential business information and
other confidential information.

(c) Disputes. The existence of, and any information concerning, a dispute between Executive
and either PFH or Popular will be Proprietary Information. However, Executive may disclose
information concerning the dispute to the arbitrator or court that is considering the dispute and
to Executive’s legal counsel (so long as such counsel agrees not to disclose any such information
other than as necessary to the prosecution or defense of the dispute).

(d) Return of Property/Proprietary Information. When Executive’s employment terminates,
Executive agrees to return to PFH (i) all property owned by PFH, including without limitation, all
PFH-owned cell phones and PDA’s; and (ii) all Proprietary Information, including all notes, mailing
lists, rolodexes, computer hardware and software and computer files that contain any Proprietary
Information. Executive agrees to do anything reasonably requested by PFH or Popular in furtherance
of perfecting PFH’s and Popular’s possession of, and title to, any Proprietary information that was
at any time in Executive’s possession.

(e) Limitations. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from providing truthful
testimony concerning PFH or Popular to governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory authorities.

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Annex C

DISPUTE RESOLUTION AGREEMENT

In exchange for the consideration set forth in the Agreement, Cameron E. Williams
(“Executive”) Popular, Inc. (“PI”) and Popular Financial Holdings Inc.
(“PFH”; PI and PFH, collectively, the “Company”) agree that in the event employment
disputes arise between them, they will be bound by the dispute resolution procedures set forth
below. Further, if there is any conflict or ambiguity between this Dispute Resolution Agreement
(“DR Agreement”) and any other Company policy, procedure or rule, the terms and conditions
of this DR Agreement shall govern.

In order to establish and gain the benefits of a timely, impartial and cost-effective dispute
resolution procedure, the Company and Executive desire to enter into this DR Agreement.

A. Complaints Covered by the Agreement.

Except for those disputes identified in Paragraph B of this DR Agreement, the Company and
Executive shall settle by arbitration all statutory, contractual and/or common law complaints or
controversies (“Complaints”) that the Company may have against the Executive or that the
Executive may have against the Company or any of its shareholders, officers, directors, employees,
or its agents, that arise out of, or are related to, the employment relationship between the
Company and the Executive. Complaints subject to arbitration include but are not limited to (1)
complaints of illegal discrimination (including, but not limited to, age, disability, marital
status, medical conditions, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual harassment or
sexual orientation); (2) complaints for breach of any contract (express or implied) or breach of
the covenant of good faith and fair dealing; (3) complaints for violation of any federal, state, or
other governmental law, statute, regulation or ordinance; and (4) tort complaints (including but
not limited to negligent or intentional injury, defamation and termination of employment in
violation of public policy.)

	 	B.	 	Complaints Not Covered by this Agreement/Violations of
Sections 5 and 6 of the Agreement.

This DR Agreement does not cover the following types of disputes: (1) complaints by the
Executive for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance; (2) complaints which in the absence
of this DR Agreement could not have been litigated in court or before any administrative
proceeding under applicable federal, state, or local law; (3) claims for equitable or legal relief
that arise from Executive’s improper disclosure of any trade secret or confidential information, or
that arise from Executive’s improper or unfair competition against the Company or solicitation of
customers or employees of the Company, including but not limited to claims for violations of
Sections 5 and 6 of the Agreement; and (4) alleged criminal violations.

Executive further agrees that (1) Executive’s violating any part of Sections 5 or 6 of the
Agreement would cause damage to the Company that cannot be measured or repaired, (2) the Company
therefore is entitled to an injunction, restraining order or other equitable relief restraining any
actual or threatened violation of those Sections, (3) no bond will need to be posted for the
Company to receive such an injunction, order or other relief and (4) no proof will be required that
monetary damages for violations of those Sections would be difficult to calculate and that remedies
at law would be inadequate.

C. Required Notice of Complaint and Statute of Limitations.

Arbitration must be initiated by serving or mailing a written notice to the other party.
Written notice must be provided to the other party within one year (365 days) after the day the
complaining party first knew or should have known of the events giving rise to the complaint. If
the complaint is not properly submitted within the appropriate time frame, all rights and claims
that the complaining party has or may have against the other party shall be waived and void. Any
notice sent to the Company shall be delivered to: Banco Popular North America, 9600 W. Bryn Mawr,
Rosemont, IL 60018, Attention: Roberto R. Herencia, President. The notice must identify and
describe the nature of all complaints asserted and the facts upon which such complaints are based.
Notice will be deemed given according to the date of any postmark or the date or time of any
personal delivery.

D. Arbitration Procedures and Authority of Arbitrator.

All arbitrations will be conducted by a single arbitrator according to the Employment Dispute
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). The arbitrator will have
authority to award any remedy or relief that a court of competent jurisdiction could order or grant
including, without limitation, specific performance of any obligation created under policy, the
awarding of punitive damages, the issuance of any injunction, costs and attorney’s fees to the
extent permitted by law, or the imposition of sanctions for abuse of the arbitration process. The
arbitrator’s award must be rendered in a writing that sets forth the essential findings and
conclusions upon which the arbitrator’s award is based.

E. Representation and Arbitrator Fees and Costs.

Each party may be represented in the arbitration by an attorney or other representative
selected by the party. The Company shall be responsible for its own costs, the AAA filing fee and
all other fees, costs and expenses of the arbitrator and AAA for administering the arbitration.
The Executive shall be responsible for his/her attorney’s or representative’s fees, if any.
However, if any party prevails on a statutory claim which allows the prevailing party costs and/or
attorneys’ fees, the arbitrator may award costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees as provided by
applicable statute.

F. Location of the Arbitration.

Arbitrations will be held at a location selected by the Company within the State of New
Jersey.

G. Evidence.

AAA rules notwithstanding, the admissibility of evidence offered at the arbitration shall be
determined by the arbitrator who shall be the judge of its materiality and relevance. Legal rules
of evidence will not be controlling, and the standard for admissibility of evidence will generally
be whether it is the type of information that responsible people rely upon in making important
decisions.

H. Confidentiality.

The existence, content or results of any arbitration may not be disclosed by a party or
arbitrator without the prior written consent of both parties. Witnesses who are not a party to the
arbitration shall be excluded from the hearing except to testify.

I. Knowing Waiver of Trial by Jury or Judge.

The Company and Executive understand that this DR Agreement will result in the waiver of their
respective rights to a trial by a judge or jury. In consideration of the benefits of this
Agreement, and after the opportunity to consider it fully, Executive and the Company freely waive
that right in favor of the dispute mechanism set forth in this DR Agreement.

J. Modification.

This DR Agreement may only be modified by a written agreement signed by the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer and Executive.

K. Construction.

The provisions of this DR Agreement are severable. If any one or more provisions are
determined to be legally unenforceable, in whole or part, the remaining provisions are binding and
enforceable.

L. Entire Agreement.

The parties acknowledge that they have carefully read this DR Agreement and understand its
terms. This DR Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties on the subject of
arbitration of any and all disputes between the Executive and the Company specified in Paragraph A
of this Agreement. This DR Agreement supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral or written
understandings, agreements, negotiations or representations on these subjects. The parties
acknowledge that no other party or agent or attorney of any other party has made any promises,
representations or warranties whatsoever, express or implied, which are not expressly contained in
this DR Agreement. Each party further acknowledges that they have not executed this DR Agreement
in reliance upon a collateral promise, representation or warranty, or in reliance upon any belief
as to any fact not expressly stated in this DR Agreement.

The parties acknowledge that they have carefully read this DR Agreement and understand its
terms. The parties acknowledge that they have had an opportunity to negotiate the terms of this DR
Agreement. The parties have voluntarily entered into this DR Agreement without reliance on any
provision or representation by the other party except those contained in this DR Agreement. THE
PARTIES UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, THEY ARE WAIVING THEIR RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY
WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE MATTERS ADDRESSED IN PARAGRAPH A OF THIS DR AGREEMENT. The parties
understand that they have the opportunity to consult with legal counsel, to the extent desired,
before executing the Agreement.

	 	 	 
	DATED: January 9, 2007

	 	S/ Cameron W. Williams
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Executive’s Signature
	 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Cameron W. Williams
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Print Executive’s Name
	 
	 	 
	
 
	 	POPULAR, INC.

By: S/Roberto R. Herencia
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Name: Roberto R. Herencia
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Title: President of Banco Popular North America
	
 
	 	 
	 
	 	 
	
 
	 	POPULAR FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By: S/ Gregory S. Fisher
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Name: Gregory S. Fisher
	
 
	 	 
	
 
	 	Title: Executive Vice President
	
 
	 	 
	 
	 	 

6Aircastle Advisor LLC

300 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor

Stamford, Connecticut  06902

 

January 8, 2007

 

Michael Platt

 

Dear Mike:

 

It is with great pleasure that we extend to you an offer to join Aircastle Advisor LLC (the “Company” or “Aircastle”).     

 

The details relating to our offer of employment are set forth below.  Your responsibilities may change from time to time in accordance with the Company’s business practices.

 

	
            Title:
 	
            Chief Investment Officer.
 
	
            Start Date:
 	
            February 1, 2007. or as soon thereafter as your current employment terminates, but in any event not later than February 26, 2007.
 
	
            Location:
 	
            Stamford, CT, or another location subsequently specified by the Company within 60 miles of Stamford, CT.
 
	
            Base Salary:
 	
            Your base salary shall be paid at the rate of US$300,000, less statutory and voluntary deductions, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Company.
 
	
            Discretionary Bonus:
 	
            In addition, you are eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus, however, nothing in this offer letter will entitle you to a discretionary bonus payment, except that you shall be paid a guaranteed bonus in respect of calendar year 2007 (the “2007 Guaranteed Bonus”) in an amount equal to $500,000 in cash.  The 2007 Guaranteed Bonus will be paid in two installments as follows: (1) $50,000 shall be paid at the next regular payroll date following your Start Date, (2) $225,000 shall be paid at the next regular payroll date following the relocation of your household to the Stamford, Connecticut area, and (3) $225,000 shall be paid in January 2008.  The description of the Company’s bonus plan
does not amount to a contract of employment for a definite period of time, and payment of a discretionary bonus in any given fiscal or calendar year does not entitle you to additional compensation or any such bonus in any subsequent year.  In order to be eligible for any bonus while employed by the Company, you must be an active employee at, and not have given or received notice of termination prior to, the time of the bonus payment.  For the sake of clarity, you are not entitled to any pro-rata portion of any discretionary bonus if your employment terminates for any
reason prior to the payment of any such bonus, except (in the case of the 2007 Guaranteed Bonus) as provided below.  
 
	
            Co-invest:
 	
            Within six months following your Start Date, and subject to compliance with the Company’s trading policy and applicable law, it is understood that you will invest between $50,000 and $100,000 in Aircastle Limited shares.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Offer Letter

Michael Platt

Page 2

 

 

 

 

	
            Benefits:
 	
            Effective your first day of employment, you (and your spouse, registered domestic partner and/or eligible dependents, if any) may at your election be covered under such health insurance plan as covers the Company’s employees, subject to applicable exclusions and limitations.  You are eligible to participate in all other perquisite and benefit arrangements generally made available by the Company to employees, subject to the terms of such plans or programs. Each such benefit is subject to modification, including elimination, from to time, at the Company’s sole discretion. 

In addition, the Company shall pay or reimburse to you the following:

(1)  costs and expenses associated with commuting to and from the Los Angeles area from your Start Date for a period of up to six months, including airfare, hotel, ground transportation, meals and rental car as needed, in the Stamford area, all in accordance with the Company’s travel policy generally; 

(2)  costs and expenses associated with moving your family and household goods to the Stamford area from the Los Angeles area, which may include costs associated with relocation and buying and selling a house, exclusive of commissions, with all such costs and expenses not to exceed $30,000;

(3)  costs and expenses associated with up to two
house-hunting trips to the Stamford, CT area for your spouse during the first 6 months of employment, including airfare, hotel, ground transportation, meals and rental car as needed; 

(4)  the Company will reimburse you for up to $5,000 in legal fees and $2,000 in accounting fees incurred by you in seeking advice on this Agreement and related agreements;

(5)  your flights on business travel shall be first class, where available.
 
	
            Vacation:
 	
            20 days per year (prorated for 2007) in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy applicable to employees, as amended from time to time.
 
	
            Policies and Procedures:
 	
            You agree to comply fully with all of the Company's policies and procedures applicable to employees, as amended from time to time, copies of which shall be provided to you or made available to you by electronic means.

 
 

 

 

 

 

Employment Offer Letter

Michael Platt

Page 3

 

 

 

 

	
            Certain Definitions:
 	
            “Cause” means (i) the continued failure by Employee substantially to perform his duties and obligations to the Company, including without limitation, repeated refusal to follow the reasonable directions of the Company, knowing violation of law in the course of performance of the duties of Employee's employment with the Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate), engaging in misconduct which is materially injurious to the Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate), repeated absences from work without a reasonable excuse, or intoxication with alcohol or illegal drugs while on the Company's (or any subsidiary's or affiliate's) premises during regular business hours (other than any such failure resulting from his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) fraud or material dishonesty
against the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate; (iii) a conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere for the commission of a felony or a crime involving material dishonesty; or (iv) Employee’s willful failure to comply with any material policies or procedures of the Company as in effect from time to time provided that Employee shall have been delivered a copy of such policies or notice that they have been posted on a Company, subsidiary or affiliate website prior to such compliance failure, and provided that Employee has received notice of such compliance failure and has not cured such failure within 30 days of receiving such notice; or (v) Employee’s commission of any material breach of any of the provisions or covenants hereof..

 

With respect to Employee and any grants made to Employee under the Amended and Restated Aircastle Limited 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan, the foregoing definition of "Cause" shall override the definition of "Cause" in such Plan.

 

“Good Reason” means (i) the Company’s failure to pay any portion of base salary or other agreed payments (including those described in clauses (1)-(4) of “Benefits” above) within 30 days after the same are due; (ii) elimination of the position of Chief Investment Officer, or a material diminution of the overall duties and responsibilities of the Chief Investment Officer, in either case which continues for 90 days following notice from Employee;
(iii) a requirement for Employee to report to anyone other than the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors (or committee thereof) of the Company; or (iv) if Employee shall receive less than $600,000 in base salary, discretionary bonus and dividends on unvested Aircastle Limited shares (if any) in any calendar year, and shall resign within 60 days following the end of such calendar year.

 
 

 

 

 

 

Employment Offer Letter

Michael Platt

Page 4

 

 

 

 

	
            Employment

Relationship:
 	
            You are an at-will employee.  This employment offer letter is not a contract of employment for any specific period of time, and your employment may be terminated by you or by the Company at any time for any reason, no reason with or without prior notice or Cause.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, you agree to provide the Company with at least 30 days advance written notice of any resignation.

 

In the event that you are terminated by the Company, then:

(i)          if you are terminated without Cause, then: 

(a)      if such termination occurs at any time after your Start Date and prior to the date on which you have been paid your Guaranteed 2007 Bonus in full, you shall be paid an amount equal to the that portion of your Guaranteed 2007 Bonus which then remains unpaid (in addition to any base salary or dividends that you may have already received), such amount to be paid within thirty (30) days of such termination, and

 

(b)     if such termination
occurs at any time after your Start Date and prior to January 15, 2009, you shall be paid an amount equal to $750,000 (in addition to any base salary or dividends that you may have already received), such amount to be paid within thirty (30) days of such termination

 

in each case, provided you sign a separation agreement prepared by the Company which includes a general release of claims against the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (a “Separation Agreement”).  If the termination would result in you receiving less than $750,000 under this clause (i), the Company agrees to provide 90 days notice prior to termination (or pay in lieu of such notice); if you would receive at least $750,000 upon termination, the Company
agrees to provide 30 days notice prior to termination (or pay in lieu of such notice).

(ii)         if you are terminated for any other reason (including Cause, or following your death or disability), then no termination payments shall be made by the Company; provided that if your employment is terminated because of your death or disability prior to receiving the Guaranteed 2007 Bonus in full, you will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of the Guaranteed 2007 Bonus, based on the number of days elapsed between the Start Date and such termination as compared to the number of days between the Start Date and December 31, 2007 (to the extent that such pro rata portion exceeds the portion of the Guaranteed 2007 Bonus which has already been paid).

If you resign from the Company with Good Reason, then clause (i) above will apply as if you were terminated without Cause.  If you resign for any other reason, then no termination payments shall be made by the Company.

 
 
	
            Your Representations:
 	
            You represent that:

(i)          you are free to be employed hereunder without any contractual restrictions, express or implied, with respect to any of your prior employer(s).

(ii)         you have not taken or otherwise misappropriated and you do not have in your possession or control any confidential or proprietary information belonging to any of your prior employer(s) or connected with or derived from your services to prior employer(s), and you have returned to all prior employers any and all such confidential or
proprietary information.

(iii)       the Company and the Aircastle Group have informed you that you are not to use or cause the use of such confidential or proprietary information in any manner whatsoever in connection with your employment by the Company or any affiliate, and that you have agreed and hereby do agree that you will not use any such confidential or proprietary information.
 
	
            Certain Covenants:  
 	
            Enclosed is a Confidentiality, Developments and No-solicitation Agreement (“Agreement”) for your review and execution.  Your execution of the Agreement is a term and condition of employment and must be presented on your start date.
 

 

 

 

 

Employment Offer Letter

Michael Platt

Page 5

 

 

 

 

	
            Entire Offer:  
 	
            This letter contains the entire terms of the Company’s employment offer and supersedes all prior statements, promises, agreements, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written by any office, manager, employee or representative of the Company and is not subject to modification, except in writing signed by the parties.  In addition, you represent and agree that you shall not be entitled to any equity interest, profits interest or other interest in any member of the Aircastle Group (including in any fund or other business managed by it or any of its affiliates) except as set forth in a writing signed by the Company.  The Company’s affiliates are intended beneficiaries of your agreement in this regard.  

 
 
	
            Governing Law; Jurisdiction:  
 	
            The Company’s offer of employment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof.  THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE THAT EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION WILL BE IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE CITY OF STAMFORD AND HEREBY WAIVE OBJECTION TO THE JURISDICTION OR TO THE LAYING OF VENUE IN ANY SUCH COURT.

 
 

 

	
             
 	
            *
 	
            *
 	
            *
 	
            *
 	
             
 

 

We look forward to a successful employment relationship with you.  If the foregoing terms of employment are acceptable, please so indicate by signing in the space provided below and returning to us 

 

 

 

Employment Offer Letter

Michael Platt

Page 6

 

 

 

an executed copy of this letter agreement on or prior to January 19, 2007, the date on which the offer of employment set out in this letter agreement shall expire if not accepted by you.

 

Very truly yours,

 

AIRCASTLE ADVISOR LLC

 

 

	
            By: /s/ Ron Wainshal  
 

 

 

Accepted and agreed to, this 8th day of January, 2007:

 

 

	
            /s/ Michael Platt  
 

MICHAEL PLATT

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