Document:

Letter from Registrant to Gerald F. Kelly

 

Exhibit 10.35

Executive Employment

And

Severance/Non-Compete Agreement

     In this Executive Employment and Severance/Non-Compete Agreement dated as
of October      , 2002 (the “Agreement”), Sears, Roebuck and Co., including its
subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Sears”), and Gerald F. Kelly, Jr.
(“Executive”), intending to be legally bound and for good and valuable
consideration, agree as follows:

     1.     Employment Period.

     (a)  Sears hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby
accepts such employment, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement, for a period commencing on October      , 2002 (the “Commencement
Date”) and ending on October      , 2005, unless terminated earlier as provided
herein (the “Initial Employment Period”), provided that the Initial Employment
Period, upon mutual agreement of Sears and Executive, shall be extended for
successive one (1) year periods (“Additional Periods”) unless terminated
earlier as provided herein or a party gives written notice to the other party
of non-extension at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial
Employment Period or the then Additional Period. A notice of non-extension by
Sears shall be deemed a termination without Cause as of the end of the then
Initial Employment Period or Additional Period or such earlier date after
notice as the Executive shall elect. A notice of non-extension by Executive
shall be deemed a voluntary termination. The period of Executive’s actual
employment hereunder after the Commencement Date shall be referred to herein as
the “Employment Period.”

     2.     Position and Duties.

     (a)  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be employed as
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer – Sears, Roebuck and Co.
reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sears,
Roebuck and Co.

     (b)  The Executive shall devote his full business time, attention
and best efforts
to his duties and responsibilities hereunder and shall comply with Sears
written rules and policies including, without limitation, Sears Code of
Conduct. It shall not be a violation of this section for the Executive to (i)
manage his personal investments, (ii) be involved in charitable, civic and
professional activities, provided that the activities referred to in subparts
(i) through (ii) do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s
responsibilities as an employee of Sears or violate Sears written rules and
policies. In the event the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sears
notifies Executive in writing that any such activity presents a conflict, or an
appearance of a conflict of interest with Sears, or violates Sears written
rules and policies, the Executive shall cease the activity as soon as
reasonably practicable.

     3.     Salary, Bonus and Benefits.

     (a)  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive an annual
base salary of $400,000.00 with periodic increases based upon performance
(“Annual Base

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Salary”). The Annual Base Salary shall be payable pursuant to Sears
normal payroll practices.

     (b)  Executive shall receive a one-time sign-on bonus payable within 30
days after Agreement is executed in the amount of $50,000.00, less applicable
withholding taxes and any legal deductions.

     (c)  During the Employment Period, Executive shall be eligible for an
annual bonus consisting of payments made under the Annual Incentive
Compensation Plan or any successor annual incentive program. The Executive’s
annual target incentive opportunity shall be equal to 80% of base salary and
shall be increased or reduced in accordance with the pay-out formula if
established target performance goals are exceeded or not met, except for the
2002 annual incentive payable in 2003, for which Executive is guaranteed an
annual incentive award of no less than 50% of his annual incentive target. The
annual incentive performance objective for Executive’s position may be based on
a combination of earnings per share and business financial performance, as well
as other relevant strategic or operational goals. Any incentive earned will be
paid typically by March 15 of the year following the end of the performance
cycle.

     (d)  During the Employment Period, the Executive will be an eligible
participant in the Long-Term Performance Incentive Program, as conformed and
restated through August 14, 2002 and subject to the terms and conditions of the
Long-Term Performance Incentive Program.

     (e)  During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to
participate in all employee pension and welfare benefit plans and programs made
available to Sears senior level executives or its employees generally, as such
plans or programs may be in effect from time to time, including, without
limitation, pension, savings, and other retirement plans or programs, medical,
dental, hospitalization, short-term disability, long term-disability and life
insurance plans, travel accident insurance, vacation, and any other pension or
retirement plans or programs and any other employee welfare benefit plans or
programs that may be sponsored by Sears, including plans that supplement the
above-listed types of plans or programs, whether funded or unfunded.

     (f)  During the Employment Period, Executive shall participate in all
benefits and perquisites available to senior executives of Sears at levels, and
on terms and conditions, that are commensurate with his position and
responsibilities at Sears.

     (g)  Executive shall be eligible for relocation assistance benefits in
accordance with the relocation program and that are provided to senior
executives of Sears, including reimbursement for temporary living expenses and
the purchase of Executive’s home, if required.

     4.     Equity Awards.

     (a)  As soon as practical following the commencement of employment with
Sears, Executive shall be granted a non-qualified stock option for 20,000
shares of common stock of Sears that will vest in three equal installments from
the date of grant as

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follows: 6,666 shares will vest one year from the date of grant; 6,666
shares will vest two years from the date of grant; and 6,668 shares will vest
three years from the date of grant.

     (b)  As soon as practical following the commencement of employment with
Sears, Executive shall be granted 20,000 shares of restricted stock that will
vest if he is actively employed by Sears on the third year anniversary of the
grant date.

     (c)  As soon as practical following the commencement of employment with
Sears, Executive shall be granted 11,000 performance shares as part of the
Sears Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTPIP”). In accordance with the terms of
the LTPIP, these performance shares may entitle a participant to an equal,
lower or higher number of Sears shares depending on performance measured
against strategic goals, relative stock price performance, and continuing
eligibility as part of the Executive leadership team.

     5.     Severance Pay.

     (a)  Should Executive be involuntarily terminated from Sears during
the Employment Period for any reason other than Cause (as defined below in
Section 6(b)), death, total and permanent disability, or voluntary retirement,
and other than a Change in Control Termination (as defined below in Section
6(b)), Sears agrees to pay, in lieu of any salary or bonus that Executive may
be entitled to during the Employment Period pursuant to Section 3, severance,
subject to the provisions of Sections 12(e) and 16 herein, to Executive in an
amount equal to: (i) an annual bonus, based on actual results for the year in
which active employment ends, pro rata through the date active employment ends,
plus (ii) one (1) year of salary continuation, which will include annual base
salary plus annual bonus at target as determined for the year in which active
employment ends. Any such annual bonus amounts shall be paid at the same time
as the annual bonus for that year is paid to Sears executives generally. The
“annual bonus” consists of payments made under the Annual Incentive
Compensation Plan or any successor annual incentive program. A lump sum
payment will be made for any vacation benefits that accrued prior to the end of
active employment. No vacation will accrue after the date active employment
ends. All salary continuation payments, benefits and annual bonus payments will
terminate and forever lapse if Executive is employed by a “Sears Competitor” as
defined in Section 12(b) herein.

     (b)  During the salary continuation period, Executive will be placed on a
leave of absence status and be entitled to all benefits (other than as
specified above) for which Executive was eligible to participate prior to the
end of active employment, with the exception of Long-Term Disability, Flexible
Spending Accounts and (if applicable) financial planning. Executive and
eligible dependents shall be entitled to continue to participate in medical and
dental plans to the same extent and on the same cost-sharing basis as if
Executive’s employment with Sears had continued during such period. However,
in the event Executive becomes employed by another employer and is covered by
such employer’s health benefits plan or program, the medical and dental
benefits provided by Sears hereunder shall be secondary to such employer’s
health benefits plan or program in accordance with the terms of Sears health
benefit plans.

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     (c)  Any stock options, stock appreciation rights, or restricted stock,
except as otherwise provided for herein, granted to Executive prior to the date
active employment ends, will continue to vest during the salary continuation
period. Executive shall have the right to exercise any outstanding and fully
vested stock option, stock appreciation right, or other exercisable
equity-based award in accordance with its respective grant letter. Any
restricted stock grant that has not yet vested by the end of the salary
continuation period will be governed by the terms of its respective grant
letter.

     (d)  At the beginning of the salary continuation period, Executive will be
immediately eligible for outplacement services at Sears expense. Sears and
Executive will mutually agree on which outplacement firm, among current vendors
used by Sears, will provide these services. Such services will be provided for
up to one (1) year from the beginning of the salary continuation period or
until employment is obtained, whichever occurs first.

     6.     Change in Control.

     (a)  Sears shall pay to Executive, and Executive shall be entitled to
receive, the Change in Control Severance Pay described in Section 7, if
Executive’s employment is terminated under the circumstances described below (a
“Change in Control Termination”), provided, however, that notwithstanding the
foregoing, a termination by reason of death, disability or voluntary
retirement, by Sears for Cause, or by the Executive without Good Reason, shall
not be deemed to be a Change in Control Termination.

     (b)  For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
definitions as set forth below:

	 	 	(i)  “Change in Control Termination” means the termination of
Executive’s employment with Sears and all of its subsidiaries which is:
	 
	 	 	(1)  on the day of, or within 24 months after, the occurrence of a
Change in Control, as such term is defined in Appendix A;
	 
	 	 	(2)  prior to a Change in Control but at the request of any
third-party participating in or causing the Change in Control;
	 
	 	 	(3)  by Sears without Cause during a “Potential Change in Control
Period” (as defined below), provided that a Change in Control
occurs before the Potential Change in Control Period lapses; or
	 
	 	 	(4)  by Executive for Good Reason during a Potential Change in
Control Period, provided that a Change in Control occurs before
the Potential Change in Control Period lapses;
	 	 	 

	 	(The parties agree and understand that a termination described in Section
5(a) during a Potential Change in Control Period may later become a
Change in

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	 	Control Termination and entitle the Executive to any additional benefits
set forth in Section 6(a).)

	 	 
	 	     (ii) “Cause” shall mean (1) a material breach by Executive (other
than a breach resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to a mental or
physical disability) of Executive’s duties and responsibilities (which
upon a Change in Control, shall not differ (except with the consent of
Executive) in any material respect from Executive’s duties and
responsibilities during the ninety (90) day period immediately prior to
the Change in Control or any Potential Change in Control Period during
which a Change in Control occurs), which breach is demonstrably willful
and deliberate on Executive’s part, is committed in bad faith or without
reasonable belief that such breach is in the best interests of Sears and
is not remedied in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written
notice from Sears specifying such breach, (2) the commission by Executive
of a felony involving moral turpitude, or (3) dishonesty or willful
misconduct in connection with Executive’s employment; and

		
	 	     (iii) “Good Reason” shall mean a significant reduction in
Executive’s responsibilities, title, annual base salary, annual incentive
compensation target or long-term incentive compensation opportunity from
those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control (or to the
Potential Change in Control Period during which the Change in Control
occurs), or Executive’s mandatory relocation to an office more than 50
miles from the primary location at which Executive is required to perform
Executive’s duties immediately prior to the Change in Control (or to the
Potential Change in Control Period during which the Change in Control
occurs), and which reduction or relocation is not remedied in a
reasonable period of time (which shall not be greater than thirty (30)
days) after receipt of written notice from Executive specifying that
“Good Reason” exists for purposes of this Agreement. “Good Reason” shall
also include failure of a successor company to assume or fulfill the
obligations under this Agreement, including the prompt payment of any
amounts due to Executive hereunder.

		
	 	     (iv) “Potential Change in Control Period” shall commence upon the
occurrence of a “Potential Change in Control” (as defined below) and
shall lapse immediately following the first to occur of (a) a Change in
Control, or, (b) the one-year anniversary of the occurrence of a
Potential Change in Control.

		
	 	     (v) “Potential Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred
if the event set forth in any one of the following subsections shall have
occurred:

		
	 	(1) Sears enters into an agreement the consummation of which would
result in the occurrence of a Change in Control;

		
	 	(2) Sears or any other party publicly announces an intention to
take or consider taking actions which, if consummated, would
constitute a Change in Control,

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	 	(3) there occurs an acquisition of 15% of Sears shares or other
voting securities that meets the criteria (other than the 20%
ownership threshold) set forth in Section (a) of the definition of
“Change in Control” in Appendix A, or

		
	 	(4) the Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for purposes
of this agreement, a Potential Change in Control has occurred.

     (c)  Executive acknowledges that Sears shall have the right to propose
modifications to the subparagraphs defining a “Change in Control” Appendix A
and “Good Reason” 6(b)(iii). Executive shall have sixty (60) days to object in
writing to the Senior Vice President of Sears Human Resources Department as to
any proposed modification to these subparagraphs. The final decision as to any
modification to which Executive makes a timely objection will be at the sole
discretion of Sears. Modifications shall be proposed only if the conditions
set forth in the then current Appendix A are not present and may not be
proposed during a Potential Change in Control Period. The right to make
modifications under this subparagraph shall expire and lapse upon the
occurrence of a Change in Control event as defined in the then current Appendix
A.

     (d)  This Agreement will automatically terminate and its provisions and
covenants will become null and void twenty-four (24) months after the
occurrence of a Change in Control.

     7.     Change in Control Severance Pay.

     (a)  In the event of a Change in Control Termination, Sears agrees to pay
Executive’s base salary and annual bonus at target, pro rata through the date
of the Change in Control Termination, plus severance pay equal to one (1)
multiplied by the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary in effect at the
date of the Change in Control Termination or, if greater, immediately prior to
the Change in Control or the Potential Change in Control Period during which
the Change in Control occurs, plus (ii) Executive’s annual bonus at target as
determined for the year in which termination occurs. Such amounts will be paid
in an undiscounted lump sum within thirty (30) days of Change in Control
Termination.

     (b)  During the one (1) year period following the Change in Control
Termination, Executive will be placed on a leave of absence status and be
entitled to all benefits for which Executive is eligible to participate, as
provided in section 5 (b) above.

     (c)  Any stock options, stock appreciation rights, or restricted stock that
were outstanding immediately prior to the Change in Control Termination shall,
to the extent not then vested, fully vest as of the date of the Change in
Control Termination. Executive shall have the right to exercise any
outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right until the expiration date
of such stock option or stock appreciation right as set forth in its respective
grant letter.

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     (d)  Executive’s stock options and any restricted stock awards will
continue to vest during the salary continuation period, in accordance with the
terms of their respective grant letters.

     (e)  Executive shall be entitled to outplacement benefits as described in
Section 1(d), above.

     8.     Gross-Up Payment.

     (a)  If, for any reason, the Total Payments (as defined below) will be
subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the “Code”) or any successor or similar provision (“Excise
Tax”), Sears shall pay to Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up
Payment”) such that the net amount retained by Executive, after deduction of
any Excise Tax on the Total Payments and any federal, state and local income
and employment taxes and Excise Tax upon the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal
to the Total Payments. The Total Payment will be subject to Excise Tax if any
or all of the Total Payment is deemed to be “excess parachute payments” within
the meaning of Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code or any successor or similar
provision.

     (b)  For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment,
Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax at the highest marginal
rate in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state
and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate in the state and locality
of Executive’s residence on the date on which the Gross-Up Payment is
calculated, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes which could be
obtained from deduction of such state and local taxes.

     (c)  “Total Payments” is defined as any or all of the amounts payable to
Executive under this Agreement, after deduction of all applicable federal,
state and local income and employment taxes (except for Excise Taxes, as
defined above) including such amounts that are in the nature of compensation
paid or payable by Sears or any of its subsidiaries in connection with a Change
in Control.

     9.     Non-Disparagement. Executive will not take any action detrimental to
the interests of Sears or its affiliates, make derogatory statements, either
written or oral to any third party, or otherwise publicly disparage Sears, its
products, services, or present or former employees, officers or directors, and
will not authorize others to make derogatory or disparaging statements on
Executive’s behalf.

     10.     Intellectual Property Rights. Executive acknowledges that Executive’s
development, work or research on any and all inventions or expressions of
ideas, patentable or not, hereafter made or conceived solely or jointly within
the scope of employment at Sears, provided such invention or expression of an
idea relates to the business of Sears, or relates to Sears actual or
demonstrably anticipated research or development, or results from any work
performed by Executive for or on behalf of Sears, are hereby assigned to Sears,
including Executive’s entire rights, title and interest. Executive will
promptly disclose such invention or expression of an idea to Executive’s

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management and will, upon request, promptly execute a specific written
assignment of title to Sears. If Executive currently holds any inventions or
expressions of an idea, regardless of whether they were published or filed with
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or is under contract to not so assign,
Executive will list them on the last page of this Agreement.

     11.     Confidentiality of Employment Terms. Executive agrees that the
existence and terms of the Agreement, including the compensation paid to
Executive, and discussions with Sears on this Agreement, shall be considered
confidential and shall not be disclosed or communicated in any manner except:
(a) as required by law; or (b) to Executive’s spouse or financial/legal
advisors, all of whom shall agree to keep such information confidential.

     12.     Protective Covenants. Executive acknowledges that this Agreement
provides for additional consideration beyond what Sears is otherwise obligated
to pay. In consideration of the opportunity for severance benefits and special
payments specified above, and other good and valuable consideration, Executive
agrees to the following:

     (a)  Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges
that as a result of Executive’s position at Sears, Executive has learned or
developed, or will learn or develop Sears Confidential Information. “Sears
Confidential Information” means trade secrets and non-public information which
Sears designates as being confidential or which, under the circumstances
surrounding disclosure, should be treated as confidential, including, without
limitation, any information received in confidence or developed by Sears, its
long and short term goals, vendor and supply agreements, databases, methods,
programs, techniques, business information, financial information, marketing
and business plans, proprietary software, personnel information and files,
client information, pricing, and other information relating to the business of
Sears that is not known generally to the public or in the industry and is of
value to Sears.

		
	 	(i) Executive agrees that he will not during the Employment Period
or thereafter, except as Sears may otherwise consent or direct in
writing, reveal or disclose, sell, use, lecture upon or publish
any Sears Confidential Information until such time as the
information becomes publicly known through a source other than
Executive.

		
	 	(ii) Executive understands that if he possesses any proprietary
information of another person or company as a result of prior
employment or otherwise, Sears expects and requires that he will
honor any and all legal obligations that he has to that person or
company with respect to proprietary information, and that he will
refrain from any unauthorized use or disclosure of such
information.

     (b)  Non-Competition. Executive acknowledges that as a result of
Executive’s position at Sears, Executive has learned or developed, or will
learn or develop, Sears Confidential Information and that use or disclosure of
such Confidential Information is likely to occur if Executive were to render
advice or services to any Sears Competitor.

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	 	(i) Therefore, for one (1) year from Executive’s last day of
active employment, whether or not Executive receives Severance
Pay, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, aid, assist,
participate in, consult with, render services for, accept a
position with, become employed by, or otherwise enter into any
relationship with (other than having a passive ownership interest
in) any Sears Competitor.

		
	 	(ii) For purposes of this Agreement, “Sears
Competitor” means

		
	 	(1) Those companies listed on Appendix B, each of which Executive
acknowledges is a Sears Competitor, whether or not it falls within
the categories in (2), below, and further acknowledges that this
is not an exclusive list of Sears Competitors and is not intended
to limit the generality of subsection 12(b)(ii)(2), below, and

		
	 	(2) Any party (A) engaged in any retail business (whether in a
department store, specialty store, discount store, direct
marketing, or electronic commerce or other business format), that
consists of selling furniture, appliances, electronics, hardware,
auto parts and/or apparel products, or providing home improvement,
product repair, home services, and/or auto repair services, with
combined annual gross sales in excess of $500 million, (B) engaged
in any credit card or other consumer financial services business,
with managed assets in excess of $5 billion, (C) any vendor with
combined annual gross sales of services or merchandise to Sears in
excess of $100 million, or (D) a party engaged in any other line
of business, in which Sears has commenced business prior to the
end of Executive’s active employment, with Sears having annual
gross sales in that line of business in excess of $50 million.

		
	 	        (iii) Executive acknowledges that Sears shall have the right to
propose modifications to Appendix B periodically to include (1) emergent
Competitors in Sears existing lines of business and (2) Competitors in
lines of business that are new for Sears. Executive shall have sixty
(60) days to object in writing to the Senior Vice President of Sears
Human Resources Department to any proposed modifications to Appendix B.
The final decision as to any modification to which Executive makes a
timely objection will be at the sole discretion of Sears.

	(iii)	 	Executive further acknowledges that Sears does business
throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada and that this
non-compete provision applies in any state of the United States,
Puerto Rico or province of Canada in which Sears does business.

		
	 	
(d)  Non-Solicitation of Employees. During Executive’s employment with
Sears and for one (1) year thereafter, Executive shall not, directly or
indirectly, solicit or encourage any person to leave her/his employment
with Sears or assist in any way with the hiring of any Sears employee by
any other business.

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     (c)  Request for Information. Executive will provide Sears with such
information as Sears may from time to time request to determine Executive’s
compliance with this Agreement. Executive authorizes Sears to contact
Executive’s future employers and other entities with which Executive has any
business relationship to determine Executive’s compliance with this Agreement
or to communicate the contents of this Agreement to such employers and
entities. Executive releases Sears, its agents and employees, from all
liability for any damage arising from any such contacts or communications.

     (d)  Acknowledgment. Executive agrees that the restrictions set forth in
this Section 12 are necessary to prevent the use and disclosure of Sears
Confidential Information and to otherwise protect the legitimate business
interests of Sears. Executive further agrees and acknowledges that the
provisions of this Agreement are reasonable.

     (e)  Release and Waiver. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment by
either party, Executive will execute a binding General Release and Waiver of
claims in a form to be provided by Sears, which is incorporated by reference
herein. This General Release and Waiver will be in a form similar to the
attached sample. If the General Release and Waiver is not signed or is signed
but subsequently revoked, Executive will not receive Severance Pay (if any) or
any other benefits due under this Agreement.

     (g)  Waiver of Non-Competition Provisions. Executive may request (i) a
waiver of the non-competition provisions of this Agreement or (ii) that the
time frame in Section 12(b), above, commence during Executive’s continued
employment with Sears, by written request to the Chief Executive Officer of
Sears or the equivalent. Such a request will be given reasonable consideration
and may be granted, in whole or in part, or denied at Sears’ absolute
discretion.

     13.     Return of Sears Property. All documents and other tangible
property, which relate to the business of Sears are the exclusive property of
Sears, even if Executive authored or created them. Executive agrees to return
all such documents and tangible property to Sears upon termination of
employment or at such earlier time as Sears may request him to do so.

     14.     Other Employment. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek
other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of any
compensation or benefits payable to Executive hereunder; and except as
specifically provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 5 and Sections 12(e)
and 16, such compensation and benefits shall not be reduced whether or not
Executive obtains other employment.

     15.     Cooperation with Sears. Executive agrees, without receiving
additional compensation, to fully and completely cooperate with Sears, both
during and after the period of active employment, in all investigations,
potential litigation or litigation in which Sears is involved or may become
involved. Sears will reimburse Executive for reasonable travel and
out-of-pocket expenses.

     16.     Conflict of Interest. During Executive’s employment, neither
Executive nor members of Executive’s immediate family will have financial
investments or other

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interests or relationships with Sears customers, suppliers or competitors
which might impair Executive’s independence of judgment on behalf of Sears.
Executive also agrees not to engage in any competitive activity against Sears
and will avoid any outside activity that could adversely affect the
independence and objectivity of Executive’s judgment, interfere with the timely
and effective performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to Sears,
discredit Sears or otherwise conflict with Sears best interests.

     17.     Acting as a Witness, Consultant or Expert. Executive agrees that both
during and after the period of active employment with Sears, Executive will not
voluntarily act as a witness, consultant or expert for any person or party in
any action against or involving Sears or any corporate relative of Sears,
unless subject to judicial enforcement to appear as a fact witness only.

     18.     Effect of Breach on Payments. In the event of a breach by Executive
of any of the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to the
non-disparagement provision (Section 9 herein), and the non-competition
provisions (Section 12 herein) of this Agreement, Sears obligation to make
salary continuation or any other payments under this Agreement will immediately
cease.

     19.     Severability or Modification of Provisions. If any provision(s) of
this Agreement shall be found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, in whole or
in part, then such provision(s) shall be deemed to be modified or restricted so
as to effectuate as nearly as possible in a valid and enforceable way the
provisions hereof, or shall be deemed excised from this Agreement, as the case
may require, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced to the maximum
extent permitted by law, as if such provision(s) had been originally
incorporated herein as so modified or restricted or as if such provision(s) had
not been originally incorporated herein, as the case may be.

     20.     Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed under the internal
laws of the state of Illinois. Executive agrees that the state and federal
courts located in the state of Illinois shall have exclusive jurisdiction in
any action, suit or proceeding based on or arising out of this Agreement, and
Executive hereby: (a) submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts; (b)
consents to the service of process in connection with any action, suit, or
proceeding against Executive; and (c) waives any other requirement (whether
imposed by statute, rule of court, or otherwise) with respect to personal
jurisdiction, venue or service of process.

     21.     Waiver of Jury Trial. Executive agrees to waive any right to a jury
trial on any claim contending that this Agreement or the General Release and
Waiver is illegal or unenforceable in whole or in part, and Executive agrees to
try any claims brought in a court or tribunal without use of a jury or advisory
jury. Further, should any claim arising out of Executive’s employment or
termination of employment be found by a court or tribunal of competent
jurisdiction to not be released by the General Release and Waiver, Executive
agrees to try such claim to the court or tribunal without use of a jury or
advisory jury.

     22.     Employment At-Will. Executive acknowledges that Executive’s employment
with Sears is terminable “at-will” by either party with or without cause and
with or without notice. Nothing in this Agreement prevents or limits
Executive’s right to

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terminate employment at any time for any reason, and nothing in this
Agreement prevents or limits Sears from terminating Executive’s employment at
any time for any reason. Executive understands and agrees that there exist no
promises or guarantees of permanent employment or employment for any specified
term by Sears.

     23.     Tax Withholding. All compensation paid or provided to Executive under
this Agreement shall be subject to any applicable federal, state or local
income and employment tax withholding requirements.

     24.     Superseding Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement conflicts
with any other agreement, policy, plan, practice or other Sears document, then
the provisions of this Agreement will control. Executive shall not be eligible
for any benefits under the Sears Transition Pay Plan or any successor severance
plan or program. This Agreement will supersede any prior agreement between
Executive and Sears with respect to the subject matter contained herein and may
be amended only by a writing signed by an authorized officer of Sears.

     25.     Assignment of Rights. Sears may assign its rights under this
Agreement to any successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, sale
of assets, or otherwise. This Agreement shall be binding whether it is between
Sears and Executive or between any successor or assignee of Sears and
Executive.

     26.     Executed in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, which together shall constitute a valid and binding
agreement.

     27.     Irreparable Harm. Executive acknowledges that irreparable harm would
result from any breach or threatened breach by Executive of the provisions of
this Agreement, and monetary damages alone would not provide adequate relief
for any such breach. Accordingly, if Executive breaches this Agreement,
injunctive relief in favor of Sears is proper without the necessity of Sears
posting bond. Moreover, any award of injunctive relief shall preclude Sears
from seeking or recovering any lawful compensatory damages which may have
resulted from a breach of this Agreement, including a forfeiture of any future
payments and a return of any payments already received by me.

     28.     Entire Agreement. Executive understands that this Agreement contains
the entire agreement and understanding between Sears and Executive with respect
to the provisions contained in this Agreement, and that no representations,
promises, agreements, or understandings, written or oral, related thereto which
are not contained in this Agreement will be given any force or effect. No
change or modification of this Agreement will be valid or binding unless it is
in writing and signed by the party against whom the change or modification is
sought to be enforced. Executive further understands that even if Sears waives
or fails to enforce any provision of this Agreement in one instance, that will
not constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement at this time,
or a waiver of that provision at any other time.

12

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and Sears, by its duly authorized representative,
have executed this Agreement effective as of the date set forth below.

	 	 	 	 
	 	 	SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
	 	 	 
	/s/Gerald F. Kelly, Jr.	 	By: 	
/s/Greg A. Lee
	
	 	 	

	Gerald F. Kelly, Jr.	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	September 28, 2002	 	
October 1, 2002
	
	 	

	Date	 	
Date

13

 

A “change in control” or “Change in Control” shall mean:

     (a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning
of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more of
either (i) the then outstanding common shares of the Company (the “Outstanding
Company Common Shares”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided,
however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in
Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an
acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege); (ii) any
acquisition by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) any acquisition by
any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) sponsored or maintained by the
Company of any of its subsidiaries; or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation
pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such
reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses
(i), (ii) and (iii) of (c) below are satisfied; or

     (b)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of
Directors of the Company (the “Board”) (as of the date hereof, the “Incumbent
Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board;
provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the
date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s
shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors
then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such
individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this
purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a
result of either an actual or threatened election contest (as such terms are
used under Section 14 of the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the
Board; or

     (c)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation unless,
following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, (i) more than 60% of,
respectively, the then outstanding common shares of the corporation resulting
from such reorganization, merger or consolidation and the combined voting power
of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common
Shares and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such
reorganization, merger or consolidation in substantially the same proportions
as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or
consolidation, of the Outstanding Company Common Shares and Outstanding Company
Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company,
any of its subsidiaries, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored
or maintained by the Company, any of its subsidiaries or such corporation
resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation and any Person
beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger or
consolidation, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the

1

 

Outstanding Company Common Shares or Outstanding Company Voting
Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20%
or more of, respectively, the then outstanding common shares of the corporation
resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or the combined
voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a
majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting
from such reorganization, merger or consolidation were members of the Incumbent
Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such
reorganization, merger or consolidation; or

     (d)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation
or dissolution of the Company; or

     (e)  Consummation of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company, other than to a corporation, with respect to
which following such sale or other disposition, (i) more then 60% of,
respectively, the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the
combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such
corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the
individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the
Outstanding Company Common Shares and Outstanding Company Voting Securities
immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in substantially the same
proportion as their ownership, immediately prior to such sale or other
disposition, of the Outstanding Company Common Shares and Outstanding Company
Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company,
any of its subsidiaries, and any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
sponsored or maintained by the Company, any of its subsidiaries or such
corporation and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such sale
or other disposition, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the Outstanding
Company Common Shares or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may
be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of, respectively,
the then outstanding common shares of such corporation and the combined voting
power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of
the members of the board of directors of such corporation were members of the
Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action
of the Board providing for such sale or other disposition of assets of the
Company.

     For purposes of the foregoing definition of “Change in Control”, a
“subsidiary” of the Company shall mean any corporation in which the Company,
directly or indirectly, holds a majority of the voting power of such
corporation’s outstanding shares of capital stock.

2Letter from Registrant to Janine M. Bousquette

 

Exhibit 10.36

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.

3333 BEVERLY ROAD

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL 60179

	 	 
	 	Greg A. Lee
	 	Senior Vice President
	 	Human Resources
	 	847-286-0558
	 	Fax 847-286-3258

October 4, 2002

Ms. Janine M. Bousquette

1070 Somera Road

Los Angeles, CA 90077

Dear Janine,

This letter will confirm our offer of employment to join Sears, Roebuck and Co.
as Executive Vice President, Marketing, reporting to Alan J. Lacy, Chairman and
CEO, Sears, Roebuck and Co. Your start date will be November 1.

Your compensation package will consist of the following:

	•	 	Annual base salary of $500,000, with periodic increases based upon performance.
	 
	•	 	Sign-on bonus of $100,000, less applicable withholding taxes and any legal deductions.
	 
	•	 	Participation in the Sears Annual Incentive Plan. Your annual incentive opportunity will equate to a bonus target equal to
85% of base salary, amounting to $425,000 on an annualized basis. The annual incentive performance objective for your
position may be based on a combination of earnings per share as well as other relevant strategic or operational goals. Any
incentive earned will be paid by March 15 of the year following the end of the performance cycle.
	 
	•	 	For the 2002 incentive payable in 2003, we will guarantee you a minimum Annual Incentive award of 50% of your annual bonus
target. You will receive the calculated award if this result exceeds the guarantee amount.
	 
	•	 	50,000 non-qualified stock options that will vest in three equal annual
installments from the date of grant. You will be eligible for future
annual stock option grants commensurate with your position.

	 	–	 	16,666 options will vest one year from the date of grant
	 
	 	–	 	16,666 options will vest two years from the date of grant
	 
	 	–	 	16,668 options will vest three years from the date of grant

	•	 	40,000 shares of restricted stock that will cliff vest three years from the date of the grant.
	 
	•	 	25,000 performance shares granted as part of the Sears Long-Term
Performance Incentive Program (LTPIP). The Sears Board of Directors has
approved the terms and provisions of the LTPIP, which is designed to
reward senior-level executives for achievement of specified goals.
	 
	•	 	You will participate in all retirement and welfare programs on a basis no less favorable than other
executives at your level, in accordance with the applicable terms of those programs.

 

 

	•	 	Pension will commence at your employment date. A service enhancement to your pension benefit will be
provided through a non-qualified pension plan. The service enhancement will be accrued to you as a
2-year-for-1-year service credit during your first ten years of employment with Sears, resulting in 20
years of credited service at the end of the ten-year period. Your pension benefit will vest after five
years of continuous service with Sears.
	 
	•	 	You will be eligible for relocation assistance benefits that are typically provided to an executive at your
level and in accordance with the terms of the relocation program, including:

	 	•	 	Moving expenses, including a fine art mover and partial load from New York
	 
	 	•	 	Temporary executive housing
	 
	 	•	 	Temporary rental car, until your car is delivered
	 
	 	•	 	Any temporary storage that is required will be in a climate-controlled environment
	 
	 	•	 	Regarding the sale of your current residence, you have the
opportunity to accept a Sears offer on your home or to sell your home
independently. If you choose to sell your home independently, Sears
will cover the selling costs. You can accept the Sears offer at any
time within a six-month period after the offer is made.
	 
	 	•	 	All closing costs on new home
	 
	 	•	 	Transportation and lodging, as necessary to facilitate selling and moving

	•	 	You will be asked to sign an Executive Severance / Non-Compete Agreement and an Executive Non-Disclosure and
Non-Solicitation of Employees Agreement as a condition of your participation in the Long-Term Performance Incentive
Program. If you are involuntarily terminated from Sears for any reason other than cause, death, total and permanent
disability, resignation, or retirement after age 65, you will receive two years of pay continuation (i.e., base salary and
target annual bonus). If you are terminated following a change-in-control, you will receive the aforementioned severance
benefit in an undiscounted lump-sum payment. In consideration for these severance terms, you agree not to disclose
confidential information and not to solicit employees. You would also agree not to aid, assist or render services for any
‘Competitor’ (as defined in the agreement) for one year following termination of employment. Should you be involuntarily
terminated for a reason other than for Cause (as defined in the agreement) before the first anniversary of your service
with Sears, the following would occur:

	 	–	 	The 40,000 shares of restricted stock granted to you at the time of
your hire would fully vest at the end of your two-year severance period.
	 
	 	–	 	You would receive a cash payment within 30 days of the end of the
two-year salary continuation period equivalent in value to the product
of the 16,668 options that would not otherwise vest during the salary
continuation period times the option ‘spread’ (the positive difference
between the fair market value on the last day of the salary continuation
period and the exercise price of the option grant).

	•	 	The above is contingent upon approval by the
Compensation Committee of the Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Board of Directors and your satisfactorily passing a
pre-employment drug test.

Sincerely,

/s/Greg A. Lee

cc:  Alan J. Lacy
	 	 	 	 	 
	Accepted:	 	
/s/Janine Bousquette

	 	Date:  10/11/02

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