Document:

Exhibit
10.1

AMENDED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Amended Employment
Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into effective August
29, 2007 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Edward A. Mueller (“Executive”),
and Qwest Communications International Inc., a Delaware corporation (together
with Qwest Services Corporation, the “Company”).

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the Company
desires to obtain the benefit of the services of Executive as its Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of its Board of Directors, and Executive desires
to provide service to the Company, under the terms and conditions provided for
in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, both Executive
and the Company wish to enter into this Agreement and are each legally capable
of taking such action.

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

1.                                      Employment
Term

This Agreement shall be
in effect beginning on the Effective Date and terminating upon the earlier of
(i) three years (the “Initial Term”) or (ii) the Date of Termination as
defined in Paragraph 4.6(b).  If not
terminated earlier, this Agreement will automatically be renewed at the end of
its Initial Term and on each anniversary thereafter for a period of one year
unless either party gives written notice of cancellation to the other party at
least 90 days prior to the end of the Initial Term or anniversaries
thereof.  The period of time from the
Effective Date through the date the Date of Termination is referred to as the “Employment
Term”.

2.                                      Employment

2.1                                 Engagement.  (a) 
During the Employment Term, Executive shall serve  as Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
shall report directly to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”),
and shall be responsible for the duties normally and customarily attendant to
such office.  Such duties,
responsibilities, power and authority shall include, without limitation,
responsibility for the management, operation, strategic direction, and overall
conduct of the business of the Company. 
All other employees of the Company shall report to the Executive and not
directly to the Board.  Executive also
shall render such other services and duties of an executive nature consistent
with the duties of the most senior executive officer of the Company as may from
time to time be designated by the Board. 
Executive shall be an employee of Qwest Services Corporation.

(b)                               During
the Agreement Term, while Executive is employed by the Company, the Company
shall use its best efforts to cause Executive to be appointed to the Board as a
director and to be elected as Chairman and to include Executive in the Board’s
slate of nominees for election as a director at the applicable annual meeting
of the Company’s

shareholders and
shall recommend to the shareholders that Executive be elected as a director of
the Company.

2.2                                 Place
of Employment.  Executive’s primary
workplace shall be the Company’s offices in Denver, Colorado, except for usual
and customary travel on the Company’s business. 
Executive will be required to maintain a residence in the Denver,
Colorado area during the Employment Term.

2.3                                 Exclusive
Employment.  During the Employment
Term, Executive shall devote his full business time to his duties and
responsibilities set forth in Paragraph 2.1. 
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive shall not,
without the prior written approval of the Board, during the Employment Term,
render services of a business, professional or commercial nature to any other
person, firm or corporation, whether for compensation or otherwise, except that
Executive may (i) engage in civic, philanthropic and community service
activities, (ii) make and maintain outside personal investments, and (iii)
serve on the boards of the companies listed on Exhibit A hereto and any other
company pre-approved by the Board or any appropriate committee of the Board so
long as the foregoing activities do not materially interfere with Executive’s
ability to comply with this Agreement and are not otherwise in conflict with
the policies or interest of the Company.

3.                                      Compensation
and General Benefits

3.1                                 Base
Salary.  During the Employment Term,
the Company shall pay Executive a base salary in an annualized amount equal to
$1,200,000.00 (“Base Salary”) payable pro rata according to the Company’s
regular management payroll processes, and subject to adjustment as hereinafter
provided.

3.2                                 Bonus.  During the Employment Term, Executive shall
be eligible to participate in and to earn incentive or bonus awards under the
Company’s annual Management Bonus Plan or such successor incentive or bonus
plans that the Company may adopt from time to time for the benefit of its
senior executives (collectively referred to as the “Annual Bonus Plan”),
in accordance with the terms of the Annual Bonus Plan as in effect from time to
time. The target level for each annual bonus shall not be less than 200% of
Executive’s Base Salary for the year, provided that the Company achieves the
applicable objectives established by the Board for the year.  Executive shall receive a guaranteed minimum
bonus for 2007 (to be paid in March 2008 if Executive is employed by the
Company on the date of such payment), equal to the target level of Executive’s
Base Salary specified above prorated to reflect the number of days Executive
was employed by the Company  in
2007.  Executive’s 2007 bonus may be
increased by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board (“Committee”)
in its sole discretion. The guaranteed minimum bonus under this Section 3.2
shall be considered eligible compensation for purposes of applicable Company
benefit plans.

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3.3                                 Equity
Incentive Compensation.  On the Grant
Date (as defined in the Equity Agreement between Executive and Company dated
August 10, 2007), the Company granted to Executive options and restricted stock
as set forth on Exhibit B hereto and may subsequently, in the Company’s
discretion, grant to Executive additional options, restricted stock, or other
equity-based compensation pursuant to the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (the “EIP”).
The terms and conditions of the initial grants provided for in this Paragraph
3.3 and of any subsequent grants of options, restricted stock or other
equity-based compensation will be determined by the Committee at the time of
such grants in accordance with the EIP and will be set forth in grant
agreements provided to Executive by the Company from time to time.

3.4                                 Compensation
Reviews.  Executive’s compensation
shall be reviewed at least annually by the Committee for the purpose of considering
increases to Executive’s compensation. 
In conducting this review, the Committee shall consider appropriate
factors, including, without limitation, Executive’s individual performance, the
Company’s financial condition and strategic direction and compensation afforded
to senior executives of comparable corporations.  The Base Salary shall not be decreased
without the written consent of Executive.

3.5                                 Vacation.  Executive shall be entitled to 30 days paid
time off  annually subject to the terms
and conditions of the Company’s policy.

3.6                                 Employee
Benefits.  The Executive and his
eligible dependents shall be provided with health, retirement and other
employee benefits and perquisites on the same basis as such benefits and are
provided by the Company from time to time to the Company’s other senior
executives.

3.7                                 Reimbursement
of Expenses.  Upon submission of
appropriate documentation in accordance with Company policy, the Company will
promptly reimburse Executive for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive
(i) in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement, which
reimbursement shall not exceed $40,000, and (ii) in the performance of his
duties in accordance with the Company’s policies applicable to senior
executives.

3.8                                 Relocation
Expenses.  Company shall pay
Executive’s reasonable expenses related to the relocation of his primary
residence to the Denver, Colorado area, in accordance with the Company’s
relocation policy applicable to senior executives.  Company will also pay reasonable out of
pocket expenses of Executive’s travel between his current primary residence and
Denver, Colorado and will pay Executive such additional amount as is necessary
to provide Executive with an allowance of up to $5,000 per month for temporary housing and living expenses
through February 15, 2008.   In addition,
through June 30, 2008, Executive’s wife and/or minor child are authorized to
use the Company aircraft to fly between Executive’s current primary residence
and Denver, Colorado, unaccompanied by Executive.   Notwithstanding, Executive shall use his
best efforts to relocate his permanent residence to Denver, Colorado as soon as
possible after selling his principal residence, below.  The relocation payments shall also

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include provision
for the Company to purchase Executive’s current principal residence as provided
below.

If
any payment of relocation expenses and any imputed income relating to Executive’s
travel or travel of Executive’s wife and/or minor child pursuant to the
previous paragraph between his current primary residence and Denver as
described in the previous paragraph (other than payments with respect to the
purchase of Executive’s principal residence) is subject to federal or state
income tax, the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount such
that after receipt of the additional amount, and payment of all applicable
taxes on the additional amount, the Executive shall effectively incur no
federal or state income tax with respect to such payment.  In the event Executive does not sell his current
principal residence, the Company shall purchase, or cause Executive’s current
principal residence to be purchased, at such time as elected by Executive on or
prior to March 31, 2008, at the then-prevailing value as determined by taking
the average of the values determined by independent appraisers chosen by
Executive and the Company, with a third independent appraiser to be chosen by
the prior two appraisers to value the property between the two prior values if
there is a more than 5% difference between the values determined by the prior
two appraisers.

3.9                                 Use
of Corporate Aircraft.  In order to provide enhanced security for the
Executive, the Company will require the use of Company aircraft for all travel
(business and personal) by the Executive.  As a result of this
requirement, the Company authorizes that the Executive’s spouse and family
members may accompany the Executive on Company aircraft.  The Company will also make
available to Executive reasonable private ground transportation for all
business travel and for all travel to and from the airport.   All personal use of Company aircraft by the
Executive and family members and related ground transportation
to and from the airport shall be
reasonable and shall be subject to annual review by the Committee.  All
personal use of the Company aircraft by Executive and all use of Company
aircraft by the Executive’s spouse (unless determined to be business use and substantiated as such
consistent with Qwest policy) and other members of the Executive’s family shall
be imputed to the Executive as income in accordance with applicable Treasury regulations, except as otherwise agreed by the Company
and the Executive in writing.   The
Executive shall also agree to use a Timeshare Agreement for non-family members
who the Executive may invite to accompany him on Company aircraft, which will
require the reimbursement by the Executive to the Company for such use up to
the maximum amount permitted under FAR 91.501.

3.10                           Home
Security.  The Company shall require the Executive to obtain and
maintain an appropriate home security system to provide security for the
Executive at home in the Denver area and the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for reasonable costs associated with the installation and maintenance
of a home security system.

3.11                           Flex
Executive Benefits.  Executive will
receive an annual cash payment of $75,000 in lieu of executive perquisites such
as financial counseling, car allowance, physical examinations, club
memberships,  child care, and additional
life insurance.

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4.                                      Termination
of Employment

4.1                                 Termination Upon Death or Disability.  If
Executive is unable to perform his duties as a result of death or Disability
prior to the expiration of the Employment Term, Executive’s employment as Chief
Executive Officer may be terminated and Executive  (or Executive’s estate, or other designated
beneficiary(s) as shown in the records of the Company in the case of death)
shall be entitled to receive (i) the Accrued Benefits (as defined in Paragraph
4.2 below); and (ii) a pro-rata amount of the annual bonus that Executive would
be eligible to receive under the terms and conditions of the Company’s Annual
Bonus Plan for the year in which Executive’s termination occurs.  At its discretion, and only so long as
Executive satisfies the definition of “disability” contained in the Qwest
Disability Plan as amended from time to time (“the Plan”) Company may
designate Executive as an employee solely to preserve his eligibility for
disability benefits under the Plan. 
Except as required by law, after the Date of Termination, the Company
shall have no obligation to make any other payment, including severance or
other compensation, of any kind to Executive (or Executive’s estate, or other
designated beneficiary(s) as shown in the records of the Company in the case of
death) upon a termination of employment by death or Disability.

4.2                                 Voluntary Termination.  If Executive terminates employment with the Company without Good Reason,
Executive agrees to provide the Company with thirty days’ prior written
notice.  The Company, in its sole
discretion following its receipt of such written notice from Executive, may
accelerate the termination of Executive’s employment and the right to any
further compensation to a date prior to the 30th day after such written notice
is given.  In the event that Executive’s
employment is terminated under this Paragraph 4.2, Executive shall receive
payment for (i) any earned but unpaid Base Salary or bonus; (ii) any accrued
and unpaid vacation pay through the Date of Termination; (iii) any unreimbursed
business expenses; and (iv) any other benefits the Executive is entitled to
receive as of the Date of Termination under the employee benefit plans of the
Company, less required withholdings for applicable income and employment
taxes  (“Accrued Benefits”).  Except as required by law, after the Date of
Termination, the Company shall have no obligation to make any other payment,
including severance or other compensation of any kind to Executive on account
of Executive’s termination of employment.

4.3                                 Termination
for Cause.  The Company may terminate
Executive’s employment with the Company at any time for Cause in accordance
with Paragraph 4.6(a) below.  In the
event that Executive’s employment is terminated under this Paragraph 4.3,
Executive shall receive the Accrued Benefits. 
Except as required by law, after the Date of Termination, the Company
shall have no obligation to make any other payment, including severance or
other compensation of any kind on account of Executive’s termination of
employment or to make any payment in lieu of notice to Executive.  Except as required by law, all benefits
provided by the Company to Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall
cease as of the Date of Termination.

4.4                                 Termination
Without Cause.  The Company may, at any time and without prior written
notice, terminate Executive without Cause.  In the event that Executive’s
employment with the Company is terminated without Cause, Executive shall
receive the Accrued.

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Benefits.  In addition, if Executive’s employment
with the Company is terminated without Cause prior to the first anniversary of
the Effective Date, Executive shall be entitled to receive the following
severance payments:  (a) a pro-rata amount of the annual bonus that
Executive would be eligible to receive under the Company’s Annual Bonus Plan
for the year in which Executive’s termination occurs, to be paid to Executive
on March 1 of the year following the Date of Termination; (b) an amount equal
to his annual Base Salary, less required withholdings for applicable income and
employment taxes, to be paid to Executive according to the Company’s regular
management payroll schedule over 12 months; and (c) an amount equal to
Executive’s Annual Bonus at target  to be
paid to Executive on March 1 of the year following the Date of
Termination.   If Executive’s
employment is terminated after the first anniversary of the Effective Date,
Executive shall be entitled to receive the following severance payments: 
(x) a pro-rata amount of the annual bonus that Executive would be eligible to
receive under the Company’s Annual Bonus Plan for the year in which Executive’s
termination occurs, to be paid to Executive on March 1 of the year following
the Date of Termination; (y) an amount equal to two times Executive’s annual
Base Salary, less required withholdings for applicable income and employment
taxes, to be paid to Executive according to the Company’s regular management
payroll schedule over 24 months; and (z) (i) an amount equal to Executive’s
Annual Bonus at target, to be paid to Executive on March 1 of the year
following the Date of Termination, and (ii) a second payment in an amount equal
to his Annual Bonus at target, to be paid to Executive on March 1 of the second
year following the Date of Termination.  
Upon a termination at any time pursuant to this paragraph 4.4, Executive
shall also be entitled to receive eighteen  months of medical coverage for
Executive and his qualified beneficiaries under COBRA subsidized at active
management employee rates.  All payments under this paragraph 4.4 are
subject to the restrictions set forth in paragraphs 4.8 and may be withheld in
order to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue
Code.  Executive’s entitlement to the severance payments in this paragraph
is conditioned on (i) Executive’s executing and delivering to the Company of a
release of claims against the Company, in the form attached as Exhibit C, 
and on such release becoming effective, and (ii) Executive’s compliance with
the restrictive covenants set forth in Articles 6 and 7.  Executive agrees
that the Company shall have a right of offset against all severance payments
for amounts owed to the Company by the Executive.  Except as specifically provided
in this Paragraph 4.4 and except as required by law, all benefits provided by
the Company to Executive under this Agreement or otherwise shall cease as of
the Date of Termination.

4.5                                 Termination for Good Reason. 
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 4 to the contrary, Executive
may voluntarily terminate his employment with the Company for Good Reason.  If Executive terminates his employment for
Good Reason, he shall receive the benefits detailed in Paragraph 4.4 (subject
to the same conditions set forth in Paragraph 4.4).

4.6                                 Certain Definitions.  For
purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set
forth below.

(a)                                  “Cause” shall mean the occurrence of
any one or more of the following events:

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(1)                                  Commission of an act deemed by the Company in
its reasonable discretion to be an act of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation
or other act of moral turpitude that would reflect negatively upon Qwest or
compromise the effective performance of Executive’s duties;

(2)                                  Unlawful conduct that would reflect
negatively upon Qwest or compromise the effective performance of Executive’s
duties, as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion;

(3)                                  Conviction of (or pleading nolo contendere
to) any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;

(4)                                  Continued failure to substantially perform
Executive’s duties to the satisfaction of the Board (other than such failure
resulting from Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness) after
the Company delivers written notice to Executive specifically identifying the
manner in which Executive has failed to substantially perform his or her duties
and Executive has been afforded a reasonable opportunity of at least 30 days to
substantially perform his duties; or

(5)                                  A willful violation of the Qwest Code of
Conduct or other Qwest policies that would reflect negatively upon Qwest or
compromise the effective performance of Executive’s duties as determined by the
Company in its reasonable discretion.

 (b)                              “Date of Termination”
shall mean (i) if Executive is terminated as Chief Executive Officer by
the Company for Disability, thirty  days
after written notice of such termination is given to Executive (provided that
Executive shall not have returned to the performance of his duties on a
full-time basis during such 30-day period); 
(ii) if Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for any
other reason, the date on which a written notice of termination is given,
provided that, in the case of a termination for Cause under Paragraph
4.6(a)(iv) above, Executive shall not have cured the matter or matters stated
in the notice of termination within the 30-day notice period provided in
Paragraph 4.6(a) above;  (iii) if
Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, the date of Executive’s
resignation;  provided that the notice
and cure provisions in Paragraph 4.6(d) have been complied with;  (iv) if Executive terminates employment for
other than a Good Reason, the date specified in Executive’s notice in
compliance with Paragraph 4.2; or (v) in the event of Executive’s death, the
date of death.

(c)                                  “Disability”
shall mean that Executive either (i) is unable to engage in any substantial
gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last
for a continuous period of not less than twelve months or (ii) is, by reason of
any medically determinable physical or mental 
impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to
last for a continuous  period of not less
than twelve  months, receiving income
replacement benefits for a period of not less 
than three months under the Company’s Disability Plan.

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(d)                                 “Good
Reason” shall mean Executive’s resignation from employment within 180 days
after the occurrence of one of the events enumerated in this Paragraph 4.6(d),
provided, however, that Executive must provide written notice to the Company
within ninety days after the occurrence of the event allegedly constituting
Good Reason, and the Company shall have thirty days after such notice is given
to cure:

(i) a change of Executive’s
title as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or a material reduction in
Executive’s responsibilities without Executive’s written consent;

(ii) a reduction in Base
Salary or target Annual Bonus at any time during the Employment Term without
Executive’s written consent;

(iii) relocation of
Executive’s primary workplace to any place more than 35 miles from the Company’s
offices in Denver, Colorado as of the Effective Date, except for usual and
customary travel by the Executive on the Company’s business to an extent
substantially consistent with the Executive’s business travel obligations as of
the Effective Date; or

(iv) any material breach
by the Company of any provision of this Agreement.

4.7                                 Notice
of Termination.  Any termination of
Executive’s employment by the Company or by Executive under this Article 4
(other than in the case of death) shall be communicated by a written notice
(the “Notice of Termination”) to the other party hereto, indicating the
specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.  If the termination provisions relied upon
require notice and an opportunity to cure, then the Notice of Termination
should set forth in reasonable detail any facts and circumstances claimed to
provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision
so indicated.  The Notice of Termination
should specify a Date of Termination and shall be delivered within the time
periods set forth in the various subparagraphs of this Article 4, as applicable
(the “Notice Period”);  provided, however, that the Company
may pay to Executive all Base Salary, benefits and other rights due to
Executive during the Notice Period instead of employing Executive during such
Notice Period.

4.8                                 Code
Section 409A.  Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, to the extent that the Board reasonably
determines, in its sole discretion, that any payment or benefit to be provided
under Article 4 or Paragraph 5.1 to or for the benefit of Executive would be
subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) or a successor or
comparable provision, the commencement of such payments and/or benefits shall
be delayed until the earlier of (i) the date that is six months following
the Date of Termination or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (such date
is referred to herein as the “Distribution Date”), provided, if at such
time Executive is a “specified employee” of the Company (as defined in Treasury
Regulation Section 1.409A-1(i)) and if amounts payable under this Article 4 or
Paragraph 5.1 are on account of an “involuntary separation from service” (as
defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(m)), Executive shall receive
payments during the six-month period immediately following the Date of

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Termination equal
to the lesser of (x) the amount payable under this Article 4 or Paragraph 5.1,
as the case may be, or (y) two times the compensation limit in effect under
Code Section 401(a)(17) for the calendar year in which the Termination Date
occurs (with any amounts that otherwise would have been payable under this
Article 4 or Paragraph 5.1 during such six-month period being paid on the first
regular payroll date following the six-month anniversary of the Date of
Termination).   In the event that the
Board determines that the commencement of any of the employee benefits to be
provided under Article 4 or Paragraph 5.1 are to be delayed pursuant to the
preceding sentence, the Company shall require Executive to bear the full cost
of such employee benefits until the Distribution Date at which time the Company
shall reimburse Executive for all such costs.

5.                                      Change
in Control.

5.1                                 Severance
Benefits.  If Executive’s employment
is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason,
within two years after the occurrence of a Change in Control, Executive shall
be entitled to receive the Accrued Benefits and, in lieu of the benefits set
forth in Paragraph 4.4 or 4.5, as applicable, the following severance payments,
less required withholdings for applicable income and employment taxes:  2.99 times his Base Salary, paid in a lump
sum; 2.99 times Executive’s most recent target annual bonus, paid in a lump
sum;  and eighteen  months of medical coverage for Executive and
his qualified beneficiaries under COBRA subsidized at active management
employee rates;  provided, however, that
Executive’s entitlement to the severance payments in the foregoing clause is
conditioned on (i) Executive’s executing and delivering to the Company of a
release of claims against the Company, in the form attached as Exhibit C, and
on such release becoming effective, and (ii) Executive’s compliance with the
restrictive covenants set forth in Articles 6 and 7.  Executive agrees that the Company shall have
a right of offset against all severance payments for amounts owed to the
Company by the Executive as of the Date of Termination.

5.2                                 Change
in Control. A Change in Control will be deemed to have occurred if either
(i) any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of section 13(d)(3) or
14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”)),
acquires beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated
under the 1934 Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of either (A) the
then-outstanding shares of Stock (“Outstanding Shares”) or (B) the
combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company
entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“Voting Power”)
or (ii) at any time during any 12-month period (not including any period prior
to the Effective Date), individuals who at the beginning of such period
constitute the Board (and any new director whose election by the Board or whose
nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of
at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were
directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election
was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority
thereof.

6.                                      Confidential
Information

During the term of
this Agreement and forever thereafter, Executive agrees to keep confidential
all information provided by the Company, including any trade secrets and any

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information and material
relating to any customer, vendor, licensor, licensee, or other party
transacting business with the Company (collectively, “Confidential
Information”), and not to release, use, or disclose the Confidential
Information, except in connection with performance of Executive’s duties under
this Agreement or with the prior written permission of the Company.  Confidential Information may be in any medium
or form, including, without limitation, physical documents, computer files or
disks, videotapes, audiotapes, and oral communications.  Executive further covenants and agrees that
every document, computer disk, computer software program, notation, record,
diary, memorandum, development, investigation, or the like, and any method or
manner of doing business, of the Company (or containing other secret or
Confidential Information of the Company) made or acquired by Executive during
Executive’s employment, is and shall be the sole and exclusive property of the
Company.  Confidential Information does
not include, however, information which (i) is or becomes generally available
to the public other than as a result of an unauthorized disclosure by
Executive, or (ii) the Executive is required to disclose pursuant to court,
administrative hearing officer or other judicial or duly authorized
governmental representative request or demand for such disclosure, unless the
Company has obtained an appropriate protective order that prohibits such
disclosure and the Company has advised the Executive of such protective order
prior to the Executive’s fulfillment of such request or demand; provided,
however, that no disclosure may be made by Executive pursuant to this clause
(ii) until Executive has promptly notified the Company of such request or
demand and the Company has had a reasonable opportunity to secure a protective
order prohibiting disclosure.  In the
event that such protective order is not obtained, Executive shall furnish only
that portion of such Confidential Information or take only such action as is
legally required and shall exercise Executive’s reasonable efforts to obtain
reliable assurance that confidential treatment shall be accorded any such
Confidential Information.

7.                                      Covenants
of Executive.

7.1                                 Unfair
Competition.  Executive agrees that,
during the Employment Term and for a period of two years following a
termination of employment he will not, directly or indirectly, engage in any
business or activity which is in direct competition with the Company or of any
of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the telecommunications business.  The foregoing shall not apply to passive
investments by Executive of up to 2% of the voting stock of any publicly traded
company or 5% of the voting stock or other securities of any privately held
company, or to service by Executive on boards of directors of companies as
permitted under this Agreement, regardless of whether such company competes
with the Company.

7.2                                 Solicitation
of Employees.  During the Employment
Term and for a period of two years following a termination of employment,
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, individually, or together with or
through any other person, firm, corporation or entity, (i) hire any member of
senior management of the Company (defined as an officer with a title of vice
president or higher) who is then in the employ of the Company, (ii) solicit for
hire any employee of the Company, provided, however, that general solicitations
not targeted to Company employees shall not be deemed to violate this clause
(ii), or (iii) interfere with the relationship between any of the foregoing
persons and the Company.   Subparagraph
(i) means, among other things, that Executive may not have any part in hiring a
member of Qwest’s senior management team even if Executive is contacted by the
Qwest employee first.

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7.3                                 Solicitation
of Customers and Suppliers. 
Executive agrees that, during the Employment Term and for a period of
two years following a termination of employment other than following a Change
in Control, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, individually, or
together through any other person, firm, corporation or entity (i) use the
Company’s Confidential Information to solicit the business of any material
customers of or suppliers to the Company, (ii) encourage any person or entity
which is a customer of the Company to cease, reduce, limit or otherwise alter
in a manner adverse to the Company its existing business or contractual
relationship with the Company, or (iii) otherwise interfere with the relationship
between any of the foregoing persons or entities and the Company.

7.4                                 Compliance
with Company Policies.  Executive
agrees that, during the Employment Term, he shall comply with the Company’s
Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures reasonably established by the
Company from time to time, including but not limited to policies addressing
matters such as management, supervision, recruiting and diversity.

7.5                                 Cooperation.  For a period of two years
following termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, Executive
shall, upon Company’s reasonable request, cooperate and assist Company in any
dispute, controversy, or litigation in which Company may be involved and with
respect to which Executive obtained knowledge while employed by the Company or
any of its affiliates, successors, or assigns, including, but not limited to,
participation in any court or arbitration proceedings, giving of testimony,
signing of affidavits, or such other personal cooperation as counsel for the
Company shall request.  Any such
activities shall be scheduled, to the extent reasonably possible, to
accommodate Executive’s business and personal obligations at the time.

Recognizing that upon Executive’s separation from the
Company, participating in interviews or witness preparation sessions may be a
burden, the Company agrees to reimburse Executive for the time Executive spends
involved in interviews and witness preparation sessions requested by Qwest at a
rate equal to Executive’s final Base Salary, computed on an hourly basis
(assuming a 40 hour work week), for such time actually spent in such interviews
or witness preparation sessions.  In
addition, Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses Executive
incurs in connection with such interviews and witness preparation
sessions.  Company will not be obligated
to reimburse Executive for lost wages, lost opportunities, or other financial
consequences of such cooperation, or to make any other payment to Executive
other than the payments by the Company referred to in the two previous
sentences of this paragraph; provided, however, nothing in this paragraph shall
impair or limit any rights or entitlement Executive may have to indemnification
and director’s and officer’s liability insurance coverage.  The parties further agree that Company will
not, and will not be obligated to, reimburse Executive for any time spent
testifying in any proceeding (including, but not limited to, appearances at
depositions, hearings and trials), although the Company will reimburse
reasonable expenses for such appearances, as provided above.  The Company also shall pay the reasonable
costs of an attorney Executive engages to advise him in connection with the
foregoing, but only if there is a conflict of interest that would prevent the
Company’s own outside or inside legal counsel from adequately representing
Executive’s interests as well as the Company’s interests and with the Company’s
prior approval.

 11

Nothing in this Agreement
shall limit, restrict, preclude, require or influence Executive’s testimony in
any Proceeding or cause Executive not to provide truthful testimony or
information in any matter or in response to any inquiry by a government
official or representative.  Company’s
obligation to reimburse Executive as described above is conditional upon
Executive providing, at all times, information that he objectively, reasonably
and in good faith believes to be truthful in connection with any Proceeding.

7.6           Return of Business
Records and Equipment.  Upon
termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall promptly
return to the Company: (i) all documents, records, procedures, books,
notebooks, and any other documentation in any form whatsoever, including but
not limited to written, audio, video or electronic, containing any information
pertaining to the Company which includes Confidential Information, including
any and all copies of such documentation then in Executive’s possession or control
regardless of whether such documentation was prepared or compiled by Executive,
Company, other employees of the Company, representatives, agents, or
independent contractors, and (ii) all equipment or tangible personal property
entrusted to Executive by the Company. 
Executive acknowledges that all such documentation, copies of such
documentation, equipment, and tangible personal property are and shall at all
times remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company.

7.7           Restricted Periods.  The periods restricting Executive’s
activities set forth in Article 6 and Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 shall be
extended by the length of any period during which Executive is in breach of the
terms and provisions of such Article or Paragraphs.

7.8           Specific Performance
and Remedies.  The parties hereby
agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event any provision of Article
6 or Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with its terms.  Executive
hereby agrees that should Executive breach any covenant under Article 6 or
Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 of this Agreement or threaten to breach any such
covenant, Company shall be entitled (in addition to, and not in lieu of any
other right or remedy that may be available to it) to temporary and permanent
injunctive relief from an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction,
without posting any bond or other form of security and without the necessity of
proving actual damages. In view of the position of confidence which Executive
will enjoy with the Company and the anticipated relationship with the clients,
customers, and employees of the Company and its affiliates pursuant to his
employment hereunder, and recognizing both the access to confidential financial
and other information which Executive will have pursuant to his employment,
Executive expressly acknowledges that the restrictive covenants set forth in
Article 6 and Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 are material and essential conditions
of Executive’s employment with the Company without which the Company would not
have entered into this Agreement and are reasonable and necessary in order to
protect and maintain the proprietary interests and other legitimate business
interests of the Company and its affiliates. 
Executive further acknowledges that (i) it would be difficult to
calculate damages to the Company and its affiliates from any breach of his
obligations under any provision contained in Article 6 or Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2
and 7.3, (ii) that injury to the Company and its affiliates from any such
breach would be irreparable and impossible to measure, and (iii) that the
remedy at law for any breach or threatened breach of any provision contained in
Article 6 or Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 would therefore be an inadequate
remedy and, accordingly, the Company shall, in addition to all other available

 12
 

remedies
(including without limitation seeking such damages as it can show it and its
affiliates has sustained by reason of such breach and/or the exercise of all
other rights it has under this Agreement), be entitled to injunctive and other
similar equitable remedies.

7.9           Scope and Duration
of Restrictions.  The parties hereby
expressly agree that the duration and scope of restrictions set forth in
Article 6 and Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 are reasonable.  In the event that any arbitrator or court of
competent jurisdiction shall hold that the duration or scope or other term of a
restriction set forth in Article 6 or Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 is unreasonable
or unenforceable under circumstances now or hereafter existing, the maximum
duration or scope of restriction or other term reasonable under such
circumstances shall be substituted, and each party hereto shall petition any
such arbitrator or court to cause the maximum duration or scope of restriction
or other term reasonable under such circumstances to be so substituted for the
duration or scope of restriction or other term set forth herein.

8.             Indemnification
and Advancement.  In the event Executive is made, or
threatened to be made, a party to any legal action or proceeding, by reason of
the fact that Executive is or was an employee or officer of the Company or
serves or served any other entity in any capacity at the Company’s request,
Executive shall be indemnified by the Company, and the Company shall advance
Executive’s related expenses when and as incurred, including but not limited to
attorney fees, as set forth in the current by-laws of the Company.   During
his employment with the Company and thereafter so long as the Executive may
have liability arising out of his service as an officer or director of the
Company, the Company agrees to continue and maintain a director’s and officer’s
liability insurance policy covering the Executive with coverage no less than
that available to active directors and officers of the Company.

9.             Warranties and
Representations.  Executive hereby represents and warrants to
the Company that he is not now under any obligation of a contractual or
quasi-contractual nature known to him 
that is inconsistent or in conflict with this Agreement or that would
prevent, limit or impair the performance by Executive of his obligations
hereunder; and has been or has had the opportunity to be represented by legal
counsel in the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of this
Agreement and understands fully the terms and provisions hereof.

10.          Notices.  All
notices required or permitted to be given by either party hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if mailed by registered or
certified mail, or prepaid overnight courier to the party entitled thereto at
the address stated below, or to such changed address as the addressee may have
given by a similar notice, and shall be deemed received upon actual receipt:

	
  To the Company:

  	
   

  	
  Qwest Communications International Inc.

  1801 California Street, Ste. 5200

  Denver, Colorado 80202

  Attn: General Counsel

  

 

 13
 

 

	
  With a Copy to:

  	
   

  	
  Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

  1801 California Street, Ste. 4200

  Denver, Colorado 80202
  Attn: Richard Russo, Esq.

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
  To Executive:

  	
   

  	
  Edward A. Mueller 

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  At the address maintained in the Company’s business
  records

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
  With a Copy to:

  	
   

  	
  Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz, P.C.

  222 N. LaSalle Street, Ste. 2600

  Chicago, Illinois 60601

  Attn: Robert J. Stucker, Esq.

  

 

11.          General Provisions

11.1         Waiver.  No waiver by any party hereto of any failure
of any other party to keep or perform any covenant or condition of this
Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach
of the same, or any other covenant or condition.

11.2         Amendments.  No provision of this Agreement may be
amended, modified or waived unless such amendment, modification or waiver shall
be agreed to in writing and signed by Executive in his personal capacity and by
the Chairman of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board.

11.3         Severability.  In case any one or more of the provisions of
this Agreement shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction or any
arbitrator selected in accordance with the terms hereof to be illegal, invalid
or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall have no force and effect,
but such holding shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of
any other provision of this Agreement and such provision may be modified in
such manner as such court or arbitrator shall reasonably determine in order to
give maximum effect to the intent of the parties as expressed herein.

11.4         Assignment.  No right to or interest in any payments shall
be assignable by either party; provided; however, that this provision shall not
preclude Executive from designating one or more beneficiaries to receive any
amount that may be payable after his death and shall not preclude his executor
or administrator from assigning any right hereunder to the person or persons
entitled hereto.  Further, the Company
may assign this Agreement: (i) to an affiliate so long as such affiliate
assumes the Company’s obligations hereunder, or (ii) in connection with a
merger or consolidation involving the Company or a sale of substantially all
its assets or shares to the surviving corporation or purchaser as the case may
be, so long as such assignee assumes the Company’s obligations hereunder.

 14
 

11.5         Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement and the obligations of the
Company and Executive hereunder shall be binding upon and shall be assumed by
their respective successors including, without limitation, any corporation or
corporations acquiring the Company, whether by merger, consolidation, sale or
otherwise.

11.6         Governing Law;  Venue; Jurisdiction. This Agreement is
deemed to be accepted and entered into in Denver, Colorado.  Executive and the Company intend and hereby
acknowledge that jurisdiction over disputes with regard to this Agreement, and
over all aspects of the relationship between the parties hereto, shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Colorado without giving effect to its
rules governing conflicts of laws. 
Executive agrees that in any proceeding to enforce this Agreement, or in
any dispute that arises between the Company and the Executive regarding or
relating to this Agreement and/or any aspect of Executive’s employment
relationship with the Company, venue and jurisdiction are proper in the City
and County of Denver, and (if federal jurisdiction exists) the United States
District Court for the District of Colorado, and Executive waives all
objections to jurisdiction and venue in any such forum and any defense that
such forum is not the most convenient forum.

11.7         No Representation.  No officer, employee or representative of the
Company has any authority to make any representation or promise in connection
with this Agreement or the subject matter hereto which is not contained herein,
and Executive agrees that he has not executed this Agreement in reliance upon
any such representation or promise.

11.8         Interpretation of
Agreement.  Each of the parties has
been represented by counsel in the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement.  The parties agree that this
Agreement is to be construed as jointly drafted.  Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed
according to the fair meaning of its language, and the rule of construction
that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be
employed in the interpretation of this Agreement.

11.9         Headings.  The headings of paragraphs and subparagraphs
are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the
meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

11.10       Entire Agreement.  This document constitutes the entire
understanding and Agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter
of this Agreement, and any and all prior agreements, understandings and
representations are hereby terminated and cancelled in their entirety and are
of no further force or effect.

11.11       Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts with the same effect as if the signatures to all such counterparts
was upon the same instrument, and all such counterparts shall constitute but
one instrument.

11.12       No Mitigation of Damages.  Executive shall not be required to mitigate
damages or the amount of any payment provided for under this Agreement by
seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the amount of any payment
provided for under this Agreement be reduced by any compensation earned by
Executive as a result of employment by another employer or by retirement
benefits after the Date of Termination.   
The provisions of

 15
 

this Agreement,
and any payment provided for hereunder, shall not reduce any amounts otherwise
payable, or in any way diminish Executive’s then existing rights, or rights
which would accrue solely as a result of the passage of time, under any Company
benefit plan or other contract, plan or arrangement.

11.13       Dispute
Resolution; Arbitration. 
Executive and the Company agree that in the event a dispute arises
concerning or relating to Executive’s employment with the Company, or any
termination therefrom, the parties first shall attempt in good faith to resolve
such dispute through mediation.  If a
resolution through mediation is not reached, then such dispute shall be
submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the employment arbitration
rules of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (“JAMS”) by a
single impartial arbitrator experienced in employment law selected as
follows:  Company and Executive will
attempt in good faith to agree upon impartial arbitrator within thirty days of
a request for arbitration.  If the
parties cannot agree, they shall request a panel of ten arbitrators from JAMS
and select an arbitrator pursuant to the JAMS rules.    The arbitration shall take place in Denver,
Colorado, and both Executive and the Company agree to submit to the jurisdiction
of the arbitrator selected in accordance with JAMS’ rules and procedures.  The Federal Arbitration Act, as amended, 9
U.S.C. § 1 et seq., (“FAA”) and not state
law, shall govern the arbitrability of all claims, provided they are
enforceable under the FAA.  Other than as
set forth herein, the arbitrator shall have no authority to add to, detract
from, change, amend, or modify existing law. 
The arbitrator shall have the authority to order such discovery as is
necessary for a fair resolution of the dispute. 
The arbitrator shall also have the authority to award any and all relief
or remedies provided under the statute or other law pursuant to which an
asserted prevailing claim or defense is raised, as if the matter were being
decided in court. The arbitrator may award punitive damages, if and only to the
extent allowed by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the
Civil Rights Act of 1991, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
of 1967, as amended; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended; and the arbitrator shall be bound by any limitations on the amount of
punitive or other damages imposed by said statutes. The arbitrator has no other
authority to award punitive damages.  The
arbitrator will apply applicable statutes of limitation, including contractual
statutes of limitations, will honor claims of privilege recognized by law, and
will take reasonable steps to protect confidential or proprietary information,
including the use of protective orders. The prevailing party in any arbitration
shall be entitled to receive reasonable attorneys’ fees, only to the extent
such fees are provided by the statute or other law pursuant to which an
asserted claim or defense is raised, as if the matter were being decided in
court. The arbitrator’s decision and award shall be final and binding, as to
all Claims that were or could have been raised in the arbitration, and judgment
upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having
jurisdiction thereof.  Executive will pay
the arbitrator’s fees and expenses up to $150 and Qwest will pay any arbitrator
fees and expenses in excess of such amount. Qwest will pay all of the
arbitrator’s fees and expenses if it commences the arbitration. The existence
and subject matter of all arbitration proceedings, including without
limitation, any settlements or awards there under, shall remain confidential
and be subject to the Confidentiality provision of this Agreement. Executive
and Qwest agree that if any term or portion of this Arbitration provision is, for
any reason, held to be invalid or unenforceable or to be contrary to public
policy or any law, then the invalid or unenforceable term or portion shall be
severed in its entirety from this Agreement and the remainder of this
Arbitration provision shall not be affected by any such invalidity or
unenforceability but shall remain in full force and

 16
 

effect,
as if the invalid or unenforceable term or portion thereof had not existed
within the Arbitration provision. 
Executive understands that Qwest would suffer irreparable harm in the
event of breached confidentiality, and such harm would not be fully compensable
in monetary damages. If any party hereto files a judicial action asserting
Claims subject to this Arbitration provision, and another party successfully
stays such action and/or compels arbitration of such Claims, the party filing
the initial judicial action shall pay the other party’s costs and expenses
incurred in seeking such stay and/or compelling arbitration, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees.  THE COMPANY
AND EMPLOYEE FURTHER AGREE THAT THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE AS PROVIDED IN
THIS PARAGRAPH 11.13 SHALL BE THE EXCLUSIVE AND BINDING METHOD FOR RESOLVING
ANY SUCH DISPUTE AND WILL BE USED INSTEAD OF ANY COURT ACTION, WHICH IS HEREBY
EXPRESSLY WAIVED, EXCEPT FOR ANY REQUEST BY EITHER PARTY HERETO FOR TEMPORARY
OR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTIVE RELIEF, OR A CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION FILED WITH AN
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY.

11.14      CONDITIONAL
REPAYMENT OF PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS.  If Executive receives benefits under this
Agreement, and, within two years following Executive’s termination of
employment, Company determines that during Executive’s employment with Qwest, Executive engaged in
conduct that would have constituted “Cause” for termination (as defined in paragraph
4.6(a) above), regardless of (i) when during Executive’s employment
with Qwest such conduct occurred, (ii) when Qwest knew or learns of such
conduct or should have known of such conduct, or (iii) what Qwest now
knows or should have known about Executive’s conduct, then Company shall provide to Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s
estate or beneficiary) written notification of such determination, which
written notification shall expressly set forth the basis for Company’s
determination in reasonable detail. 
After Company provides this written notification to Executive, it may
stop or withhold any payments which have not been made under this
Agreement.  If Executive disputes that
such Cause exists or existed, Executive and his counsel shall make a
presentation to the Company to request that Company withdraw such
determination.  If the matter is not
settled or resolved after Executive’s presentation to the Company, either party
may commence an arbitration pursuant to the procedure set forth in Paragraph
11.13 of this Agreement.  In addition, if
Executive breaches Executive’s obligations under Article 6 or Paragraphs 7.1,
7.2 or 7.3 of this Agreement, Company may stop or withhold any payments which
have not been made under this Agreement.

If the arbitrator finds that
Cause exists or existed or that Executive has breached Executive’s obligations
under Article 6 or Paragraphs 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3 of this Agreement, or if
Executive does not timely commence an action disputing Company’s Cause
determination, Executive shall make prompt repayment to Company of the cash
payments provided under this Agreement and other benefits received by Executive
pursuant to this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the value of any
discounted COBRA coverage).  Consistent with applicable law, any repayments
shall include an interest factor equal to the applicable federal short term
interest rate pursuant to Internal Revenue Code paragraph 1274.  Interest shall begin to accrue on the 31st
day after Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s estate or beneficiary)
received Company’s written notification of its determination that such Cause
exists or existed, and shall continue to accrue until complete repayment is
made to Company.  If Company
notifies Executive (or, if applicable, Executive’s estate or beneficiary) in writing of the
determination that Cause for

 17
 

termination exists prior to having made the payments
required pursuant to this Agreement, such payment shall not be made unless the
Company withdraws its determination, if the court determines that Cause did not
exist, or if the parties agree otherwise.

 18

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

	
  

  	
   

  	
  QWEST COMMUNICATIONS

  	
   

  
	
  EDWARD A. MUELLER

  	
   

  	
  INTERNATIONAL INC.

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  By:

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
   

  	
  Title:

  	
   

  	
   

  
								

 

 19
 

Exhibit A

Board
Service

Cakebread Winery of Napa
Valley

The Clorox Company

GSC
Acquisition Company

 20
 

Exhibit B

Initial Grant of
Stock Options and Restricted Stock

Subject to the terms of the
Equity Agreement between Executive and the Company dated August 10, 2007 (the “Grant
Date”), the Executive was granted: (1) non-qualified options to acquire 2,083,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Option Award”); and (2) shares of
restricted Common Stock having an approximate value of $7,500,000 (the “Restricted
Stock Award”).  The option price with
respect to the Option Award is the closing price per share of the Common
Stock reported on the New York Stock Exchange on the Grant Date. The number of
shares of restricted Common Stock was determined by dividing the dollar value
above by the closing price per share of the Common Stock reported on the New
York Stock Exchange on the Grant Date, then rounding to the nearest 1,000
shares.

 21
 

EXHIBIT C

WAIVER AND RELEASE
AGREEMENT

1.                                       Release and Waiver of Claims and Covenant Not to Sue.

As a free and
voluntary act, you hereby release and discharge and covenant not to sue, Qwest
Communications International Inc., any present or former subsidiary or
affiliated Company, any predecessor or successor, and the directors, officers,
employees, shareholders and agents of any or all of them, (hereinafter “Qwest”),
from any and all debts, obligations, claims, liability, damages, punitive
damages, demands, judgments and/or causes of action of any kind whatsoever,
including specifically but not exclusively:

·              all
claims relating to or arising out of your employment with Qwest;

·              all
claims arising out of your Employment Agreement or any other agreements between
you and the Company, except as specifically set forth herein;

·              all
claims relating to or arising from any claimed breach of an alleged oral or
written employment contract, quasi-contracts, implied contracts, payment for
services, wages or salary and/or promissory estoppel;

·              any
alleged tort claims;

·              any
claims for libel and/or slander;

·              all
claims relating to purported employment discrimination or civil rights
violations or arising under any federal or state employment statutes including,
without limitation, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as
amended; claims under the Civil Rights Act of 1991; claims under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; claims under 42 U.S.C. §
1981, § 1981a, § 1983, § 1985, or § 1988; claims under the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993; claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended; claims under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; claims under the Fair
Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended; claims under the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act; claims under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act;
and claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended; or any other applicable federal, state or local statute or ordinance,
including claims for attorneys’ fees;

·              any
and all claims which you might have or assert against Qwest (1) by reason of
your employment with and/or termination of employment from Qwest and all
circumstances related thereto; or (2) by reason of any other matter, cause, or
dispute  whatsoever between you and Qwest
which arose prior to the effective date of this Agreement.  This Agreement excludes any claims you may
make under (1) the applicable

 22
 

 

	
  

  	
  state unemployment compensation laws, (2) applicable
  workers’ compensation statutes, (3) for indemnification to the extent
  permitted or required by the bylaws of a Qwest company, your Employment
  Agreement or applicable state law; (4) claims as a shareholder of Qwest; (5)
  the right to enforce the severance and benefit continuation provisions of
  your Employment Agreement and any other provision of your Employment
  Agreement that by its terms extends beyond your termination of employment;
  (6) claims for vested employee benefits; and (7) claims which arise after the
  execution of this Agreement;

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  ·              your right to seek
  individual relief on your own behalf for any charges of discrimination filed
  with any federal, state or local agency, pending or otherwise, arising from
  or related to your employment or termination of employment with Qwest.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  2.

  	
  By signing this Waiver and Release Agreement, you
  confirm that that you are subject to the Arbitration agreement set forth at
  paragraph 11.13 of your Employment Agreement.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  3.

  	
  You agree that the severance payments and benefits
  provided by your Employment Agreement are considerations to which you would
  not otherwise be entitled unless you sign this Agreement, and that these
  considerations constitute payment in exchange for signing this Agreement.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  4.

  	
  If one or more terms, provisions or parts of this
  Agreement are found by a court or arbitrator to be invalid, illegal, or
  incapable of being enforced by any rule of law or public policy, the terms,
  provisions or parts shall be modified to the extent (but not more than is)
  necessary to make the provision enforceable. You agree that if any portion of
  this Agreement is found to be unenforceable or prohibited, the remainder of
  this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, unless the material
  terms and intent of this Agreement are materially changed by the fact that a
  portion of this Agreement is unenforceable or prohibited.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  5.

  	
  You agree that this Agreement shall not be
  admissible in any proceeding as evidence of any improper conduct by Qwest
  against you and Qwest denies that it has taken any improper action against
  you in violation of any federal, state, or local law or common law principle.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  6.

  	
  You acknowledge that no promises or representations
  have been made to induce you to sign this Agreement other than as expressly
  set forth herein and that you have signed this Agreement as a free and
  voluntary act.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  7.

  	
  You acknowledge that this Waiver and Release
  Agreement means, in part, that you give up all your rights to damages and/or
  money based upon any claims against Qwest of age discrimination. You do not
  waive your rights to make claims for damages and/or money which arise after
  the date this Agreement is signed. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment
  Act, you have the right within seven days of the date you sign this Agreement
  to revoke your waiver of rights to claim damages and/or money. In the event
  you revoke your agreement to be obligated to the terms of this Agreement, the
  benefits offered herein shall be null and void, meaning you will receive no
  involuntary termination

  

 23
 

 

	
  

  	
  benefits under your Severance Agreement. To be
  effective, your revocation must be in writing and delivered to Executive Vice
  President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Qwest Communications
  International, Inc. 1801 California Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, within
  the seven-day period. If by mail, the revocation must be (1) postmarked
  within the seven-day period, (2) properly addressed, and (3) sent by
  certified mail, return receipt requested.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
  8.

  	
  You acknowledge that you (a) have had sufficient
  opportunity (not less than 45 days) to review this Waiver and Release
  Agreement, (b) have been encouraged to consult with and have had sufficient
  opportunity to consult with your attorney and financial advisor before
  signing this Waiver and Release Agreement, and (c) that you understand and
  agree to all of the terms of this Waiver and Release Agreement.

  

 

 

AGREEMENT

	
  I have read and I understand the terms of the foregoing Waiver and
  Release, and I hereby agree to all of the terms of the foregoing Agreement.

  

 

 

	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  	
   

  
	
  Executive’s Signature

  	
   

  	
  (Date)

  

 

 

Please
return all pages of this signed agreement to:

Executive Compensation

1801 California Street

23rd Floor

Denver,
Colorado  80202

 24Exhibit 10.1

EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT

This
Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is
entered into as of the 29th day of August,
2007, by and between Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the “Company”), and Kyle R. Kirkland (the “Executive”).

WHEREAS, the Executive and the
Company entered into an employment agreement dated January, 1999 (the “1999
Agreement”), and

WHEREAS, the initial Term of the
1999 Agreement ended on December 31, 2006, which term was subject to extension,
and

WHEREAS, the Company offered to
renew the Executive’s employment agreement by letter dated December 19, 2006,
and

WHEREAS, the Executive has
accepted the offer to renew, and

WHEREAS, the Company and
Executive wish to make certain modifications to the agreement as set forth
herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration
of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and valuable
consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows:

1.                                       Term
of Employment.  The Company agrees to
continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to continue
performing his duties and responsibilities until December 31, 2008, unless
otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph 7 of this Agreement (including any extensions, the
“Term”).

2.                                       Duties
and Responsibilities.  The Executive
shall be employed as the Chairman of the Board of the Company, and shall
perform such duties as are from time to time assigned to him by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and
that are normally associated with such position.

3.                                       Compensation.

a.                                       For
all services to be performed by the Executive during the Term, the Company
shall pay to him, together with other compensation as hereinafter provided, an
annual salary of $350,000 (subject to such deductions and withholdings as may
be required by law or by further agreement with the Executive), payable in
arrears biweekly.

b.                                      Without
limiting and in addition to the foregoing, each year the Executive shall be
eligible to receive an annual bonus determined in the sole and absolute
discretion of the Board.

c.                                       On
his annual review date, the Executive shall be eligible to

receive salary
increases based on his performance of his duties, but any such increases shall
be in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board.

4.                                       Benefits.  In addition to any other items of
compensation provided for in this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to
the following benefits (the “Benefits”):

a.                                       The
Executive shall be entitled to participate in any retirement (including the
Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan), life insurance, health,
medical, disability or other plans or benefits, whether insured or
self-insured, which the Company in its sole and absolute discretion may make
available generally from time to time to its executives.  The Company shall also reimburse the
Executive for all medical expenses incurred which are not otherwise covered by
an existing benefit plan and shall pay the premium for additional life
insurance up to the maximum coverage available under the Company’s policy.

a.                                       The
Executive shall be entitled to vacation in accordance with the Company’s
current vacation policy during each year of this Agreement.

5.                                       Reimbursement
of Expenses.  The Executive shall be
entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and entertainment expenses
that are (a) incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder and (b)
evidenced by appropriate documentation. 
In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to an annual,
non-accountable expense allowance of $10,000.

6.                                       Restrictive
Covenants.  The Executive
acknowledges that certain of the Company’s products and services are
proprietary in nature and have been manufactured, assembled and marketed through
the use of customer lists, supplier lists, trade secrets, methods of operation
and other confidential information possessed by the Company and disclosed in
confidence to the Executive (the “Trade Secrets”),
which may not be easily accessible to other persons in the trade.  The Executive also acknowledges that he will
have substantial and ongoing contact with the Company’s customers and suppliers
and will thereby gain knowledge of customer needs and references, sources of
equity funding, sources of supply, methods of assembly and other valuable
information necessary for the success of the Company’s business.  Therefore, except as provided in subparagraphs (a) and (d) below, and except as provided in paragraph 8, during the time the Executive is employed under
the provisions of this Agreement and until the date of the second anniversary
of the termination of the executive’s employment, the Executive shall not,
without the prior written consent of the Company:

a.                                       During
the Term, engage in any business activity that competes with the Company in the
manufacturing of musical instruments or other business in which the Company is
engaged, or exploits or utilizes any of the Trade Secrets; provided,
however, that the Executive may invest in any publicly-traded company
that is similar in nature to the business in which the Company is engaged,
provided that such investment shall not exceed 5% of the equity interest in
such company on a fully diluted basis;

b.                                      Solicit
any person employed by the Company or any affiliate of the Company, appointed
as a representative of the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, to join
him as a partner, co-venturer, employee, investor or otherwise, in any
substantial business activity whatsoever;

c.                                       Intentionally
disclose or reveal any Trade Secrets or other confidential information of the
Company to anyone which disclosure results in harm to the Company; or

d.                                      Become
employed by or associated with, any entity that owns, operates, manages or has
a substantial interest in any business activity that competes with the Company
in the manufacturing of musical instruments or other significant business in
which the Company is engaged, or exploits or utilizes any of the Trade Secrets;
provided, however, if the Executive’s
employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (as defined
herein), said period for the purposes of this subparagraph
d shall be reduced to one year after the termination of his
employment.

7.                                       Termination.

a.                                       The
Company shall have the option to terminate the Executive’s employment for “Cause”, which shall be defined as follows:  (i) any felony committed by the Executive in
connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties to the Company that
causes damage to the Company or any of its properties, assets or businesses;
(ii) any fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by the Executive involving
properties, assets or funds of the Company; (iii) a conviction of the
Executive, or plea of nolo contendere
by the Executive, to any crime or offense involving monies or other property of
the Company; or (iv) the violation by the Executive of any non-competition or
confidentiality agreement with the Company. 
In the event of termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause, any
obligation of the Company to provide any compensation and Benefits to him, as
herein set forth, shall cease immediately except as provided in paragraph 10.

b.                                      In
the event of termination of the Executive’s employment by reason of death or
permanent disability, he and/or his estate shall be entitled to his salary and
Benefits under the terms of this Agreement for a period of six months following
the date of his death or the date upon which he becomes permanently disabled,
in addition to any other benefits provided by the Company.

c.                                       In
the event of termination of the Executive’s employment by reason of his resignation,
written notice of which shall be given by him to the Company at least sixty
days prior thereto, he shall be entitled to his salary and Benefits hereunder
up to the date of such termination, subject to extension of Benefits required
by any governmental laws and regulations.

8.                                       Renewal.

a.                                       The
Term shall automatically renew on an annual basis unless the Company provides
the Executive with written notice of its intent not to renew at least sixty
(60) days prior to the expiration of the then current Term.

b.                                      If
this Agreement is not renewed, then the terms of paragraph
6(d) shall not apply and the Company shall pay to the Executive a
severance benefit on the date of the non-renewal equal to two times his latest
annual salary plus bonus in consideration for which the Executive agrees that
he will not become employed by or associated with any entity which owns,
operates, manages, or has a substantial interest in any business activity that
competes with the Company as a manufacturer of musical instruments for a period
of two years after the date of the non-renewal.

9.                                       Indemnification.   The Company agrees to indemnify the
Executive to the same extent that the Company agrees to indemnify other
officers and directors of the Company in their capacity as such.  The Company further agrees that such
indemnification shall survive the Executive’s resignation, termination or
expiration of this Agreement, with respect to actions taken by him during his
employment with the Company, unless such actions could have been grounds for
termination for Cause.

10.                                 Employment
Benefits to Continue After Termination. 
If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company with or
without Cause, or by resignation, he shall be entitled to continue to
participate in any health and medical plans maintained by the Company at his
employee rate if he so elects and pays the premium cost of such insurer in
advance to the Company until such time as he becomes a participant in another
plan or for an additional period of time in accordance with governmental laws
and regulations.  The Company is not
obligated to maintain any such benefit plans under this Agreement.

11.                                 Limitation
on Assignment.   The Company
agrees that if the assets of the business are transferred to any other entity
the Executive shall have the right to have this contract assigned to such
entity.

12.                                 Entire
Agreement.  This Agreement
constitutes the entire understanding between the parties in connection with the
subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements or
understandings between the parties.  
This Agreement may only be changed by a written instrument duly executed
by each party.

13.                                 Binding
Nature of Agreement Assignment.            This
Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, the heirs and legal
representatives of the Executive and the successors and assigns of the Company.

14.                                 Governing
Law.            This Agreement shall
be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles
thereof.

15.                                 Construction
and Jurisdiction.

a.                                       If any legal action relating to or other
proceeding is brought by any party for the enforcement of this Agreement, or
because of an alleged dispute, breach or default in connection with any
provisions of this Agreement, such action shall be commenced in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the parties hereto agree that such
Commonwealth shall have exclusive jurisdiction thereof; provided,
however, if any court in said Commonwealth shall decline to afford
injunctive relief to the Company on account of the breach or threatened breach
of this Agreement by the Executive, the Company shall be entitled to seek such
relief from any other court of competent jurisdiction, wherever located.

b.                                      The prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover reasonably attorney’s fees and other reasonable costs incurred in such
action or proceeding in addition to any other relief to which it may be
entitled.

c.                                       The parties hereby further agree that, in
connection therewith, service of  process
by registered or certified mail or in person shall confer jurisdiction over
them.

16.                                 Serverability.                          The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions hereof, and this Agreement
shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid or unenforceable
provision or provisions were omitted.

17.                                 Section Headings.                                               The section headings herein have been
inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify or
restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

18.                                 Waiver of Breach.                                                The waiver by any party hereto of a
breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as
a waiver by said party of any other or subsequent breach.

19.                                 Notices.    All notices and other communications
required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement shall be
given in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered
personally, (b) if sent by telecopy, when receipt thereof is acknowledged at
the telecopy number listed below for the receiving party, (b) the day following
the day on which the same has been delivered prepaid for overnight delivery to
a national air courier service or (d) three days following deposit in the
United States mail, registered or certified, postage prepaid, in each case
addressed as follows (or to such other addresses that may have been designated
by the respective parties hereto for this purpose):

If to the Company:

Steinway Musical
Instruments, Inc.

800 South Street,
Suite 305

Waltham,
Massachusetts  02453-1472

Fax: (781)
894-9803

Attention:                                         Dennis M. Hanson

With a copy to:

Milbank, Tweed,
Hadley & McCloy

601 South Figueroa
Street, 30th Floor

Los Angeles,
California  90017

Fax: (213)
629-5063

Attention:                                         Neil Wertlieb

If to the Executive:

Kyle R. Kirkland

11150 Santa Monica
Blvd, Suite 700

Los Angeles, California  90025

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

	
  

  	
  Steinway Musical
  Instruments, Inc.

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  /s/ Dennis M.
  Hanson

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  Dennis M. Hanson

  
	
   

  	
  Sr. Executive
  Vice President

  
	
   

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  /s/ Kyle R.
  Kirkland

  	
   

  
	
   

  	
  Kyle R. Kirkland

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