Document:

Exhibit

Execution Version

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Second Amended Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of February 14, 2019, by and between Eugene A. Hall, an individual (“Executive”) and Gartner, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). This Agreement further amends and restates the amended and restated employment agreement dated March 19, 2016, which in turn amended and restated the employment agreement, dated April 13, 2011, each between the Company and Executive (collectively, the “Original Agreements”).
1.Employment.  Executive will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company for the Employment Term specified in Section 3 below.  Executive will report solely to the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and will render such services consistent with the foregoing role as the Board may from time to time direct.  Executive’s office will be located at the executive offices of the Company in Stamford, Connecticut.  Executive may (i) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees and (ii) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions, to the extent that such activities are (x) consistent with the Company’s policies (as applicable) or (y) disclosed to the Board and the Board determines in good faith that such activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s responsibilities hereunder.
2.    Board of Directors.  The Executive is currently a member of the Board, and during the Employment Term, the Company will, in good faith, include Executive on the Company’s slate of nominees to be elected to the Board at appropriate meetings of stockholders of the Company. Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason, Executive will promptly resign as a director of the Company if the Board so requests.
3.    Term.  The employment of Executive pursuant to this Agreement will continue through December 31, 2021 (the “Employment Term”), unless extended or earlier terminated as provided in this Agreement.  The Employment Term automatically will be extended for additional one-year periods commencing on January 1, 2022 and continuing each year thereafter, unless either Executive or the Company gives the other written notice, in accordance with Section 14(a) and at least sixty (60) days prior to the then scheduled expiration of the Employment Term, of such party’s intention not to extend the Employment Term.  Upon termination of the Employment Term for any reason, Executive will promptly resign from all positions he holds with the Company if the Board so requests.
4.    Salary.  As compensation for the services rendered by Executive under this Agreement, the Company will pay to Executive an annual base salary (“Base Salary”) equal to $908,197, payable to Executive on a semi-monthly basis in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices as in effect from time to time during the Employment Term.  The Base Salary will be subject to adjustment by the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), in the sole discretion of the Board or such Committee, on an annual basis; provided, however, that Executive’s Base Salary may not be decreased other than pursuant to a reduction consistent with a general reduction of pay across the executive staff as a group, as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance by the Company.
5.    Bonus.  In addition to Base Salary, Executive will be entitled to participate in the Company’s executive bonus program.  Executive’s annual target bonus (the “Target Bonus”) will be 105% of Base Salary, and will be payable based on achievement of specified Company and individual objectives.  The actual bonus paid may be higher or lower than the Target Bonus for over- or under-achievement of Company and individual objectives, as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the maximum actual bonus will not exceed 210% of Base Salary.  Bonus amounts will be subject to annual adjustment by the Board or the Committee, in the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee; provided, however, that Executive’s Target Bonus may not be decreased without Executive’s consent other than pursuant to a reduction consistent with a general reduction of pay across the executive staff as a group, as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance of the Company.  To receive a bonus, Executive must be an employee at the time bonuses are paid to executives.
6.    Executive Benefits.
(a)    Equity Grants.  No later than ten (10) days following the first market trading day of the first open trading window for Company executives under the Company’s insider trading policy on or after January 1 of each year during the Employment Term, Executive will be granted equity-based incentive awards settled in Common Stock or the Company (collectively, the “Incentive Awards”), provided that Executive must be an employee at the time Incentive Awards are scheduled to be granted.  The Incentive Awards granted in 2016 and later years had or will have an aggregate value on the date of grant (assuming the applicable performance goals will be satisfied at target levels and using the methods described in the following sentence) that is no less than the result of $9,874,375 minus the sum of the Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year of grant.  The value of the Incentive Awards on the date of grant will be determined by using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation method for stock appreciation rights and the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock for restricted stock units, or such other valuation method as the Committee may use to value equity-based incentive awards.  All Incentive Awards will be 100% unvested on the date of grant, Executive’s entitlement to be granted the Incentive Awards for any given year under this Agreement shall accrue as of January 1 of such year.  Vesting of such Incentive Awards shall be subject to Section 6(a)(iii).  The terms and conditions of the Incentive Awards (including, but not limited to, the number of restricted stock units or stock appreciation rights to be granted and the applicable performance goals) shall be determined by the Committee, subject to and consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Company’s 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”). Each year’s Incentive Awards will be divided among:
(i)    Restricted Stock Units.  Each year during the Employment Term, all or a portion of the aggregate value of the Incentive Awards may, as determined by the Committee, be in the form of restricted stock units, with a par value purchase price.  During each year of the Employment Term, the number of restricted stock units initially granted to Executive will be based upon an assumption that specified Company objectives will be achieved during such year.  The restricted stock units granted to Executive each year may be adjusted so as to be higher or lower than the number of restricted stock units initially granted in such year by reason of over-or under-achievement during such year of such specified Company objectives, as determined by the Committee.  Upon the vesting or a restricted stock unit, and in the sole discretion or the Committee, the Company may pay earned restricted stock units in cash, shares of Common Stock of the Company, or in a combination thereof.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, if Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason, any portion of the restricted stock units still subject to restrictions will the forfeited to the Company.
(ii)    Stock Appreciation Rights.  Each year during the Employment Term, all or a portion of the value of the Incentive Awards may, as determined by the Committee, be in the form of stock appreciation rights, which upon exercise will be settled in shares of Common Stock of the Company.  Executive will have the right to exercise such stock appreciation right upon its vesting, and will receive the excess, if any, of the value of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the date of exercise over the value of such share on the date of grant.
(iii)    Vesting of Incentive Awards.  Incentive Awards granted pursuant to this Agreement will be scheduled to vest in not more than four equal annual installments on January 1 of each year following the date of grant, subject in each case to Executive’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable date and subject to achievement of any performance goals applicable to such Incentive Awards as determined by the Committee.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Incentive Awards may vest earlier in the event of a Change in Control or Change in Control Termination as provided in Section 7 below.
(b)    Other Employee and Executive Benefits.  Executive will be entitled to receive all benefits provided to senior executives, executives and employees of the Company generally from time to time, including medical, dental, life insurance and long-term disability, and the executive split-dollar life insurance, executive disability plan, and all other benefits under the Company’s Executive Benefits program, in each case so long as and to the extent the same exist; provided, that with respect to each such plan Executive is otherwise eligible and insurable in accordance with the terms of such plans.  Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Executive’s right to receive severance payments and benefits will be only as provided in Section 7 hereof.  Furthermore, the Company will provide Executive with an automobile and driver for Executive’s ground transportation needs during the Employment Term.
(c)    Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays and Sabbatical.  Executive will be entitled to paid time off (“PTO”), sick leave, holidays and sabbatical in accordance with the policies of the Company as they exist from time to time.  Executive understands that under the current policy he is entitled to thirty-five (35) PTO days per calendar year.  PTO not used during any calendar year will roll over to the following year only to the extent provided under the Company’s PTO policies as they exist from time to time.
7.    Severance Benefits.
(a)    At Will Employment.  Executive’s employment will be “at will.”  Either the Company or Executive may terminate this agreement and Executive’s employment at any time, with or without Business Reasons, in its or his sole discretion, upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice of termination.
(b)    Involuntary Termination.  If at any time during the term of this Agreement (other than within twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control) the Company terminates the employment of Executive involuntarily and without Business Reasons or a Constructive Termination occurs, or if the Company elects not to renew this Agreement upon the expiration of the Employment Term and Executive within ninety (90) days following the expiration of the Employment Term terminates his employment, then, subject to Executive signing and not revoking a general release of claims against the Company and its successors substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A within the period required by the release and in no event later than sixty (60) days following the Termination Date, inclusive of any revocation period set forth in the release, Executive will be entitled to receive the following:
(i)    Base Salary and PTO accrued through the Termination Date plus continued Base Salary for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the Termination Date.  In accordance with Section 7(i) below, such payments will commence on the first regular Company pay day at least six (6) months after the Termination Date or, if later, at least six (6) months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.  This first payment will be a lump sum representing the continuation of Executive’s Base Salary for the period commencing on the Termination Date and concluding on such payment date.  Thereafter, the remaining payments of Base Salary will be payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll schedule as in effect from time to time.
(ii)    If the Termination Date occurs during a year in which any Incentive Awards are due to be granted but remain un-granted, a lump sum cash payment with respect to the un-granted Incentive Awards pursuant to Section 6(a) above determined by multiplying the percentage of such un-granted Incentive Awards that would have vested pursuant to Section 7(b)(iv) below by no less than the result of $9,874,375 minus the sum of the Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year in which the Termination Date occurs.  For purposes of illustration, if the un-granted Incentive Awards would have vested over a four (4) year vesting schedule, the percentage described in the preceding sentence will be seventy-five percent (75%).  In accordance with Section 7(i) below, this payment will be made on the first regular Company pay day at least six (6) months after the Termination Date or, if later, at least six (6) months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.
(iii)    300% of the average of Executive’s earned annual bonuses for the three (3) fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the Termination Date occurs, which, in accordance with Section 7(i) below, will be payable in a lump sum as soon as practicable following but in no event later than thirty (30) days later than the six (6) month period commencing on the Termination Dale, or, if later, following the six (6) month period commencing on the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, plus any earned but unpaid bonus from the prior fiscal year, which will be paid at the same time as bonuses for such fiscal year are paid to the other Company executives.
(iv)    Thirty-six (36) months’ continued vesting under all Incentive Awards and any other outstanding stock options and other equity arrangements subject to vesting and held by Executive (and in this regard, all such stock appreciation rights and other exercisable rights held by Executive will remain exercisable for thirty (30) days following the last day of the thirty-six (36) month continued vesting period, subject to the maximum term of the award).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to each performance-based restricted stock unit award or other equity compensation award subject to achievement of performance-based criteria (each a “Performance-Based Equity Award”), Executive will be entitled to thirty-six (36) months’ continued vesting only if and to the extent that the performance-based criteria applicable to the Performance-Based Equity Award is achieved during the award’s performance period, whether such performance period ends during or after such thirty-six (36) month period, as determined by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the terms and conditions of the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (or such other Company stock plan under which the award was granted) and the award agreement entered into by and between the Company and Executive. For purposes of clarity, the thirty-six (36) months’ continued vesting to which Executive is entitled will be measured from the Termination Date and not from the date that achievement of the applicable performance-based criteria is determined.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any award agreement evidencing the Incentive Awards and any other outstanding stock options or other equity arrangements, to the extent such awards are considered “deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) and in accordance with Section 7(i) below, the awards otherwise payable during the period beginning on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date or, if later, six (6) months following the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, instead will be paid on the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the later of the Termination Date or the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.  Thereafter, each such award shall be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule applicable to such award.
(v)    a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of his termination of employment for Executive, his spouse and any children (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence six (6) months after the Termination Date or, if later, at least six (6) months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive becomes covered under similar plans or (y) the last day of the thirty-sixth (36th) calendar month following the month in which Executive’s employment terminated.  The first payment under the preceding sentence will equal the sum of all monthly payments for the period commencing on the Termination Date and concluding on such payment date.
(vi)    no other compensation, severance or other benefits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive violates in a material respect the provisions set forth in Section 12, Executive no longer will be entitled to receive any severance payments and benefits and Executive’s outstanding Incentive Awards and other stock options and equity arrangements will expire immediately.
(c)    Change in Control.
(i)    Benefits.  If during the term of this Agreement a Change in Control Termination occurs, then Executive will be entitled to receive the following:
(A)    Base Salary and PTO accrued though the date of the Change in Control Termination and, immediately upon the Change in Control Termination, any earned but unpaid bonus from the fiscal year preceding the Change in Control Termination,
(B)    an amount equal to three (3) years of Executive’s Base Salary as then in effect,
(C)    an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s Target Bonus for the fiscal year in which the Change in Control Termination occurs (or if higher, for the immediately preceding fiscal year),
(D)    a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that Executive would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of his termination of employment for Executive, his spouse and any children (which amount will be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments will be made regardless of whether Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage and will commence six (6) months after the date of Change in Control Termination or, if later, at least six (6) months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service and will end on the earlier of (x) the date upon which Executive becomes covered under similar plans or (y) the last day of the thirty-sixth (36th) calendar month following the month in which Executive’s employment terminated, The first payment under the preceding sentence will equal the sum of all monthly payments for the period commencing on the date of Change in Control Termination and concluding on such payment date,
(E)    except as provided in this Section 7(c), no other compensation, severance or other benefits.
The payments set forth in clauses (B) and (C) above shall be payable in a lump sum on the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date or, if later, six months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.  Additionally, any Incentive Awards due to be granted pursuant to Section 6(a) that remain ungranted will be granted to Executive prior to consummation of the Change in Control and upon a Change in Control Termination, as applicable.
(ii)    Vesting. In the event that a Change in Control occurs prior to the termination of Executive’s employment and prior to the expiration of an Incentive Award or other equity-based arrangement subject to vesting and held by Executive (collectively with the Incentive Awards, the “Equity Awards”) then, subject to Section 7(c)(iii) below, upon such Change in Control, all such Equity Awards granted on or prior to February 7, 2019, will vest in full, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at target level and, with respect to a stock option or stock appreciation right, be exercisable as to all of the covered shares, including shares as to which the stock option or stock appreciation right would not otherwise be exercisable.
Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Termination, but subject to Section 7(c)(iii) below, each outstanding Equity Award granted after February 7, 2019 will have the service requirement deemed fully satisfied, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved (i) if the performance period has been completed, at actual level of performance, or (ii) if the performance period has not been completed, at target level of performance, and, with respect to a stock option and stock appreciation right, be exercisable as to all of the covered shares, including shares as to which the stock option or stock appreciation right would not otherwise be exercisable.
Payment of Equity Awards whose payment or settlement is accelerated due to a Change in Control Termination shall be subject to the six-month delay set forth in Section 7(i) below (to the extent applicable).
(iii)    Limitation on Payments.
(A)    In the event that the severance payments and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and (ii) but for this Section 7(c)(iii), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then Executive’s severance and other benefits under Section 7 (and with respect to acceleration of vesting, any other equity-based arrangements) will be either:
(1)    delivered in full, or
(2)    limited to such minimum extent as will ensure that no portion of such severance and other benefits will be subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code,
whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax imposed by Section 4999, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of severance and other benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such severance and other benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code.  If a reduction in severance payments or other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that payments or benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (1) reduction of the cash severance payments; (2) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity-based awards; and (3) reduction of continued employee benefits.  In the event of a reduction of cash severance payments or a reduction of continued employee benefits, such reduction shall occur in reverse chronological order such that the payment or benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the excise tax will be the first payment to be reduced (with reductions made pro-rata in the event payments are payable at the same time).  In the event that accelerated vesting of equity based awards is to be cancelled, such vesting acceleration will be cancelled in the following order: (1) Performance-Based Equity Awards granted in the year of acceleration of vesting, (2) other Performance-Based Equity Awards and other equity-based awards, in reverse chronological order of the dates of grant thereof (with reductions made pro-rata in the event that grants were made at the same time.
(B)    Subject to the provisions of clause F below, all determinations required to be made under this Section 7(c)(iii), including whether an Excise Tax is payable by Executive and the amount of such Excise Tax and whether a reduction in payments or benefits is required, will be made in good faith and using reasonable actuarial and other assumptions by the Company’s independent accountants (the “Accounting Firm”).  The Company will direct the Accounting Firm to submit its determination and detailed supporting calculations to both the Company and Executive within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of a Change in Control, within fifteen (15) calendar days after the date of a Change in Control Termination and any other such time or times as may be requested by the Company or Executive.  If the Accounting Firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable by Executive without reduction of payments or benefits, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return. If the Accounting Firm determines that a reduction of payments or benefits is required pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(A) above, it will, at the same time as it makes such determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that, taking into account such reduction, he has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on his federal, state, local income or other tax return.  Any determination by the Accounting Firm as to the amount of any Excise Tax or reduction in payments and benefits will be binding upon the Company and Executive.
(C)    The Company and Executive will each provide the Accounting Firm access to and copies of any books, records and documents in the possession of the Company or Executive, as the case may be, reasonably requested by the Accounting Firm, and otherwise cooperate with the Accounting Firm in connection with the preparation and issuance of the determination contemplated by clause B above.
(D)    In the event that payments and benefits are delivered in full pursuant to Section 7(c)(iii)(A) above, the federal, state and local income or other tax returns filed by Executive and the Company will be prepared and filed on a consistent basis with the determination or the Accounting Firm with respect to the Excise Tax payable by Executive, if any.
(E)    The fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm for its services in connection with the determinations and calculations contemplated by clauses A and B above will be borne by the Company.  If such fees and expenses are initially advanced by Executive, the Company will reimburse Executive the full amount of such fees and expenses within twenty (20) days after receipt from Executive of a statement therefore and reasonable evidence of his payment thereof.
(F)    If, for any reason, the Accounting Firm, as defined above, fails to act in the manner contemplated by this Section 7(c) within a reasonable period of time, the Executive may appoint another nationally recognized independent accounting firm with the consent of the Company (unless such consent is unreasonably withheld or delayed), to perform all of such duties of the Accounting Firm that are contemplated by this Section 7(c), in which event such independent accountants will thereafter be deemed to be the “Accounting Firm” for purposes of this Section 7(c).
(d)    Termination for Disability.  If at any time during the Employment Term Executive becomes unable to perform his duties as an employee as a result of incapacity, which gives rise to termination of employment for Disability, then (i) Executive will the entitled to receive payments and benefits in accordance with the Company’s then applicable plans, policies, and arrangements; provided, however, that to the extent such payments or benefits are “separation pay” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payments and benefits will be paid or provided at the same time and in the same form as similar payments and benefits are provided under Section 7(b) in connection with Executive’s Constructive Termination or involuntary termination without Business Reasons; (ii) Executive’s outstanding Incentive Awards and other stock options and equity arrangements will expire in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement(s) and the Company stock plans under which they were granted; and (iii) with respect to any accrued but un-granted Incentive Awards pursuant to Section 6(a), Executive will be entitled to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to the value of the vesting acceleration that Executive would have received, in accordance with the disability provisions set forth in the Company’s equity award policy then in effect had Executive’s employment not been terminated for Disability prior to the date those awards would have been granted.  The amount payable pursuant to Section 7(d)(iii) will be determined by multiplying the percentage of vesting acceleration to which Executive would have been entitled in accordance with the disability provisions set forth in the Company’s equity award policy then in effect by the result of $9,874,375 minus the sum of the Base Salary and Target Bonus for the year in which the Termination Date occurs.  This payment will be made on the first regular Company pay day at least six (6) months after the Termination Date or, if later, at least six (6) months after the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.
(e)    Voluntary Termination, Involuntary Termination for Business Reasons.  If (i) Executive voluntarily terminates his employment (other than in the case of a Constructive Termination) or (ii) Executive is terminated involuntarily for Business Reasons, then in any such event (A) all further vesting of Executive’s Incentive Awards and other equity arrangements will cease immediately and such awards will expire in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements), (B) all payments of compensation by the Company to Executive hereunder will terminate immediately (except as to amounts already earned), and (C) Executive will not be entitled to any severance but Executive will be paid all accrued but unpaid PTO, expense reimbursements and other benefits due to Executive through his termination date under any Company-provided or paid plans, policies, and arrangements.
(f)    Termination Upon Death.  If Executive’s employment is terminated because of death, then (i) Executive’s representatives will be entitled to receive payments and benefits in accordance with the Company’s then applicable plans, policies, and arrangements; provided, however, that to the extent such payments or benefits are “separation pay” within the meaning of Section 409A, such payments and benefits will be paid or provided at the same time and in the same form as similar payments and benefits are provided under Section 7(b) in connection with Executive’s Constructive Termination or involuntary termination without Business Reasons; and (ii) Executive’s outstanding Incentive Awards and other equity arrangements will expire in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement(s) and the Company stock plans under which they were granted.
(g)    Exclusivity.  The provisions of this Section 7 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, either at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this Agreement, in the event of any termination of Executive’s employment.  Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment other than those benefits expressly set forth in paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of this Section 7, whichever will be applicable and those benefits required to be provided by law.
(h)    Mitigation.  Amounts provided under this Section 7 will not be reduced by any future earnings Executive may receive following the termination of his employment with the Company.
(i)    Code Section 409A.
(i)    Six-Month Delay.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits (as defined below) or other severance benefits that otherwise are exempt from Section 409A (as defined below) pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section l.409A-1(b)(9) will be considered due or payable until Executive has a Separation from Service.  In addition, as Executive currently is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A and the Company anticipates that Executive will continue to be a specified employee until Executive’s Separation from Service, the severance benefits payable to Executive under this Agreement that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A, if any, and any other severance payments or separation benefits that are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A (together, the “Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits”) will, except in the case of death, be delayed for the period beginning on the Termination Date and ending on the date that is six (6) months following the Termination Date or, if later, six (6) months following the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.  All subsequent payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.  Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2).  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following his Separation from Service but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of his date of separation, then any payments delayed in accordance with this Section 7(i) or otherwise will be payable in a lump sum (less applicable withholding taxes) to Executive’s estate as soon as administratively practicable after the date of his death and all other Deferred Compensation Separation Benefits will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.
(ii)    Amendments to this Agreement to Comply with Section 409A.  It is the intent of this Agreement to comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply.  Executive and the Company agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A prior to actual payment to Executive.
8.    Definition of Terms.  The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:
(a)    Business Reasons.  “Business Reasons” means (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct by Executive in the performance of his duties, (ii) Executive’s conviction of a felony, or other criminal offense involving moral turpitude, or (iii) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement, including without limitation any repeated breach of Sections 9 through 12 hereof, provided that, in the case of clauses (i) or (iii) above, the Board provides written notice of such “Business Reason” to the Executive, specifically identifying the circumstance(s) which the Board believes constitute such “Business Reason”, and Executive will have the opportunity to cure such circumstances to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board within thirty (30) days following the delivery of such notice; provided, further, that at the conclusion of such thirty (30) day cure period, the final determination of the occurrence of “Business Reasons” and/or the effectiveness of any such cure, will be made at a meeting of the Board at which Executive (and, at Executive’s option, his counsel) will have had a right to participate.  For purpose of this paragraph, no act or failure to act by Executive will be considered “willful” unless done or omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company or its affiliates.  Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Company will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.  The Board must notify Executive of any event constituting Business Reasons within ninety (90) days following any Board member’s (excluding Executive) actual knowledge of its existence (which period will be extended during the period of any reasonable investigation conducted in good faith by or on behalf of the Board) or such event will not constitute Business Reasons under this Agreement.
(b)    Disability.  “Disability” will mean that Executive has been unable to perform his duties as an employee as the result of his incapacity due to physical or mental illness, and such inability, at least twenty-six (26) weeks after its commencement, is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company with the consent of the Executive or his representative (unless such consent is unreasonably withheld or delayed).  Termination resulting from Disability may only be effected after at least sixty (60) days written notice by the Company of its intention to terminate Executive’s employment.  In the event that Executive resumes the performance of substantially all of his duties hereunder before the termination of his employment becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate automatically will be deemed to have been revoked.
(c)    Termination Date.  “Termination Date” will mean (i) if this Agreement is terminated on account of death, the date of death; (ii) if this Agreement is terminated for Disability, the date specified in Section 8(b); (iii) if this Agreement is terminated by the Company, the date on which indicated in a notice of termination that is given to Executive by the Company in accordance with Sections 7(a) and 14(a); (iv) if the Agreement is terminated by Executive, the date indicated in a notice of termination given to the Company by Executive in accordance with Sections 7(a) and 14(a); or (v) if this Agreement expires by its terms, then the last day of the term of this Agreement.
(d)    Constructive Termination.  A “Constructive Termination” will be deemed to occur if Executive elects to voluntarily terminate employment within the ninety (90) day period immediately following any of the following events:  (i) Executive’s position changes as a result of an action by the Company such that (A) Executive will no longer be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (B) Executive will have authorities, duties or responsibilities less, in any material respect, than those (x) typically associated with a chief executive officer of a company of comparable size, or (y) the Executive had immediately prior to such action, or (C) Executive is required to report to a person or persons other than the entire Board, or a committee of the Board, or otherwise than substantially in accordance with past practice; provided that if the Board determines by unanimous vote of all directors (excluding Executive) that it is required either by law or by rule of any exchange or listing entity whose rules must be complied with in order for the Company to maintain such listing that Executive not be Chief Executive Officer, then the involuntary removal of Executive from the position of Chief Executive Officer will not, in and of itself, constitute a Constructive Termination, (ii) Executive is required to relocate his place of employment, other than a relocation within fifty (50) miles of the Company’s current Stamford headquarters, (iii) there is a reduction in Executive’s Base Salary or Target Bonus other than any such reduction consistent with a general reduction of pay across the executive staff as a group, as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance by the Company, (iv) the Company becomes a subsidiary of another entity other than pursuant to implementation of a holding company structure in which the Company is the principal subsidiary of the holding company, or (v) there occurs any other material breach of this Agreement by the Company (including, without limitation, any breach of Section 14(c), but excluding the termination of Executive’s service as a director due to applicable legal or listing requirements or stockholders failing to reelect Executive to the Board) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Board by Executive which specifically identifies the manner in which Executive believes that the Company has materially breached this Agreement, and the Company has failed to cure such breach to the reasonable satisfaction of Executive within thirty (30) days following the delivery of such notice, during which thirty (30) day notice period, the ninety (90) day period described above will be tolled.
(e)    Change in Control.  “Change in Control” will mean the happening of any of the events described in Section 2.11 of the Plan (without regard to when Awards were granted under the Plan, as such term is defined in the Plan).
(f)    Change in Control Termination.  “Change in Control Termination” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events within the period of twenty-four (24) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control:  (1) a Constructive Termination, (2) a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company without Business Reasons, or (3) election by the Company not to extend the Employment Term upon the expiration of the Employment Term and Executive within ninety (90) days following the expiration of the Employment Term terminates his employment.
(g)    Separation from Service.  “Separation from Service” will mean Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
9.    Confidential Information.
(a)    Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information relating to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries which Executive has obtained or will obtain during the course of his association with the Company and subsidiaries and his performance under this Agreement are the property of the Company and its subsidiaries.  Executive agrees that he will not disclose or use at any time, either during or after the Employment Term, any Confidential Information without the written consent of the Board, other than proper disclosure or use in the performance of his duties hereunder.  Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of the Employment Term, or at any other time that the Company may request, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, documentation and other materials (and copies thereof) containing Confidential Information relating to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, no matter where such material is located and no matter what form the material may be in, which Executive may then possess or have under his control, provided that, the Executive may retain his address book to the extent it only contains contact information. If requested by the Company, Executive will provide to the Company written confirmation that all such materials have been delivered to the Company or have been destroyed.  Executive will take all appropriate steps to safeguard Confidential Information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss and theft.
(b)    “Confidential Information” will mean information which is not generally known to the public and which is used, developed, or obtained by the Company or its subsidiaries relating to the businesses of any of the Company and its subsidiaries or the business of any customer thereof including, but not limited to:  products or services; fees, costs and pricing structure; designs; analyses; formulae; drawings; photographs; reports; computer software,  including operating systems, applications, program listings, flow charts, manuals and documentation; databases; accounting and business methods; inventions and new developments and methods, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice; all copyrightable works; the customers of any of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Confidential Information of any customer thereof; and all similar and related information in whatever form.  Confidential Information will not include any information which (i) was rightfully known by Executive prior to the Employment Term, (ii) is publicly disclosed by law or in response to an order of a court or governmental agency, (iii) becomes publicly available through no fault of Executive or (iv) has been published in a form generally available to the public prior to the date upon which Executive proposes to disclose such information.  Information will not be deemed to have been published merely because individual portions of the information have been separately published, but only if all the material features comprising such information have been published in combination.
10.    Inventions and Patents.  In the event that Executive, as a part of Executive’s activities on behalf of the Company, generates, authors or contributes to any invention, new development or method, whether or not patentable and whether or not reduced to practice, any copyrightable work, any trade secret, any other Confidential Information, or any information that gives any of the Company and its subsidiaries an advantage over any competitor, or similar or related developments or information related to the present or future business of any of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively “Developments and Information”), Executive acknowledges that all Developments and Information are the exclusive property of the Company. Executive hereby assigns to the Company, its nominees, successors or assigns, all rights, title and interest to Developments and Information.  Executive will cooperate with the Board to protect the interests of the Company and its subsidiaries in Developments and Information.  Executive will execute and file any document related to any Developments and Information requested by the Board including applications, powers of attorney, assignments or other instruments which the Board deems necessary to apply for any patent, copyright or other proprietary right in any and all countries or to convey any right, title or interest therein to any of the Company’s nominees, successors or assigns.
11.    No Conflicts.
(a)    Executive agrees that during the Employment Term, in his individual capacity he will not enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding, whether written or oral, with any supplier, contractor, distributor, wholesaler, sales representative, representative group or customer, relating to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, without the express written consent of the Board.
(b)    As long as Executive is employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, Executive agrees that he will not, except as set forth in Section 1, or with the express written consent of the Board, become engaged in, render services for, or permit his name to be used in connection with, any for-profit business other than the business of the Company, any of its subsidiaries or any corporation or partnership in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries have an equity interest.
12.    Non-Competition Agreement.
(a)    Executive acknowledges that his services are of a special, unique and extraordinary value to the Company and that he has access to the Company’s trade secrets, Confidential Information and strategic plans of the most valuable nature. Accordingly, Executive agrees that for the period of thirty-six (36) months following the Termination Date, Executive will not directly or indirectly own, manage, control, participate in, consult with, render services for, or in any manner engage in any business competing with the businesses of the Company or any of its subsidiaries as such businesses exist or are in process of development on the Termination Date (as evidenced by written proposals, market research or similar materials), including without limitation the publication of periodic research and analysis of the information technology industries.  Nothing herein will prohibit Executive from being (i) a passive owner of not more than 1% of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation that is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation, or (ii) a limited partner or similar passive investor in a private equity fund or other commingled investment vehicle managed and sponsored by a third party where the Executive’s investment represents less than 2% of committed or invested capital.
(b)    In addition, for a period of thirty-six (36) months commencing on the Termination Date, Executive will not (i) directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or any subsidiary (other than his own assistant) to leave the employ of the Company or such subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any subsidiary and any employee thereof, (ii) hire directly or through another entity any person who was an employee of the Company or any subsidiary at any time during the then preceding twelve (12) months, provided that Executive may hire any such person who responds to a general advertisement offering employment so long as such person did not have regular contact with Executive in the course of his or her employment with the Company, (iii) directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce any customer, supplier, licensee or other business relation of the Company or any subsidiary to cease doing business with the Company or such subsidiary, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee or business relation and the Company or any subsidiary, or (iv) disparage the Company, its executive officers, or its directors. In addition, for a period of thirty-six (36) months commencing on the Termination Date, the Company will cause its executive officers and directors not to disparage the Executive. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent (i) truthful testimony given in response to a lawful subpoena or similar court or governmental order, (ii) the rebuttal of false or misleading statements by others, or (iii) normal competitive type statements.
(c)    Executive agrees that these restrictions on competition and solicitation will be deemed to be a series of separate covenants not-to-compete and a series of separate non‐solicitation covenants for each month within the specified periods, separate covenants not-to-compete and non-solicitation covenants for each state within the United States and each country in the world, and separate covenants not-to-compete for each area of competition.  If any court of competent jurisdiction will determine any of the foregoing covenants to be unenforceable with respect to the term thereof or the scope of the subject matter or geography covered thereby, such remaining covenants will nonetheless be enforceable by such court against such other party or parties or upon such shorter term or within such lesser scope as may be determined by the court to be enforceable.
(d)    Because Executive’s services are unique and because Executive has access to Confidential Information and strategic plans of the Company of the most valuable nature, the parties agree that the covenants contained in this Section 12 are necessary to protect the value of the business of the Company and that a breach of any such covenant would result in irreparable and continuing damage for which there would be no adequate remedy at law.  The parties agree therefore that in the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof.
13.    SEC Compliance.  The Company covenants that:
(a)    at all times during the Employment Term and the term of any Incentive Awards, if later, the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain in effect a valid and effective registration statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) covering any outstanding equity awards made to Executive; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit the right of the Company, in good faith, to suspend or withdraw such registration so long as the Company thereafter uses commercially reasonable efforts to comply with this provision; and
(b)    for so long as Executive holds either Incentive Awards or shares of Common Stock of the Company obtained through the vesting or exercise of an Incentive Award, and until Executive is free to sell all of the shares underlying, relating to or obtained through the vesting or exercise of, Incentive Awards pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, in a ninety (90) day period, the Company will include in such Registration Statement on Form S-8 described in clause (i) above a customary reoffer prospectus covering Executive’s offer and sale of stock obtained through the vesting or exercise of Incentive Awards in any manner requested by the Executive from time to time.
14.    Miscellaneous Provisions.
(a)    Notice.  Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing, will be effective when given, and in any event will be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered, if personally delivered, (ii) three (3) business days after deposit in the U.S. mail, if mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iii) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with Federal Express or similar overnight courier, if so delivered, freight prepaid. In the case of Executive, notices will be addressed to him at the home address which he most recently communicated to the Company in writing, provided that a copy of such notice is delivered to the Executive’s last known attorneys.  In the case of the Company, notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its Corporate Secretary.
(b)    Notice of Termination.  Any termination by the Company or Executive will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with paragraph (a) hereof. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon.
(c)    Successors.
(i)    Company’s Successors.  Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will be entitled to assume the rights and will be obligated to assume the obligations of the Company under this Agreement and will agree to perform, in good faith, the Company’s obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law or this Agreement.
(ii)    Executive’s Successors.  The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.
(iii)    No Other Assignment of Benefits.  Except as provided in this Section 14(c), the rights of any person to payments or benefits under this Agreement will not be made subject to option or assignment, either by voluntary or involuntary assignment or by operation of law, including (without limitation) bankruptcy, garnishment, attachment or other creditor’s process, and any action in violation of this Subsection (iii) will be void.
(d)    Waiver; Amendment.  No provision of this Agreement will be amended, modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive).  No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.
(e)    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement will supersede any and all prior agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof (including, without limitation, the Original Agreements), except for any equity-based incentive award arrangements.
(f)    Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.
(g)    Arbitration.  Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement will be settled exclusively by arbitration in New York, New York, in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. No party will be entitled to seek or be awarded punitive damages.  All attorneys’ fees and costs will be allocated or apportioned as agreed by the parties or, in the absence of an agreement, in such manner as the arbitrator or court will determine to be appropriate to reflect the final decision of the deciding body as compared to the initial positions in arbitration of each party.  This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York as they apply to contracts entered into and wholly to be performed within such State by residents thereof.
(h)    Withholding of Taxes.  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.
(i)    Indemnification.  Executive will be covered under the Company’s insurance policies and, subject to applicable law, will be provided indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by the Company’s bylaws and Certificate of Incorporation, with such insurance coverage and indemnification to be in accordance with the Company’s standard practices for senior executive officers but on terms no less favorable than provided to any other Company senior executive officer or director.
(j)    Compliance with Company Policies.  During the Employment Term, Executive will comply with all Company policies generally applicable to the Company’s executive officers.
(k)    Legal Fees.  The Company will pay directly the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel retained by Executive in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of this amended Agreement.
(l)    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
[Remainder Of The Page Intentionally Left Blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.
GARTNER, INC.
		
	By:
	/s/ James C. Smith     
James C. Smith, 
Chairman of the Board of Directors

/s/ Eugene A. Hall     
EUGENE A. HALL

Exhibit A      
 
RELEASE AGREEMENT
This Release Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made by and between Eugene A. Hall (“Executive”) and Gartner, Inc. (“Company”) (jointly referred to as the “Parties”).
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises made herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1.    Consideration.  The Company agrees to provide Executive with the consideration set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Executive and the Company dated effective February 14, 2019 (the “Employment Agreement”).  No consideration shall be due or payable to Executive by the Company until the Effective Date of this Agreement, as that term is defined below.
2.    Payment of Salary.  Executive acknowledges and represents that the Company has paid all salary, wages, bonuses, accrued vacation, interest, severance, stock, stock options, vesting, fees, business expenses, and any and all benefits and compensation due to Executive, with the exception of the consideration provided for in this Agreement.
3.    Release of Claims.  Executive agrees that the foregoing consideration represents settlement in full of all outstanding obligations owed to Executive by the Company and its current and former:  officers, directors, employees, agents, investors, attorneys, shareholders, administrators, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, predecessor and successor corporations and assigns (the “Releasees”).  Executive, on his own behalf, and on behalf of his respective heirs, family members, executors, agents, and assigns, hereby fully and forever releases the Company and the other Releasees from, and agrees not to sue concerning, any claim, duty, obligation or cause of action relating to any matters of any kind, whether presently known or unknown,  suspected or unsuspected, that Executive may possess arising from any omissions, acts or facts that have occurred up until and including the Effective Date of this Agreement including, without limitation:
(a)    any and all claims relating to or arising from Executive’s employment with the Company or the termination of that employment;
(b)    any and all claims relating to, or arising from, Executive’s right to purchase, or actual purchase of, shares of Company stock, including, but not limited to, any claims for fraud, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duly under applicable state corporate law, and securities fraud under any state or federal law;
(c)    any and all claims under the law of any jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, wrongful discharge of employment; constructive discharge from employment; termination in violation of public policy; discrimination; breach of contract, both express and implied; breach of a covenant of good faith and fair dealing, both express and implied; promissory estoppel; negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress; negligent or intentional misrepresentation; negligent or intentional interference with contract or prospective economic advantage; unfair business practices; defamation; libel; slander; negligence; personal injury; assault; battery; invasion of privacy; false imprisonment; and conversion;
(d)    any and all claims for violation of any federal, state or municipal statute, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;  the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act; the Family and Medical leave Act; the Fair Credit Reporting Act; the Sarbanes Oxley Act; the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act; the Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Law; and the Connecticut General Statute Title 31;
(e)    any and all claims for violation of the federal, or any state, constitution;
(f)    any and all claims arising out of any other laws and regulations relating to employment or employment discrimination;
(g)    any claim for any loss, cost, damage, or expense arising out of any dispute over the non-withholding or other tax treatment of any of the proceeds received by Executive as a result of this Agreement; and
(h)    any and all claims for attorney fees and costs.
The Company and Executive agree that the release set forth in this section shall be and remain in effect in all respects as a complete general release as to the matters released.  This release does not extend to (a) any obligations incurred under this Agreement, including, without limitation,  the obligation to provide the consideration referenced in Section 1, (b) payment of accrued benefits under an employee benefit plan, to the extent and in the manner prescribed by the plan documents; (c) the election of continued healthcare coverage under an employee health plan pursuant to COBRA; (d) the application for and/or receipt of unemployment benefits to the extent eligible; (e) the receipt of indemnification under the Company’s charter, bylaws or other organizational documents of the Company, or (f) any claims for benefits under the Director & Officer insurance of the Company.
4.    Acknowledgement of Waiver of Claims Under ADEA.  Executive acknowledges that he is waiving and releasing any rights he may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) and that this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary.  Executive and the Company agree that this waiver and release does not apply to any rights or claims that may arise under the ADEA after the Effective Dale of this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that the consideration given for this waiver and release Agreement is in addition to anything of value to which Executive was already entitled.  Executive further acknowledges that he has been advised by this writing that:
(a)    he should consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement;
(b)    he has twenty-one (21) calendar days within which to consider this Agreement;
(c)    he has seven (7) calendar days following his execution of this Agreement to revoke this Agreement;
(d)    this ADEA waiver shall not be effective until the revocation period has expired; and,
(e)    nothing in this Agreement prevents or precludes Executive from challenging or seeking a determination in good faith of the validity of this waiver under the ADEA, nor does it impose any condition precedent, penalties or costs for doing so, unless specifically authorized by federal law.
ANY REVOCATION SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND DELIVERED TO JULES P. KAUFMAN, AT 56 TOP GALLANT ROAD, STAMFORD, CT 06904 ON OR BEFORE 11:59 P.M. ON THE SEVENTH DAY AFTER EXECUTIVE’S EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
5.    No Pending or Future Lawsuits.  Executive represents that he has no lawsuits, claims, or actions pending in his name, or on behalf of any other person or entity, against the Company or any of the other Releasees.  Executive also represents that he does not intend to bring any claims on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity against any of the Releasees.
6.    No Assistance.  Executive agrees that he will not knowingly counsel or assist any attorneys or their clients in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints by any third party against any of the Releasees, unless under a subpoena or other court order to do so.  Executive agrees both to immediately notify the Company upon receipt of any such subpoena or court order, and to furnish, within three (3) business days of its receipt, a copy of such subpoena or court order to the Company.  If approached by anyone for counsel or assistance in the presentation or prosecution of any disputes, differences, grievances, claims, charges, or complaints against any of the Releasees, Executive shall state no more than that he cannot provide counsel or assistance.
7.    Breach.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that any breach of any provision of this Agreement by Executive shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Company immediately to recover the consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement.
8.    Non-Disparagement.  The Parties hereby reconfirm the non-disparagement obligations set forth in Section 12(b) of the Employment Agreement.
9.    No Admission of Liability.  The Parties understand and acknowledge that this Agreement constitutes a compromise and settlement of potential claims.  No action taken by the Parties, previously or in connection with this Agreement, shall be construed to be:  (a) an admission of the truth or falsity of any claims made, or (b) an admission by either party of any fault or liability whatsoever to the other party or to any third party.
10.    No Representations.  Each party represents that it has had the opportunity to consult with an attorney, and has carefully read and understands the scope and effect of the provisions of this Agreement. Neither party has relied upon any representations or statements made by the other party hereto which are not specifically set forth in this Agreement.
11.    Severability.  In the event that any provision in this Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable, or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without said provision so long as the remaining provisions remain intelligible and continue to reflect the original intent of the Parties.
12.    Entire Agreement.  This Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties concerning the subject matter of this Agreement.
13.    No Oral Modification.  Any modification or amendment of this Agreement, or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement, shall be effective only if placed in writing and signed by both Parties or their authorized representatives.
14.    Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event that either Party brings an action to enforce or effect its rights under this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own legal costs and expenses incurred in connection with such an action.
15.    Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard for choice of law provisions.
16.    Effective Date.  This Agreement will become effective on the eighth day after it has been signed by both Parties (the “Effective Date”), provided that Employee has not revoked the Agreement before that date.  This Agreement shall become effective or enforceable, and the consideration provided herein shall not be payable, until the Effective Date.
17.    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each counterpart shall have the same force and effect as an original and shall constitute an effective, binding agreement on the part of each of the undersigned.
18.    Voluntary Execution of Agreement.  This Agreement is executed voluntarily and with the full intent of releasing all claims, and without any duress or undue influence by any of the Parties. The Parties acknowledge that:
(a)    They have read this Agreement;
(b)    They have been represented in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of this Agreement by legal counsel of their own choice or that they have voluntarily declined to seek such counsel;
(c)    They understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement and of the releases it contains; and
(d)    They are fully aware of the legal and binding effect of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the dates set forth below.
	
		
	Dated:
	By:       
For Gartner, Inc.

	Dated:
	By:       
Eugene A. Hall

Gartner - Hall Employment Agreement 2019 Restatement - Execution VersionExhibit

GARTNER, INC.

2014 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT AGREEMENT
Gartner, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby grants you (or the “Grantee”) a stock appreciation right (the “SAR”) under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), to exercise in exchange for a payment from the Company pursuant to this SAR.  The date of this Agreement is February 6, 2019 (the “Grant Date”).  In general, the latest date this SAR will expire is February 6, 2026 (the “Expiration Date”).  However, as provided in Appendix A (attached hereto), this SAR may expire earlier than the Expiration Date.  Subject to the provisions of Appendix A and of the Plan, the principal features of this SAR are as follows:
Number of Shares to which this SAR pertains: As provided in the notice of grant.     
Exercise Price per Share: As provided in the notice of grant.
Vesting Schedule:

Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Shares to which this SAR pertains shall vest on each of the first four anniversaries of the date hereof, or February 6, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, subject to Grantee’s Continued Service through each such date.

APPENDIX A

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
1.Grant of SAR.  The Company hereby grants to the Grantee under the Plan, as a separate incentive in connection with his or her employment and not in lieu of any salary or other compensation for his or her services, a Stock Appreciation Right (“SAR”) pertaining to all or any part of an aggregate of Shares shown on the attached notice of grant, which SAR entitles the Grantee to exercise the SAR in exchange for Shares in the amount determined under Paragraph 9 below.  
2.    Exercise Price.  The purchase price per Share for this SAR (the “Exercise Price”) shall be $[___], which is the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Grant Date.  

3.    Vesting Schedule.  

		
	(a)
	General Rule. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the right to exercise this SAR will vest in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the notice of grant which constitutes part of this Agreement.  Shares scheduled to vest on any date will vest only if the Grantee remains in Continued Service (as defined below) through such date.  Subject to the following subsections of this Paragraph 3, should the Grantee’s Continued Service end at any time (the “Termination Date”) while the SAR remains outstanding, any unvested portion of this SAR will be immediately cancelled.

		
	(b)
	Termination of Continued Service due to Death or Disability. If the Grantee’s termination of Continued Service is due to the Grantee’s death or Disability, the unvested portion of this SAR shall vest in full on the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Grantee’s Continued Service terminates due to his or her death or Disability and the Grantee is eligible for a Retirement in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph 28 of this Agreement, such termination of Continued Service shall be governed by this Paragraph 3(b) and shall not be treated as a Retirement.

		
	(c)
	Termination of Continued Service due to Retirement-Eligible Voluntary Resignation During the Year of Grant. If termination of Continued Service is due to a voluntary resignation and the Grantee is eligible for a Retirement in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph 28 of this Agreement, occurring during the calendar year in which the grant was made, the unvested portion of the SAR shall continue to vest after the Termination Date as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service; provided, that (i) the portion of the SAR that will continue to vest will be limited as set forth in Paragraph 3(e) below depending on the Grantee’s age at Retirement, and (ii) the number of Shares to which this SAR pertains will be reduced to equal the percentage of days in that year in which the Grantee was in Continued Service (i.e., for the avoidance of doubt, the number of Shares will equal the number specified in the notice of grant, multiplied by the number of days from January 1 for which the Grantee was in Continued Service, divided by 365).  

		
	(d)
	Termination of Continued Service due to Retirement-Eligible Voluntary Resignation After the Year of Grant or Retirement-Eligible Termination without Cause. If the Grantee is eligible for a Retirement in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph 28 of this Agreement and his or her termination of Continued Service is due to (i) a voluntary resignation occurring any time after the calendar year in which the grant was made, or (ii) an involuntary termination without Cause, other than pursuant to a Qualifying Termination (which treatment is governed exclusively by Paragraph 3(f)), the unvested portion of the SAR shall continue to vest after the Termination Date as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service; provided, that the portion of the SAR that will continue to vest will be limited as set forth in Paragraph 3(e) below depending on the Grantee’s age at Retirement. 

		
	(e)
	Portion of SAR Subject to Continued Vesting Upon Retirement. If the Grantee’s Continued Service terminates due to a Retirement in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph 28 of this Agreement and:

		
	(i)
	The Grantee is less than age 60 on the Termination Date, the unvested portion of the SAR that would have vested by its terms within the twelve (12) months from the Termination Date shall continue to vest as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service;

		
	(ii)
	The Grantee is age 60 (but less than age 61) on the Termination Date, the unvested portion of the SAR that would have vested by its terms within the twenty-four (24) months from the Termination Date shall continue to vest as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service;

		
	(iii)
	The Grantee is age 61 (but less than age 62) on the Termination Date, the unvested portion of the SAR that would have vested by its terms within the thirty-six (36) months from the Termination Date shall continue to vest as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service; and

		
	(iv)
	The Grantee is age 62 or older on the Termination Date, the entire unvested portion of the SAR shall continue to vest after the Termination Date as set forth in the notice of grant, despite the termination of Continued Service.

		
	(f)
	Qualifying Termination following a Change of Control. Unless the Grantee’s employment, severance or other written agreement with the Company provides more favorable treatment, in the event that the Grantee’s Continued Service is terminated without Cause (including as a result of the elimination of his or her position) during the twelve (12) months following a Change of Control (a “Qualifying Termination”), the unvested portion of the SAR shall vest on the Termination Date. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) to the extent that the Grantee is eligible for a Retirement in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph 28 of this Agreement and he or she experiences a Qualifying Termination, the vesting provisions set forth in this Paragraph 3(f) (not Paragraph 3(d)) shall control, and (ii) Section 13.10 of the Plan does not apply to the SAR granted hereunder.

		
	(g)
	Other Conditions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the vesting terms set forth in this Paragraph 3 are contingent upon the Grantee being in full compliance with all the terms of this Agreement at the time of vesting. The Committee, in its discretion, may accelerate the vesting of the balance, or some lesser portion of the balance, of the SARs at any time, subject to the terms of the Plan.  If so accelerated, such SARs will be considered as having vested as of the date specified by the Committee.

4.    Termination of SAR.  In the event of the Grantee’s termination of Continued Service, the Grantee shall have the right to exercise any vested but unexercised portion of this SAR for the timeframe indicated in the table below following the date of such termination of Continued Service. Any unvested portion of this SAR automatically will terminate and be forfeited (at no cost to the Company) on the first day on which it no longer is possible such portion to become vested:

	
		
	Termination Scenario
	Post-Termination Exercise Period

	•    Involuntary termination for Cause
•    Involuntary termination without Cause (not Retirement-eligible)
•    Voluntary resignation (not Retirement-eligible)
	Earlier of Expiration Date or ninety (90) days after the date of termination of Continued Service (excluding any period during which Grantee is prohibited from trading under the Company’s Insider Trading Policy)

	•    Death
•    Disability
•    Qualifying Termination
	Earlier of Expiration Date or twelve (12) months after the date of termination of Continued Service

	•    Retirement-eligible involuntary termination without Cause
•    Retirement-eligible voluntary resignation
	Through the Expiration Date

5.    Death of Grantee.  In the event that the Grantee dies while in the employ of the Company and/or a parent of the Company or Subsidiary, the administrator or executor of the Grantee’s estate (or such other person to whom the SAR is transferred pursuant to the Grantee’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution), may exercise any vested but unexercised portion of the SAR in accordance with Paragraph 4 above.  Any such transferee must furnish the Company (a) written notice of his or her status as a transferee, (b) evidence satisfactory to the Company to establish the validity of the transfer of this SAR and compliance with any laws or regulations pertaining to such transfer, and (c) written acceptance of the terms and conditions of this SAR as set forth in this Agreement.
6.    Persons Eligible to Exercise SAR.  Except as provided in Paragraph 5 above or as otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion, this SAR shall be exercisable during the Grantee’s lifetime only by the Grantee.

7.    SAR is Not Transferable.  Except to the limited extent provided in Paragraph 5 above, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby shall not be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and shall not be subject to sale under execution, attachment or similar process.  Upon any attempt to transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of this grant, or of any right or privilege conferred hereby, or upon any attempted sale under any execution, attachment or similar process, this grant and the rights and privileges conferred hereby immediately shall become null and void.  Notwithstanding the preceding, the Grantee may transfer (not for consideration and for bona fide estate planning purposes) the Stock Appreciation Rights awarded under this Agreement to a revocable estate planning trust that is established solely for the benefit of Grantee and his or her immediate family.  Any such transfer will be permitted only if it is in compliance with such rules and procedures as the Company may establish from time to time. Among other things, Grantee must acknowledge and agree that (a) for U.S. income tax purposes, all taxable income from the Stock Appreciation Rights will be reported to Grantee alone, (b) if Grantee proposes to change the nature or character of the transferee trust, Grantee first must inform the Company and the Company may require that the Stock Appreciation Rights be transferred back to Grantee alone, and (c) no additional other or further transfers of the Stock Appreciation Rights will be permitted under any circumstance.
8.    Exercise of SAR.  This SAR may be exercised by the person then entitled to do so as to any Shares, and such exercise must be in accordance with the Company’s published exercise procedures, as in effect from time to time, which may require the Grantee to exercise this SAR through the Company’s designated broker or administrator. Payment of the aggregate exercise price and all taxes that the Company determines are required to be withheld by reason of the exercise of this SAR or as are otherwise required under Paragraph 10 below shall be pursuant to a net exercise, whereby upon exercise of the SAR, Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the aggregate exercise price applicable to the portion of the SAR being exercised, and all applicable withholdings, shall be withheld from the Shares that the Grantee would otherwise have received pursuant to Paragraph 9 below.
9.    Receipt of SAR Amount.  Upon exercise of this SAR, the Grantee shall be entitled to receive the number of Shares (the “SAR Amount”), subject to Paragraph 8, determined by (i) multiplying (a) the difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share over the Exercise Price; times (b) the number of Shares with respect to which this SAR is exercised, and (ii) dividing the product of (a) and (b) by the Fair Market Value of a Share.  The SAR Amount shall be paid to the Grantee solely in whole Shares; any fractional amount shall be rounded down to the nearest whole share.  Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of this SAR may be delivered in the form and manner determined by the Company, including, without limitation, in book form or listed in street name with a brokerage company of the Company’s choice.  For purposes of this Paragraph 9, Fair Market Value has the same meaning as in the Plan or as otherwise determined by the Company or its delegate. 
10.    Tax Withholding and Payment Obligations.  When the Shares are issued as payment for exercised SARs, the Grantee will recognize immediate U.S. taxable income if the Grantee is a U.S. taxpayer.  If the Grantee is a non-U.S. taxpayer, the Grantee will be subject to applicable taxes in his or her jurisdiction.  The Company (or the employing parent of the Company or Subsidiary) will withhold a portion of the Shares otherwise issuable in payment for exercised SARs that have an aggregate market value sufficient to pay the federal, state and local income, employment and any other applicable taxes required to be withheld by the Company (or the employing parent of the Company or Subsidiary) with respect to the Shares, not to exceed the amount determined by using the maximum federal, state or local marginal income tax rates applicable to the Grantee or the Company, as applicable, with respect to the Shares on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld or remitted is to be determined.  No fractional Shares will be withheld or issued pursuant to the exercise of SARs and the issuance of Shares thereunder.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company (or the employing parent of the Company or Subsidiary) may instead, in its discretion, withhold an amount necessary to pay the applicable taxes from the Grantee’s paycheck, with no withholding of Shares.  In the event the withholding requirements are not satisfied through the withholding of Shares (or through the Grantee’s paycheck, as indicated above), no payment will be made to the Grantee (or his or her estate) for SARs unless and until satisfactory arrangements (as determined by the Committee) have been made by the Grantee with respect to the payment of any income and other taxes which the Company determines must be withheld or collected with respect to such SARs.  By accepting this award of SARs, the Grantee expressly consents to the withholding of Shares and to any cash or Share withholding as provided for in this Paragraph 10.  All income and other taxes related to the SAR award and any Shares delivered in payment thereof are the sole responsibility of the Grantee.  In no event will the Company reimburse the Grantee for any taxes that may be imposed on the Grantee as result of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”).
11.    Suspension of Exercisability.  If at any time the Company shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or qualification of the SARs upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory authority, is necessary or desirable as a condition of the exercise of SARs hereunder, this SAR may not be exercised, in whole or in part, unless and until such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Company.  The Company shall make reasonable efforts to meet the requirements of any such state or federal law or securities exchange and to obtain any such consent or approval of any such governmental authority.
12.    No Rights of Stockholder.  Neither the Grantee nor any person claiming under or through the Grantee shall have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book entry form) shall have been issued, recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars, and delivered to the Grantee (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account). After such issuance, recordation and delivery, the Grantee will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to voting such Shares and receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
13.    Successors and Assigns.  The Company may assign any of its rights under the Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  The rights and obligations of the Grantee under this Agreement may be assigned only with the prior written consent of the Company.
14.    No Effect on Employment.  The Grantee’s employment with the Company and any parent of the Company or Subsidiary is on an at-will basis only, subject to the provisions of applicable law.  Accordingly, subject to any written, express employment contract with the Grantee, nothing in this Agreement or the Plan shall confer upon the Grantee any right to continue to be employed by the Company or any parent of the Company or Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company or the employing parent of the Company or Subsidiary, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the employment of the Grantee at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without good cause.  Such reservation of rights can be modified only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company or the parent of the Company or Subsidiary employing the Grantee.
15.    Address for Notices.  Any notice to be given to the Company under the terms of this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company, in care of its Secretary at the Company’s headquarters, P.O. Box 10212, 56 Top Gallant Road, Stamford, CT 06902-7700, or at such other address as the Company may hereafter designate in writing.
16.    Maximum Term of SAR.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this SAR is not exercisable after the Expiration Date.
17.    Non-Competition.  (a)(i) “Competitive Acts” shall mean: (A) the development, production, marketing or selling of (or assisting others to develop, produce, market or sell): (x) syndicated research that competes with the Company or its Subsidiaries; or (y) a product or service which is competitive with the existing or planned products or services of the Company with which Grantee was involved in or managed at any time during the last twenty-four (24) months of the Grantee’s Continued Service; and (B) the direct or indirect provision of services to, or solicitation of, the Company’s clients or known prospects with whom Grantee had contact, managed, or became aware of as a result of being employed by the Company, for the purposes of developing, producing, marketing or selling such competitive products or services.

(ii)    Grantee understands and agrees that the Company’s business is global in nature and that its clients are located throughout the world; therefore, a territorial limitation on the non-competition covenants set forth in Paragraph 17 would not allow the Company to adequately protect its legitimate business interests, and the absence of such a limitation is entirely reasonable under these circumstances.  In addition, Grantee agrees that the provisions of this Paragraph 17 are reasonable to protect and preserve the Company’s legitimate business interests, including the protection of the Company’s Confidential Information (as defined below) and the Company’s substantial investment made to develop and retain its Confidential Information, client base, accounts and related goodwill.

(iii)    The Company may, in its sole discretion, waive any portion of the Grantee’s obligations contained in Paragraph 17.  No such waiver shall be valid unless directly provided to Grantee, in writing, by the Company’s General Counsel or his/her designee.

(b)    Grantee agrees that, for two (2) years following the termination of his or her Continued Service for any reason whatsoever (the “Restricted Period”), the Grantee will not, on his or her own behalf or on behalf of any other person or entity (whether as a consultant, analyst, sales person, independent contractor, independent business venturer, partner, member, employee or otherwise), directly or indirectly: (i) engage in any Competitive Acts; and/or (ii) entice, encourage, cause or invite any of the Company’s clients, known prospects, and vendors to discontinue, diminish, or otherwise adversely modify the business done with the Company, or otherwise interfere with the relationship between the Company and its clients, known prospects, and vendors.

(c)    Grantee agrees that, in addition to any and all other remedies available to the Company (at law, in equity, or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement), the Company shall be entitled to liquidated damages for any violation of Paragraph 17 in an amount equal to: (i) the final twelve (12) months’ salary, commissions, and bonus paid to the Grantee; and (ii) an additional amount equal to the aggregate dollar value of shares underlying any stock appreciation rights, performance stock units, and/or restricted stock units that vested (or, in the case of stock appreciation rights, vested and Grantee exercised) at any time during the twelve (12) months prior to the Grantee’s termination of Continued Service.  The dollar value of each such share shall be equal to the closing price of Gartner stock on the date of grant of the applicable stock appreciation right, performance stock unit or restricted stock unit.  Grantee agrees that the liquidated damages set forth herein are a reasonable approximation of the damages experienced by the Company for a violation of Paragraph 17, and are not to be deemed a penalty of any kind.

(d)    Grantee acknowledges that the time, geographic and scope limitations of the non-competition obligation set forth herein are fair and reasonable in all respects, and that Grantee will not be precluded from gainful employment if obligated to comply with the provisions hereof.  To the extent a court of appropriate jurisdiction finds the duration and/or geographic scope of the non-competition or non-solicitation restrictions to be unenforceable under applicable law, then it is the intention of the parties that such restriction be enforced to the fullest extent which the court deems reasonable.  In the event of Grantee’s breach or violation of this Paragraph 17, or good faith allegation by the Company of such breach or violation, the Restricted Period set forth in this Paragraph 17 shall be tolled until such breach or violation, or allegation thereof, has been duly cured or resolved.  

(e)    During the Restricted Period set forth above, the Grantee will notify (in writing and not less than 72 hours in advance) the Company’s General Counsel if he or she intends to become an employee or other service provider of any entity other than the Company (for example, but not by way of limitation, as an employee, consultant, analyst, sales person, independent contractor, agent, independent business venturer, partner or member). 
18.    Non‐Solicitation and No‐Hire.  The Grantee further agrees that, during the Restricted Period, the Grantee will not, directly or indirectly solicit, entice, or recruit employees of the Company to leave its employ, or offer or cause to be offered employment to any person who was employed by the Company at any time during the twelve (12) months prior to the termination of Grantee’s Continued Service.  General mass solicitations of employment that are not directed at the Company or any employee(s) of the Company shall not be prohibited by this Paragraph 18. For purposes of this Paragraph 18 (and the preceding Paragraph 17), the “Company” shall include the Company and its Subsidiaries. 
19.    Binding Agreement.  Subject to the limitation on the transferability of this SAR contained herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
20.    Governing Law.  This Agreement and the grant of SARs shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, other than its conflicts of law provisions; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Sections 17 and 18 of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to its conflicts of law provisions.
21.    Plan Governs.  This Agreement is subject to all of the terms and provisions of the Plan.  In the event of a conflict between one or more provisions of this Agreement and one or more provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.  Capitalized terms and phrases used and not defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.
22.    Committee Authority.  The Committee shall have all discretion, power, and authority to interpret the Plan and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan as are consistent therewith (including, but not limited to, the determination of whether or not any SARs have vested).  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Committee in good faith shall be final and binding upon the Grantee, the Company and all other interested persons, and shall be given the maximum deference permitted by law.  No member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made in good faith with respect to the Plan or this Agreement.
23.    Electronic Delivery and Acceptance.  The Company, in its sole discretion, may decide to deliver any documents related to Stock Appreciation Rights awarded under the Plan or future Stock Appreciation Rights that may be awarded under the Plan by electronic means.  The Grantee hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through any on‐line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or another third party designated by the Company.
24.    Captions.  The captions provided herein are for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for the interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
25.    Agreement Severable.  In the event that any provision in this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be severable from, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall not be construed to have any effect on, the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
26.    Modifications to the Agreement; Clawback.  The Plan and this Agreement together the entire understanding of the parties on the subjects covered.  The Grantee expressly warrants that he or she is not executing this Agreement in reliance on any promises, representations, or inducements other than those contained herein.  Except as otherwise provided herein, modifications to this Agreement or the Plan can be made only in an express written contract executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan or this Agreement, the Company reserves the right to revise this Agreement as it deems necessary or advisable, in its sole discretion and without the consent of the Grantee, to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition under Section 409A prior to the actual payment of Shares pursuant to this SAR, provided that such revision would not materially reduce the economic benefits provided or intended to be provided under this Agreement. In no event will the Company pay or reimburse the Grantee for any taxes or other costs imposed on account of Section 409A. Additionally, this Agreement and the award made hereunder shall be subject to any clawback policy which the Company may adopt from time to time as required by law or otherwise.
27.    Amendment, Suspension, Termination.  By accepting this SAR, the Grantee expressly warrants that he or she has received an SAR to purchase stock under the Plan, and has received, read and understood a description of the Plan.  The Grantee understands that the Plan is discretionary in nature and may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Company at any time.
28.    Defined Terms:  Capitalized terms used in this Agreement without definition will have the meanings provided for in the Plan.  When used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:

“Confidential Information” means all information related to the operation of the Company's business and knowledge of the Company's assets, including, but not limited to, (i) financial information, (ii) products, (iii) product and services costs, prices, profits and sales, (iv) forecasts, (v) computer programs, (vi) data bases (and the documentation and information contained therein), (vii) computer access codes and similar information, (viii) software ideas, (ix) know-how, technologies, concepts and designs, (x) research projects and all information connected with research and development efforts, (xi) records, (xii) business relationships, methods and recommendations, (xiii) client lists (including identities of clients and prospective clients, identities of individual contracts at business entities which are clients or prospective clients, client spending, preferences, business or habits), (xiv) subscription or consultant termination dates, (xv) personnel files, (xvi) competitive analyses, (xvii) other confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets that have not been made available to the general public by the Company's senior management, and (xviii) non-public information provided to the Company by its clients, and other tangible or intangible assets and other information obtained by the Grantee in the course of his or her employment with the Company.
“Continued Service” means that the Grantee’s employment relationship is not interrupted or terminated by the Grantee, the Company, or any parent or Subsidiary of the Company.  The Grantee’s employment relationship will not be considered interrupted in the case of:  (i) any leave of absence approved in accordance with the Company’s written personnel policies, including sick leave, family leave, military leave, or any other personal leave; or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company and any parent, Subsidiary or successor; provided, however, that, unless otherwise provided in the Company’s written personnel policies, in this Agreement or under applicable laws, rules or regulations, or unless the Committee has otherwise expressly provided for different treatment with respect to this Agreement, (x) no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, and (y) any vesting shall cease on the ninety-first (91st) consecutive date of any leave of absence during which the Grantee’s employment relationship is deemed to continue and will not recommence until such date, if any, upon which the Grantee resumes service with the Company, its parent, Subsidiary or successor.  If the Grantee resumes such service in accordance with the terms of the Company’s military leave policy, upon resumption of service, the Grantee will be given vesting credit for the full duration of the Grantee’s leave of absence.  Continuous employment will be deemed interrupted and terminated for the Grantee if the Grantee’s weekly work hours change from full time to part time.  Part-time status for the purpose of vesting continuation will be determined in accordance with policies adopted by the Company from time to time, which policies, if any, shall supersede the determination of part-time status set forth in the Company’s posted “employee status definitions”.
“Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
“Retirement” means termination of the Grantee’s employment in accordance with the Company’s retirement policies, as in effect from time to time, if on the date of such termination, (i) the Grantee is at least 55 years old, (ii) his or her Continued Service has extended for at least five (5) years, and (iii) the combination of the Grantee’s age and years of Continued Service total at least 65. Partial years will be counted solely to determine whether the Grantee satisfies the total of 65 or more, but will not be rounded.  
By way of illustration, if a Grantee terminates his or her employment in accordance with the Company’s retirement policies when he or she is (i) 58 years and eight months old, after (ii) six years and five months of Continued Service, (iii) the Grantee’s total would be 65 (65 years and one month). Because the Grantee in this example would meet the age requirement (55+) and the years of Continued Service requirement (5+), and his or her total is 65, the Grantee’s termination would be treated as a Retirement. If a Grantee terminates his or her employment in accordance with the Company’s retirement policies when he or she is (i) 63 years and six months old, after (ii) four years and six months of Continued Service, (iii) the Grantee’s total would be 68. This Grantee would meet the age requirement (55+) and would have a total of 65 or more, but his or her termination would not be treated as a Retirement, since the Grantee has not met the years of Continued Service requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Grantee’s Continued Service is terminated for Cause and the Grantee is eligible for a Retirement, such termination of Continued Service shall not be treated as a Retirement for any purpose hereunder.
Your acceptance of this grant indicates your agreement and understanding that this grant is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in the Plan and this Agreement, which includes the notice of grant. Your acceptance of this grant indicates your agreement and understanding that this grant is subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in the Plan and this Award Agreement, which includes the notice of grant and this Agreement.

As a condition to receiving this Stock Appreciation Right grant and in consideration of such grant, you accept and agree to abide by the Agreement Regarding Certain Conditions of Employment provided to you in connection with such grant, including but not limited to the confidentiality and post-employment restrictions on competition set forth therein.  You hereby ratify, affirm and consent to those terms and conditions.   

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