Document:

Exhibit

[Form of 2017 Performance-Based RSU Agreement]

CELANESE CORPORATION
2009 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN 

PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT 
DATED <<DATE>>

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Celanese Corporation 2009 Global Incentive Plan, you have been awarded Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units, subject to the restrictions described in this Agreement.  The Participant’s name and the number of Restricted Stock Units awarded can be found in the Grant Summary located in the electronic stock plan award administration system maintained by the Company or its designee that contains a link to this Agreement (which summary information is set forth in the appropriate records of the Company authorizing such award).

Performance RSU Target Award

This grant is made pursuant to the Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated as of <<Date>>, between Celanese and you, covering a performance period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019, which Agreement is attached hereto and made a part hereof.

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© 2017 Celanese Corporation

CELANESE CORPORATION
2009 GLOBAL INCENTIVE PLAN

PERFORMANCE-BASED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

This Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of <<Date>> (the "Grant Date"), by and between Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Celanese" and, together with the participating subsidiaries that are employers of the Participants, the "Company"), and you (the "Participant").  Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Celanese Corporation 2009 Global Incentive Plan (as amended from time to time, the "2009 Plan").

1.Performance RSU Award:  In order to encourage the Participant's contribution to the successful performance of the Company, Celanese hereby grants to the Participant as of the Grant Date, pursuant to the terms of the 2009 Plan and this Agreement, an award (the "Award") of performance-based Restricted Stock Units ("Performance RSUs") representing the right to receive, subject to the attainment of the performance goals set forth in Appendix A, the number of Common Shares to be determined in accordance with the formula set forth in Appendix A. The Participant hereby acknowledges and accepts such Award upon the terms and subject to the performance requirements and other conditions, restrictions and limitations contained in this Agreement and the 2009 Plan.

2.Performance-Based Adjustment and Vesting: 

(a)    Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, the Performance RSUs are subject to adjustment for performance during the Performance Period in accordance with the performance measures, targets and methodology set forth in Appendix A. The number of Performance RSUs determined after the Performance Period based on such performance is referred to as the "Performance-Adjusted RSUs."
(b)    Subject to Section 3 and Section 6 of this Agreement, the Performance-Adjusted RSUs shall vest on February 15, 2020 (the "Vesting Date").  The period between the Grant Date and the Vesting Date shall be referred to as the "Vesting Period."
3.Effects of Certain Events:

(a)If the Participant's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company without Cause [or due to the Participant's Retirement]1 prior to the Vesting Date (other than as provided in Section 3(b)), then: 
(i) in all such cases the Performance RSUs shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period; and 
(ii) a prorated number of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs will vest on the Vesting Date in an amount equal to (x) the unvested Performance-Adjusted RSUs in the 

	
		
	 
	 

	1 Remove all bracketed verbiage relating to "Retirement" and the effects thereof from award agreements given for retention or in other special circumstances; the verbiage should be retained (without brackets) for the annual grant awards and for new hire awards.

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Vesting Period multiplied by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months from the Grant Date to the date of termination, and the denominator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months in the Vesting Period, such product to be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Such prorated Performance-Adjusted RSUs will be settled following the Vesting Date in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting and settlement.  The remaining portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant's termination of employment. [To the extent permitted by applicable country, state or province law, as consideration for the vesting provisions upon Retirement contained in this Section 3(a), upon Retirement, the Participant shall enter into a departure and general release of claims agreement with the Company that includes two-year noncompetition and non-solicitation covenants in a form acceptable to the Company.]
If at any time on or before the Vesting Date the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause, the Participant's employment shall be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and his or her Award shall be forfeited and cancelled without consideration pursuant to Section 3(d), regardless of whether the Participant's termination initially was considered to have been without Cause.  In each such case, the provisions of Section 3(a)(i) and (ii) are inapplicable.
(b)Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, if the Participant's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company in connection with a Qualifying Disposition, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, other than for Cause, and regardless of whether the Participant is then eligible for Retirement or is offered employment with the acquiror or successor, then: 

(i) a prorated number of the unvested Performance RSUs determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(a) had those provisions applied shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period, and shall be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(a); and 
(ii) the remaining number of the unvested Performance RSUs that would have otherwise been forfeited had the provisions of Section 3(a) applied shall remain subject to adjustment for performance as provided in Section 2(a) above, including if such termination of employment occurs during the Performance Period, and any such  Performance-Adjusted RSUs will vest and be settled in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, subject to any applicable taxes under Section 7 upon such vesting and settlement. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case of a termination of employment covered by this Section 3(b), if the Committee determines that the Participant has been offered employment with the acquiror or successor and in connection with that employment will receive a substitute award from the acquiror or successor with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions as this Award, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine not to provide for the additional vesting under clause (ii) of this Section 3(b).
(c)If the Participant's employment with the Company is terminated due to the Participant's death or Disability prior to the Vesting Date, then a prorated number of Performance RSUs will vest in an amount equal to: 

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(i) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby multiplied by
(ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months from the Grant Date to the date of termination, and the denominator of which is the number of complete and partial calendar months in the Vesting Period, such product to be rounded up to the nearest whole number. 
The prorated number of Performance RSUs shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to such prorated number of Performance RSUs described above shall be delivered to the Participant or beneficiary within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7.  The remaining portion of the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant's termination of employment for death or Disability.  
(d)Upon the termination of a Participant's employment with the Company for any other reason prior to the Vesting Date, the Award shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled without consideration as of the date of the Participant's termination of employment.
A Participant's employment will be considered to have been terminated for Cause, and the Award forfeited and cancelled without consideration, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that the Participant engaged in an act constituting Cause at any time prior to the Vesting Date, regardless of whether the Participant's termination initially was considered to have been without Cause.  
4.Settlement of Performance RSUs:  The Committee shall determine the Performance-Adjusted RSUs as soon as administratively practicable following the computation of the Company's performance for the Performance Period (but not later than 2 1⁄2 months after the end of the Performance Period (i.e., March 15, 2020)).  The date of such determination is referred to as the "Performance Certification Date." Subject to Sections 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 of this Agreement, the Company shall deliver to the Participant (or to a Company-designated brokerage firm or plan administrator) as soon as administratively practicable after the Performance Certification Date (but not later than 2 1⁄2 months after the end of the Performance Period (i.e., March 15, 2020)), in complete settlement of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs vesting on such Vesting Date, a number of Common Shares equal to the Performance-Adjusted RSUs determined in accordance with this Agreement.

5.Rights as a Stockholder:  The Participant shall have no voting, dividend or other rights as a stockholder with respect to the Award until the Performance RSUs have vested and Common Shares have been delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

6.Change in Control; Dissolution:

(a)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, with respect to any unvested Performance RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited:

(i)    If (i) a Participant's rights to the unvested portion of the Award are not adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control, or, if adversely affected, a substitute award with an equivalent (or greater) economic value and no less favorable vesting conditions is granted to the Participant upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, and (ii) the Participant's employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) without Cause within two years following the Change in Control, then Performance RSUs in an amount equal to the higher of (A) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby (or, as applicable, the substitute award) or (B) the number of Performance RSUs payable based on 

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estimated Company performance during the Performance Period through the Change in Control as determined by the Committee in accordance with this Agreement, shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Performance RSUs so determined shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 7.

(ii)    If a Participant's right to the unvested portion of the Award is adversely affected in connection with the Change in Control and a substitute award is not made pursuant to Section 6(a)(i) above, then upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, a number of Performance RSUs equal to the higher of (A) the Target number of Performance RSUs granted hereby or (B) the number of Performance RSUs payable based on estimated Company performance during the Performance Period through the Change in Control as determined by the Committee in accordance with this Agreement, shall immediately vest and a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Performance RSUs so determined shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the Change in Control, subject to the provisions of Section 7.

(b)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in the event of a corporate dissolution of the Company that is taxed under Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, then in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(A), this Agreement shall terminate and any Performance RSUs granted pursuant to this Agreement that have not previously been forfeited shall immediately become Common Shares and shall be delivered to the Participant within thirty (30) days following such dissolution.

7.Income and Other Taxes:  The Company shall not deliver Common Shares in respect of any vested Performance RSUs unless and until the Participant has made arrangements satisfactory to the Committee to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations for U.S. federal, state, and local income taxes (or the foreign counterpart thereof) and applicable employment taxes.    Unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, withholding shall be effectuated by withholding Performance RSUs in connection with the vesting and/or settlement of Performance-Adjusted RSUs.  Withholding shall be effected using the minimum statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts; however, if the requirements of ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) are changed, then the Company, at its discretion, may effectuate the withholding at the higher of (1) the minimum statutory rates authorized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (for U.S. Participants) and applicable foreign counterparts, or (2) a rate or method chosen by the Company consistent with ASC Topic 718 (or any successor applicable equity accounting standard applicable to this Award) and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service withholding regulations or other applicable tax requirements.  The Participant acknowledges that the Company shall have the right to deduct any taxes required to be withheld by law in connection with the vesting or settlement of Performance-Adjusted RSUs from any amounts payable by it to the Participant (including, without limitation, future cash wages).  The Participant acknowledges and agrees that amounts withheld by the Company for taxes may be less than amounts actually owed for taxes by the Participant in respect of the Award.  Any vested Performance-Adjusted RSUs shall be reflected in the Company's records as issued on the respective dates of issuance set forth in this Agreement, irrespective of whether delivery of such Common Shares is pending the Participant's satisfaction of his or her withholding tax obligations.

8.Securities Laws:  The Company may impose such restrictions, conditions or limitations as it determines appropriate as to the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Common Shares issued as a result of the vesting or settlement of the Performance RSUs, including without limitation (a) restrictions under an insider trading policy, and (b) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers.  Upon the acquisition 

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of any Common Shares pursuant to the vesting or settlement of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs, the Participant will make or enter into such written representations, warranties and agreements as the Company may reasonably request in order to comply with applicable securities laws or with this Agreement and the 2009 Plan.  All accounts in which such Common Shares are held or any certificates for Common Shares shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Company may deem advisable under the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange or quotation system upon which the Common Shares are then listed or quoted, and any applicable federal or state securities law, and the Company may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates (or other appropriate restrictions and/or notations to be associated with any accounts in which such Common Shares are held) to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.

9.Non-Transferability of Award:  The Performance RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company; provided, that the Participant may designate a beneficiary, on a form provided by the Company, to receive any portion of the Award payable hereunder following the Participant's death.

10.Other Agreements; Release of Claims:  Subject to Sections 10(a), 10(b) and 10(c) of this Agreement, this Agreement and the 2009 Plan constitute the entire understanding between the Participant and the Company regarding the Award, and any prior and/or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, representations, discussions, commitments or negotiations concerning the Award, whether written or oral, are superseded.  No oral statements or other prior written material not specifically incorporated into this Agreement, other than the 2009 Plan, shall be of any force or effect.

(a)The Participant acknowledges that as a condition to the receipt of the Award, the Participant: 
(1)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of this Agreement; 
(2)    shall be subject to the Company's stock ownership guidelines, to the extent applicable to the Participant; 
(3)    shall be subject to policies and agreements adopted by the Company from time to time, and applicable laws and regulations, requiring the repayment by the Participant of incentive compensation under certain circumstances, without any further act or deed or consent of the Participant; and
(4)    shall have delivered to the Company an executed copy of the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement (if a current version of such Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement is not already on file, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion).  For purposes hereof, "Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and the Participant associated with the grant of long-term incentives of the Company, which contains terms, conditions, restrictions and provisions regarding one or more of (i) noncompetition by the Participant with the Company, and its customers and clients; (ii) non-solicitation and non-hiring by the Participant of the Company's employees, former employees or consultants; (iii) maintenance of confidentiality of the Company's and/or clients' information, including intellectual property; (iv) nondisparagement of the Company; and (v) such other matters deemed necessary, desirable or appropriate by the Company for such an agreement in view of the rights and benefits conveyed in connection with an award.

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(b)On or before the first Settlement Date, the Participant shall sign a full and final release, in a form prescribed by the Company, of any and all claims regarding calculation of the Performance-Adjusted RSUs under this Award as a condition to receiving payment on this Award.

(c)If the Participant is a non-resident of the U.S., there may be an addendum containing special terms and conditions applicable to awards in the Participant's country.  The issuance of the Award to any such Participant is contingent upon the Participant executing and returning any such addendum in the manner directed by the Company.

11.Not a Contract for Employment; No Acquired Rights; Agreement Changes: This Agreement and the Award evidenced hereby are not an employment agreement, and nothing in this Agreement, the International Supplement, if applicable, or the 2009 Plan shall alter the Participant's status as an "at-will" employee of the Company or your employment status at the Company.  None of this Agreement, the International Supplement, if applicable, or the 2009 Plan shall be construed as guaranteeing your employment by the Company, or as giving you any right to continue in the employ of the Company, during any period (including without limitation the period between the Date of the Agreement and the Vesting Date, or any portion of such period), nor shall they be construed as giving you any right to be reemployed by the Company following any termination of employment. This Agreement and the Award evidenced hereby, and all other long-term incentive awards and other equity-based awards, are discretionary. This Award does not confer on the Participant any right or entitlement to receive another Award or any other equity-based award at any time in the future or in respect of any future period.  The Company has made this Award to you in its sole discretion. This Award does not confer on you any right or entitlement to receive compensation in any specific amount for any future year, and does not diminish in any way the Company's discretion to determine the amount, if any, of your compensation. This Award is not part of your base salary or wages and will not be taken into account in determining any other employment-related rights you may have, such as rights to pension or severance pay.  The Company has the right, at any time and for any reason, to amend, suspend or terminate the 2009 Plan; provided, however, that no such amendment, suspension, or termination shall adversely affect the Participant's rights hereunder.

12.Severability:  Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or held to be illegal, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, (a) such provision shall either be reformed, if possible, to the extent necessary to render it legal, valid and enforceable, or otherwise severed, (b) the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected except to the extent necessary to reform or sever such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, and (c) in no event should such partial invalidity affect the remainder of this Agreement, which shall still be enforced.

13.Further Assurances:  Each party shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by either party hereto in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement.

14.Binding Effect:  The Award and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective permitted heirs, beneficiaries, successors and assigns.

15.Electronic Delivery:  By executing this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the delivery of any and all information (including, without limitation, information required to be delivered to the Participant pursuant to applicable securities laws), in whole or in part, regarding the Company and its subsidiaries, the 2009 Plan, and the Award via electronic mail, the Company's or a plan administrator's web site, or other means of electronic delivery.

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16.Personal Data:  By accepting the Award under this Agreement, the Participant hereby consents to the Company's use, dissemination and disclosure of any information pertaining to the Participant that the Company determines to be necessary or desirable for the implementation, administration and management of the 2009 Plan.

17.Miscellaneous:

(a)Governing Law.  Notwithstanding the place where this Agreement may be executed by any of the parties hereto, the parties expressly agree that all the terms and provisions hereof shall be governed by, construed under and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of laws rules.
(b)    Notice. The Participant is reminded to read the following carefully and after consulting with counsel of their choice: 
The Participant agrees that the following provisions requiring arbitration, prohibiting recovery of attorneys' fees, waiving class actions and mass actions, waiving the right to a jury trial, waiving any right to seek punitive damages, limiting actual damages, and limiting remedies by waiving any right to injunctive or other equitable or legal relief are and were an important part of the Company's decision to adopt the Operative Documents and for Participant to be offered this Agreement.  The Participant understands and agrees that absent the foregoing provisions, the Operative Documents would not have been offered or entered into or would have materially changed.  The Participant acknowledges the benefits of receiving potential incentive awards.  In reliance on the Participant's intent to abide by and enter into the following provisions, the parties have entered into the Operative Documents.
(c)    MANDATORY ARBITRATION.  All disputes arising out of or related in any manner to the Operative Documents shall be resolved exclusively by arbitration to be conducted only in the county and state of Dallas, Texas in accordance with the rules of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution ("CPR") applying the laws of Delaware.  The arbitration shall be conducted by a single arbitrator.  The parties agree that the following arbitrators shall be requested to serve as the single arbitrator, in the following order, until an arbitrator is seated to preside over this matter: (1) Rob Walters, (2) Brian Lidji, (3) Craig Budner, (4) George Bowles, and (5) Ray Guy. Should all the selected arbitrators refuse to serve, the parties shall request that CPR select a retired judge with at least 10 years of judicial experience. Discovery shall be as provided by the CPR rules.  The arbitration award shall be in writing and shall include a reasoned opinion by the Arbitrator.  Consistent with the waiver of all claims to punitive or exemplary damages, the Arbitrator shall have no authority to award such damages.  The parties understand that their right to appeal or to seek modification of any ruling or award of the arbitrator is severely limited, if any.  Awards issued by the arbitrator shall be final and binding, and judgment may be entered on it in any court of competent jurisdiction.  All parties shall keep confidential the fact of the arbitration, the dispute being arbitrated, and the decision of the arbitrator.  Any and all disputes regarding this arbitration provision and its enforceability shall be exclusively submitted to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, if it has jurisdiction, and failing that, to the Delaware state court in Wilmington, Delaware.
(d)    No Recovery of Attorneys' Fees and Costs.  Each party agrees that in any litigation or proceeding between the parties arising out of, connected with, related to, or incidental to the relationship between them in connection with the Operative Documents, each party shall bear all of its own attorneys' fees and costs regardless of which party prevails.

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(e)    CLASS ACTION AND MASS ACTION WAIVER. Any claim, whether brought in a court of law or in arbitration, must be brought in the Participant's individual capacity, and not as a representative of any purported class or as a "mass action" (involving multiple plaintiffs)  ("Class/Mass Action").  The parties expressly waive any ability to maintain any Class/Mass Action in any forum.  The arbitrator shall not have authority to combine or aggregate similar claims or conduct any Class/Mass Action nor make an award to any person or entity not a party to the arbitration.  Any claim that all or part of this Class/Mass Action waiver is unenforceable, unconscionable, void, or voidable may be determined only by a court of competent jurisdiction and not by an arbitrator.  The Participant understands that but for this Agreement, he or she would have had a right to litigate through a court, to have a judge or jury decide the case and to be party to a Class/Mass Action.  However, in exchange for the potential incentive awards provided herein and the receipt of the benefit of arbitration, the Participant understands and chooses to have only his or her individual claims decided, each in a separate case, by an arbitrator.

(f)    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  To the extent permitted by applicable law and expressly because of the complexity of the matters in the Operative Documents, each party waives any right to have a jury participate in resolving any dispute arising out of or relating to the Operative Documents.

(g)    WAIVER OF PUNITIVE AND EXEMPLARY DAMAGE CLAIMS. The Participant waives, to the fullest extent allowed by law, any claims or rights to recover punitive, exemplary or similar damages.

(h)    LIMIT ON ACTUAL DAMAGES. In no event may the actual damages awarded to the Participant in a dispute arising out of or relating to the Operative Documents exceed the Fair Market Value of the Performance RSU Target Award set forth on the first page of this Agreement as of the vesting date, reduced by the value of any shares or payments previously received under this Agreement (the "Damages Limit").  The Participant knowingly, voluntarily and irrevocably waives and releases any claim to damages in excess of this Damages Limit.

(i)    LIMITATION OF REMEDIES.  The procedures and remedies set forth in this Agreement shall constitute the sole remedies available to the Participant.  In no event shall the Participant seek equitable relief, injunctive relief, or otherwise bring claims directly or derivatively for ultra vires, corporate waste, breach of fiduciary duty, or any other claim or cause of action, whether legal or equitable, sounding in contract or tort.  Nothing in this clause is intended to waive or limit any claim brought pursuant to any federal or state statute related to the protection of civil rights.
18.    Performance RSUs Subject to Plan:  By entering into this Agreement the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the 2009 Plan and the 2009 Plan's prospectus.  The Performance RSUs and the Common Shares issued upon settlement of such Performance RSUs are subject to the 2009 Plan, which is hereby incorporated by reference.  In the event of any conflict between any term or provision of this Agreement and a term or provision of the 2009 Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the 2009 Plan shall govern and prevail. 

19.Validity of Agreement:  This Agreement shall be valid, binding and effective upon the Company on the Grant Date.  The Participant must accept this Agreement electronically pursuant to the online acceptance procedure established by the Company within ninety (90) days; otherwise the Company may, in its sole discretion, rescind the Award in its entirety.

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20.Headings:  The headings preceding the text of the sections hereof are inserted solely for convenience of reference, and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement, nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.

21.Compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code:  Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement will be interpreted and applied so that the Agreement does not fail to meet, and is operated in accordance with, the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.  The Company reserves the right to change the terms of this Agreement and the 2009 Plan without the Participant's consent to the extent necessary or desirable to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.  Further, in accordance with the restrictions provided by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(2), any subsequent amendments to this Agreement or any other agreement, or the entering into or termination of any other agreement, affecting the Performance RSUs provided by this Agreement shall not modify the time or form of issuance of the Performance RSUs set forth in this Agreement. In addition, if the Participant is a "specified employee" within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as determined by the Company, any payment made in connection with the Participant's separation from service shall not be made earlier than six (6) months and one day after the date of such separation from service to the extent required by Code Section 409A.

22.Definitions:  The following terms shall have the following meanings for purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any contrary definition in the 2009 Plan:

(a)"Adjusted Earnings Per Share" or "Adjusted EPS" means a measure used by the Company's management to measure performance, defined as earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Celanese Corporation, adjusted for income tax (provision) benefit, certain items, refinancing and related expenses, divided by the number of basic common shares and dilutive restricted stock units and stock options calculated using the treasury method and further adjusted for certain items as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2009 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.

Note: The income tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share approximates the midpoint in a range of forecasted tax rates for the year. This range may include certain partial or full-year forecasted tax opportunities, where applicable, and specifically excludes changes in uncertain tax positions, discrete items and other material items adjusted out of our GAAP earnings for adjusted earnings per share purposes, and changes in management's assessments regarding the ability to realize deferred tax assets. In determining the adjusted earnings per share tax rate, we reflect the impact of foreign tax credits when utilized, or expected to be utilized, absent discrete events impacting the timing of foreign tax credit utilization. We analyze this rate quarterly and adjust if there is a material change in the range of forecasted tax rates; an updated forecast would not necessarily result in a change to our tax rate used for adjusted earnings per share. The adjusted tax rate is an estimate and may differ from the actual tax rate used for GAAP reporting in any given reporting period. It is not practical to reconcile our prospective adjusted tax rate to the actual GAAP tax rate in any given future period.
(b)"Adjusted EBIT" means net earnings (loss) attributable to Celanese Corporation, plus (earnings) loss from discontinued operations, less interest income, plus interest expense, refinancing expense and taxes, and further adjusted for certain items attributable to Celanese Corporation as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2009 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.

(c)"Cause" means, as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, (i) the Participant's willful failure to perform the Participant's duties to the Company (other than as a result of total or partial incapacity due to physical or mental illness) for a period of 30 days following 

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written notice by the Company to the Participant of such failure, (ii) the Participant's conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere to, (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or any similar criminal act in a jurisdiction outside the United States or (y) a crime involving moral turpitude, (iii) the Participant's willful malfeasance or willful misconduct which is demonstrably injurious to the Company or its affiliates, (iv) any act of fraud by the Participant, (v) any violation of the Company's business conduct policy, (vi) any violation of the Company's policies concerning harassment or discrimination by the Participant, (vii) the Participant's conduct that causes harm to the business reputation of the Company or its affiliates, or (viii) the Participant's breach of any confidentiality, intellectual property, noncompetition or non-solicitation provisions applicable to the Participant under the Long-Term Incentive Claw-Back Agreement or any other agreement between the Participant and the Company. "Cause" shall be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, and such determination shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Participant.

(d)"Change in Control" means:

(i)    any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that, for purposes of this subparagraph, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control:  (i) any acquisition directly from the Company, (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate, or (iv) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (A), (B) or (C) in paragraph (iii) of this definition; or
(ii)    individuals who, as of the effective date of this Agreement, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual was a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii)    consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a "Business Combination"), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, 

Page 11 of 14
© 2017 Celanese Corporation

equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv)    approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it is determined that an Award hereunder is subject to the requirements of Section 409A and the Change in Control is a "payment event" under Section 409A for such Award, the Company will not be deemed to have undergone a Change in Control unless the Company is deemed to have undergone a "change in control event" pursuant to the definition of such term in Section 409A.
(e)"Disability" has the same meaning as "Disability" in the Celanese Corporation 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan or such other meaning as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, provided that in all events a "Disability" under this Agreement shall constitute a "disability" within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(4).

(f)"Operative Documents" means the 2009 Plan and this Agreement.

(g)"Peer Group" means, subject to the provisions below, entities included in the S&P 500 as of December 31, 2016. This is a "closed group"; therefore, changes in the Peer Group during the period specified in the definition of Total Stockholder Return, shall be handled as follows:

(1)Closed Group: The composition of the Peer Group will be determined on the date specified above, and "frozen" as of that date; subsequent changes to the composition of the index will not change the Peer Group.  Companies will not be market capitalization weighted.
(2)    Multiple Class Companies:  If a company in the S&P500 has more than one class of shares trading, only the "Class A" shares will be included in the Peer Group.
(3)     Acquisitions: If a company in the Peer Group is acquired during the Performance Period, such company is excluded from the Peer Group for purposes of the TSR calculation.
(4)    Spinoffs: The surviving parent entity will be retained in the Peer Group, by treating the value of the spinco as a reinvested dividend in parent stock.

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© 2017 Celanese Corporation

(5)    Bankruptcy: If a company in the Peer Group files for bankruptcy protection or is otherwise insolvent during the Performance Period, such company shall remain in the Peer Group but shall be assigned the lowest ranked TSR.
(6)    No Trading: If a company is in the S&P500 but is not trading as of December 31, 2016, then it will be excluded from the Peer Group.  If a company in the Peer Group is otherwise no longer publicly traded on the last day of the Performance Period, such company shall remain in the Peer Group but shall be assigned the lowest possible ranking for TSR.
(h)"Performance Period" means the three-year period from January 1, 2017through December 31, 2019.

(i)"Qualifying Disposition" means a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, and determined by the Committee to be a Qualifying Disposition.

(j) "Relative Total Stockholder Return" or "Relative TSR" is assessed in comparison of the percentile rank in TSR to the Peer Group. The lowest ranked company will be the 0% rank, the middle ranked company will be the 50th percentile rank and the top ranked company will be the 100th percentile rank.

(k)["Retirement" of the Participant shall mean a voluntary separation from service on or after the date when the Participant is both [fifty-five (55) years of age and has ten years of service][for CEO: sixty-five (65) years of age and has five years of service] with the Company, as determined by the Company in its discretion based on payroll records.  Retirement shall not include voluntary separation from service in which the Company could have terminated the Participant's employment for Cause.]

(l)"Return on Capital Employed" or "ROCE" means a measure used by the Company's management to measure performance and is defined as Adjusted EBIT divided by capital employed, which is the beginning and end-of-year average of the sum of property, plant and equipment, net; trade working capital (calculated as trade receivables, net plus inventories less trade payables - third party and affiliates); goodwill; intangible assets, and  investments in affiliates, adjusted to eliminate noncontrolling interests, and certain items as determined by the Company (consistent with the provisions of Section 13(b) of the 2009 Plan) and as approved by the Committee.

(m)"Settlement Date" means the date that Common Shares are delivered to the Participant following the Vesting Date.

(n)"Total Stockholder Return" or "TSR" measures the percent change in share price from the beginning of the Performance Period to the end of the Performance Period and assumes immediate reinvestment of dividends when declared at the closing share price on the date declared. The beginning share price will be calculated as an average of 60 data points: the closing share price on December 31, 2016 and the closing share price for each of the -59 trading days from such date. The ending share price will be calculated as an average of 60 data points: the closing share price on December 31, 2019 and the closing share price for each of the -59 trading days from December 31, 2019.

[signatures appear on following page]

Page 13 of 14
© 2017 Celanese Corporation

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer.

	
					
	 
	CELANESE CORPORATION

	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	By:
	Mark C. Rohr

	 
	 
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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© 2017 Celanese Corporation

APPENDIX A
CALCULATION OF THE PERFORMANCE-BASED VESTING
Performance-Based Vesting Calculation
The Performance RSUs are subject to adjustment based on the achievement of specified levels of:
(i) the Company's Adjusted EPS during the Performance Period, weighted 70% [and, subject to potential adjustment based on the Company's Relative TSR during the Performance Period]*; and
(ii) the Company's ROCE during the Performance Period, weighted 30%.
Each metric will be calculated separately based on the targets set forth below.  The results of each metric will determine the number of Performance RSUs earned for that metric. The total award will be the addition of the total number of Performance RSUs earned for each of the two performance metrics.  The number of Performance RSUs determined after such adjustments (and subject further to the additional vesting requirements of Section 2(b) of the Agreement) are referred to as the "Performance-Adjusted RSUs." Fractional shares earned based on the Adjusted EPS goal and the ROCE goal will be added together and rounded up to the nearest whole share. No fractional shares will be issued.

	
		
	 
	 

	* Note: The provisions that relate to Relative TSR shall apply to certain of the Company’s Executive Officers and such other Participants as the Committee shall determine.  Other Participants shall have the same Performance RSU without the Relative TSR feature. Definitions germane only to the Relative TSR feature will be removed from the award agreement for such Participants.

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© 2017 Celanese Corporation

A.  Calculation of Performance Adjustment based on the Adjusted EPS Results 
The following table outlines the percentage of the Performance RSUs that may become earned based on Adjusted EPS performance during the Performance Period.

	
				
	 
	Result
	Goal Achievement for Performance Period1
	Performance Adjustment Percentage

	 
	Below Threshold
	Less than $
	0%

	Adjusted EPS
	Threshold
	$
	50%

	(70% weighting)
	Target
	$
	100%

	 
	Superior
	$           or more
	200%2

The Performance Adjustment Percentage for Adjusted EPS for the Performance Period shall be calculated by straight-line interpolation for results achieved between Threshold and Target, or for results achieved between Target and Superior.  No Performance RSUs will be earned for the Adjusted EPS component for the Performance Period if Goal Achievement is Below Threshold.

	
		
	 
	 

1 To the extent not otherwise included as an adjustment to Adjusted EPS (as defined) or ROCE (as defined), if
(a) the historic financial statements of the Company for period(s) ending prior to the Performance Period are retrospectively recast in connection with a change in accounting principle or method adopted during the Performance Period,
(b) the Company effects a material acquisition, disposition, merger, spin-off or other similar transaction, or enters/exits a joint venture, affecting the Company or any subsidiary or any portion thereof, during the Performance Period,
(c) the Company suffers or incurs items of gain, loss or expense determined to be unusual in nature, or charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, or any other unusual or infrequent items, or any other event materially outside the scope of those anticipated in the Company's operating plans,
(d) there are changes in tax law or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results,
(e) the Company establishes accruals or reserves, or impairs assets, for reorganization or restructuring programs, and/or
(f) the Company incurs or is adversely affected by any other eventuality contemplated by the last sentence of Section 13(b) of the 2009 Plan,
then in each such case where the amount is significant to the Company, the Committee, in conformity with IRC § 162(m), shall adjust the Goal Achievement for the Performance Period or the performance achieved for the Performance Period, or both, to include or exclude these items, matters or amounts.
2 If the Company's Relative TSR for the Performance Period is in the bottom quartile (i.e., <25th percentile), then the Performance Adjustment Percentage will be limited to 150%. In such event the resulting Performance Adjustment Percentage will be the lower of [i] the actual amount earned (without reference to this Relative TSR adjustment) or [ii] 150%.

A-2
© 2017 Celanese Corporation

B.  Calculation of Performance Adjustment based on the ROCE Results 
The following table outlines the percentage of the Performance RSUs that may become earned based on ROCE performance during the Performance Period.

	
				
	 
	Result
	Goal Achievement for Performance Period1
	Performance Adjustment Percentage

	 
	Below Threshold
	Less than
	0%

	ROCE
	Threshold
	 
	50%

	(30% weighting)
	Target
	—
	100%

	 
	Superior
	or more
	200%

The Performance Adjustment Percentage for ROCE for the Performance Period shall be calculated by straight-line interpolation for results achieved between Threshold and Target, or for results achieved between Target and Superior.  No Performance RSUs will be earned for the ROCE component for the Performance Period if Goal Achievement is Below Threshold.
C. Adjustments In Case of Certain Dispositions 

In the event of a sale or other disposition by the Company or one or more subsidiaries of all or part of a business, business unit, segment or subsidiary in a stock, asset, merger or other similar transaction or combination thereof, if such transaction is determined by the Committee to constitute a “change in ownership or control” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (and regardless of whether such transaction also constitutes a “Change in Control” as defined in this Agreement) (e.g., a sale or other disposition of assets of the Company that have a gross fair market value equal to or more than one-third of the total gross fair market value of all assets of the Company immediately before such transaction), the Committee may, in addition to or in lieu of any permitted adjustments to the performance goals or performance provided above, in its discretion take any action as determined to be equitable to reflect the closing of the transaction, including, but not limited to: (i) adjust the performance vesting conditions in any manner, including substituting new or additional performance goals, over the remaining Performance Period, (ii) cease the measurement of performance as of the closing of the transaction and adjust the Award to a time-vesting Award over the remainder of the Performance Period (at target, based on actual or projected performance at the time of the transaction, or on any other basis as the Committee may determine), or (iii) accelerate the vesting of all or any portion of the Award.

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© 2017 Celanese CorporationExhibit

Exhibit 10.3

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
(“Agreement”)

Celanese Corporation, its’ subsidiaries and its’ affiliates (“Company” or “Celanese”), 222 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039 and Gjon N. Nivica, Jr., such person’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (“Executive”), agree that:

1.  Last Day of Employment. The last day of employment with the Company is: March 3, 2017 (“Separation Date”). Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the Company, if Executive voluntarily resigns before the Separation Date, Executive shall immediately be removed from the payroll and forfeit all rights to the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below. In order to remain on the payroll until the aforementioned date and receive the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 below, Executive shall comply with all Company policies and procedures and perform Executive’s duties faithfully, to the best of Executive’s ability and to the satisfaction of the Company, while devoting Executive’s full business efforts and time to the Company and to the promotion of its business as needed, including but not limited to: work on projects assigned to Executive and assistance with transition duties.

		
	2.
	Early Separation Date. If Employer and Executive mutually agree on a Separation Date earlier than that set forth above (such date referenced as the “Early Separation Date” or “ESD”), Executive will be released from work as of the ESD. Executive will still be eligible for the Consideration set forth in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement and General Release (“Agreement”). However, Executive agrees to waive any additional salary payment for the balance of the time period commencing on the date of the ESD through the Separation Date. In addition, the bonus payment, Long Term Equity and Cash Agreements (LTI’s) and vacation payout set forth in Paragraphs 3 (c), (d), and (f) below, respectively, will be prorated to the ESD. For purposes of this Agreement, the last day of employment will be either the Separation Date or the ESD, whichever is applicable.

		
	3.
	Consideration.  Each separate installment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of determining whether such payment is subject to or exempt from compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In consideration for signing this Agreement and compliance with the promises made herein, the Company and Executive agree:

		
	a.
	Resignation. Executive agrees to resign from employment with the Company effective on the Separation Date or the ESD, whichever is earlier. Executive will sign upon the execution of this Agreement, in writing, a resignation of employment letter as a condition of this Agreement using the format set forth at Exhibit A.  If, after the execution date of this Agreement, a mutually agreed ESD is implemented, or any other changes occur with respect to the Separation Date expressly contemplated herein, then Executive agrees to execute and deliver a new, updated resignation to the Company, as applicable.

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	b.
	Separation Pay.  The Company will pay an amount equal to Executive’s current annual base salary ($540,000.00), plus a one-year target bonus ($378,000.00), for a total payment of $918,000.00, less any lawful deductions. Such amount shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the Separation Date or ESD, as applicable, provided that all conditions in Paragraph 4 have been satisfied on or before the date of payment.

		
	c.
	Pro-Rata Bonus. Executive will be eligible to receive a bonus payout for the 2016 year. The 2016 bonus payout will be based on Executive’s annual bonus target percentage, which is 70% of Executive’s annual base salary, times a personal modifier of 1.0, modified for actual Company 2016 performance. The 2016 bonus payout will be paid to the Executive during the 2017 calendar year, but in no event later than March 15, 2017.  In addition, Executive also will be eligible to receive a pro-rata bonus payout for the 2017 year based on the number of days of service completed in 2017, up to the earlier of the Separation Date or the ESD. The bonus payout will be based on Executive’s annual bonus target percentage, which is 70% of Executive’s annual base salary, times a personal modifier of 1.0, modified for actual Company performance. The 2017 pro-rata bonus payout will be paid to the Executive during the 2018 calendar year, but in no event later than March 15, 2018.

		
	d.
	Long-Term Equity and Cash Awards (“LTI’s”).  The Company will fulfill its obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of the signed equity award agreements (collectively, the “Equity Awards”). The Company and Executive agree that the total Equity Awards for which Executive is eligible are set forth at Exhibit C, if Executive departs on the Separation Date. If Executive departs on an earlier ESD, the Equity Awards will be prorated accordingly as set forth in Paragraph 3.

		
	e.
	Pension, Deferred Compensation and 401(k) Plan Vesting. The Company will fulfill its obligations according to the terms of the respective Plans. 

		
	f.
	Unused Vacation.  The Company will pay to Executive wages for any unused vacation for 2017, and any approved vacation carried over from the prior year, under the Company’s standard procedure for calculating and paying any unused vacation to separated employees. The gross amount due to Executive, less any lawful deductions, will be payable within thirty (30) days of the Separation Date or ESD; subject to Executive providing the details of any vacation days utilized during the current year through the exit interview process.

		
	g.
	Company Benefit Plans. Medical and dental coverage will continue according to the Employee’s current medical and dental plan elections, with no premium cost to the Employee for the earlier of (1) a period of twelve (12) months after the earlier of the Separation Date or ESD, or (2) until the date on which Executive becomes covered under another medical or dental plan.  All other normal company programs (e.g., life 

-2-

insurance, LTD, 401(k) contributions, etc.) will continue until the Separation Date or, if earlier, the ESD.

		
	h.
	COBRA Healthcare.  If Executive applies for COBRA benefits, Executive shall be entitled to elect to continue such COBRA coverage for an additional six (6) months, at Executive’s expense. 

		
	i.
	Return of Company Property. Executive will surrender to the Company, on a mutually agreeable date, all Company materials, including, but not limited to Executive’s Company laptop computer, phone, credit card, calling cards, etc. Executive will be responsible for resolving any outstanding balances on the Company credit card.

		
	j.
	Outplacement Services. The Company will pay for Outplacement Services for twelve (12) months, beginning seven (7) days after signing the Release and the letters attached as Exhibits A and B.

		
	k.
	Withholding.  The payments and other benefits provided under this Agreement shall be reduced by applicable withholding taxes and other lawful deductions.

		
	4.
	No Consideration Absent Execution of this Agreement.  Executive understands and agrees that Executive would not receive the monies and/or benefits specified in Paragraph 3 above, unless Executive signs this Agreement on the signature page without having revoked this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 16 below, signs the letters at Exhibits A, B, E and F and fulfills the promises contained herein.  All such actions must be completed by Executive no later than thirty (30) days after the Separation Date or ESD, as applicable, in order for Executive to have a right to receive the monies and/or other benefits in Paragraph 3 above.

		
	5.
	General Release of Claims.  Executive knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges, to the full extent permitted by law, in all countries, including but not limited to the U.S., the People’s Republic of China (PRC), The United Kingdom (U.K.). The Netherlands and The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), the Company, its parent corporation, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessors, successors and assigns and the current and former employees, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as the “Company”), of and from any and all claims, known and unknown, asserted and unasserted, Executive has or may have against the Company as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any alleged violation of: 

		
	•
	Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended;

		
	•
	The Civil Rights Act of 1991;

		
	•
	Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended;

		
	•
	The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended;

		
	•
	The Immigration Reform and Control Act, as amended;

-3-

		
	•
	The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended;

		
	•
	The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended;

		
	•
	The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, as amended;

		
	•
	The Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended;

		
	•
	The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; 

		
	•
	The Wall Street Reform Act of 2010 (Dodd Frank);

		
	•
	The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA);

		
	•
	The Texas Civil Rights Act, as amended;

		
	•
	The Texas Minimum Wage Law, as amended;

		
	•
	Equal Pay Law for Texas, as amended;

		
	•
	Any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or any other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance including but not limited to the State of Texas; or any law, regulation or ordinance of a foreign country, including but not limited to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), The Netherlands and the United Kingdom (U.K.);

		
	•
	Any public policy, contract, tort, or common law;

		
	•
	The employment, labor and benefits laws and regulations in all countries in addition to the U.S. including but not limited to the PRC, U.K. The Netherlands and the FRG; and

		
	•
	Any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters.

		
	6.
	Affirmations. Executive affirms that Executive has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim, complaint, or action against the Company in any forum or form; provided, however, that the foregoing does not affect any right to file an administrative charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), OSHA, The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), or a charge or complaint under applicable securities laws with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any other federal, state, or municipal agency with appropriate jurisdiction (a “Government Agency”), subject to the restriction that if any such charge or complaint is filed, Employee agrees not to violate the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction, if permitted by applicable law, or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction. Employee further agrees and covenants that should Executive or any other person, organization, or other entity file, charge, claim, sue or cause or permit to be filed any charge or claim with the EEOC, or any civil action, suit or legal proceeding against the Company involving any matter occurring at any time in the past, Executive will not seek or accept any personal relief (including, a judgement, relief or settlement) in such charge, civil action, suit or proceeding, unless permitted under law or regulation.  This Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC.  Executive further affirms that Executive has reported all hours worked as of the date of this Agreement and has been paid and/or has received all leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions, and/or benefits to which Executive may be entitled and that no other leave (paid or unpaid), compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits are due to Executive, except as provided in 

-4-

this Agreement. Executive furthermore affirms that Executive has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases. 

		
	7.
	Confidentiality. Executive and the Company agree not to disclose any information regarding the existence or substance of this Agreement, except to Executive’s spouse, tax advisor, and an attorney with whom Executive chooses to consult regarding Executive’s consideration of this Agreement or as permitted by applicable law. Executive agrees and recognizes that any knowledge or information of any type whatsoever of a confidential nature relating to the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates, including, without limitation, all types of trade secrets, client lists or information, employee lists or information, information regarding product development, marketing plans, management organization, operating policies or manuals, performance results, business plans, financial records, or other financial, commercial, business or technical information (collectively “Confidential Information”), must be protected as confidential, not copied, disclosed or used other than for the benefit of the Company at any time unless and until such knowledge or information is in the public domain through no wrongful act by Executive. Executive further agrees not to divulge to anyone (other than the Company or any persons employed or designated by the Company), publish or make use of any such Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company, except by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction or if in connection with confidential communications with a Government Agency or an investigation conducted by a Government Agency with appropriate jurisdiction. 

		
	8.
	Notification of Allowable Disclosure of Trade Secret Information in the United States. An individual may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. Further, an individual who files a lawsuit against his or her employer alleging retaliation for reporting a suspected violation of law, the individual may disclose the trade secret to his or her attorney. The individual may also use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, provided that he or she files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to a court order.

		
	9.
	Non-competition/Non-solicitation/Non-hire. Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive and confidential nature of the business of the Company. The New Hire Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement (“RCA”) and the Long-Term Incentive Award Claw-Back Agreements (“Clawback Agreement”) listed on Exhibit D, include, among other obligations, promises made by Executive regarding safeguarding confidential Company information, non-competition with the Company and the non-solicitation/no hire of current employees and contractors. Except as modified in this Agreement, both the RCA and the Clawback Agreement remain in full force and effect and are part of this Agreement. The Restricted Period in the RCA is two (2) years and in the Clawback Agreement is one (1) 

-5-

year. In light of the additional Consideration provided in this Agreement and the Restricted Periods contained in the RCA (2 years) and in the Clawback Agreement (1 year), Executive agrees that, for purposes of this Agreement, the Restricted Period shall be a total of two (2) years from the earlier of the Separation Date or the ESD for both the non-competition and non-solicitation/non-hire of employees.

To implement this agreement, the Company and Executive agree that:

		
	•
	Section 1.e of the Clawback Agreement shall be modified to read as follows:

e.   “Restricted Period” means two (2) years from the date of Employee’s termination of employment from Celanese for any reason.

		
	•
	Section 3 of the Clawback Agreement shall be modified to add the following, at the beginning of subsections 3.a and 3.b:

Without the express written permission of Celanese,

		
	10.
	Governing Law and Interpretation.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws provision.  In the event Executive or the Company breaches any provision of this Agreement, Executive and the Company affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or provision of this Agreement.  Should any provision of this Agreement be declared illegal or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction and cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect. 

		
	11.
	Non-admission of Wrongdoing.  The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for the release contained in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by the Company of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.

		
	12.
	Non-Disparagement.  Executive agrees not to disparage, or make disparaging remarks or send any disparaging communications concerning, the Company, its reputation, its business, and/or its directors, officers, managers. Likewise the Company’s senior management agrees not to disparage, or make any disparaging remark or send any disparaging communication concerning Executive, Executive’s reputation and/or Executive’s business.

		
	13.
	Future Cooperation after Separation Date.  After the Separation Date or ESD, Executive agrees to make reasonable efforts to assist Company including but not limited to: responding to telephone calls, assisting with transition duties, assisting with issues that arise after the Separation Date and assisting with the defense or prosecution of any lawsuit or claim.  This includes but is not limited to providing deposition testimony, attending hearings and 

-6-

testifying on behalf of the Company.  The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable time and expenses in connection with any future cooperation after the Separation Date, at Executive’s current annual base pay, converted to an hourly rate. Time and expenses can include loss of pay or using vacation time at a future employer.  The Company shall reimburse Executive within thirty (30) days of remittance by Executive to the Company of such time and expenses incurred.

		
	14.
	Injunctive Relief.  Executive agrees and acknowledges that the Company will be irreparably harmed by any breach, or threatened breach by Executive of this Agreement and that monetary damages would be grossly inadequate. Accordingly, Executive agrees that in the event of a breach, or threatened breach by him of this Agreement the Company shall be entitled to apply for immediate injunctive or other preliminary or equitable relief, as appropriate, in addition to all other remedies at law or equity.

		
	15.
	Review Period. Executive is hereby advised Executive has up to twenty-one (21) calendar days, from the date Executive receives it, to review this Agreement and to consult with an attorney prior to execution of this Agreement. Executive agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement do not restart or affect in any manner the original twenty-one (21) calendar day consideration period.

		
	16.
	Revocation Period and Effective Date. If Executive signs and returns to the Company a copy of this Agreement, Executive has a period of seven (7) days (“Revocation Period”) following the date of such execution to revoke this Agreement, after which time this Agreement will become effective (“Effective Date”) if not previously revoked.  In order for the revocation to be effective, written notice must be received by the Company no later than close of business on the seventh day after Executive signs this Agreement at which time the Revocation Period shall expire.

		
	17.
	Supplemental Agreement and General Release. As a condition of this Agreement, if Executive executes this Agreement before the Separation Date or ESD, as applicable, then Executive will execute the letter set forth at Exhibit E on Executive’s last day of employment with the Company and will execute the letter set forth at Exhibit F no sooner than seven (7) days after Executive executes Exhibit E.

		
	18.
	Amendment.  This Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed except upon express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement.

		
	19.
	Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior obligation of the Company to Executive. Executive acknowledges that Executive has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to Executive in connection with Executive’s decision to accept this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that the Equity Agreements, the RCA and the Clawback Agreement executed by Executive shall remain in full force and effect.

-7-

		
	20.
	HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT, TO FULFILL THE PROMISES AND TO RECEIVE THE SUMS AND BENEFITS IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE, EXECUTIVE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EXECUTIVE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST THE COMPANY.  NO CLAIMS SEEKING ENFORCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE’S RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT ARE WAIVED.

[Signatures appear on following page.]

-8-

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this Agreement as of the following date: January 18, 2017.

	
					
	Executive
	 
	Celanese Corporation

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	 
	 
	 
	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Gjon N. Nivica
	 
	By:
	/s/ Jill Rogers

	 
	Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.
	 
	 
	Jill Rogers

	 
	 
	 
	 
	Vice President, Human Resources

-9-

Exhibit A

To: Mark C. Rohr, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

From: Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.

Subject: Letter of Resignation

Dear Sirs:

The purpose of this letter is to confirm my resignation from Celanese. The effective date of my departure will be March 3, 2017 (Separation Date or ESD whichever is applicable). Effective on such date, I hereby resign from any and all positions I may hold as a corporate officer, director, committee member or manager of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (including without limitation any positions as an officer, committee member, employee, manager and/or director), and from all positions held on behalf of the Company (e.g., external and joint venture board memberships, internal committee positions, etc.).

Sincerely,

___________________________
Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.

Date: _________________________

-10-

Exhibit B

Ms. Jill Rogers
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re:    Agreement and General Release

Dear Ms. Rogers:

On January 18, 2017, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me. I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing the Agreement and General Release.  

I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of that Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of that Agreement and General Release. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and General Release, I hereby request payment of the Consideration described in Paragraph 3 of that Agreement.

Very truly yours,

____________________________
Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.

-11-

Exhibit C

Equity Calculations

-12-

Exhibit D

New Hire RCA and Clawback Agreements

		
	1.
	[New Hire] Confidentiality and Non-Compete Covenants [Agreement] dated as of March 31, 2009.

		
	2.
	Long-Term Incentive Award Claw-Back Agreement dated as of June 29, 2009 (effective as of April 22, 2009).

		
	3.
	Long-Term Incentive Award Claw-Back Agreement dated as of May 14, 2010 (effective as of April 23, 2009).

-13-

Exhibit E

Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Ms. Jill Rogers
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re: Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Dear Ms. Rogers:

I hereby reaffirm and acknowledge that the Agreement and General Release executed on January 18, 2017 also applies from the date it was executed until my last day of employment, today, March 3, 2017.  

Sincerely,

___________________
Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.

-14-

Exhibit F

Supplemental Non-Revocation

Ms. Jill Rogers
Celanese Corporation
222 W. Las Colinas Blvd.
Suite 900 N.
Irving, TX 75039

Re:    Supplemental Agreement and General Release

Dear Ms. Rogers:

On January 18, 2017, I executed an Agreement and General Release between Celanese and me. I was advised by Celanese, in writing, to consult with an attorney of my choosing, prior to executing this Agreement and General Release.  

I have at no time revoked my acceptance or execution of that Agreement and General Release and hereby reaffirm my acceptance of that Agreement and General Release, including Exhibit E. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of our Agreement and General Release, I hereby request payment of the Consideration described in Paragraph 3 pursuant to the terms of that Agreement.

Very truly yours,

________________________
Gjon N. Nivica, Jr.

-15-

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