Document:

sho_Ex10-1

		

			 

		

		
			Exhibit 10.1
		

		
			 
		

		
			[THIRD] AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
		

		
			THIS [THIRD] AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [_______] (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Sunstone”), Sunstone Hotel Partnership, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Operating Partnership,” and together with Sunstone, the “Company”), and [_______] (the “Executive”).
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are parties to that certain [Second Amended and Restated] Employment Agreement, dated [_______] (the “Prior Agreement”);
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive desire to terminate the Prior Agreement;
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Company desires to enter into a new agreement embodying the terms of Executive’s continued employment with the Company; and
		

		
			WHEREAS, the Executive desires to continue employment with the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
		

		
			NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
		

		
			1.          Employment Period. Subject to the provisions for earlier termination hereinafter provided, the Executive’s employment hereunder shall be for a term (the “Employment Period”) commencing on March 28, 2019 and ending on March 31, 2020 (the “Initial End Date”); provided,  however, that the Employment Period shall automatically renew for successive one-year periods on each anniversary of the Initial End Date (such extension, the “Renewal Period”), unless either party provides the other party with written notice in accordance with Section 12(c) below of intent not to renew the Employment Period on terms and conditions at least as favorable as the terms and conditions herein (a “Non-Renewal”) at least 30 days prior to the end of the then-current Employment Period.  For the avoidance of doubt, and subject to Sections 4(c) and 4(d) below, the expiration of the Employment Period, and/or the termination of the Executive’s employment in connection with such expiration, shall not constitute a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason (each as defined below).
		

		
			2.          Terms of Employment.
		

		
			(a)         Position and Duties.
		

		
			(i)          During the Employment Period, the Executive shall serve as [_______] of Sunstone and the Operating Partnership and shall perform such employment duties as are usual and customary for such positions and such other duties as the Company shall from time to time reasonably assign to the Executive. The Executive shall report directly to [the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) / the Chief Executive Officer of the Company].
		

		
			(ii)         During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all of his business time, energy, skill and best efforts to the performance of his duties hereunder in a manner that will faithfully and diligently further the business and interests of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the Employment Period it shall not be a violation of this
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees consistent with the Company’s conflicts of interests policies and corporate governance guidelines in effect from time to time[; provided, however, service on a corporate board shall require the prior written approval of the Chief Executive Officer and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee], or (B) manage his personal investments, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an executive officer of the Company.
		

		
			(iii)       The Executive agrees that he will not take personal advantage of any business opportunity that arises during his employment by the Company and which may be of benefit to the Company; provided,  however, that the Executive may take advantage of any such opportunities to the extent the Executive satisfies all conditions precedent to doing so, as required by the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
		

		
			(b)         Compensation.
		

		
			(i)          Base Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) of $[_______] per annum, which amount reflects the Executive’s 2019 Base Salary and may be increased by the Compensation Committee, as provided below. The Base Salary shall be paid in installments at such intervals as the Company pays executive salaries generally, but not less often than monthly. During the Employment Period, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually for possible increase in the Company’s sole discretion, as determined by the compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the [Board / Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”)]. The term “Base Salary” as utilized in this Agreement shall refer to Base Salary as so adjusted. Any increase in Base Salary shall not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.
		

		
			(ii)         Annual Bonus. In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall be eligible to earn, for each calendar year ending during the Employment Period, an annual cash performance bonus (an “Annual Bonus”) under the Company’s bonus plan or plans applicable to senior executives. The amount of any Annual Bonus and the performance goals applicable to such Annual Bonus for the relevant year shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the terms and conditions of said bonus plan as in effect from time to time with the following targets: (1) threshold equal to [___]% of Base Salary; (2) target equal to [___]% of Base Salary (the “Target Annual Bonus”); and (3) high (maximum) equal to [___]% of Base Salary;  provided, however, no minimum Annual Bonus is guaranteed and any Annual Bonus may equal zero in any given year. The Annual Bonus payable, if any, in respect of any calendar year performance period shall be paid no later than the March 15 immediately following such calendar year performance period.
		

		
			(iii)       Equity Awards. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to earn equity awards under the Company’s long-term incentive plan, subject to vesting and other conditions determined by the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion. The form, amount and terms of equity awards, if any, shall be determined by the Compensation Committee in accordance with the terms and conditions of plans as in effect from time to time with the following targets (based on the achievement of applicable Company and/or individual performance goals, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion): (1) threshold equal to [___]% of Base Salary; (2) target equal to [___]% of Base Salary; and (3) high (maximum) equal to [___]% of Base Salary; provided,  however, no minimum equity award is guaranteed and any award may equal zero in any given year.  The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the “single trigger” accelerated vesting provision contained in this Section 2(b)(iii) of
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			the Prior Agreement was superseded by this Agreement, such that such accelerated vesting provision shall not apply, including with respect to any Company equity awards outstanding as of the Effective Date.
		

		
			(iv)        Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be eligible to participate in all other incentive plans, practices, policies and programs, and all savings and retirement plans, policies and programs, in each case that are applicable generally to senior executives of the Company.
		

		
			(v)         Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Employment Period, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible family members shall be eligible to participate in the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs (including, if applicable, medical, dental, vision, disability, employee life, group life and accidental death insurance plans and programs) maintained by the Company for its senior executives.
		

		
			(vi)        Business Expenses. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company provided to senior executives of the Company.
		

		
			(vii)       Fringe Benefits. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to such fringe benefits and perquisites as are provided by the Company to its senior executives from time to time, in accordance with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company.
		

		
			(viii)     Vacation. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company applicable to its senior executives, but in no event shall the Executive accrue less than four weeks of vacation per calendar year (pro-rated for any partial year of service); provided,  however, that the Executive shall not accrue any vacation time in excess of 1.5 times the Executive’s applicable annual vacation accrual (the “Accrual Limit”), and shall cease accruing vacation time if the Executive’s accrued vacation reaches the Accrual Limit until such time as the Executive’s accrued vacation time drops below the Accrual Limit.
		

		
			3.          Termination of Employment.
		

		
			(a)         Death or Disability. The Executive’s employment shall terminate upon the Executive’s death or Disability during the Employment Period. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means the Executive’s inability by reason of permanent physical or mental illness to fulfill his obligations hereunder for 120 consecutive days or on a total of 180 days in any 12 month period which, in the reasonable opinion of an independent physician selected by the Company or its insurers and reasonably acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative, renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his job, even after reasonable accommodations are made by the Company. The Company is not, however, required to make unreasonable accommodations for the Executive or accommodations that would create an undue hardship on the Company. For purposes of clarity, this provision is not intended to, and does not, alter or affect any and all rights the Executive has to avail himself of leaves of absence in accordance with Company policies applicable to senior executives or his rights under applicable disability and leave of absences laws, including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and the California Family Rights Act.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			(b)         Cause. The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the following events:
		

		
			(i)          The Executive’s continued and willful failure to perform or gross negligence in performing his duties owed to the Company, which is not cured within 15 days following a written notice being delivered to the Executive, which notice specifies such failure or negligence;
		

		
			(ii)         The Executive’s willful commission of an act of fraud or material dishonesty in the performance of his duties, the nature of which, and the support for which, shall be provided to the Executive in writing;
		

		
			(iii)       The indictment of the Executive, conviction of the Executive, or entry by the Executive of a guilty or no contest plea to any felony or any other felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
		

		
			(iv)        Any material breach by the Executive of his fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty to the Company; or
		

		
			(v)         The Executive’s material breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any other written agreement between the Executive and the Company, which is not cured within 15 days following written notice thereof from the Company.
		

		
			(c)         Good Reason. The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Executive without Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following events without the Executive’s prior written consent:
		

		
			(i)          A material reduction in the Executive’s title, duties, authority, responsibilities, reporting relationships, including, without limitation, the Company ceasing to be a public company or ceasing to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange (or similar exchange) following a Change in Control, or the assignment to the Executive of any duties materially inconsistent with the Executive’s position, title, authority, duties or responsibilities;
		

		
			(ii)         During the Employment Period, a reduction by the Company of the Executive’s annual Base Salary (as in effect or as may be increased from time to time) by greater than three percent (3%);
		

		
			(iii)       In connection with a renewal of this Agreement at the end of the Employment Period, a reduction of the Executive’s annual Base Salary by greater than three percent (3%) of the Executive’s annual Base Salary in effect on the last day of the prior fiscal year;
		

		
			(iv)       The relocation of the Company’s headquarters to a location more than 35 miles from the Company’s current headquarters in Irvine, California; and
		

		
			(v)        The Company’s material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.
		

		
			For purposes of this Agreement, a termination of employment by the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Good Reason unless (A) the Executive gives the Company written notice describing the event or events which are the basis for such termination within 90 days after the event or events occur, (B) such grounds for termination (if susceptible to correction) are not corrected by the Company within
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			30 days after the Company’s receipt of such notice, and (C) the Executive terminates his employment no later than 45 days after the Executive provides notice to the Company in accordance with clause (A) of this paragraph.
		

		
			(d)         Notice of Termination. Any termination other than due to death shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other parties hereto given in accordance with Section 12(c) below. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice or, in the case of a termination by the Executive for Good Reason more than 45 days after the date on which the Executive provides written notice in accordance with Section 3(c) above). The failure by the Executive or the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause shall not waive any right of the Executive or the Company, respectively, hereunder or preclude the Executive or the Company, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Executive’s or the Company’s rights hereunder.
		

		
			(e)         Date of Termination. “Date of Termination” means (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company other than due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified therein (which date shall not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice), as the case may be, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Executive other than due to the Executive’s death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the 30th day after the date on which the Executive notifies the Company of such termination (or, in the case of a termination by the Executive for Good Reason on the 45th day after the date on which the Executive provides written notice in accordance with Section 3(c) above), unless otherwise agreed by the Company and the Executive, and (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the Date of Termination shall be the date the death or Disability of the Executive is determined as described in Section 3(a) above, as the case may be.
		

		
			4.          Obligations of the Company Upon Termination.
		

		
			(a)         Without Cause or for Good Reason. If, during the Employment Period, the Company shall terminate the Executive’s employment without Cause or the Executive shall terminate his employment for Good Reason:
		

		
			(i)          The Executive shall be paid the Executive’s earned but unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid vacation pay through the Date of Termination, any vested amounts due to the Executive under any plan, program or policy of the Company, to the extent not previously paid (if any) (together, the “Accrued Obligations”).
		

		
			(ii)         In addition, the Executive shall be paid or shall receive:
		

		
			(A)        An amount (the “Severance Amount”) equal to the sum of:
		

		
			(1)         [Two / Three] times the sum of (i) the Base Salary in effect on the Date of Termination (but in no event less than the highest Base Salary paid to the Executive during the Employment Period) and (ii) the greater of (x) the Target Annual Bonus and (y) the actual Annual Bonus paid to the Executive in respect of
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			the last full calendar year immediately preceding the Date of Termination,
		

		
			(2)         Any Annual Bonus required to be paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii) above for any fiscal year of the Company that ends on or before the Date of Termination, to the extent not previously paid (if any), and
		

		
			(3)         A pro rata portion of the Annual Bonus for the partial fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, determined by multiplying the Target Annual Bonus (or such higher amount in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee) by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed in the calendar year during which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365;
		

		
			(B)        The portion of any then-outstanding restricted stock and other equity awards granted to the Executive under any of the Company’s equity incentive plans (or awards substituted therefor covering the securities of a successor company) which would have become vested and, as applicable, exercisable during the 12 month period immediately following the Executive’s Date of Termination had the Executive remained continuously employed by the Company during such period shall become immediately vested and, as applicable, exercisable; provided, however, that if the termination occurs on or within 12 months following a Change in Control, then any such equity awards shall vest and become exercisable in full (the “Vesting Acceleration”).  The accelerated portion of such equity awards shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest following the Date of Termination and shall actually vest and become exercisable (if applicable) and non-forfeitable upon the effectiveness of the Release (as defined below).  The portion of any outstanding restricted stock and other equity awards that does not become vested and, as applicable, exercisable in accordance with this Section 4(a)(ii)(B) (whether because such portion would not have vested during the 12 month period immediately following the Executive’s Date of Termination or because the Executive does not timely execute and not revoke the Release) shall automatically be cancelled and forfeited, and the Executive shall have no further interest therein.
		

		
			(C)        During the period commencing on the Date of Termination and ending on the earlier to occur of (i) the 18 month anniversary of the Date of Termination and (ii) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the group health plan of a subsequent employer (of which eligibility the Executive hereby agrees to give prompt notice to the Company), subject to the Executive’s valid election to continue healthcare coverage under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder (together, the “Code”), the Company shall continue to provide, at the Company’s expense, the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependants with coverage under its group health plans at the same levels as would have applied if the Executive’s employment had not been terminated based on the Executive’s elections in effect on the Date of Termination (the “COBRA Coverage”), provided,  however, that (x) if any plan pursuant to which such benefits are provided is not, or ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be, exempt from the application of Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5), or (y) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its group health plans without
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			incurring penalties (including without limitation, pursuant to Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), then, in either case, an amount equal to 150% of each remaining Company subsidy shall thereafter be paid to the Executive in substantially equal monthly installments over the continuation coverage period (or the remaining portion thereof).
		

		
			The Accrued Obligations shall be paid when due under applicable law and, subject to Section 12(e) below, the Severance Amount shall be paid on the 60th day after the Date of Termination (or, if not a business day, on the first business day following such 60th day).
		

		
			(iii)       Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, it shall be a condition to the Executive’s right to receive any of the Severance Amount, the Vesting Acceleration and/or the COBRA Coverage that the Executive timely execute and deliver to the Company within 21 days (or 45 days, if required by applicable law) and not revoke a release of claims (if any revocation period is required by applicable law) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Release”).
		

		
			(b)         Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability during the Employment Period:
		

		
			(i)          The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries or to the Executive, as applicable, within 30 days after the Date of Termination;
		

		
			(ii)         In addition to, and irrespective of, the amount earned during the applicable calendar year, 100% of the Executive’s annual Base Salary, as in effect on the Date of Termination, shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries or to the Executive, as applicable, within 30 days after the Date of Termination;
		

		
			(iii)       A pro rata portion of the Annual Bonus for the partial fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs, determined by multiplying the Executive’s Target Annual Bonus under the applicable Company bonus program (or such higher amount in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee) by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed in the calendar year during which the Date of Termination occurs through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365, shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries or to the Executive, as applicable, within 30 days after the Date of Termination;
		

		
			(iv)       Any Annual Bonus required to be paid to the Executive pursuant to Section 2(b)(ii) above for any fiscal year of the Company that ends on or before the Date of Termination shall be paid to the Executive’s estate or beneficiaries or to the Executive, as applicable, to the extent not previously paid (if any), within 30 days after the Date of Termination;
		

		
			(v)        All outstanding restricted stock and other equity awards granted to the Executive under any of the Company’s equity incentive plans (or awards substituted therefor covering the securities of a successor company) that vest based solely on the passage of time and Executive’s continued employment or service with the Company shall immediately become vested in full; and
		

		
			(vi)      During the 18 month period following the Date of Termination, subject to the Executive’s valid election to continue healthcare coverage under Section 4980B of the Code, the Company shall continue to provide the Executive and the Executive’s eligible dependants with COBRA Coverage, provided,  however, that (x) if any plan pursuant to which such benefits are provided is not, or ceases prior to the expiration of the period of continuation coverage to be,
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			exempt from the application of Section 409A under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(a)(5), or (y) the Company is otherwise unable to continue to cover the Executive under its group health plans without incurring penalties (including without limitation, pursuant to Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), then, in either case, an amount equal to 150% of each remaining Company subsidy shall thereafter be paid to the Executive in substantially equal monthly installments over the continuation coverage period (or the remaining portion thereof).
		

		
			(c)         Company Non-Renewal On or Following a Change in Control.  If, on or within 12 months following a Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated (by the Company or by the Executive) by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period by the Company and the Executive is willing and able, at the time of such Non-Renewal, to continue performing services on terms and conditions at least as favorable as the terms and conditions set forth herein during the Renewal Period:
		

		
			(i)          The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive when due under applicable law; and
		

		
			(ii)         Subject to Section 12(e) below and the Executive’s timely execution and non-revocation of a Release in accordance with Section 4(a) above, the Executive shall be entitled to all of the payments and benefits set forth in Section 4(a)(ii) above (including full accelerated vesting of any then-outstanding Company equity awards).
		

		
			(d)         Company Non-Renewal Other than On or Following a Change in Control.  If, other than on or during the 12 month period following a Change in Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated (by the Company or by the Executive) by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period by the Company and the Executive is willing and able, at the time of such Non-Renewal, to continue performing services on terms and conditions at least as favorable as the terms and conditions set forth herein during the Renewal Period:
		

		
			(i)          The Accrued Obligations shall be paid to the Executive when due under applicable law; and
		

		
			(ii)         Subject to Section 12(e) below and the Executive’s timely execution and non-revocation of a Release in accordance with Section 4(a) above, the Executive shall be entitled to an amount equal to 50% of the sum of (i) the Base Salary in effect on the Date of Termination (but in no event less than the highest Base Salary paid to the Executive during the Employment Period) and (ii) the Target Annual Bonus, payable on the 60th day after the Date of Termination (or, if not a business day, on the first business day following such 60th day).
		

		
			(e)         Other Terminations. If the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates by the Company for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason (other than by reason of a Non-Renewal of the Employment Period as described in Section 4(c) or Section 4(d) above), the Company shall pay to the Executive the Accrued Obligations when due under applicable law and shall have no further obligations to the Executive under this Agreement.
		

		
			5.          Change in Control.  For purposes of this Agreement. “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events:
		

		
			(a)         Any transaction or event resulting in the beneficial ownership of voting securities, directly or indirectly, by any “person” or “group” (as those terms are defined in Sections 3(a)(9),  13(d),
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) and the rules thereunder) having “beneficial ownership” (as determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“voting securities”) of Sunstone that represent greater than 50% of the combined voting power of Sunstone’s then outstanding voting securities (unless the Executive has beneficial ownership of at least 50% of such voting securities), other than any transaction or event resulting in the beneficial ownership of securities:
		

		
			(i)          By a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Sunstone or any person controlled by Sunstone or by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Sunstone or any person controlled by Sunstone, or
		

		
			(ii)         By Sunstone or a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of Sunstone in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the stock of Sunstone, or
		

		
			(iii)       Pursuant to a transaction described in clause (c) below that would not be a Change in Control under clause (c);
		

		
			(b)         Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, 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 date hereof whose election by Sunstone’s stockholders, or nomination for election by the Board, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board;
		

		
			(c)         The consummation by Sunstone (whether directly involving Sunstone or indirectly involving Sunstone through one or more intermediaries) of (x) a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or business combination or (y) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Sunstone’s assets or (z) the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity, in each case, other than a transaction:
		

		
			(i)          which results in Sunstone’s voting securities outstanding immediately before the transaction continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of Sunstone or the person that, as a result of the transaction, controls, directly or indirectly, Sunstone or owns, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of Sunstone’s assets or otherwise succeeds to the business of Sunstone (Sunstone or such person, the “Successor Entity”)) directly or indirectly, greater than 50% of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity’s outstanding voting securities immediately after the transaction, and
		

		
			(ii)         after which no person or group beneficially owns voting securities representing greater than 50% of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity; provided,  however, that no person or group shall be treated for purposes of this clause (ii) as beneficially owning greater than 50% of the combined voting power of the Successor Entity solely as a result of the voting power held in Sunstone prior to the consummation of the transaction; or
		

		
			(d)         The approval by Sunstone’s stockholders of a liquidation or dissolution of Sunstone.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			For purposes of clause (a) above, the calculation of voting power shall be made as if the date of the acquisition were a record date for a vote of Sunstone’s stockholders, and for purposes of clause (c) above, the calculation of voting power shall be made as if the date of the consummation of the transaction were a record date for a vote of Sunstone’s stockholders.
		

		
			Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in Control constitutes a payment event with respect to any payment (or any portion of an payment) that provides for the deferral of compensation that is subject to Section 409A (as defined below), to the extent required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A, the transaction or event described in subsection (a), (b), (c) or (d) with respect to such payment (or portion thereof) shall only constitute a Change in Control for purposes of the payment timing of such payment if such transaction also constitutes a “change in control event” (within the meaning of Section 409A).
		

		
			6.          Excess Parachute Payments, Limitation on Payments.
		

		
			(a)  Best Pay Cap.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by the Executive (including any payment or benefit received in connection with a termination of the Executive’s employment, whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (all such payments and benefits, including the payments and benefits under Section 4 hereof, being hereinafter referred to as the “Total Payments”) would be subject (in whole or part) to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”) then, if elected by the Executive, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by reason of Section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, any cash payments shall first be reduced, and any noncash payments shall thereafter be reduced, to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is subject to the Excise Tax but only if (i) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (ii) the net amount of such Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which the Executive would be subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments).
		

		
			(b)  Certain Exclusions.  For purposes of determining whether and the extent to which the Total Payments will be subject to the Excise Tax, (i) no portion of the Total Payments the receipt or enjoyment of which the Executive shall have waived at such time and in such manner as not to constitute a “payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code shall be taken into account; (ii) no portion of the Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the written opinion of an independent, nationally recognized accounting firm (the “Independent Advisors”) selected by the Company, does not constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code (including by reason of Section 280G(b)(4)(A) of the Code) and, in calculating the Excise Tax, no portion of such Total Payments shall be taken into account which, in the opinion of the Independent Advisors, constitutes reasonable compensation for services actually rendered, within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(4)(B) of the Code, in excess of the “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) allocable to such reasonable compensation; and (iii) the value of any non-cash benefit or any deferred payment or benefit included in the Total Payments shall be determined by the Independent Advisors in accordance with the principles of Sections 280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code.
		

		
			7.          Restrictive Covenants.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			10

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			(a)         While employed by the Company (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) and for a period of 12 months following the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason, the Executive shall not directly or indirectly solicit, induce, or encourage any employee or consultant of any member of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates to terminate their employment or other relationship with the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates or to cease to render services to any member of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates and the Executive shall not initiate discussion with any such person for any such purpose or authorize or knowingly cooperate with the taking of any such actions by any other individual or entity.
		

		
			(b)         During his employment with the Company (whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) and thereafter, the Executive shall not use any trade secret of the Company or its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates to solicit, induce, or encourage any customer, client, vendor, or other party doing business with any member of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates to terminate its relationship therewith or transfer its business from any member of the Company and its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates and the Executive shall not initiate discussion with any such person for any such purpose or authorize or knowingly cooperate with the taking of any such actions by any other individual or entity.
		

		
			(c)         The Executive agrees not to disparage the Company, and the Executive agrees not to disparage any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company and/or any officers, directors, employees, shareholders and/or agents of the Company or any parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, in any manner intended or reasonably likely to be harmful to them, their business, business reputation or personal reputation.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from making truthful statements or disclosures that are required by applicable law, regulation or legal process, or from filing a charge with, reporting possible violations to, or participating or cooperating with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal, state or local regulatory body or law enforcement agency, including in relation to any whistleblower, anti-discrimination, or anti-retaliation provisions of federal, state or local law or regulation.
		

		
			(d)         In recognition of the facts that irreparable injury will result to the Company in the event of a breach by the Executive of his obligations under Sections 7(a), (b) and (c) hereof, that monetary damages for such breach would not be readily calculable, and that the Company would not have an adequate remedy at law therefor, the Executive acknowledges, consents and agrees that in the event of such breach, or the threat thereof, the Company shall be entitled, in addition to any other legal remedies and damages available, to specific performance thereof and to temporary and permanent injunctive relief (without the necessity of posting a bond) to restrain the violation or threatened violation of such obligations by the Executive.
		

		
			8.          Full Settlement. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except as expressly provided, such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.
		

		
			9.          Successors.
		

		
			(a)         This Agreement is personal to the Executive and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by the Executive otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			11

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s legal representatives.
		

		
			(b)         This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
		

		
			(c)         The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise, including without limitation, a Change in Control.
		

		
			10.        Payment of Financial Obligations. The payment or provision to the Executive by the Company of any remuneration, benefits or other financial obligations pursuant to this Agreement shall be allocated to the Operating Partnership, Sunstone, Sunstone Hotel TRS Lessee, Inc. and, if applicable, any of their respective subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with any employee sharing and expense allocation agreement, by and between Sunstone and the Operating Partnership, as in effect from time to time.
		

		
			11.        Ancillary Agreements. The Company and the Executive previously executed the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Indemnification Agreement”).  The Executive hereby acknowledges that the Executive previously has entered into an arrangement with the Company containing confidentiality and other protective covenants (the “Confidentiality Policy”) and that the Executive shall continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Confidentiality Policy.
		

		
			12.        Miscellaneous.
		

		
			(a)         Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without reference to principles of conflict of laws. The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and shall have no force or effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
		

		
			(b)         Arbitration. To the fullest extent allowed by law, any controversy, claim or dispute between the Executive and the Company (and or any of its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or agents) relating to or arising out of the Executive’s employment or the cessation of that employment will be submitted to final and binding arbitration in the county in which the Executive worked for determination by one arbitrator with hotel industry experience in accordance with the American Arbitration Association’s (“AAA”) National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes, as the exclusive remedy for such controversy, claim or dispute. In any such arbitration, the parties may conduct discovery in accordance with the applicable rules of the arbitration forum, except that the arbitrator shall have the authority to order and permit discovery as the arbitrator may deem necessary and appropriate in accordance with applicable state or federal discovery statutes. The arbitrator shall issue a reasoned, written decision, and shall have full authority to award all remedies which would be available in court. The parties shall share the filing fees required for the arbitration, provided that the Executive shall not be required to pay an amount in excess of the lesser of the filing fees required by a federal or state court with jurisdiction. The Company shall pay the arbitrator’s fees and any AAA administrative expenses. Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Possible disputes covered by the above include (but are not limited to) unpaid wages, breach of contract, torts, violation of public policy, discrimination, harassment, or any other employment-
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			12

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			related claims under laws including but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code, and any other statutes or laws relating to an employee’s relationship with his her employer, regardless of whether such dispute is initiated by the Executive or the Company. Thus, this bilateral arbitration agreement applies to any and all claims that the Company may have against the Executive, including but not limited to, claims for misappropriation of Company property, disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets, interference with contract, trade libel, gross negligence, or any other claim for alleged wrongful conduct or breach of the duty of loyalty by the Executive. However, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company and the Executive shall have their respective rights to seek and obtain injunctive relief with respect to any controversy, claim or dispute to the extent permitted by law. Claims for workers’ compensation benefits and unemployment insurance (or any other claims where mandatory arbitration is prohibited by law) are not covered by this arbitration agreement, and such claims may be presented by either the Executive or the Company to the appropriate court or government agency. BY AGREEING TO THIS BINDING ARBITRATION PROVISION, BOTH THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY GIVE UP ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY. THE EXECUTIVE AND THE COMPANY WAIVE ANY CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER RIGHT TO BRING CLAIMS COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT OTHER THAN IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITIES.  EXCEPT AS MAY BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, THIS WAIVER INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO ASSERT CLAIMS AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.  This arbitration agreement is to be construed as broadly as is permissible under applicable law.
		

		
			(c)         Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
		

		
			If to the Executive: at the Executive’s most recent address on the records of the Company.
		

		
			If to Sunstone or the Operating Partnership:
		

		
			Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.
200 Spectrum Center Drive, 21st Floor
		

		
			Irvine, California 92618
Attn: Corporate Secretary
		

		
			 
		

		
			with a copy to:
		

		
			Latham & Watkins
355 South Grand Ave., Suite 100
Los Angeles, California 90071-1560
Attn: Steven Stokdyk, Esq.
		

		
			or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.
		

		
			(d)         Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company determines, in its good faith judgment, that any transfer or deemed transfer of funds hereunder is likely to be construed as a personal loan prohibited by Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, then such transfer or deemed transfer shall not be made to the extent necessary or appropriate so as not to violate the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
		

		
			(e)         Section 409A.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			13

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			(i)          The parties agree that this Agreement is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) or an exemption from Section 409A.
		

		
			(ii)         For purposes of this Agreement, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided hereunder (including any right to a series of installment payments) shall be construed as a separate identified payment or a right to a series of separate payments for purposes of Section 409A.
		

		
			(iii)       With respect to any reimbursement of expenses of, or any provision of in-kind benefits to, the Executive, as specified under this Agreement, such reimbursement of expenses or provision of in-kind benefits shall be subject to the following conditions: (i) the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the amount of in-kind benefits provided in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or the amount of in-kind benefits provided in any other taxable year, except for any medical reimbursement arrangement providing for the reimbursement of expenses referred to in Section 105(b) of the Code; (ii) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made no later than the end of the year after the year in which such expense was incurred; and (iii) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
		

		
			(iv)        A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits that constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service”.
		

		
			(v)         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no compensation or benefits payable in connection with a “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) shall be paid to the Executive during the six-month period following his “separation from service” to the extent that the Company determines that the Executive is a “specified employee” at the time of such “separation from service” and that paying such amounts at the time or times indicated in this Agreement would be a prohibited distribution under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A(a)(2)(b)(i). If the payment of any such amounts is delayed as a result of the previous sentence, then on the first business day following the end of such six-month period (or such earlier date upon which such amount can be paid under Section 409A without being subject to such additional taxes, including as a result of the Executive’s death), the Company shall pay to the Executive a lump-sum amount equal to the cumulative amount that would have otherwise been payable to the Executive during such six-month period, without interest thereon.
		

		
			(f)         Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. If any provision or term hereof is deemed to have exceeded applicable legal authority or shall be in conflict with applicable legal limitations, such provision shall be reformed and rewritten as necessary to achieve consistency with such applicable law.
		

		
			(g)         Withholding. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such federal, state, local or foreign taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			14

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			(h)         No Waiver. The Executive’s or the Company’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or the Company may have hereunder shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
		

		
			(i)          Employment-At-Will. The Executive acknowledges that his employment with the Company is “at-will” for all purposes and, subject to the termination and severance obligations contained in Sections 3 and 4 above, the Executive hereby agrees that the Company may dismiss him and terminate his employment with the Company at any time, with or without Cause. Inclusion under any benefit plan or compensation arrangement will not give the Executive any right or claim to any benefit hereunder except to the extent such right has become fixed under the express terms of this Agreement.
		

		
			(j)          Entire Agreement. As of the Effective Date, this Agreement, together with the Indemnification Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement, constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement between the Executive and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and replaces and supersedes any and all other agreements, offers or promises, whether oral or written, made to the Executive by the Company, including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.
		

		
			(k)         Survival.  Section 4 (Obligations of the Company Upon Termination), Section 7 (Restrictive Covenants) and Section 12(b) (Arbitration), as well as the Indemnification Agreement and Confidentiality Policy, shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall continue in effect.
		

		
			(l)          Representations and Warranties. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that (i) this Agreement is valid and binding upon and enforceable against him in accordance with its terms, (ii) the Executive is not bound by or subject to any contractual or other obligation that would be violated by his execution or performance of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any non-competition agreement presently in effect, and (iii) the Executive is not subject to any pending or, to the Executive’s knowledge, threatened claim, action, judgment, order, or investigation that could adversely affect his ability to perform his obligations under this Agreement or the business reputation of the Company. The Executive has not entered into, and agrees that he will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith.
		

		
			(m)        Consultation with Counsel. The Executive acknowledges that he has had a full and complete opportunity to consult with counsel and other advisors of his own choosing concerning the terms, enforceability and implications of this Agreement, and that the Company has not made any representations or warranties to the Executive concerning the terms, enforceability or implications of this Agreement other than as reflected in this Agreement.
		

		
			(n)         Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
		

		
			[signatures follow on next page]
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			15

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, the Company has caused these presents to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
		

			
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						EXECUTIVE

					
					
						 

					
					
						SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						a Maryland corporation

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						By

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						[_______]

					
					
						 

					
					
						      Name:   [_______]

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						      Its         [_______]r

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						SUNSTONE HOTEL PARTNERSHIP, LLC

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						a Maryland corporation

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						By

					
					
						Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						Its Managing Member

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						By:

					
					
						 

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						Name:    [_______]

				
	
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						 

					
					
						Its           [_______]

				

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			S-1

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			EXHIBIT A
		

		
			GENERAL RELEASE
		

		
			For a valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the undersigned does hereby release and forever discharge the “Releasees” hereunder, consisting of Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation, Sunstone Operating Partnership, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and each of their partners, subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, successors, heirs, assigns, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives, lawyers, insurers, and all persons acting by, through, under or in concert with them, or any of them, of and from any and all manner of action or actions, cause or causes of action, in law or in equity, suits, debts, liens, contracts, agreements, promises, liability, claims, demands, damages, losses, costs, attorneys’ fees or expenses, of any nature whatsoever, known or unknown, fixed or contingent (hereinafter called “Claims”), which the undersigned now has or may have against the Releasees, or any of them, by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever from the beginning of time to the date hereof. The Claims released herein include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Claims in any way arising out of, based upon, or related to the employment or termination of employment of the undersigned by the Releasees, or any of them; any alleged breach of any express or implied contract of employment, any alleged torts or other alleged legal restrictions on Releasee’s right to terminate the employment of the undersigned; and any alleged violation of any federal, state or local statute or ordinance including, without limitation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination In Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this general release (the “Release”) shall not operate to release any rights or claims of the undersigned (i) to payments or benefits under Section 4(a), 4(c) or 4(d) of that certain [Third] Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of [_______], between Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Sunstone Operating Partnership, LLC and the undersigned (the “Employment Agreement”), whichever is applicable to the payments and benefits provided in exchange for this Release, (ii) with respect to Section 2(b)(vi) of the Employment Agreement, (iii) to accrued or vested benefits the undersigned may have, if any, as of the date hereof under any applicable plan, policy, practice, program, contract or agreement with the Company, (iv) to any Claims, including claims for indemnification and/or advancement of expenses arising under any indemnification agreement between the undersigned and the Company or under the bylaws, certificate of incorporation of other similar governing document of the Company, (v) to any Claims which cannot be waived by an employee under applicable law or (vi) with respect to the undersigned’s right to communicate directly with, cooperate with, or provide information to, any federal, state or local government regulator.
		

		
			THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS BEEN ADVISED BY LEGAL COUNSEL AND IS FAMILIAR WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542, WHICH PROVIDES AS FOLLOWS:
		

		
			“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”
		

		
			THE UNDERSIGNED, BEING AWARE OF SAID CODE SECTION, HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS HE MAY HAVE THEREUNDER, AS WELL AS UNDER ANY OTHER STATUTES OR COMMON LAW PRINCIPLES OF SIMILAR EFFECT.
		

		
			 
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

			A-1

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			[IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OLDER WORKERS BENEFIT PROTECTION ACT OF 1990, THE UNDERSIGNED IS HEREBY ADVISED AS FOLLOWS:
		

		
			(A)        HE HAS THE RIGHT TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS RELEASE;
		

		
			(B)        HE HAS TWENTY-ONE (21) DAYS TO CONSIDER THIS RELEASE BEFORE SIGNING IT: AND
		

		
			(C)        HE HAS SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER SIGNING THIS RELEASE TO REVOKE THIS RELEASE, AND THIS RELEASE WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON THE EXPIRATION OF THAT REVOCATION PERIOD.]1
		

		
			The undersigned represents and warrants that there has been no assignment or other transfer of any interest in any Claim which he may have against Releasees, or any of them, and the undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold Releasees, and each of them, harmless from any liability, Claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees, or any of them, as the result of any such assignment or transfer or any rights or Claims under any such assignment or transfer. It is the intention of the parties that this indemnity does not require payment as a condition precedent to recovery by the Releasees against the undersigned under this indemnity.
		

		
			The undersigned agrees that if he hereafter commences any suit arising out of, based upon, or relating to any of the Claims released hereunder or in any manner asserts against Releasees, or any of them, any of the Claims released hereunder, then the undersigned agrees to pay to Releasees, and each of them, in addition to any other damages caused to Releasees thereby, all attorneys’ fees incurred by Releasees in defending or otherwise responding to said suit or Claim.
		

		
			The undersigned further understands and agrees that neither the payment of any sum of money nor the execution of this Release shall constitute or be construed as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Releasees, or any of them, who have consistently taken the position that they have no liability whatsoever to the undersigned.
		

		
			IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Release this ___ day of _____, 20__.
		

			
					
						 

					
					
						[_______]

				

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			1.     NTD:  Include only if the executive is 40 years or older at time release is signed.
		

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			A-2

		

		

			 

		

		

		
			EXHIBIT B
		

		
			[INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT]
		

		
			(attached)
		

		 

		

			B-1sho_Ex10-2

		
			Exhibit 10.2
		

		
			 
		

		
			SUNSTONE HOTEL INVESTORS, INC.
		

		
			2004 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
		

		
			as amended and restated effective
		

		
			November 1, 2019
		

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			 

		

		

		
			TABLE OF CONTENTS
		

			
					
						 

					
					
						Page

				
	
					
						ARTICLE I GENERAL

					
1
				
	
					
						1.1

					
					
						Purpose

					
1
				
	
					
						1.2

					
					
						Definitions of Certain Terms

					
1
				
	
					
						1.3

					
					
						Administration

					
2
				
	
					
						1.4

					
					
						Persons Eligible for Awards

					
3
				
	
					
						1.5

					
					
						Types of Awards Under the Plan

					
3
				
	
					
						1.6

					
					
						Shares Available for Awards

					
3
				
	
					
						ARTICLE II AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN

					
4
				
	
					
						2.1

					
					
						Award Agreements

					
4
				
	
					
						2.2

					
					
						No Rights as a Shareholder

					
5
				
	
					
						2.3

					
					
						Grant of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Additional Options

					
5
				
	
					
						2.4

					
					
						Exercise of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

					
6
				
	
					
						2.5

					
					
						Cancellation and Termination of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

					
6
				
	
					
						2.6

					
					
						Termination of Employment

					
7
				
	
					
						2.7

					
					
						Grant of Restricted Stock

					
7
				
	
					
						2.8

					
					
						Grant of Restricted Stock Units

					
8
				
	
					
						2.9

					
					
						Grant of Performance Shares and Share Units

					
8
				
	
					
						2.10

					
					
						Other Stock-Based Awards

					
9
				
	
					
						2.11

					
					
						Grant of Dividend Equivalent Rights

					
9
				
	
					
						2.12

					
					
						Prohibition on Repricing

					
9
				
	
					
						ARTICLE III MISCELLANEOUS

					
9
				
	
					
						3.1

					
					
						Amendment of the Plan; Modification of Awards

					
9
				
	
					
						3.2

					
					
						Tax Withholding

					
10
				
	
					
						3.3

					
					
						Restrictions

					
10
				
	
					
						3.4

					
					
						Nonassignability

					
11
				
	
					
						3.5

					
					
						Requirement of Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code

					
11
				
	
					
						3.6

					
					
						Requirement of Notification Upon Disqualifying Disposition Under Section 421(b) of the Code

					
11
				
	
					
						3.7

					
					
						Change in Control

					
11
				
	
					
						3.8

					
					
						No Right to Employment

					
15
				
	
					
						3.9

					
					
						Nature of Payments

					
15
				
	
					
						3.10

					
					
						Non-Uniform Determinations

					
15
				
	
					
						3.11

					
					
						Other Payments or Awards

					
15
				
	
					
						3.12

					
					
						Section Headings

					
15
				
	
					
						3.13

					
					
						Effective Date and Term of Plan

					
15
				
	
					
						3.14

					
					
						Governing Law

					
16
				
	
					
						3.15

					
					
						Severability; Entire Agreement

					
16
				
	
					
						3.16

					
					
						No Third Party Beneficiaries

					
16
				
	
					
						3.17

					
					
						Successors and Assigns

					
16
				
	
					
						3.18

					
					
						Section 409A

					
16
				

		
			 
		

		
			 
		

		
			

		 

		

			 

		

		

		
			ARTICLE II
		

		
			GENERAL
		

		
			2.1       Purpose
		

		
			The purpose of the Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “Plan”) is to provide an incentive for officers, other employees, prospective employees and directors of, and consultants to, Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries and affiliates to acquire a proprietary interest in the success of the Company, to enhance the long-term performance of the Company and to remain in the service of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The Plan is amended and restated as set forth herein effective November 1, 2019.
		

		
			2.2       Definitions of Certain Terms
		

		
			(a)        “Award” means an award under the Plan as described in Section 1.5 and Article II.
		

		
			(b)        “Award Agreement” means a written agreement entered into between the Company and a Grantee in connection with an Award.
		

		
			(c)        “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
		

		
			(d)        “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
		

		
			(e)        “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board and shall consist of not less than two directors. However, if a member of the Compensation Committee is not an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code or is not a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Compensation Committee may from time to time delegate some or all of its functions under the Plan to a committee or subcommittee composed of members that meet the relevant requirements. The term “Committee” includes any such committee or subcommittee, to the extent of the Compensation Committee’s delegation.
		

		
			(f)        “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
		

		
			(g)        “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
		

		
			(h)        The “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock on any date shall be (i) the closing sale price per share of Common Stock during normal trading hours on the national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is principally traded for such date or the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such Common Stock on such exchange or (ii) if the shares of Common Stock are then traded in an over-the-counter market, the average of the closing bid and asked prices for the shares of Common Stock during normal trading hours in such over-the-counter market for such date or the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such Common Stock in such market, or (iii) if the shares of Common Stock are not then listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an over-the-counter market, such value as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine.
		

		
			(i)         “Grantee” means a person who receives an Award.
		

		
			(j)         “Incentive Stock Option” means a stock option that is intended to qualify for special federal income tax treatment pursuant to Sections 421 and 422 of the Code (or a successor provision thereof) and which is so designated in the applicable Award Agreement. Under no circumstances shall
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			any stock option that is not specifically designated as an Incentive Stock Option be considered an Incentive Stock Option.
		

		
			(k)        “IPO Date” means the date on which there is an initial public offering of the Company’s shares of Common Stock.
		

		
			(l)         “Key Persons” means directors, officers and other employees (including prospective employees) of the Company or of a Related Entity, and consultants and advisors to the Company or a Related Entity.
		

		
			(m)       “Option Exercise Price” means the amount payable by a Grantee on the exercise of a stock option.
		

		
			(n)        “Related Entity” means any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company or any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the Company or a parent or a subsidiary corporation holds a controlling ownership interest, directly or indirectly.
		

		
			(o)        “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
		

		
			(p)        Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, a Grantee shall be deemed to have a “Termination of Employment” upon ceasing employment with the Company and all Related Entities (or, in the case of a Grantee who is not an employee, upon ceasing association with the Company and all Related Entities as a director, consultant or otherwise). The Committee in its discretion may determine (i) whether any leave of absence constitutes a Termination of Employment for purposes of the Plan, (ii) the impact, if any, of any such leave of absence on Awards theretofore made under the Plan, and (iii) when a change in a Grantee’s association with the Company constitutes a Termination of Employment for purposes of the Plan. The Committee may also determine whether a Grantee’s Termination of Employment is for cause and the date of termination in such case.
		

		
			2.3       Administration
		

		
			(a)        The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall consist of not less than two directors.
		

		
			(b)        The Committee or a subcommittee thereof (which hereinafter shall also be referred to as the Committee) shall have the authority (i) to exercise all of the powers granted to it under the Plan, (ii) to construe, interpret and implement the Plan and any Award Agreements, (iii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules governing its own operations, (iv) to make all determinations necessary or advisable in administering the Plan, (v) to correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, (vi) to amend the Plan to reflect changes in applicable law, (vii) to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled or exercised in cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, canceled, forfeited or suspended, and (viii) to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the holder thereof or of the Committee.
		

		
			(c)        Actions of the Committee shall be taken by the vote of a majority of its members. Any action may be taken by a written instrument signed by a majority of the Committee members, and action so taken shall be fully as effective as if it had been taken by a vote at a meeting.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			(d)        The determination of the Committee on all matters relating to the Plan or any Award Agreement shall be final, binding and conclusive.
		

		
			(e)        No member of the Board or the Committee or any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (each such person a “Covered Person”) shall have any liability to any person (including, without limitation, any Participant) for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award. Each Covered Person shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) that may be imposed upon or incurred by such Covered Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Covered Person may be a party or in which such Covered Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Covered Person, with the Company’s approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Covered Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Covered Person, provided that the Company shall have the right, at its own expense, to assume and defend any such action, suit or proceeding and, once the Company gives notice of its intent to assume the defense, the Company shall have sole control over such defense with counsel of the Company’s choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to a Covered Person to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction in a final judgment or other final adjudication, in either case, not subject to further appeal, determines that the acts or omissions of such Covered Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Covered Person’s bad faith, fraud or willful criminal act or omission. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which Covered Persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such persons or hold them harmless.
		

		
			(f)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein: (i) until the Board shall appoint the members of the Committee, the Plan shall be administered by the Board and (ii) the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards or resolve to administer the Plan. In either of the foregoing events, the Board shall have all of the authority and responsibility granted to the Committee herein.
		

		
			2.4       Persons Eligible for Awards
		

		
			Awards under the Plan may be made to such Key Persons as the Committee shall select in its discretion.
		

		
			2.5       Types of Awards Under the Plan
		

		
			Awards may be made under the Plan in the form of stock options, including Incentive Stock Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and share units and other stock-based Awards, as set forth in Article II.
		

		
			2.6       Shares Available for Awards
		

		
			(a)        Total shares available.  The total number of shares of Common Stock, which may be transferred pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall not exceed twelve million fifty thousand (12,050,000) shares. Such shares may be authorized but unissued Common Stock or authorized and issued Common Stock held in the Company’s treasury or acquired by the Company for the purposes of the Plan. The Committee may direct that any stock certificate evidencing shares issued pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend setting forth such restrictions on transferability as may apply to such shares
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			pursuant to the Plan. If any Award is forfeited or otherwise terminates or is canceled without the delivery of shares of Common Stock, then the shares covered by such forfeited, terminated or canceled Award shall again become available for transfer pursuant to Awards granted or to be granted under this Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any shares of Common Stock tendered or withheld to satisfy the grant or exercise price or tax withholding obligation with respect to any Award shall not again become available for transfer pursuant to Awards granted or to be granted under this Plan. For purposes of determining the number of shares available for Awards under this Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock taken into account with respect to stock appreciation rights exercisable for shares of Common Stock shall be the number of shares underlying the stock appreciation rights upon grant (i.e., not the final number of shares of Common Stock delivered upon exercise of the stock appreciation right). Any shares of Common Stock delivered by the Company, any shares of Common Stock with respect to which Awards are made by the Company and any shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Company becomes obligated to make Awards, through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity, shall not be counted against the shares available for Awards under this Plan.
		

		
			(b)        Adjustments.  The number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Award, the number of shares available for Awards and the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Award shall be proportionately adjusted, as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company or to reflect any distributions to holders of Common Stock other than regular cash dividends; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration” and, provided, further, that no such adjustment shall be required if the Committee determines that such action would cause an Award to fail to satisfy the conditions of an applicable exception from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) or otherwise would subject a Grantee to an additional tax imposed under Section 409A in respect of an outstanding Award. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Award. After any adjustment made pursuant to this paragraph, the number of shares subject to each outstanding Award shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
		

		
			ARTICLE III
		

		
			AWARDS UNDER THE PLAN
		

		
			3.1       Award Agreements
		

		
			Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement which shall contain such provisions as the Committee in its discretion deems necessary or desirable. The Committee may grant Awards in tandem with or in substitution for any other Award or Awards granted under this Plan or any award granted under any other plan of the Company. Payments or transfers to be made by the Company upon the grant, exercise or payment of an Award may be made in such form as the Committee shall determine, including cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis. A Grantee shall have no rights with respect to an Award unless such Grantee accepts the Award within such period as the Committee shall specify by executing an Award Agreement in
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			such form as the Committee shall determine and, if the Committee shall so require, makes payment to the Company in such amount as the Committee may determine.
		

		
			3.2       No Rights as a Shareholder
		

		
			No Grantee of an Award (or other person having rights pursuant to such Award) shall have any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to shares subject to such Award until the issuance of a stock certificate to such person for such shares. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.6(b), no adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights (whether ordinary or extraordinary, and whether in cash, securities or other property) for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.
		

		
			3.3       Grant of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and Additional Options
		

		
			(a)        The Committee may grant stock options, including Incentive Stock Options to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company, to such Key Persons, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine in its discretion.
		

		
			(b)        The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights to such Key Persons, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine in its discretion. Stock appreciation rights may be granted in connection with all or any part of, or independently of, any stock option granted under the Plan. A stock appreciation right may be granted at or after the time of grant of such option.
		

		
			(c)        The Grantee of a stock appreciation right shall have the right, subject to the terms of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, to receive from the Company an amount equal to (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise of the stock appreciation right over (ii) the exercise price of such right as set forth in the Award Agreement (or over the option exercise price if the stock appreciation right is granted in connection with a stock option), multiplied by (iii) the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. Payment to the Grantee upon exercise of a stock appreciation right shall be made in cash or in shares of Common Stock (valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the stock appreciation right) or both, as the Committee shall determine in its discretion. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right granted in connection with a stock option, the number of shares subject to the option shall be correspondingly reduced by the number of shares with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. Upon the exercise of a stock option in connection with which a stock appreciation right has been granted, the number of shares subject to the stock appreciation right shall be correspondingly reduced by the number of shares with respect to which the option is exercised.
		

		
			(d)        Each Award Agreement with respect to a stock option shall set forth the Option Exercise Price, which shall be at least 100% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the option is granted (except as permitted in connection with the assumption or issuance of options in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the Code applies).
		

		
			(e)        Each Award Agreement with respect to a stock option or stock appreciation right shall set forth the periods during which the Award evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, whether in whole or in part. Such periods shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion; provided, however, that no Incentive Stock Option (or a stock appreciation right granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option) shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date of grant.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			(f)        To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the option is granted) of the stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan and all other plans of the Company are first exercisable by any Grantee during any calendar year shall exceed the maximum limit (currently, $ 100,000), if any, imposed from time to time under Section 422 of the Code, such options shall be treated as nonqualified stock options.
		

		
			3.4       Exercise of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
		

		
			Each stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the Plan shall be exercisable as follows:
		

		
			(a)        A stock option or stock appreciation right shall become exercisable at such time or times as determined by the Committee.
		

		
			(b)        Unless the applicable Award Agreement otherwise provides, a stock option or stock appreciation right may be exercised from time to time as to all or part of the shares as to which such Award is then exercisable (but, in any event, only for whole shares). A stock appreciation right granted in connection with an option may be exercised at any time when, and to the same extent that, the related option may be exercised. A stock option or stock appreciation right shall be exercised by written notice to the Company, on such form and in such manner as the Committee shall prescribe.
		

		
			(c)        Any written notice of exercise of a stock option shall be accompanied by payment of the Option Exercise Price for the shares being purchased. Such payment shall be made (i) in cash (by certified check or as otherwise permitted by the Committee), or (ii) to the extent specified in the Award Agreement (A) by delivery of shares of Common Stock (which, if acquired pursuant to the exercise of a stock option or under an Award made under this Plan or any other compensatory plan of the Company, were acquired at least six (6) months prior to the option exercise date) having a Fair Market Value (determined as of the exercise date) equal to all or part of the Option Exercise Price and cash for any remaining portion of the Option Exercise Price, or (B) to the extent permitted by law, by such other method as the Committee may from time to time prescribe, including a cashless exercise procedure through a broker-dealer.
		

		
			(d)        Promptly after receiving payment of the full Option Exercise Price, or after receiving notice of the exercise of a stock appreciation right for which payment will be made partly or entirely in shares of Common Stock, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 3.3 (relating to certain restrictions), deliver to the Grantee or to such other person as may then have the right to exercise the Award, a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock for which the Award has been exercised. If the method of payment employed upon option exercise so requires, and if applicable law permits, a Grantee may direct the Company to deliver the certificate(s) to the Grantee’s broker-dealer.
		

		
			3.5       Cancellation and Termination of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
		

		
			The Committee may, at any time and in its sole discretion, determine that any outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan, whether or not exercisable, will be canceled and terminated and that in connection with such cancellation and termination the holder of such options (and stock appreciation rights not granted in connection with an option) may receive for each share of Common Stock subject to such Award a cash payment (or the delivery of shares of stock, other securities or a combination of cash, stock and securities equivalent to such cash payment) equal to the difference, if any, between the amount determined by the Committee to be the fair market value of the Common Stock and the exercise price per share multiplied by the number of shares of Common
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			Stock subject to such Award; provided that if such product is zero or less or to the extent that the Award is not then exercisable, the stock options and stock appreciation rights will be canceled and terminated without payment therefor.
		

		
			3.6       Termination of Employment
		

		
			(a)        Except to the extent otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) below or in the applicable Award Agreement, all stock options and stock appreciation rights not theretofore exercised shall terminate upon the Grantee’s Termination of Employment for any reason.
		

		
			(b)        If a Grantee’s Termination of Employment is for any reason other than death or dismissal for cause, the Grantee may exercise any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right on the following terms and conditions: (i) exercise may be made only to the extent that the Grantee was entitled to exercise the Award on the date of the Termination of Employment; and (ii) exercise must occur within ninety (90) days after the Termination of Employment, except that this ninety (90) day period shall be increased to one (1) year if the Termination of Employment is by reason of disability, but in no event after the expiration date of the Award as set forth in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term “disability” for purposes of the preceding sentence shall have the meaning given to it by Section 422(c)(6) of the Code.
		

		
			(c)        If a Grantee dies while employed by the Company or a Related Entity, or after a Termination of Employment but during the period in which the Grantee’s stock options or stock appreciation rights are exercisable pursuant to paragraph (b) above, any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right shall be exercisable on the following terms and conditions: (i) exercise may be made only to the extent that the Grantee was entitled to exercise the Award on the date of death and (ii) exercise must occur by the earlier of the first anniversary of the Grantee’s death or the expiration date of the Award. Any such exercise of an Award following a Grantee’s death shall be made only by the Grantee’s executor or administrator, unless the Grantee’s will specifically disposes of such Award, in which case such exercise shall be made only by the recipient of such specific disposition. If a Grantee’s personal representative or the recipient of a specific disposition under the Grantee’s will shall be entitled to exercise any Award pursuant to the preceding sentence, such representative or recipient shall be bound by all the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement which would have applied to the Grantee.
		

		
			3.7       Grant of Restricted Stock
		

		
			(a)        The Committee may grant restricted shares of Common Stock to such Key Persons, in such amounts, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its discretion, subject to the provisions of the Plan. Restricted stock Awards may be made independently of or in connection with any other Award.
		

		
			(b)        The Company shall issue in the Grantee’s name a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock covered by the Award. Upon the issuance of such certificate(s), the Grantee shall have the rights of a shareholder with respect to the restricted stock, subject to the transfer restrictions and the Company repurchase rights described in paragraphs (d) and (e) below and to such other restrictions and conditions as the Committee in its discretion may include in the applicable Award Agreement.
		

		
			(c)        Unless the Committee shall otherwise determine, any certificate issued evidencing shares of restricted stock shall remain in the possession of the Company until such shares are free of any restrictions specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			(d)        Shares of restricted stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of except as specifically provided in this Plan or the applicable Award Agreement. The Committee at the time of grant shall specify the date or dates (which may depend upon or be related to the attainment of performance goals and other conditions) on which the nontransferability of the restricted stock shall lapse. Unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise, additional shares of Common Stock or other property distributed to the Grantee in respect of shares of restricted stock, as dividends or otherwise, shall be subject to the same restrictions applicable to such restricted stock.
		

		
			(e)        During the ninety (90) days following the Grantee’s Termination of Employment for any reason, the Company shall have the right to require the return of any shares to which restrictions on transferability apply, in exchange for which the Company shall repay to the Grantee (or the Grantee’s estate) in cash any amount paid by the Grantee for such shares.
		

		
			3.8       Grant of Restricted Stock Units
		

		
			(a)        The Committee may grant Awards of restricted stock units to such Key Persons, in such amounts, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its discretion, subject to the provisions of the Plan. Restricted stock units may be awarded independently of or in connection with any other Award under the Plan.
		

		
			(b)        At the time of grant, the Committee shall specify the date or dates on which the restricted stock units shall become vested, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event of the Grantee’s Termination of Employment for any reason, restricted stock units that have not vested shall be forfeited and canceled. The Committee at any time may accelerate vesting dates and otherwise waive or amend any conditions of an Award of restricted stock units.
		

		
			(c)        At the time of grant, the Committee shall specify the maturity date applicable to each grant of restricted stock units, which may be determined at the election of the Grantee. Such date may be later than the vesting date or dates of the Award. On the maturity date, the Company shall transfer to the Grantee one unrestricted, fully transferable share of Common Stock for each vested restricted stock unit scheduled to be paid out on such date and as to which all other conditions to the transfer have been fully satisfied. The Committee shall specify the purchase price, if any, to be paid by the Grantee to the Company for such shares of Common Stock.
		

		
			3.9       Grant of Performance Shares and Share Units
		

		
			The Committee may grant performance shares in the form of actual shares of Common Stock or share units having a value equal to an identical number of shares of Common Stock to such Key Persons, in such amounts, and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its discretion, subject to the provisions of the Plan. In the event that a stock certificate is issued in respect of performance shares, such certificates shall be registered in the name of the Grantee but shall be held by the Company until the time the performance shares are earned. The performance conditions and the length of the performance period shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine in its sole discretion whether performance shares granted in the form of share units shall be paid in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of cash and Common Stock, provided such form of payment does not defer the inclusion of income.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			3.10     Other Stock-Based Awards
		

		
			The Committee may grant other types of stock-based Awards to such Key Persons, in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee shall in its discretion determine, subject to the provisions of the Plan. Such Awards may entail the transfer of actual shares of Common Stock, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of shares of Common Stock.
		

		
			3.11     Grant of Dividend Equivalent Rights
		

		
			The Committee may in its discretion include in the Award Agreement with respect to any Award a dividend equivalent right entitling the Grantee to receive amounts equal to the ordinary dividends that would be paid, during the time such Award is outstanding and unexercised, on the shares of Common Stock covered by such Award if such shares were then outstanding. In the event such a provision is included in an Award Agreement, the Committee shall determine whether such payments shall be made in cash, in shares of Common Stock or in another form, whether they shall be conditioned upon the exercise or vesting of the Award to which they relate, the time or times at which they shall be made, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate.
		

		
			3.12     Prohibition on Repricing
		

		
			Subject to the provisions of Section 1.6(b) hereof, the Committee shall not, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, (i) authorize the amendment of any outstanding stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the Plan to reduce its price per share, or (ii) cancel any stock option or stock appreciation right granted under the Plan in exchange for cash or another Award when the price per share of such stock option or stock appreciation right exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock. Subject to the provisions of Section 1.6(b), the Committee shall have the authority, without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, to amend any outstanding Award to increase the price per share or to cancel and replace an Award with the grant of an Award having a price per share that is greater than or equal to the price per share of the original Award.
		

		
			ARTICLE IV
		

		
			MISCELLANEOUS
		

		
			4.1       Amendment of the Plan; Modification of Awards
		

		
			(a)        The Board may from time to time suspend, discontinue, revise or amend the Plan in any respect whatsoever, except that no such amendment shall materially impair any rights or materially increase any obligations of the Grantee under any Award theretofore made under the Plan without the consent of the Grantee (or, after the Grantee’s death, the person having the right to exercise or receive payment of the Award). For purposes of the Plan, any action of the Board or the Committee that alters or affects the tax treatment of any Award shall not be considered to materially impair any rights of any Grantee.
		

		
			(b)        Shareholder approval of any amendment shall be obtained to the extent necessary to comply with Section 422 of the Code (relating to Incentive Stock Options) or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange listing requirements.
		

		
			(c)        The Committee may amend any outstanding Award Agreement, including, without limitation, by amendment which would accelerate the time or times at which the Award becomes unrestricted or may be exercised, or waive or amend any goals, restrictions or conditions set forth in
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			the Award Agreement. However, any such amendment (other than an amendment pursuant to paragraphs (a) or (d) of this Section or an amendment to effect an assumption or other action consistent with Section 3.7(b)) that materially impairs the rights or materially increases the obligations of a Grantee under an outstanding Award shall be made only with the consent of the Grantee (or, upon the Grantee’s death, the person having the right to exercise the Award).
		

		
			(d)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, the Board or the Committee shall have full discretion to amend the Plan to the extent necessary to preserve fixed accounting treatment with respect to any Award and any outstanding Award Agreement shall be deemed to be so amended to the same extent, without obtaining the consent of any Grantee (or, after the Grantee’s death, the person having the right to exercise or receive payment of the affected Award), without regard to whether such amendment adversely affects a Grantee’s rights under the Plan or such Award Agreement.
		

		
			4.2       Tax Withholding
		

		
			(a)        As a condition to the receipt of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any Award or the lifting of restrictions on any Award, or in connection with any other event that gives rise to a federal or other governmental tax withholding obligation on the part of the Company relating to an Award (including, without limitation, FICA tax), the Company will require that the Grantee remit to the Company an amount sufficient in the opinion of the Company to satisfy such withholding obligation.
		

		
			(b)        If the event giving rise to the withholding obligation is a transfer of shares of Common Stock, then, to the extent specified in the applicable Award Agreement and unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, the Grantee may satisfy only the minimum statutory withholding obligation imposed under paragraph (a) by electing to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of tax to be withheld. For this purpose, Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined (and any fractional share amount shall be settled in cash).
		

		
			4.3       Restrictions
		

		
			(a)        If the Committee shall at any time determine that any consent (as hereinafter defined) is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of any Award, the issuance or purchase of shares of Common Stock or other rights thereunder, or the taking of any other action thereunder (a “Plan Action”), then no such Plan Action shall be taken, in whole or in part, unless and until such consent shall have been effected or obtained to the full satisfaction of the Committee.
		

		
			(b)        The term “consent” as used herein with respect to any action referred to in paragraph (a) means (i) any and all listings, registrations or qualifications in respect thereof upon any securities exchange or under any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, (ii) any and all written agreements and representations by the Grantee with respect to the disposition of shares, or with respect to any other matter, which the Committee shall deem necessary or desirable to comply with the terms of any such listing, registration or qualification or to obtain an exemption from the requirement that any such listing, qualification or registration be made, any and all consents, clearances and approvals in respect of a Plan Action by any governmental or other regulatory bodies, and any and all consents or authorizations required to comply with, or required to be obtained under, applicable local law or otherwise required by the Committee. Nothing herein shall require the Company to list, register or qualify the shares of Common Stock on any securities exchange.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			4.4       Nonassignability
		

		
			(a)        Except to the extent otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, no Award or right granted to any person under the Plan shall be assignable or transferable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all such Awards and rights shall be exercisable during the life of the Grantee only by the Grantee or the Grantee’s legal representative. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee may permit a Grantee to transfer any stock option which is not an Incentive Stock Option to one or more of the Grantee’s immediate family members or to trusts established in whole or in part for the benefit of the Grantee and/or one or more of such immediate family members. For purposes of the Plan, (i) the term “immediate family” shall mean the Grantee’s spouse and issue (including adopted and step children) and (ii) the phrase “immediate family members or to trusts established in whole or in part for the benefit of the Grantee and/or one or more of such immediate family members” shall be further limited, if necessary, so that neither the transfer of a nonqualified stock option to such immediate family member or trust, nor the ability of a Grantee to make such a transfer shall have adverse consequences to the Company or the Grantee by reason of Section 162 (m) of the Code.
		

		
			4.5       Requirement of Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code
		

		
			If a Grantee, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan, is permitted under the terms of the Award Agreement to make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code (i.e., an election to include in gross income in the year of transfer the amounts specified in Section 83(b) of the Code notwithstanding the continuing transfer restrictions) and the Grantee makes such an election, the Grantee shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to regulations issued under Section 83(b) of the Code.
		

		
			4.6       Requirement of Notification Upon Disqualifying Disposition Under Section 421(b) of the Code
		

		
			If any Grantee shall make any disposition of shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option under the circumstances described in Section 421(b) of the Code (relating to certain disqualifying dispositions), such Grantee shall notify the Company of such disposition within ten (10) days thereof.
		

		
			4.7       Change in Control
		

		
			(a)        A “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one of the following events:
		

		
			(i)         any person is or becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities generally eligible to vote for the election of directors (the “Company Voting Securities”); provided,  however, that any of the following acquisitions shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control: (1) by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate, (2) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate, (3) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (4) pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in paragraph (ii));
		

		
			(ii)       the consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			affiliates that requires the approval of the Company’s stockholders whether for such transaction or the issuance of securities in the transaction (a “Business Combination”), unless immediately following such Business Combination:
		

		
			(A)       more than 50% of the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (the “Surviving Corporation”), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 95% of the voting securities eligible to elect directors of the Surviving Corporation (the “Parent Corporation”), is represented by Company Voting Securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business Combination,
		

		
			(B)       no person (other than any employee benefit plan (or any related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation), is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) representing 50% of the total voting power of the securities then outstanding generally eligible to vote for the election of directors of the Parent Corporation (or the Surviving Corporation), and
		

		
			(C)       at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Business Combination were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board’s approval of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business Combination;
		

		
			(any Business Combination which satisfies all of the criteria specified in (A), (B) and (C) above shall be deemed to be a “Non-Qualifying Transaction”);
		

		
			(iii)      individuals who, on the IPO Date, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the IPO Date whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent director; provided,  however, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;
		

		
			(iv)       the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
		

		
			(v)        the consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity that is not an affiliate of the Company (other than pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction).
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control of the Company shall not be deemed to occur solely because any person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 50% of Company Voting Securities as a result of the acquisition of Company Voting Securities by the Company which reduces the number of Company Voting Securities outstanding; provided,  that if after such acquisition by the Company such person becomes the beneficial owner of additional Company Voting Securities that increases the percentage of outstanding Company Voting Securities beneficially owned by such person, a Change in Control of the Company shall then occur.
		

		
			(b)
		

		
			(i)         With respect to any Award outstanding as of November 1, 2019, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control specified in paragraph (a)(i) or (a)(iii) above and immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control specified in paragraph (a)(ii) or (a)(v) above, unless the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement expressly provides otherwise, then such Award shall Fully Vest.
		

		
			(ii)       With respect to any Award granted following November 1, 2019, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement expressly provides otherwise, if such Award is not assumed or substituted by the Surviving Corporation or Parent Corporation, and provided that the holder has not had a termination of service, then, immediately prior to the Change in Control, such Award shall become Fully Vested, in which case such Award shall be canceled upon the consummation of the Change in Control in exchange for the right to receive the Change in Control consideration payable to other holders of Common Stock (A) which may be on such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of Common Stock under the Change in Control documents (including, without limitation, any escrow, earn-out or other deferred consideration provisions) or such other terms and conditions as the Committee may provide, and (B) determined by reference to the number of shares subject to such Award and net of any applicable exercise price; provided that to the extent that such Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” that may not be paid upon the Change in Control under Section 409A of the Code without the imposition of taxes thereon under Section 409A of the Code, the timing of such payments shall be governed by the applicable Award Agreement (subject to any deferred consideration provisions applicable under the Change in Control documents); and provided, further, that if the amount to which a holder would be entitled upon the settlement or exercise of such Award at the time of the Change in Control is equal to or less than zero, then such Award may be terminated without payment], upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, unless the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement expressly provides otherwise, if such Award is not assumed or substituted by the Surviving Corporation or Parent Corporation, and provided that the holder has not had a termination of service, then, immediately prior to the Change in Control, such Award shall become Fully Vested, in which case such Award shall be canceled upon the consummation of the Change in Control in exchange for the right to receive the Change in Control consideration payable to other holders of Common Stock (A) which may be on such terms and conditions as apply generally to holders of Common Stock under the Change in Control documents (including, without limitation, any escrow, earn-out or other deferred consideration provisions) or such other terms and conditions as the Committee may provide, and (B) determined by reference to the number of shares subject to such Award and net of any applicable exercise price; provided that to the extent that such Award constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” that may not be paid upon the Change in Control under Section 409A of the Code without the imposition of taxes thereon under Section 409A of the Code, the timing of such payments shall be governed by the
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			applicable Award Agreement (subject to any deferred consideration provisions applicable under the Change in Control documents); and provided, further, that if the amount to which a holder would be entitled upon the settlement or exercise of such Award at the time of the Change in Control is equal to or less than zero, then such Award may be terminated without payment.
		

		
			(c)        Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control specified in paragraph (a)(iv) above, all outstanding Awards will terminate upon consummation of the liquidation or dissolution of the Company. The Committee may, in the exercise of its sole discretion in such instances, (i) provide that Awards shall Fully Vest as of any specified date prior to such liquidation or dissolution and/or (ii) declare that any Award shall terminate as of any specified date.
		

		
			(d)        The following shall occur if Awards “Fully Vest”: (i) any stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable, (ii) any restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based Awards granted under the Plan will become fully vested, any restrictions applicable to such Awards shall lapse and such Awards denominated in stock will be immediately paid out, and (iii) any performance goals applicable to Awards will be deemed to be fully satisfied.
		

		
			(e)        In addition to Section 3.7(b)(i), with respect to an Award outstanding as of November 1, 2019, upon the occurrence of any Change in Control or upon the occurrence of a Non-Qualifying Transaction where Awards are not assumed (or substituted) by the Surviving Corporation or Parent Corporation, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, (i) Fully Vest Awards, (ii) determine that any or all outstanding Awards granted under the Plan, whether or not exercisable, will be canceled and terminated and that in connection with such cancellation and termination the holder of such Award may receive for each share of Common Stock subject to such Awards a cash payment (or the delivery of shares of stock, other securities or a combination of cash, stock and securities equivalent to such cash payment) equal to the difference, if any, between the consideration received by shareholders of the Company in respect of a share of Common Stock in connection with such transaction and the purchase price per share, if any, under the Award multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Award; provided that if such product is zero or less or to the extent that the Award is not then exercisable, the Awards will be canceled and terminated without payment therefor or (iii) provide that the period to exercise stock options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan shall be extended (but not beyond the expiration of such option or stock appreciation right).
		

		
			(f)        The Committee shall determine in its sole discretion whether an Award shall be considered “assumed” or “substituted”. Without limiting the foregoing, for the purposes of Section 3.7, a stock option or stock appreciation right shall be considered “assumed” or “substituted” if in the reasonable determination of the Committee (i) the aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the then fair market value as reasonably determined by the Committee and the exercise price per share of Common Stock multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award) of the assumed (or substituted) Award immediately after the Change in Control is substantially the same as the aggregate intrinsic value of such Award immediately before such transaction, (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per assumed (or substituted) Award to the fair market value per share of successor corporation stock immediately after the Change in Control is substantially the same as such ratio for such Award immediately before such transaction and (iii) the Award is exercisable for the consideration approved by the Committee (including shares of stock, other securities or property or a combination of cash, stock, securities and other property).
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			(g)        Where the successor corporation assumes (or substitutes for) any outstanding Awards, if within twelve (12) months of the consummation of such Change in Control, Grantee’s employment with the successor corporation is terminated by the successor corporation other than for cause or the Grantee terminates employment with the successor corporation for good reason, then all outstanding Awards owned by such Participant shall Fully Vest. For purposes hereof, the term “cause” shall have the meaning specified in the Grantee’s Award agreement or as otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion and the term “good reason” shall have the meaning specified in the Grantee’s Award agreement or as otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion.
		

		
			4.8       No Right to Employment
		

		
			Nothing in the Plan or in any Award Agreement shall confer upon any Grantee the right to continue in the employ of or association with the Company or affect any right which the Company may have to terminate such employment or association at any time (with or without cause).
		

		
			4.9       Nature of Payments
		

		
			Any and all grants of Awards and issuances of shares of Common Stock under the Plan shall constitute a special incentive payment to the Grantee and shall not be taken into account in computing the amount of salary or compensation of the Grantee for the purpose of determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit-sharing, bonus, life insurance or other benefit plan of the Company or under any agreement with the Grantee, unless such plan or agreement specifically provides otherwise.
		

		
			4.10     Non-Uniform Determinations
		

		
			The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards (whether or not such persons are similarly situated). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee shall be entitled, among other things, to make non-uniform and selective determinations, and to enter into non-uniform and selective Award Agreements, as to the persons to receive Awards under the Plan, and the terms and provisions of Awards under the Plan.
		

		
			4.11     Other Payments or Awards
		

		
			Nothing contained in the Plan shall be deemed in any way to limit or restrict the Company from making any Award or payment to any person under any other plan, arrangement or understanding, whether now existing or hereafter in effect.
		

		
			4.12     Section Headings
		

		
			The section headings contained herein are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the contents of the sections.
		

		
			4.13     Effective Date and Term of Plan
		

		
			(a)        Unless sooner terminated by the Board, the Plan, including the provisions respecting the grant of Incentive Stock Options, shall terminate on December 31, 2024. All Awards made under the Plan prior to its termination shall remain in effect until such Awards have been satisfied or terminated in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreements.
		

		
			
		

		
			

		 

		

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			4.14     Governing Law
		

		
			All rights and obligations under the Plan shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.
		

		
			4.15     Severability; Entire Agreement
		

		
			If any of the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement is finally held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable (whether in whole or in part), such provision shall be deemed modified to the extent, but only to the extent, of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability and the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby; provided, that if any of such provisions is finally held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable because it exceeds the maximum scope determined to be acceptable to permit such provision to be enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to the minimum extent necessary to modify such scope in order to make such provision enforceable hereunder. The Plan and any Award Agreements contain the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and supersede all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations and warranties between them, whether written or oral with respect to the subject matter thereof.
		

		
			4.16     No Third Party Beneficiaries
		

		
			Except as expressly provided therein, neither the Plan nor any Award Agreement shall confer on any person other than the Company and the grantee of any Award any rights or remedies thereunder.
		

		
			4.17     Successors and Assigns
		

		
			The terms of this Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns.
		

		
			4.18     Section 409A
		

		
			It is the Company’s intent that the Plan comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A. If and to the extent that any payment under the Plan is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to a Grantee by reason of the Grantee’s termination of employment or service, as applicable, then (a) such payment shall be made to the Grantee only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A and (b) if the Grantee is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company) at the time of such termination, such payment shall not be made before the date that is six (6) months after the date of the Grantee’s separation from service (or earlier death).
		

		 

		

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