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akr-ex41_289.htm

 

EXHIBIT 4.1

Description of Securities 

Registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

The following is a summary of the material terms of the common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Shares”), of Acadia Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Company”), as well as certain relevant provisions of the declaration of trust of the Company, as amended (the “Declaration of Trust”), and amended and restated bylaws of the Company, as amended (the “Bylaws”), the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) and the Maryland REIT Law. A more complete description is available by referring to the full text of the Declaration of Trust, the Bylaws and the MGCL. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had 87,050,465 Common Shares issued and outstanding.

General

Under our Declaration of Trust, we may issue 200,000,000 shares of beneficial interest, which may consist of Common Shares or such other types or classes of securities of the Company as the board of trustees of the Company (the “Board”) may create and authorize from time to time. The Common Shares have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights, have no preference or exchange rights, and generally have no appraisal rights. Holders of Common Shares have no conversion, sinking fund or redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 40 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.

Listing

The Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AKR”.

Distributions

Holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive distributions out of assets that we can legally use to pay distributions, when and if they are authorized by our Board and declared by us, and to share ratably in our assets that are legally available for distribution to our shareholders in the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up.

Voting Rights

Holders of Common Shares have the right to vote on all matters presented to our shareholders, including the election of trustees, except as otherwise provided by Maryland law. Maryland law and our Declaration of Trust prohibit us from merging with or consolidating into another entity where we are not the surviving entity, or selling all or substantially all of our assets, without the approval of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares that are entitled to vote on such matters. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters upon which shareholders are entitled to vote.

There is no cumulative voting in the election of our trustees, which means that holders of more than 50% of the Common Shares voting for the election of trustees can elect all of the trustees if they choose to do so 

 

 

 

and the holders of the remaining shares cannot elect any trustees. 

Power to Increase Authorized Shares and Issue Additional Shares

The Board has the authority, without shareholder approval, to amend the Declaration of Trust to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares or the number of shares of any class or series that the Company has authority to issue, to issue additional authorized but unissued Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest, and to classify or reclassify unissued Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest and thereafter to issue such classified or reclassified shares. These actions may be taken without shareholder approval, unless shareholder approval is required by applicable law, the terms of any other class or series of shares or the rules of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the securities of the Company may be listed or traded. The Board could authorize the Company to issue additional classes or series of Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of the Company, even if such transaction or change of control involves a premium price for the shareholders of the Company or shareholders believe that such transaction or change of control may be in their best interests.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

To qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), we must satisfy certain ownership requirements that may limit the ownership and transferability of the Common Shares. Specifically, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding Common Shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year, and the Common Shares must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. 

In order to ensure that we continue to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our Declaration of Trust contains provisions intended to assist us in satisfying the requirements described above. In regard to the ownership requirements, the Declaration of Trust prohibits any person from owning, directly or indirectly, by virtue of (i) the attribution rules of the Code or (ii) being a beneficial owner as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act or 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), more than 9.8% in value or number of the issued and outstanding shares of any class or series of our shares of beneficial interest, subject to certain exceptions. The trustees may waive this limitation if such ownership will not jeopardize our status as a REIT. As a condition of such waiver, the trustees may require opinions of counsel satisfactory to them and/or an undertaking from the applicant with respect to preserving our REIT status under the Code.

Our Declaration of Trust also provides that any purported transfer or issuance of any class or series of our shares of beneficial interest or our securities convertible into such shares that would (i) violate the 9.8% limitation described above, (ii) result in shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons for purposes of the REIT provisions of the Code, (iii) result in our being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or (iv) otherwise jeopardize our REIT status under the Code will be null and void and the proposed transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares, and will be deemed to have never had an interest therein.

Moreover, shares of beneficial interest transferred, or proposed to be transferred, in contravention of the 9.8% limitation described above or in a manner that would otherwise jeopardize our status as a REIT will be subject to purchase by us at a price equal to the fair market value of such shares (determined in accordance with the rules set forth in our Declaration of Trust). From and after the date fixed for purchase, and so long as payment of the purchase price for the shares to be redeemed has been made or duly provided 

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for, the holder of any shares in violation of the 9.8% limitation described above so called for purchase will cease to be entitled to dividends, distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such shares, excepting only the right to payment of the purchase price. Any dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee on such shares prior to the discovery by the Company that such shares have been transferred in violation 9.8% limitation described above shall be repaid to us upon demand.

Any certificates representing the Common Shares bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

The ownership limitations described above could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some, or a majority, of Common Shares might receive a premium for their shares over the then prevailing market price or which such holders might believe to be otherwise in their best interest.

Certain Provisions Our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws

Number of Trustees; Election of Trustees, Removal of Trustees and Filling of Vacancies

Our Declaration of Trust provides that the Board will consist of not less than two nor more than fifteen persons, and that the number of trustees will be set by the trustees then in office. Our Board currently consists of eight trustees, each of whom serves until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Each trustee is elected by the vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of Common Shares at a meeting duly called at which a quorum is present; provided that if the number of nominees exceeds the number of trustees to be elected, the trustees shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of Common Shares at a meeting duly called at which a quorum is established. A majority of the votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a nominee must exceed 50% of the sum of the votes cast “for” plus the votes cast “against” or “withheld” with respect to that nominee. If a nominee that is already serving as a trustee is not elected, such trustee shall offer to tender his or her resignation to the Board. The nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board will make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken.

Our Declaration of Trust provides that the shareholders may, at any time, remove any trustee, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees. Any vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the number of trustees) will be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the trustees remaining in office. Any trustee elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the trusteeship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Trustees and Officers

Our Declaration of Trust authorizes and our Bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law, to indemnify our trustees and officers in their capacity as such. Section 8-301(15) of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland permits a Maryland REIT to indemnify or advance expenses to trustees and officers to the same extent as is permitted for directors and officers of a Maryland corporation under the MGCL. The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our Declaration of Trust does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection 

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with any proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party to, or witness in, by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received, unless, in either case, a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation’s receipt of (i) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (ii) a written undertaking by such director or officer or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

Our Declaration of Trust authorizes us, and our Bylaws require us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, to indemnify (i) any present or former trustee or officer or (ii) any individual who, while serving as our trustee or officer and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, member, manager, or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his or her service in such capacity or capacities, and to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of such a proceeding.

Our Bylaws also permit us, subject to the approval of our Board, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our Company or a predecessor of our Company.

In addition to the above, we have purchased and maintain insurance on behalf of all of our trustees and executive officers against liability asserted against or incurred by them in their official capacities with us, whether or not we are required or have the power to indemnify them against the same liability.

Advance Notice of Trustee Nominations and New Business

Our Bylaws provide that (a) with respect to an annual meeting of shareholders, nominations of individuals for election to our Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by shareholders may be made only (i) pursuant to our Company’s notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board or (iii) by a shareholder who is a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice by the shareholder and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of the individual so nominated or such other business and has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in the Bylaws and (b) with respect to special meetings of shareholders, only the business specified in our Company’s notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of shareholders and nominations of individuals for election to the Board may be made only (i) by or at the direction of the Board or (ii) provided that the meeting has been called for the purpose of electing trustees by a shareholder who is a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice by the shareholder and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each individual so nominated and has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in the Bylaws. 

Amendments to our Declaration of Trust

In general, our Declaration of Trust may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 

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a majority of the Common Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. However, amendments with respect to certain provisions relating to the ownership requirements, reorganizations and certain mergers or consolidations or the sale of substantially all of our assets, require the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the Common Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. Our trustees, by a two-thirds vote, may amend the provisions of the Declaration of Trust from time to time to effect any change deemed necessary by our trustees to allow us to qualify and continue to qualify as a REIT.

Termination of Operations or our REIT Status

Our Declaration of Trust permits the termination and the discontinuation of our operations by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders called for that purpose. In addition, the Declaration of Trust permits the trustees to terminate our REIT status at any time.

Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of the Declaration of Trust

The limitation on ownership and transfer of shares of beneficial interest set forth in our Declaration of Trust could have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire us or of hampering the consummation of a contemplated acquisition. See “Restrictions on Ownership Transfers” above.

Forum Selection Clause

Our Bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of any duty owed by us or by any of our trustees or officers or other employees to us or to our shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our trustees or officers or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the Maryland REIT Law, the MGCL or our Declaration of Trust or Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our trustees or officers or other employees that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be, in each case, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, or, if that Court does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Baltimore Division.

Certain Provisions of Maryland Law

Control Share Acquisitions

The MGCL, as applicable to Maryland REITs, provides that a holder of “control shares” of a Maryland REIT acquired in a “control share acquisition” has no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of beneficial interest owned by the acquiror, by officers or by trustees who are employees of the REIT. “Control shares” are voting shares of beneficial interest which, if aggregated with all other such shares of beneficial interest previously acquired by the acquiror, or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing trustees within one of the following ranges of voting power: (i) one-tenth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained shareholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain 

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conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses of the meeting), may compel the board of trustees of the REIT to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the REIT may itself present the question at any shareholders meeting.

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the REIT may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value. Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or, if a meeting of shareholders is held at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved, as of the date of the meeting. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a shareholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition.

The control share acquisition statute does not apply (i) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the REIT is a party to the transaction or (ii) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the declaration of trust or bylaws of the REIT. 

Our Bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our Company’s shares of beneficial interest. There can be no assurance that this provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future, and may be amended or eliminated with retroactive effect.

Business Combinations

Under the MGCL, as applicable to Maryland REITs, certain “business combinations” (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland REIT and any person who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the voting power of the REIT’s outstanding voting shares of beneficial interest or an affiliate or associate of the REIT who, at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting shares of beneficial interest of the REIT (an “Interested Shareholder”) or an affiliate thereof are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested Shareholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must generally be recommended by the board of trustees of such REIT and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of beneficial interest of the REIT and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting shares of the REIT other than shares held by the Interested Shareholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other conditions, the REIT’s common shareholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the Interested Shareholder for its shares.

These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of trustees of the REIT prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested Shareholder. A person is not an Interested Shareholder under the statute if the board of trustees approved in advance the transaction by which he otherwise would have become an Interested Shareholder. The board of trustees may provide that its approval is subject to compliance with any terms and conditions determined by the board.

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We have not elected to opt-out of the business combination statute. The business combination statute may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us under circumstances that otherwise could provide our shareholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price or that our shareholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests.

Subtitle 8

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland REIT with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent trustees to elect to be subject, by provision in its declaration of trust or bylaws or a resolution of its board of trustees and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the declaration of trust or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions of the MGCL, which provide for:

	
 
	
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a classified board;

	
 
	
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a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a trustee;

	
 
	
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a requirement that the number of trustees be fixed only by vote of the trustees;

	
 
	
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a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining trustees and for the remainder of the full term of the class of trustees in which the vacancy occurred; and

	
 
	
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a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of shareholders.

Through provisions in our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (i) require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of trustees to remove a trustee from our Board, (ii) vest in our Board the exclusive power to fix the number of trustees, (iii) vest in our Board the exclusive power to fill vacancies and (iv) require, unless called by our chairman of our Board, our chief executive officer, our president or our Board, the written request of shareholders entitled to cast not less than 40% of all the votes entitled to be cast at such a meeting to call a special meeting. We have opted out of the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL that would have permitted our Board to unilaterally divide itself into classes with staggered terms of three years each (also referred to as a classified board) without shareholder approval, and we are prohibited from electing to be subject to such provision of the MGCL unless such election is first approved by our shareholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. We do not currently have a classified board.

7EX-10.1

 Exhibit 10.1 

TRANSITION AGREEMENT 

This TRANSITION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) by and between Julie J. Robertson (“Executive”), Noble
Corporation plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales (“Parent”), and Noble Drilling Services Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” and, together with Parent, the
“Employer Parties”), is entered into on February 19, 2020. Executive, Parent, and the Company are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Parties.” 

WHEREAS, Executive is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Parent (the “Board” or “Board”) and
President and Chief Executive Officer of Parent (“Current Position”); 
 WHEREAS, Executive, Parent and the Company
mutually desire to establish and agree on the duties and responsibilities of Executive’s continued services with respect to the Employer Parties and their affiliates in order to strengthen and realign the Employer Parties’ management team;
and 
 WHEREAS, Executive, Parent and the Company mutually desire that Executive’s Current Position be transitioned to “Executive
Chairman” of the Board as such term is defined below, and that in such role Executive will oversee certain activities of the Company and will assist and mentor the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Parent to be appointed by the Board
to succeed Executive (the “Follow-On CEO”) in transitioning to such positions and roles with Parent. 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, covenants and undertakings set forth herein, and in full compromise, release and settlement,
accord and satisfaction and discharge of all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, the Parties agree as follows: 
 1.
Definitions. 
 (a) Employment Agreement Incorporation. Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in
this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in that certain Restated Employment Agreement between Executive and the Company, effective as of January 11, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”). 

(b) Executive’s “Nonqualified Termination” shall occur upon the earliest of her (i) Separation from
Service by reason of the Company’s or Parent’s termination of her employment for Cause, or (ii) her Separation from Service by reason of Executive’s voluntary termination of her employment for reasons other than death, Disability
or Good Reason. 
 2. Executive Chairman Transition. 

(a) Effective as of the date of the Company’s 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Transition
Date”), Executive shall resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parent, but shall continue to serve in her role as Chairman of the Board in the capacity of an executive of the Company (“Executive Chairman”).
Executive shall, therefore, remain an employee of the Employer Parties and, during such time, shall be entitled to the consideration described in Section 3 below. Executive agrees to take any and all further acts necessary or requested by the
Employer Parties to effectuate her resignation of such positions. 
 (b) As Executive Chairman, Executive shall perform the
duties customarily related to such role on a full-time basis, including: 
 (i) assisting with preparation and conducting of
Board meetings including by developing meeting agenda, assisting with the development of Board reports and meeting materials and conducting pre-Board meetings with the Employer Parties’ management team;

 (ii) serving as the interface between the Employer Parties’ management
and the Board; 
 (iii) mentoring and advising the Follow-On CEO in transitioning to
the President and Chief Executive Officer positions and roles with Parent; 
 (iv) engaging in succession planning and
employee development including by further developing and maintaining succession plans and overseeing and assisting in employee development plans throughout the Employer Parties’ organization; 

(v) engaging in matters involving the Employer Parties’ operations and employees including by leading the enhanced
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiative, advising and assisting with matters involving administration, technology, health, safety and environment (HSE) and ESG, advising the Employer Parties’ management in strategy development
and planning, overseeing the continuing development of communication programs to include global employees and all stakeholders and traveling to regional offices to assist with employee-related matters; 

(vi) actively engaging to establish, maintain and improve Parent and its affiliates’ relationships with customers and
service providers including by resolving issues that may arise with clients and service providers; 
 (vii) serving as
Parent’s representative at industry events and associations to maintain Parent’s leadership in the drilling industry; 

(viii) communicating with investors, analysts, lenders and other stakeholders, as needed; and 

(ix) performing other responsibilities and special projects as may be determined and assigned by the Board or the Follow-On CEO; 
 provided, however, that Executive may (w) serve on industry-related,
civic or charitable boards or committees, (x) with the approval of the Board, serve on for-profit corporate boards or committees, (y) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at
educational institutions, and (z) manage Executive’s personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and, in the case of the activities described in
clause (x) of this proviso, will not, in the good faith judgment of the Board, constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest with the business of the Employer Parties or any affiliated company. 

3. Compensation; Benefits and Related Matters. 

(a) Retention Payment; Claw-Back; Initial Release. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement
by the Parties hereto, Executive shall deliver the executed release of claims (the “Initial Release”), attached as Exhibit A, and the Company shall pay Executive an amount in cash totaling $3,750,000 in a lump sum, less
withholdings and deductions required by law or as authorized by Executive; provided, however, Executive shall promptly repay such cash amount to the Company if her Nonqualified Termination occurs on or after the date hereof and prior
to October 31, 2021 (the “Claw-Back Period”). 

  
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 (b) Age-Release Payment;
Intermediate Release. With this Agreement, the Employer Parties offer Executive a second agreement that includes a release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act for additional consideration (the “Intermediate
Release”), attached as Exhibit B. As described in the Intermediate Release, it is understood that Executive shall have had at least twenty-one (21) days to consider the Intermediate
Release and upon her signing of the Intermediate Release, the Company shall pay Executive an amount in cash totaling $100,000 in a lump sum, less withholdings and deductions required by law or as authorized by Executive. 

(c) Base Salary. For periods on and after the Transition Date, Executive shall receive a monthly base salary of $41,667
($500,000, if annualized) (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be payable in installments in accordance with the general payroll practices of the Company in effect at the time such payment is made, but in no event less frequently
than monthly, or as otherwise mutually agreed upon. Executive’s Base Salary shall be subject to such increases (but not decreases) as may be determined from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion and Executive’s Base Salary shall
not be reduced after any such increase. 
 (d) Annual Bonus. In respect of the 2020 fiscal year and thereafter,
Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Employer Parties’ annual bonus program (currently referred to as the “Short-Term Incentive Program” or “STIP”) at a target bonus level equal to 100% of
Executive’s Base Salary (the “Annual Bonus Program”), it being understood that, notwithstanding any provision herein or in the STIP to the contrary, Executive’s Base Salary for the 2020 fiscal year shall, for such
purposes, be based on the aggregate amount of base salary paid to Executive during such fiscal year. To the extent Executive earns an annual bonus payment under the Annual Bonus Program (the “Annual Bonus”), such payment shall be
paid to Executive in cash no later than the end of the third month of the year next following the year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded (the “Award Year”), it being understood that if Executive’s Separation from Service
occurs prior to such payment date by reason of the Company’s or Parent’s termination of her employment for Cause, no payment of the Annual Bonus (or any portion thereof) shall be payable to Executive. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive
shall remain eligible for a prorated payment of the Annual Bonus for the Award Year in which her Separation from Service occurs for any reason other than the Company’s or Parent’s termination of her employment for Cause, which prorated
payment, in the event the Annual Bonus is earned, shall be based on the number of days during the Award Year that preceded such Separation from Service. 

(e) Long-Term Incentive Awards. For periods on and after the Transition Date, Executive may receive additional awards
under Parent’s long-term incentive program (currently referred to as the “2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board, it being understood that any outstanding awards granted to
Executive prior to such time under such program shall remain in effect in accordance with their terms, and in consideration for the benefits provided under this Agreement, Executive further agrees to the partial cancellation of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the long-term incentive awards granted to her under the 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan on February 14, 2020, which consisted of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units with a target value
of $1,958,000 and Time-Based Restricted Stock Units with a value of $1,602,000 (collectively, the “2020 Grant”), such that, immediately following such partial cancellation, the 2020 Grant shall consist solely of Performance-Based
Restricted Stock Units with a target value of $652,667 and Time-Based Restricted Stock Units with a value of $534,000 (it being understood that the number of units or target units to be cancelled under such awards shall be determined in the same
manner, and using the same share value of Parent, that was used to set the original number of units or target units thereunder). 

  
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 (f) Employee Benefits. For the avoidance of doubt, for periods on and
after the Transition Date, (i) Executive shall be eligible to participate in all savings and retirement plans, programs and arrangements (both qualified and nonqualified) applicable generally to Executive’s peer executives of the Company
and its affiliated companies, and (ii) Executive and/or Executive’s family, as the case may be, shall be eligible to participate in and shall receive all benefits under all welfare and fringe benefit plans, programs and arrangements
provided by the Company and its affiliated companies (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death, travel accident insurance and vacation plans, programs and arrangements) to
the extent applicable generally to Executive’s peer executives of the Company and its affiliated companies. 
 (g)
Attorneys’ Fees. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all of her reasonable, documented legal fees and expenses associated with the negotiation of this Agreement up to a maximum of $10,000 within thirty (30) days of the
Transition Date. 
 4. Covenants of Executive. Executive recognizes that the Employer Parties’ willingness to enter into this
Agreement is based in material part on Executive’s agreement to the provisions of this Section 4, and that Executive’s breach of such provisions could materially damage Parent and its affiliates. 

(a) Confidential Information. Parent’s and its affiliates’ trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary
information (“Confidential Information”) are valuable, special and unique assets of Parent’s and/or its affiliates’ business, and are the exclusive property of Parent or such affiliates. Executive shall hold in strict
confidence and shall not, directly or indirectly, disclose or reveal to any person, or use for Executive’s own personal benefit or for the benefit of anyone else, Confidential Information except (i) with Parent’s prior written
consent, (ii) as required by applicable law or legal process, or (iii) to the extent such information has become publicly available. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive is advised that an individual shall not be
held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (x) is made (A) in confidence to a United States federal, state or local government official, either directly or
indirectly, or to an attorney and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (y) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under
seal. 
 (b) Cooperation. For one (1) year following Executive’s Separation from Service (the
“Cooperation Period”), Executive shall make herself reasonably available to Parent or its affiliates (including their attorneys) to provide information and assistance as reasonably requested by Parent or its affiliates (it being
understood that any such request shall take into consideration Executive’s other personal and professional commitments). Such information and assistance may include testifying (and preparing to testify) as a witness in any proceeding or
otherwise providing information or reasonable assistance to Parent or its affiliates in connection with any investigation, claim or suit that relates to matters within the knowledge or responsibility of Executive during her employment (such matters
being referred to herein as the “Subject Matters”). Specifically, Executive agrees, during the Cooperation Period (i) to meet with Parent’s or its affiliates’ representatives, their counsel or other designees at
reasonable times and places with respect to any matter within the scope of the Subject Matters; (ii) to provide truthful testimony regarding the Subject Matters; (iii) to provide Parent or any of its affiliates with immediate notice of
subpoena by any non-governmental adverse party (known to Executive to be adverse to Parent or any of its affiliates or their interests) relating to the Subject Matters; and (iv) to not voluntarily assist
any such non-governmental adverse party or such non-governmental adverse party’s representatives in connection with any claim relating to the Subject Matters. The
Company agrees to reimburse Executive for all reasonable, necessary and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by Executive in complying with her obligations under this Section 4(b); provided, however, that any individual
expense over $2,000 shall be pre-approved, in writing, by the Company. 

  
 4 

 (c) Non-Solicitation; No
Hire. During the Cooperation Period, Executive shall not, and shall not encourage, approve or assist any company, legal entity or other person, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, solicit, recruit, hire,
employ or engage (whether as an employee, officer, agent, consultant or independent contractor) any person who is or was at any time during the twelve (12) months prior to Executive’s Separation from Service, any rig manager or higher
level employee, any officer or any director of Parent or any of its affiliates. However, there shall be no such restrictions regarding any employee laid off or terminated by Company. A general employment advertisement by an entity of which Executive
is a part will not constitute solicitation or recruitment. 
 (d) Remedies. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the
terms of this Section 4 are reasonable in scope and are necessary to protect legitimate proprietary and business interests of Parent and its affiliates in their Confidential Information. Executive further acknowledges and agrees that
(i) Executive’s breach of the provisions of this Section 4 could cause Parent and its affiliates irreparable harm, which may not be adequately compensated by money damages, and (ii) if Parent elects to prevent Executive from
breaching such provisions by obtaining an injunction against Executive, there is a reasonable probability of Parent’s eventual success on the merits. Executive consents and agrees that if Executive commits any such breach or threatens to commit
any breach, Parent shall be entitled to seek temporary and permanent injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to, and not in lieu of, such other remedies as may be available to Parent for such breach, including the
recovery of money damages. 
 5. Protected Rights. Executive acknowledges that nothing contained in this Agreement, limits
Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with a federal, state or local governmental agency or commission. Executive further acknowledges that this Agreement does not limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any government
agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any government agency, including providing documents or other information, without notice to Parent. While Executive may file a charge or complaint with
any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, should Executive file such a charge or complaint, or should any governmental entity, agency or commission file a charge, action, complaint or lawsuit against any of the Employer Parties
or their affiliates, Executive agrees not to seek or accept any resulting payment therefrom. This Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to any government agencies. 

 

	 	6.	 Dispute Resolution. 

(a) If any controversy, dispute or claim arises that is based upon, resulting from or relating to this Agreement or
Executive’s employment the Company and its affiliates (“Dispute”), the Parties agree that if resolution is not reached by discussion and negotiation within ten (10) business days of the inception and notice to the other
Party of the Dispute, to attempt to resolve such Dispute by mediation with a mediator jointly selected by the Parties. The Parties agree to schedule and conduct the mediation within thirty (30) days of the Dispute. If a Party fails to follow
these requirements and initiates any proceeding before going through a mediation process in accordance with this paragraph, such Party shall be required to bear all of the other Party’s reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in investigating
and responding to such proceeding for a period of thirty (30) days after the other Party received written notice of the commencement of such proceeding. Nothing contained in this Section 6 shall prevent the Parties from initiating a
proceeding in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the state district courts of the State of Texas in Harris County, Texas in order to seek or obtain specific
performance or other injunctive relief relating to the covenants contained in Section 4 of this Agreement. 

  
 5 

 (b) Any Dispute between the Parties shall be resolved exclusively by binding
arbitration pursuant to the rules of the then-prevailing Employment Arbitration Rules of AAA (the “Rules”) and the United States Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§1-16 (the
“Act”), with arbitration to occur at Houston, Texas. This paragraph will control over any conflict between this paragraph and the Act or the Rules. The Parties agree that the arbitrator will have the primary power to decide any
question about the arbitrability of any claim, dispute or other difference between them, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be enforced by any court having jurisdiction thereof in Houston, Texas. The arbitrator shall be
selected by mutual agreement of the Parties, if possible. If the Parties fail to reach agreement upon appointment of an arbitrator within thirty (30) days following receipt by one Party of the other Party’s notice of desire to arbitrate,
the arbitrator shall be selected from a list or lists of persons submitted by AAA. The arbitrator must be an attorney licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas. The Parties agree that all matters subject to the arbitration, including the
arbitration itself, shall remain confidential. 
 7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, interpreted and enforced for
all purposes by, the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. 
 8. Entire Agreement;
Amendment. Except as specifically set forth herein, this Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties hereto and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous written or oral agreements, representations and warranties
between them respecting the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by Executive and by one duly authorized representative of each of the Employer Parties. 

9. Tax Withholding. The Employer Parties may withhold and deduct from any benefits and payments made or to be made pursuant to this
Agreement (a) all federal, state, local and other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling and (b) all other normal deductions made with respect to the Company’s employees generally or as
authorized by Executive. 
 10. Assignability. None of the Parties shall have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or in any
way create a lien upon any consideration hereunder, and no such consideration shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts or by operation of law. 

11. Severability. It is the desire of the Parties hereto that this Agreement be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and
should any provision contained herein be held as illegal, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, the Parties hereby agree and consent that such provision shall be reformed to create a valid and enforceable provision to the maximum extent
permitted by law; provided, however, if such provision cannot be reformed, it shall be deemed ineffective and deleted herefrom without affecting any other provision of this Agreement, and there shall be added automatically as part of
this Agreement a provision as similar in its terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable. This Agreement should be construed by limiting and reducing it only to the minimum extent
necessary to be enforceable under then applicable law. 
 12. Construction. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided
for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or interpreting this Agreement. The language in all parts of this Agreement shall be in all cases construed according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against the
Employer Parties or Executive. 
 13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be
deemed an original, and all of which together will constitute one document. 

  
 6 

 14. Nonwaiver. No failure or neglect of any Party in any instance to exercise any
right, power, or privilege hereunder or under law shall constitute a waiver of any other right, power, or privilege or of the same right, power, or privilege in any other instance. All waivers by a Party must be contained in a written instrument
signed by the Party to be charged and, in the case of Parent or the Company, by an officer of Parent or the Company, as the case may be (other than Executive), or other duly authorized person. 

15. Notices. Any notice, request, consent or approval required or permitted to be given under this Agreement or pursuant to law shall
be sufficient if in writing, and if and when sent by certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, to Executive’s address most recently on file with the Company, or to the Company’s principal office, as the case may be. 

16. Section 409A; Other Tax Matters. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if on the date of Executive’s Separation
from Service, Executive is a “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and related regulations and Treasury pronouncements
(“Section 409A”), then any portion of any payments, benefits or other consideration under this Agreement that are determined to be subject to the additional tax provided by Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code
if not delayed as required by Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code shall be delayed until the first business day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service date (or, if earlier, Executive’s date of death) and
shall be paid as a lump sum on such date. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is personally responsible for the payment of all federal, state and local taxes that are due, or may be due, for any consideration she receives under this
Agreement. Executive agrees to indemnify the Employer Parties and hold the Employer Parties harmless for any and all taxes, penalties or other assessments that Executive is, or may become, obligated to pay on account of any payments made and other
consideration provided to Executive under this Agreement. 
 17. Certain Acknowledgements of Executive. Executive represents that
Executive has relied on Executive’s own knowledge and judgment and on the advice of independent legal counsel of Executive’s choosing and has consulted with such other independent advisors as Executive and Executive’s counsel deemed
appropriate in connection with Executive’s review of this Agreement. Based on Executive’s review, Executive acknowledges that Executive fully and completely understands and accepts all the terms of this Agreement and their legal effects,
and Executive is entering into this Agreement voluntarily and of Executive’s own free will, with full consideration of any and all rights which Executive may currently have, and that she has the full legal right, power, authority and capacity
to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive further acknowledges that Executive is not relying on any representations or statements made by Parent or any of its affiliates, or by any of their respective officers, directors, employees,
affiliates, agents, attorneys or other representatives, regarding this Agreement. Executive also acknowledges that Executive is not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of Parent or any of its affiliates, or any of their respective
officers, directors, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, attorneys or other representatives, to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Agreement or its preparation, it being expressly understood that Executive
shall never assert any failure to disclose information on the part of any such person or entity as a ground for challenging this Agreement or any provision hereof. 

18. Successors and Heirs. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Employer Parties’ successors and to
Executive’s heirs and devisees. 
 [Execution Page Follows] 

  
 7 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date
first written above. 
  

			
	NOBLE CORPORATION plc
		
	By:	 	/s/ William E. Turcotte
		 	William E. Turcotte
		 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

  

			
	NOBLE DRILLING SERVICES INC.
		
	By:	 	/s/ William E. Turcotte
		 	William E. Turcotte
		 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

  

	
	EXECUTIVE
	
	/s/ Julie J. Robertson
	Julie J. Robertson

 [Execution Page to Transition Agreement] 

 EXHIBIT A/B 

INITIAL/INTERMEDIATE/FINAL 

RELEASE 
 RELEASE OF
CLAIMS 
 This RELEASE OF CLAIMS (this “Release”) is made on and effective as of [February 19, 2020]
[_______________________] (the “Determination Date”) by Julie J. Robertson (“Executive”) in favor of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company formed under the laws of England and Wales
(“Parent”), and Noble Drilling Services Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company” and, together with Parent, the “Employer Parties”), and the other Releasees (as defined herein) in connection with
the Transition Agreement entered into by and between Executive, Parent, and the Company dated February 19, 2020 (the “Transition Agreement”). Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used in this Release that are
defined in the Transition Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Transition Agreement. 
 WHEREAS, the Employer Parties
wish to obtain a final release of all claims as of the Determination Date by Executive, and 
 WHEREAS, Executive is willing to execute and
deliver this Release to the Employer Parties, as specifically provided herein. 
 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises,
covenants and undertakings set forth herein, and in full compromise, release and settlement, accord and satisfaction and discharge of all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, the Parties agree as follows: 

1. Consideration. Following Executive’s execution and return of this Release, provided this Release is not timely revoked by
Executive, Executive shall be entitled to the benefits described in Section 3(a) of the Transition Agreement. Executive acknowledges that Executive is not entitled to, and will not receive, any other compensation or benefits from the Company
expect as specified herein. 
 2. Waiver and Release of Claims. 

(a) General Release by Executive. In consideration of the foregoing, including the payment described in Section 1
above, which Executive hereby expressly acknowledges as good and sufficient consideration for the releases provided below, Executive hereby unconditionally and irrevocably releases, acquits and forever discharges, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, (i) Parent and all of its predecessors, successors and assigns, (ii) all of Parent’s past, present and future affiliates, parent corporations, subsidiaries, divisions and joint venture entities and all of their
respective predecessors, successors and assigns, and (iii) all of the past, present and future officers, directors, managers, shareholders, investors, employee benefit plan administrators, employees, agents, attorneys and other representatives
of each of the entities described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii), individually and in their respective representative capacities (the persons or entities referred to in the immediately preceding clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii) being, individually, a “Releasee” and, collectively, the “Releasees”), from any and every action, cause of action, complaint, claim, demand, administrative charge, legal right, compensation, obligation,
damages (including consequential, exemplary and punitive damages), liability, cost or expense (including attorney’s fees) that Executive has, may have or may be entitled to from or against any of the Releasees, whether legal, equitable or
administrative, in any forum or jurisdiction, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, which arises directly or indirectly out of, or is based on or related in any way to Executive’s
employment with or termination of employment from the Company or any of its affiliates, including any such matter arising in respect of the Employment Agreement or that certain Inducement Agreement by and among Executive and the Employer Parties,
effective as of January 

  
 A-1 

 
11, 2018 (such that those agreements shall be of no further force or effect, and are null and void), or from the negligence, gross negligence or reckless, willful or wanton misconduct of any of
the Releasees (together, the “Released Claims”); provided, however, that this Release does not apply to, and the Released Claims do not include: [(x) any claim arising from any breach or failure to perform any
provision of the Transition Agreement or this Release; [or] (y) any claim for worker’s compensation benefits or any other claim that cannot be waived by a general release][; or (z) any claims arising solely and specifically under the
Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967]]. 
 (b) Release to be Full and Complete; Waiver of Claims,
Rights and Benefits. The Parties intend this Release to cover any and all Released Claims, whether they are contract claims, equitable claims, fraud claims, tort claims, discrimination claims, harassment claims, whistleblower or retaliation
claims, personal injury claims, constructive or wrongful discharge claims, emotional distress claims, pain and suffering claims, public policy claims, claims for debts, claims for expense reimbursement, wage claims, claims with respect to any other
form of compensation, claims for attorneys’ fees, other claims or any combination of the foregoing, and whether they may arise under any employment contract (express or implied), policies, procedures, practices or by any acts or omissions of
any of the Releasees or whether they may arise under any state, local or federal law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, including all Texas employment discrimination laws, Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Payday Act, all U.S.
federal discrimination laws, [including][other than] the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Equal Pay Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 or common law, without exception. As such, it is expressly acknowledged and agreed that this Release is a general release, representing a full and complete disposition and satisfaction of all of any Releasee’s real or
alleged legal obligations to Executive, with the only exceptions being as expressly stated in the proviso to Section 2(a) above. Executive understands and agrees, in compliance with any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation which requires
a specific release of unknown claims or benefits, that this Release includes a release of unknown claims, and Executive hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any and all Released Claims and any associated rights or benefits that Executive may
have, including any that are unknown to Executive at the time of the execution this Release. 
 (c) Notwithstanding the
foregoing, nothing herein waives any claims that Executive may have: (i) to vested benefits pursuant to any plan governed by ERISA; (ii) to any insurance protections or benefits or indemnification rights; or (iii) to any claims first
arising, and under circumstances first occurring, after the time that Executive signs this Release. 
 (d) Certain
Representations and Acknowledgements of Executive. Executive represents and warrants that: (i) Executive is the sole and lawful owner of all rights, titles and interests in and to all Released Claims; and (ii) Executive has the fully
legal right, power, authority and capacity to execute and deliver this Release. Executive acknowledges that Executive [has been given a reasonable period of time of twenty-one (21) days, in which to
consider this Release and] has been advised to discuss the terms of this Release with legal counsel of Executive’s own choosing. Executive represents that Executive has relied on Executive’s own knowledge and judgment and on the advice of
independent legal counsel of Executive’s choosing and has consulted with such other independent advisors as Executive and Executive’s counsel deemed appropriate in connection with Executive’s review of this Release. Based on
Executive’s review, Executive acknowledges that Executive fully and completely understands and accepts all the terms of this Release and their legal effects, and Executive is entering into this Release voluntarily and of

  
 A-2 

 
Executive’s own free will, with full consideration of any and all rights which Executive may currently have. Executive further acknowledges that Executive is not relying on any
representations or statements made by Parent or any of its affiliates, or by any of their respective officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents, attorneys or other representatives, regarding this Release, except to the extent such
representations are expressly set forth in this Release. Executive also acknowledges that Executive is not relying upon a legal duty, if one exists, on the part of Parent or any of its affiliates, or any of their respective officers, directors,
employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, attorneys or other representatives, to disclose any information in connection with the execution of this Release or its preparation, it being expressly understood that Executive shall never assert any
failure to disclose information on the part of any such person or entity as a ground for challenging this Release or any provision hereof. 

(e) Covenant Not to Sue. Executive expressly agrees that neither Executive nor any person acting on Executive’s
behalf will file or bring or permit to be filed or brought any lawsuit or other action before any court, agency or other governmental authority for legal or equitable relief against any of the Releasees involving any of the Released Claims.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive acknowledges that nothing contained in this Release limits Executive’s ability to file a charge or complaint with a federal, state or local governmental agency or commission. Executive further
acknowledges that this Release does not limit Executive’s ability to communicate with any government agencies or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any government agency, including providing
documents or other information, without notice to Parent. This Release does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to any government agencies. While nothing in this Release limits Executive’s ability to
file a charge or complaint with any federal, state or local governmental agency or commission, should Executive file a charge or complaint with any governmental agency, or should any governmental entity, agency or commission file a charge, action,
complaint or lawsuit against any of the Releasees based on any Released Claim, Executive agrees not to seek or accept any resulting payment from the Releasees. 

(f) Mutual Non-Disparagement. Executive shall refrain from making, directly or
indirectly, in any public or private communication (whether oral, written or electronic), any criticisms or negative or disparaging comments or other statements about Parent or any of the other Releasees, or about any aspect of the respective
businesses, operations, financial results or prospects of Parent or any of its affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that nothing in this Release is intended to prevent Executive from making any statements to her
spouse or legal advisors, or testifying truthfully in any legal proceeding (including any legal proceeding between the Parties or brought by any governmental authority or other third party) or interfere with any obligation Executive may have to
cooperate with or provide information to any government agency or commission. Parent and its affiliates shall refrain from, and Parent shall instruct, in writing, that its officers, directors and human resources representatives and the officers,
directors and human resources representatives of its affiliates to refrain from making, directly or indirectly, in any public or private communication (whether oral, written or electronic), any criticisms or negative or disparaging comments or other
statements about Executive, or about any aspect of the employment relationship between the Company and Executive, including comments relating to Executive’s resignation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that nothing in
this Section 2(f) is intended to: (i) prevent any officer, director or human resources representative of Parent from making any statements to other officers or directors of Parent or any legal advisor of Parent or any of its affiliates, or
any officer, director or human resources representative of Parent or any of its affiliates from testifying truthfully in any legal proceeding (including any legal proceeding between the Parties or brought by any governmental authority or other third
party); or (ii) interfere with any obligation any such officer, director or human resources representative may have to cooperate with or provide information to any government agency or commission. 

  
 A-3 

 (g) Parties in Interest. This Release is for the benefit of the
Releasees and shall be binding on Executive and her heirs, successors and assigns. 
 3. Amendment[; Revocation]. This Release may
not be clarified, modified, changed or amended except in writing signed by Executive and the Employer Parties. [Notwithstanding any other provision in this Release to the contrary, Executive may revoke this Release, in writing, for up to seven days
following the date of Executive’s execution of this Release, by delivering a written notice of Executive’s revocation of this Release to the Company. Any such notice of revocation shall be (a) addressed to William E. Turcotte, Vice
President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Parent, c/o the Company at its offices at 13135 South Dairy Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas 77478-3686, or via facsimile or email (facsimile:
(281) 491-2092; email: wturcotte@noblecorp.com); and (b) deemed given, delivered and effective on the earliest of: (i) in the case of delivery by facsimile or email, on the date of transmission,
if such notice is delivered, and confirmation of receipt is received, by Executive, prior to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) on a business day, and, otherwise, on the first business day after the date of transmission (provided that Executive has received
confirmation of receipt of such transmission); (ii) one business day after when sent, if sent by nationally recognized overnight courier service (charges prepaid); or (iii) upon actual receipt. Executive acknowledges and agrees that if
Executive (x) fails to timely sign this Release prior to the close of the twenty-one (21)-day consideration period described in Section 2(d) above or
(y) timely revokes this Release, this Release will be null and void and of no effect, and the Company will not have any obligation to pay Executive the consideration described in Section 1 above.] 

4. Severability. If any provision of this Release is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, that provision
shall be severable and this Release shall be construed and enforced as if that illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision never comprised a part hereof, and the remaining provisions of this Release shall remain in full force and effect and shall
not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, and there shall be added automatically as part of this Release a provision as similar in its terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be
legal, valid and enforceable. This Release should be construed by limiting and reducing it only to the minimum extent necessary to be enforceable under then applicable law. 

5. Section Headings. Titles and headings to Sections and subsections hereof are for the purpose of reference only and shall in no way
limit, define or otherwise affect the provisions of this Release. 
 6. Applicable Law. This Release shall be interpreted and
construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any conflicts of laws provisions thereof that would result in the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. 

7. Dispute Resolution. The Parties agree to submit any dispute arising out of or relating to this Release to the arbitration procedure
as described in Section 6 of the Transition Agreement. 
 8. Successors and Heirs. This Release shall bind and inure to the
benefit of the Employer Parties’ successors and to Executive’s heirs and devisees.  
 [Execution Page Follows] 

  
 A-4 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Release as of the
Determination Date. 
  

									
	NOBLE CORPORATION plc	 		 	
					
	By:	 	 	 		 	Date:	 	 
		 	William E. Turcotte	 		 		 	
		 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary	 		 		 	

  

									
	NOBLE DRILLING SERVICES INC.	 		 	
					
	By:	 	 	 		 	Date:	 	 
		 	William E. Turcotte	 		 		 	
		 	Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary	 		 		 	

  

							
	EXECUTIVE	 		 	
				
	 	 		 	Date:	 	 
	Julie J. Robertson	 		 		 	

 [Execution Page to Initial/Intermediate/Final Release] 

  
 A-5

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