EXHIBIT 10.2

 

 

THIS EMPLOYMENT SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND RELEASE (“Agreement”) has been entered into, as of October 30, 2023, by and between Robert Moccia, residing at the address on file with the Company (as defined below) (referred to below as “Executive”) and STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with its principal place of business at 5 Walnut Grove Drive, Suite 140, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044, including but not limited to affiliated officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns (referred to below as the “Company”).

 

 

WHEREAS, the Executive has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement dated March 1, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company have agreed to an exchange of consideration by which all matters relating to Executive’s employment and separation from employment have been resolved, the details of which are set forth below; and

 

WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company have mutually agreed that the Executive’s termination shall be a “termination without cause” under  Section 5(d) of the Employment Agreement.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing promises and the covenants contained herein, and for other consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

 

 

(a)  Executive’s last day of active employment with Company is October 30, 2023 (the “Termination Date”).  Executive will turn over all keys, passes and other property of the Company and will otherwise comply with the normal employment separation procedures. Executive will be paid his salary until his last day of work.

 

(b)  Executive’s execution of this Agreement shall serve as notice of his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company, effective as of the Termination Date.

 

 

(a)  The Company will pay Executive nine-months of Executive’s Base Salary (as defined under the Employment Agreement) less applicable legal deductions, such as tax withholdings, as separation pay (“Separation Pay”) by salary continuation consistent with the Company’s normal payroll procedures.

 

(b)  No bonus for 2023 or any other period is due or payable with respect Section 4(b) of the Employment Agreement.

 

(c)  Any options to purchase common stock of the Company previously granted shall continue to be subject to their existing terms. Specifically, as of the Termination Date (unless earlier exercised), Executive and Company agree:

 

(i)  Executive has vested options, granted March 1, 2021, to purchase up to 1,632,590 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.73 but the ability to exercise such options will terminate on January 28, 2024 after which the options will expire;

 

(ii)  Executive has vested options, granted March 30, 2022, to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.45 but the ability to exercise such options will terminate on January 28, 2024 after which the options will expire;

 

(iii)  Executive has unvested options granted April 3, 2023 to purchase up to 75,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.06, but these options shall only be vested if there is a Change in Control of the Company on or prior to December 30, 2023 and the VWAP Performance Goal (as defined in the award agreement dated April 3, 2023) shall be deemed satisfied upon the effective time such Change in Control.  In the event such options vest, the ability to exercise such options will terminate on January 28, 2024 after which the options will expire;

 

(iv)  The incentive stock options granted April 3, 2023 to purchase up to 75,000 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $1.06 did not vest and shall be forfeited as of the Termination Date; and

 

(v)  Other than as set forth above, no prior awards remain outstanding.

 

(d)  The Company will pay Executive a lump sum amount equal to Executive’s accrued but unused vacation days, less applicable legal deductions, such as tax withholdings.

 

(e)  If the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for himself and his dependents.  Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on the 1^st day of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment.  The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of:  (i) the eighteen-month anniversary following the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; or (iii) the date on which the Executive receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source.

 

 

 

(a)  “Competing Business” means a business or enterprise (other than Company or its subsidiaries) engaged in products and services related to dermatology and plastic surgery that the Company sells or that compete with such products or services related to dermatology and plastic surgery that the Company sells and any other business directly competing with the business of the Company as currently conducted or otherwise conducted by the Company during the Term.

 

(b)  “Restricted Period” means nine (9) months.

 

 

(a)  Each of Executive and the Company shall refrain from making, and the Company shall cause its directors and executive officers and each of the parties shall cause their respective agents, successors, and assigns not to, directly or indirectly, in any capacity or manner, make, express, transmit, speak, write, verbalize or otherwise communicate in any way (or cause, further, assist, solicit, encourage, support or participate in any of the foregoing), any remark, comment, message, information, declaration, communication or other statement of any kind, whether verbal, in writing, electronically transferred or otherwise, that might reasonably be construed to be derogatory of (a) in the case of statements, communications or announcements by Executive or any of his affiliates described above, the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers or directors or any person who has served as an officer or director of the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, or (b) in the case of statements, communications or announcements by the Company or any of its affiliates described above, Executive or his agents, successors, and assigns.  The foregoing shall not restrict the ability of any person to (i) comply with any subpoena or other legal process or respond to a request for information from any governmental authority with jurisdiction over the party from whom information is sought, (ii) to comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any applicable state securities commission, or (iii) assert or defend a claim for breach of this Agreement. Executive and the Company each agree to promptly provide written notice of any such order or request to the attention of the other party at the address first above written (and in the case of the Company to its president at the Company’s principal place of business).

 

(b)  The limitations set forth in Paragraph 5(a) shall not prevent any party from responding to any public statement made by the other party of the nature described in this Paragraph 5(a) if such statement by the other party was made in breach of this Agreement.

 

 

(a)  The Executive shall not respond to or initiate any verbal or written comments or questions from or with any investor, media member, service provider, bank, Company officer, director or employee or other person (except as permitted in Section 5(a), above) with respect to (i) the Company and any of its officers, directors, or employees (in their capacity as officers, directors, or employees), (ii) his separation from the Company, or (iii) any other material matter concerning the Company, in each case except as permitted by the Company.  If asked about any such individuals or matters during the course of a communication, the Executive shall direct the inquirer to the Company’s Chair of the Board.  Any questions, concerns, or comments the Executive may have with respect to (i) the Company and any of its officers, directors, or employees, (ii) his separation from the Company, or (iii) any other matter concerning the Company shall be directed to the Company’s Chair of the Board (or, for certain matters, persons designated by the Chair of the Board in writing).

 

(b)  The Company hereby agrees that it shall only refer to the termination of the Executive to any investor, media member, service provider, bank, Company officer, director or employee or other person by stating that: “The term of the Employment Agreement was coming to an end. The Company and the Executive mutually agreed not to extend the term, and the Executive was terminated without cause.”

 

 

 

 

(a)  No provision of this Agreement may be modified, amended or revoked, except in a writing signed by Executive and an authorized officer of the Company.

 

(b)  This Agreement supersedes and replaces all previous and contemporaneous written or oral agreements relating to Executive’s employment and employment separation (including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement), except as otherwise specifically provided herein. The payments and benefits provided for herein are in lieu of payments or benefits under any other express or implied contracts, programs, plans or arrangements of the Company, except vested retirement benefits to the extent applicable.

 

(c)  This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware, without regard to its choice or conflict of laws principles.

 

(d)  In the event of any dispute between the parties concerning the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the party prevailing in such dispute shall be entitled to collect from the other party all costs incurred in such dispute, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

[Signature page follows on next page]

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, Executive and the Company have signed this Separation Agreement and General Release on the date first indicated above.

 

 

Release of Claims

 

FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the benefits to be provided me in connection with the termination of my employment, as set forth in that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of March 1, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), between me and STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”), as modified pursuant to the Employment Separation Agreement dated October 30, 2023 (the “Separation Agreement”), which benefits are conditioned on my signing this Release of Claims and to which I am not otherwise entitled, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of my heirs, executors, administrators, beneficiaries, representatives and assigns, and all others connected with me, hereby release and forever discharge Company and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates (as that term is defined in Section 11 of the Employment Agreement) and all of their respective past, present and future officers, directors, trustees, equity holders, employees, agents, managers, joint venturers, representatives, successors and assigns, and all others connected with any of them (collectively, the “Released Parties”), both individually and in their official capacities, from any and all causes of action, rights and claims of any type or description, known or unknown, which I have had in the past, now have, or might now have, through the date of my signing of this Release of Claims, in any way resulting from, arising out of or connected with my employment by Company or any of its Affiliates or the termination of that employment, including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Fair Labor Standards Act; any applicable Executive Orders; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress or defamation; or any claim for costs, fees or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as “Claims”), other than (i) the right to payment of any vested or accrued benefits under any supplemental compensation, insurance, retirement and/or other benefit plan or agreement applicable to Executive, (ii) the right to payment of any amounts owed to me by Company pursuant to the Separation Agreement, (iii) any rights under applicable workers compensation or unemployment compensation laws, (iv) any rights that survive termination of my employment pursuant to an option grant agreement or certificate to purchase Company’s (or an Affiliate’s) capital stock as set forth in the Separation Agreement, (v) any rights with respect to Company’s (or an Affiliate’s) capital stock owned by Executive or (vi) any rights to indemnification under the Agreement, Company’s by-laws or any other applicable law.

 

In signing this Release of Claims, I acknowledge my understanding that I may not sign it prior to the termination of my employment, but that I may consider the terms of this Release of Claims for up to twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as Company may specify) from the later of the date my employment with Company terminates or the date I receive this Release of Claims. I also acknowledge that I am advised by Company and its Affiliates to seek the advice of an attorney prior to signing this Release of Claims; that I have had sufficient time to consider this Release of Claims and to consult with an attorney, if I wished to do so, or to consult with any other person of my choosing before signing; and that I am signing this Release of Claims voluntarily and with a full understanding of its terms.

 

I represent that I have not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of my employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this Release of Claims, and covenant and agree that I will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of, any charges, lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by me pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

I further acknowledge that, in signing this Release of Claims, I have not relied on any promises or representations, express or implied, that are not set forth expressly in the Agreement. I understand that I may revoke this Release of Claims at any time within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by written notice to the Secretary, Board of Directors of Company (or such other person as Company may specify by notice to me given in accordance with the Agreement) and that this Release of Claims will take effect only upon the expiration of such seven-day revocation period and only if I have not timely revoked it.

 

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims as of the date written below.

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

This Employment Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2023  (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into by and between STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”) and Dolev Rafaeli, an adult individual (“Executive”). Terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in Section 11.

 

 

WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, Company wishes to employ Executive as its Vice-Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive wishes to be employed by Company as its Vice-Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises, terms, provisions and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

 

1. Employment. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Company hereby offers and Executive hereby accepts employment with Company, as of the date first above written (the “Start Date”).

 

2. Term. Subject to Section 5, Executive’s employment under the terms of this Agreement shall be for a period (the “Term”) commencing on the Start Date and continuing until the third (3^rd) anniversary of the Start Date (the “Term End Date”), provided, however, that unless a party has given the other party written notice at least ninety (90) days prior to the Term End Date (or any anniversary of the Term End Date) that such party does not agree to renew this Agreement, the term of this Agreement and the Term shall be deemed renewed for a term ending one (1) year subsequent to the Term End Date (or anniversary of the Term End Date). The parties may terminate this Agreement and Executive’s employment hereunder during the Term in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, Section 5.

 

3. Capacity and Performance.

 

(a) During the Term, Executive shall be employed by Company on a full-time basis as its Vice-Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Executive shall perform such duties and responsibilities consistent with Executive’s position on behalf of Company.

 

(b) Executive’s employment with Company shall be exclusive with respect to the Business of Company. Accordingly, during the Term, Executive shall devote Executive’s full business time and Executive’s best efforts, business judgment, skill and knowledge to the advancement of the business and interests of Company and to the discharge of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, except for permitted vacation (and other paid time off) periods, reasonable periods of illness or incapacity, and reasonable and customary time spent on civic, charitable and religious activities, including up to two other board positions plus Executive’s own family office matters, in each case such activities shall not interfere in any material respect with Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.

 

(c) During the Term, Executive will report directly to the Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

(d) On the Start Date, the Board shall nominate Executive as a director of Company and shall, during the Term, nominate and recommend Executive for election as a director. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is not entitled to any additional compensation in respect of Executive’s appointment as a director of Company. If, during the Term, Executive ceases to be a director of Company for any reason, Executive’s employment with the Company will continue (unless terminated in accordance with Section 5) and all terms of this Agreement (other than those relating to Executive’s position as a director of Company) will continue in full force and effect and Executive will have no claims in respect of such cessation of office. Executive agrees to abide by all statutory, fiduciary or common law duties arising under applicable law that apply to Executive as a director of Company.

 

(e) Executive shall be employed to perform his duties under this Agreement at such location or locations as may be mutually agreeable to Executive and Company. Notwithstanding this, it is expected that Executive shall be required to travel a reasonable amount of time and spend a reasonable amount of time at the Company’s headquarters in the performance of his duties under this Agreement.

 

4. Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a) Base Salary. For services performed by Executive under this Agreement, Company shall pay Executive an annual base salary during the Term at the rate of $500,000 per year, minus applicable withholdings and deductions, payable at the same times as salaries are payable to other executive employees of Company (the “Base Salary”). During the Term, the Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Board each year and the Board may, from time to time, increase such Base Salary and any reference to “Base Salary” herein shall refer to such Base Salary, as increased.

 

(b) Annual Bonus.

 

(i) For the fiscal year of the Company ending December 31, 2023, the Company shall pay Executive a Bonus equal to $375,000 times a ratio equal to (i) the number of days from the Start Date until December 31, 2023 divided by (ii) 365.

 

(ii) For each fiscal year of the Company during the Term beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the Company shall afford Executive the opportunity to earn an incentive bonus (“Bonus”) as described in this Section 4(b). The aggregate target Bonus payable to Executive under such program(s) shall equal seventy-five percent (75%) of the Base Salary for such fiscal year. The board can elect to pay the Bonus with cash or shares of the company conditioned that the Bonus payment with shares will be grossed up by cash for tax purposes. The Bonus shall be payable to the extent the applicable performance goals are achieved (which goals and payment matrices shall be set by the Compensation Committee in its discretion). The amount of the Bonus will be determined by certification by the Board that the applicable goals have been achieved and the Board shall promptly provide such certification following achievement of the applicable goals.

 

(iii) The amount payable under this Section 4(b) shall be paid by the seventh (7^th) day following the approval of the annual audited financial statements by the Board or its audit committee, as applicable, for the calendar year in which the Bonus is earned or, if later, the fifteenth day of the third month following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the Bonus is earned.

(c) Initial Equity Award. On the Start Date, Executive shall award an equity award as follows:

 

(i) Executive shall be awarded options (the “Options”) to purchase 1,745,569 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Options shall be awarded as follows:

 

(A) The Options shall vest in twelve (12) equal quarterly amounts over a period of three (3) years from the Start Date.

 

(B) The Options shall be subject to the reasonable and customary terms of a definitive option award agreement, a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B (which shall provide that the Options may be exercised via cashless exercise and that in the event of termination of employment by the Company other than for Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, (I) Options shall fully vest and (II) the Executive shall have the remaining term of the Option to exercise).

 

(ii) The Options are intended to constitute an employment inducement grant under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), and consequently is intended to be exempt from the Nasdaq Listing Rules regarding stockholder approval of stock option or purchase plans. The Options and the terms and conditions of the Options shall be interpreted in accordance and consistent with such exemption.

 

(d) Annual Equity Awards. For each fiscal year of the Company during the Term, the amount and terms of long-term incentive awards (if any) awarded to the Executive shall be set by the Compensation Committee in its discretion after consultation with a compensation consultant, if any, retained by the Compensation Committee.

 

(e) Other Employee Benefits. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any and all employee benefit plans, including health and 401(k) plans, from time to time generally in effect for Company’s employees (collectively, “Benefit Plans”). Such participation and receipt of benefits under any such Benefit Plans shall be on the same terms (including cost sharing between Company and Executive) as are applicable to other Company employees and shall be subject to the terms of the applicable plan documents and generally applicable Company policies. Company may alter, modify, add to or delete the Benefit Plans in a manner nondiscriminatory to Executive at any time in accordance with applicable plan rules. The Company shall reimburse Executive for premiums paid by Executive to receive health continuation coverage under his prior employer’s plans (pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”)) for the period of time from the Start Date through date the Executive is eligible to participate in the Company’s medical, dental, vision plans.

(f) Vacation. The Executive shall be entitled to annual vacation of twenty-four (24) days plus ten (10) established holiday days per full calendar year of his employment with the Company hereunder. Any unused vacation in one accrued calendar year may not be carried over to any subsequent calendar year. The Company shall, however, pay the Executive (based on the Executive’s Base Salary) for any such unused vacation days within thirty (30) days of the end of any such calendar year.

 

(g) Business and Travel Expenses. Company shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable, customary and necessary business expenses (including cell phone, travel, lodging and entertainment expenses) which are properly documented and incurred or paid by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, subject to the rules, regulations and procedures of Company and in effect from time to time.

 

(h) Automobile. Company shall provide Executive with an allowance of $1,250 per month for automobile and related maintenance costs. Executive acknowledges that the Executive shall be responsible for keeping such records as may be necessary for tax purposes and that the provision and use of the automobile may generate compensation to Executive, and agrees that Company may withhold from Executive’s Base Salary that amount which is necessary for Company to fully satisfy its withholding obligations under federal and state law. In addition, the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the miles for which he travels for business purposes in accordance with the standard mileage rate as determined by the Internal Revenue Service, and any toll road and parking garage charges incurred for business purposes.

 

(i) Change in Control Transaction Bonus. During Executive’s employment, in the event that a Change in Control (as that term is defined under the STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Equity Plan”)) has occurred, Executive shall be paid a bonus (the “Change in Control Transaction Bonus”), in cash, equal to two (2) times the Base Salary as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control. If applicable, the Change in Control Transaction Bonus shall be paid in a lump sum within fifteen (15) days after the consummation of such Change in Control.

 

5. Termination of Employment; Severance Benefits. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2, Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate under the following circumstances:

 

(a) Death. If Executive dies during the Term, Executive’s employment hereunder shall immediately and automatically terminate. In such event, Company shall pay to Executive’s designated beneficiary or, if no beneficiary has been designated by Executive, to Executive’s estate, the Final Compensation. Company shall have no further obligation hereunder to Executive, Executive’s beneficiary, or Executive’s estate upon termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(a) including, specifically, that the provisions of Section 5(d) shall not apply.

(b) Disability.

 

(i) Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder due to Executive’s Disability during the Term by giving Executive thirty (30) days’ written notice of its intent to terminate, but in no event shall such termination be effective prior to the expiration of the time periods in the definition of “Disability.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company will, after engaging in an interactive process with Executive to discern whether reasonable accommodation(s) can be provided without undue hardship upon Company, offer Executive reasonable accommodation(s) to enable Executive to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position to the extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, (“ADA”) and applicable state law (if any) before terminating Executive’s employment hereunder. Executive may decline such reasonable accommodation, in which case Executive’s employment hereunder will terminate as provided in this subsection.

 

(ii) In the event of such termination for Disability, Executive will receive Executive’s Final Compensation. Company shall have no further obligation hereunder to Executive upon termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(b), including, specifically, that the provisions of Section 5(d) shall not apply.

 

(iii) Subject to Executive’s rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) and the ADA, Company may designate another employee to act in Executive’s place during any period of Executive’s disability during which Executive is unable to perform the essential functions of Executive’s position with or without a reasonable accommodation. Notwithstanding any such designation, Executive shall continue to receive the Base Salary in accordance with Section 4(a) and coverage under the Benefit Plans in accordance with Section 4(b), to the extent permitted by the then-current terms of the applicable benefit plans and as provided under the FMLA, if applicable, until the earliest to occur of (A) the end of the Term or (B) Executive becomes eligible for disability income benefits under Company’s disability income plan.

 

(iv) While receiving disability income payments under Company’s disability income plan (if applicable), Company will continue to pay to Executive Executive’s Base Salary under Section 4(a), but may offset any such disability income payments Executive receives against the Base Salary payments. Executive will also continue to participate in the Benefit Plans in accordance with Section 4(b) and the terms of such Benefit Plans, until the end of the Term or until the termination of Executive’s employment, whichever occurs first.

 

(v) If any question arises as to whether during any period Executive has a Disability as defined herein, Executive may, and at the request of Company shall, submit to a medical examination by a qualified, unbiased physician selected by Company and reasonably acceptable to Executive or Executive’s duly appointed guardian, if any, to determine whether Executive has a Disability and such determination shall for the purposes of this Agreement be conclusive of the issue.

(c) By Company for Cause. Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause, as defined in Section 11, at any time upon notice to Executive setting forth in reasonable detail the nature of such Cause. Upon the giving of notice of termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause, Executive will receive Executive’s Final Compensation. Except as provided herein, Company will have no further obligation to Executive upon termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(c). Any notice of termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause, or any notice to Executive regarding any event, condition or circumstance that, if not cured, if applicable, in accordance with the above, could give rise to a termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for Cause, shall set forth in detail the applicable event(s), condition(s) or circumstance(s) constituting reason(s) or potential reason(s) for such termination hereunder.

 

(d) By Company Other than for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. Company may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder other than for Cause at any time upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive and Executive may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder for Good Reason at any time upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Company.

 

(i) In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(d), in addition to the Final Compensation, Executive shall receive:

 

(A) continuation of Executive’s Base Salary, at the rate in effect as of the date immediately preceding the date of termination, until the earlier of (x) the Term End Date and (y) eighteen (18) months after the date of termination, payable in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices, less applicable withholdings, commencing at the conclusion of the period set forth in Section 5(d)(iii), provided that the first installment of such payments shall include all amounts which would have been paid during the period between Executive’s date of termination and the date of such first installment; and

 

(B) if the date of termination occurs after the end of a calendar year but prior to the date on which a Bonus is paid under Section 4(b), payment of such Bonus as determined under Section 4(b) shall be at the time proscribed by Section 4(b); and

 

(C) payment of a pro-rata portion of the amount of Executive’s Bonus for the year in which termination occurs that would have been payable based on actual performance determined under the terms of the Bonus as then in effect for such year, with such pro-rata portion calculated by multiplying the amount of such bonus for the year in which such termination occurs (as determined by the Board based on actual performance for such year) by a number: (x) the numerator of which is the number of days worked by Executive during the year of such termination, and (y) the denominator of which is three hundred sixty-five (365), with such payment to be made after the determination of the Bonus pursuant to Section 4(b).

 

(ii) If the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse the Executive for the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive for himself and his dependents. Such reimbursement shall be paid to the Executive on the 1st day of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (A) eighteen (18) months after the date of termination of employment; (B) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (C) the date on which the Executive receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source.

 

(iii) Any obligation of Company to Executive under this Section 5(d) (other than for the Final Compensation or for benefits required by law) is conditioned upon Executive’s execution and delivery to Company and the expiration of all applicable statutory revocation periods of a release of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Executive Release”), provided, that the terms of such Executive Release provided, that the terms of such Executive Release shall be subject to modification to the extent necessary to comply with (a) the fact that more than one employee is simultaneously being terminated by Company as part of a group termination decision or (b) changes in applicable law, if any, occurring after the date hereof and prior to the date such Executive Release is executed.

 

(e) By Executive Other than for Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment hereunder other than for Good Reason upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Company; provided, that Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, by written notice accelerate such date of termination. In the event of a termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(e), Executive will receive the Final Compensation. Company shall have no further obligation hereunder to Executive upon termination of Executive’s employment under this Section 5(e).

 

6. Effect of Termination.

 

(a) Upon termination of Executive’s employment hereunder and subject to the provisions of Section 5 and Section 6(c), Company’s entire obligation to Executive shall be payment of Final Compensation.

 

(b) In connection with cessation of Executive’s service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Company, Executive shall automatically resign as a member of the Board and the board of directors (or similar body) of any of Company’s affiliated companies (except to the extent Executive and Company otherwise may agree in writing at the time). Executive hereby agrees that no further action is required by Executive or any of the preceding to make the transitions and resignations provided for in this paragraph effective, but Executive nonetheless agrees to execute any documentation Company reasonably requests at the time to confirm it and to not reassume any such service or position without the written consent of Company.

 

(c) Except as otherwise required by Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or any similar federal or state law, benefits shall continue or terminate pursuant to the terms of the applicable benefit plan or agreement, without regard to any continuation of Base Salary or other payment to Executive following such date of termination.

 

(d) The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply to any termination of employment. Provisions of this Agreement will survive any termination if so provided herein or if necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of other surviving provisions, including, without limitation, the obligations of Executive under Sections 7, 9 and 10.

(e) Any termination of Executive’s employment with Company under this Agreement shall automatically be deemed to be simultaneous resignation of all other positions and titles (including any director positions) that Executive holds with Company and any affiliate or subsidiary thereof. This Section 6(e) shall constitute a resignation notice for such purposes.

 

7. Confidential Information.

 

(a) Executive acknowledges that Company continually develops Confidential Information, that Executive may develop Confidential Information for Company and that Executive may learn of Confidential Information during the course of employment with Company. Executive will comply with the policies and procedures of Company for protecting Confidential Information and shall not disclose to any Person or use, other than as required by applicable law, regulation or process or for the proper performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to Company, any Confidential Information obtained by Executive incident to Executive’s employment or other association with Company. Executive understands that this restriction shall continue to apply after Executive’s employment terminates, regardless of the reason for such termination.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7 to the contrary, nothing contained herein shall prevent Executive from disclosing any Confidential Information required by law, subpoena, court order or other legal process to be disclosed; provided, that, Executive shall give prompt written notice to Company of such requirement, disclose no more information than is so required and cooperate, at Company’s cost and expense, with any attempt by Company to obtain a protective order or similar treatment with respect to such information.

 

(c) Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive understands that:

 

(i) Executive may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding; and

 

(ii) if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by Company for reporting a suspected violation of law Executive may disclose the employer’s trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

8. Assignment of Rights to Intellectual Property. Executive shall promptly and fully disclose to Company all Intellectual Property developed for the benefit of Company in the course of Executive’s employment by Company. Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to Company (or as otherwise directed by Company) Executive’s full right, title and interest in and to all such Intellectual Property. Executive agrees to execute any and all applications for domestic and foreign patents, copyrights or other proprietary rights and to do such other acts (including without limitation the execution and delivery of instruments of further assurance or confirmation) requested by Company (at Company’s expense) to assign to Company the Intellectual Property developed for the benefit of Company in the course of Executive’s employment by Company and to permit Company to enforce any patents, copyrights or other proprietary rights to the Intellectual Property. Executive will not charge Company for time spent in complying with these obligations. All copyrightable works that Executive creates developed for the benefit of Company in the course of Executive’s employment by Company shall be considered “work made for hire.”

 

9. Restricted Activities. Executive agrees that the restrictions on Executive’s activities during and after Executive’s employment set forth below are necessary to protect the goodwill, Confidential Information and other legitimate interests of Company and its successors and assigns:

 

(a) During the term of this Agreement and during the Restricted Period following termination of employment, Executive will not, without the prior written consent of Company, directly or indirectly, and whether as principal or investor or as an employee, officer, director, manager, partner, consultant, agent, or otherwise, alone or in association with any other person, firm, corporation, or other business organization, engage or otherwise become involved in a Competing Business (as defined below) in any country in which the Company conducted business during the Term; provided, however, that the provisions of this Section 9 shall apply solely to those activities of a Competing Business which are congruent with those activities with which Executive was personally involved or for which Executive was responsible while employed by Company or its subsidiaries during the twelve (12) month period preceding termination of Executive’s employment. This Section 9 will not be violated, however, by Executive’s investment of up to $100,000 in the aggregate in one or more publicly-traded companies that engage in a Competing Business. “Competing Business” means a business or enterprise (other than Company or its subsidiaries) engaged in dermatology and plastic surgery and any other business directly competing with the business of the Company as currently conducted or otherwise conducted by the Company during the Term. “Restricted Period” means eighteen (18) months.

 

(b) During the Term of this Agreement and during the Restricted Period (as defined above), Executive will not engage in any Wrongful Solicitation (as defined below). A “Wrongful Solicitation” shall be deemed to occur when Executive directly or indirectly (except in the course of Executive’s employment with Company), for the purpose of conducting or engaging in a Competing Business, calls upon, solicits, advises or otherwise does, or attempts to do, business with any Person who is, or was, during the then most recent 12-month period, a customer of Company or any of its subsidiaries, or takes away or interferes or attempts to take away or interfere with any custom, trade, business, patronage or affairs of Company or any of its subsidiaries, or hires or attempts to hire any Person who is, or was during the most recent 12-month period, an employee, officer, representative or agent of Company or any of its subsidiaries, or solicits, induces, or attempts to solicit or induce any person who is an employee, officer, representative or agent of Company or any of its subsidiaries to leave the employ of Company or any of its subsidiaries, or violate the terms of their contract, or any employment agreement, with it.

(c) It is expressly understood and agreed that although Executive and Company consider the restrictions contained in this Section 9 to be reasonable, if a final judicial determination is made by a court of competent jurisdiction that the time or territory or any other restriction contained in this Agreement is an unenforceable restriction against Executive, the provisions of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to such maximum extent as the court may judicially determine or indicate to be enforceable. Alternatively, if any court of competent jurisdiction finds that any restriction contained in this Agreement is unenforceable, and such restriction cannot be amended so as to make it enforceable, such finding shall not affect the enforceability of any of the other restrictions contained herein.

 

(d) It is expressly understood by Executive that in the event of a violation of any period specified in this Section 9, such period shall be extended by a period of time equal to that period beginning with the commencement of any such violation and ending when such violation shall have been finally terminated in good faith.

 

10. Enforcement of Covenants. Executive acknowledges that Executive has carefully read and considered all the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed upon Executive pursuant to Sections 7, 8 and 9. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of Company and its successors and assigns and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect to subject matter, length of time and geographic area. Executive further acknowledges that, were Executive to breach any of the covenants contained in Sections 7, 8 and 9, the damage to Company would be irreparable. Executive therefore agrees that Company, in addition to any other remedies available to it, shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief against any breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the covenants herein, without any requirement to post a bond or similar security. The parties further agree that, in the event that any provision of Sections 7, 8 or 9 shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable by reason of its being extended over too great a time, too large a geographic area or too great a range of activities, such provision shall be deemed to be modified to permit its enforcement to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

11. Definitions. Words or phrases which are initially capitalized or are within quotation marks shall have the meanings provided in this Section and as provided elsewhere herein. For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply:

 

(a) “Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person (for the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to either (i) direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise or (ii) vote at least fifty percent (50%) or more of the securities having voting power for the election of a majority of the directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such Person.

(b) “Cause” means if Executive is discharged by Company on account of the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

 

(i) Executive’s continued refusal or failure to perform (other than by reason of Disability) Executive’s material duties and responsibilities to Company if such refusal or failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice of such refusal or failure by Company to Executive, or Executive’s continued refusal or failure to follow any reasonable lawful direction of the Board if such refusal or failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice of such refusal or failure by Company to Executive;

 

(ii) a material breach of this Agreement (other than Sections 7, 8 and 9) by Executive that, if capable of being cured, is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice of such breach by Company to Executive;

 

(iii) an intentional and material breach of Sections 7, 8 and 9 hereof by Executive;

 

(iv) willful, grossly negligent or unlawful misconduct by Executive which causes material harm to Company or its reputation;

 

(v) any conduct engaged in by Executive that is materially detrimental to the business or reputation of Company as determined by the Board in good faith using its reasonable business judgment that is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice from Company to Executive;

 

(vi) Company is directed in writing by regulatory or governmental authorities to terminate the employment of Executive or Executive engages in activities that (i) are not approved or authorized by the Board, and (ii) cause actions to be taken by regulatory or governmental authorities that have a material adverse effect on Company; or

 

(vii) a conviction, plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere by Executive, of or with respect to a criminal offense which is a felony or other crime involving dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, embezzlement, theft or similar action(s) (including, without limitation, acceptance of bribes, kick-backs or self-dealing), or the material breach of Executive’s fiduciary duties with respect to Company.

 

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

 

(d) “Company” has the meaning ascribed to it in the preamble of this Agreement.

(e) “Confidential Information” means any and all non-public information of Company. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, such information relating to (i) the development, research, testing, manufacturing, marketing and financial activities of Company, (ii) the Services, (iii) the costs, sources of supply, financial performance and strategic and/or business plans of Company, (iv) the identity and special needs of the customers and prospective customers of Company, and (v) the people and organizations with whom Company has business relationships and those relationships. Confidential Information also includes any information that Company has received, or may receive hereafter, belonging to customers or others with any understanding, express or implied, that the information would not be disclosed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Confidential Information” does not include (x) any information that is or becomes generally known to the industry or the public through no wrongful act of Executive or any representative of Executive and (y) any information that is made legitimately available to Executive by a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation.

 

(f) “Disability” means Executive’s inability, due to any illness, injury, accident or condition of either a physical or psychological nature, to substantially perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder for a period of one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days, or for any one hundred and eighty (180) days during any period of three hundred and sixty-five (365) consecutive calendar days, exclusive of any leave Executive may take under the Family and Medical Leave Act, 29 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (“FMLA”) or as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. (“ADA”).

 

(g) “Final Compensation” means the amount equal to the sum of (i) the Base Salary earned but not paid through the date of termination of employment, payable not later than the next scheduled payroll date, (ii) any business and related expenses and allowances incurred by Executive or to which Executive is entitled under Section 4(g) but unreimbursed on the date of termination of employment; provided that with respect to business expenses unreimbursed under Section 4(g), such expenses and required substantiation and documentation are submitted within one hundred eighty (180) days of termination in the case of termination on account of Executive’s death, or thirty (30) days on account of termination for any reason other than death, and that such expenses are reimbursable under Company’s applicable reimbursement policy, and (iii) any other supplemental compensation, insurance, retirement or other benefits due and payable or otherwise required to be provided under Section 4 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan or agreement.

 

(h) “Good Reason” means, without Executive’s express written consent, (i) a material reduction in the Base Salary, then in effect, except a material diminution generally affecting the members of the Company’s management, (ii) a material reduction in job title, position or responsibility, (iii) a material breach of any term or condition contained in this Agreement, or (iv) a relocation of Executive’s principal worksite that is more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s principal worksite as of the Start Date. However, none of the foregoing events or conditions will constitute “Good Reason” unless (i) Executive provides Company with written notice of the existence of Good Reason within ninety (90) days following the occurrence thereof, (ii) Company does not reverse or otherwise cure the event or condition within thirty (30) days of receiving that written notice, and (iii) Executive resigns Executive’s employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of that cure period.

(i) “Intellectual Property” means inventions, discoveries, developments, methods, processes, compositions, works, concepts and ideas (whether or not patentable or copyrightable or constituting trade secrets) conceived, made, created, developed or reduced to practice by Executive (whether alone or with others, whether or not during normal business hours or on or off Company premises) during Executive’s employment that relate to either the Services or any prospective activity of Company or that make use of Confidential Information or any of the equipment or facilities of Company.

 

(j) “Person” means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an estate, a trust and any other entity or organization, other than Company.

 

(k) “Sale of Company” means the sale of Company to an independent third party or group of independent third parties pursuant to which such party or parties acquire (i) equity interests possessing the voting power under normal circumstances to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or similar governing body of Company (whether by merger, consolidation or sale or transfer of such equity interests), or (ii) all or substantially all of Company’s assets determined on a consolidated basis.

 

(l) “Services” means all services planned, researched, developed, tested, manufactured, sold, licensed, leased or otherwise distributed or put into use by Company, together with all products provided or planned by Company, during Executive’s employment.

 

12. Withholding. All payments made by Company under this Agreement may be reduced by any tax or other amounts required to be withheld by Company under applicable law or by any amounts authorized in writing by Executive.

 

13. Assignment. Neither Company nor Executive may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest herein, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, that Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the consent of Executive in the event of a Sale of Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Company and Executive, their respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.

 

14. Compliance with Code Section 409A.

 

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Executive’s employment will be deemed to have terminated on the date of Executive “separation from service” (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(h)) with Company.

 

(b) It is intended that this Agreement will comply with Section 409A of the Code, and any regulations and guideline issued thereunder (“Section 409A”) to the extent that any compensation and benefits provided hereunder constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A. This Agreement shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with this intent. The parties will negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement as necessary to comply with Section 409A in a manner that preserves the original intent of the parties to the extent reasonably possible. No action or failure to act, pursuant to this Section 14 shall subject Company to any claim, liability, or expense, and Company shall not have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise protect Executive from the obligation to pay any taxes pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.

(c) For purposes of the application of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4)(or any successor provision), each payment in a series of payments will be deemed a separate payment.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service during a period in which Executive is a “specified employee” (as defined under Code Section 409A and the final regulations thereunder), then, subject to any permissible acceleration of payment by Company under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ii) (domestic relations order), (j)(4)(iii) (conflicts of interest), or (j)(4)(vi) (payment of employment taxes):

 

(i) if the payment or distribution is payable in a lump sum, Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such non-exempt deferred compensation will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service; and

 

(ii) if the payment or distribution is payable over time, the amount of such non-exempt deferred compensation that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and Executive’s right to receive payment or distribution of such accumulated amount will be delayed until the earlier of Executive’s death or the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the accumulated amount will be paid or distributed to Executive and the normal payment or distribution schedule for any remaining payments or distributions will resume.

 

This Section 14(d) should not be construed to prevent the application of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(or any successor provision) to amounts payable hereunder (or any portion thereof).

 

15. Golden Parachute Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this section or elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event the payments and benefits payable hereunder to or on behalf of Executive (which the parties agree will not include any portion of payments allocated to the non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of Sections 7 that are classified as payments of reasonable compensation for purposes of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)), when added to all other amounts and benefits payable to or on behalf of Executive, would result in the loss of a deduction under Code Section 280G, or the imposition of an excise tax under Code Section 4999, the amounts and benefits payable hereunder shall be reduced to such extent as may be necessary to avoid such loss of deduction or imposition of excise tax. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A and where two or more economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction, but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. All calculations required to be made under this subsection will be made by the Company’s independent public accountants, subject to the right of Executive’s professional advisors to review the same. The parties recognize that the actual implementation of the provisions of this subsection are complex and agree to deal with each other in good faith to resolve any questions or disagreements arising hereunder.

16. Indemnification. Company will indemnify Executive to the fullest extent permitted by law, for all amounts (including, without limitation, judgments, fines, settlement payments, expenses and reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees) incurred or paid by Executive in connection with any action, suit, investigation or proceeding, or threatened action, suit, investigation or proceeding, arising out of or relating to the performance by Executive of services for, or the acting by Executive as a director, officer or employee of, Company, or any subsidiary of Company. Any fees or other necessary expenses incurred by Executive in defending any such action, suit, investigation or proceeding shall be paid by Company in advance, subject to Company’s right to seek repayment from Executive if a determination is made that Executive was not entitled to indemnification.

 

17. Severability. If any portion or provision of this Agreement shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

18. Waiver. No waiver of any provision hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by the waiving party. The failure of either party to require the performance of any term or obligation of this Agreement, or the waiver by either party of any breach of this Agreement, shall not prevent any subsequent enforcement of such term or obligation or be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.

 

19. Survival. Sections 7 through 30 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the termination of Executive’s employment (and hence the Term of this Agreement) for any reason.

 

20. Notices. Any and all notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective when delivered in person, with respect to notices delivered personally, or upon confirmed receipt when delivered by facsimile or deposited with a reputable, nationally recognized overnight courier service and addressed or faxed to Executive at Executive’s last known address on the books of Company or, in the case of Company, at its principal place of business, attention: Secretary, Board of Directors.

 

21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties (including with respect to Company, its successors and assigns) with respect to Executive’s employment and supersedes all prior communications, agreements and understandings, written or oral, with respect to the terms and conditions of Executive’s employment.

22. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument signed by Executive and by an expressly authorized representative of Company.

 

23. Headings. The headings and captions in this Agreement are for convenience only and in no way define or describe the scope or content of any provision of this Agreement.

 

24. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Furthermore, the delivery of a copy of such signature by facsimile transmission or other electronic exchange methodology shall constitute a valid and binding execution and delivery of this Agreement by such party, and such electronic copy shall constitute an enforceable original document. Counterpart signatures need not be on the same page and shall be deemed effective upon receipt.

 

25. Additional Obligations. Without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true, Executive’s obligations under Sections 7 through 10 are in addition to, and not in limitation of, any obligations that Executive may have under applicable law (including any law regarding trade secrets, duty of loyalty, fiduciary duty, unfair competition, unjust enrichment, slander, libel, conversion, misappropriation and fraud).

 

26. Attorneys’ Fees. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses from the other party to the action or proceeding. For purposes of this Agreement, the “prevailing party” shall be deemed to be that party who obtains substantially the result sought, whether by settlement, mediation, judgment or otherwise, and “attorneys’ fees” shall include, without limitation, the reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees incurred in retaining counsel for advice, negotiations, suit, appeal or other legal proceeding, including mediation and arbitration.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall reimburse or pay the Executive’s reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement and/or in the event of termination of this Agreement, but the total amount reimbursed or paid pursuant to this provision shall not exceed $10,000.

 

27. Confidentiality. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement and each of its provisions are and shall be treated strictly confidential. During the Term and thereafter, Executive shall not disclose any terms of this Agreement to any person or entity without the prior written consent of Company, with the exception of Executive’s tax, legal or accounting advisors or for legitimate business purposes of Executive, or as otherwise required by law.

 

28. No Rule of Construction. This Agreement shall be construed to be neither against nor in favor of any party hereto based upon any party’s role in drafting this Agreement, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning hereof.

 

29. Governing Law. This Agreement, the rights of the parties and all claims, actions, causes of action, suits, litigation, controversies, hearings, charges, complaints or proceedings arising in whole or in part under or in connection herewith, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive laws of the state of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

30. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EXECUTIVE AND COMPANY EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT EITHER MAY HAVE TO A JURY TRIAL CONCERNING ANY CIVIL ACTION THAT MAY ARISE FROM THIS AGREEMENT, OR THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES HERETO.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by Company (by its duly authorized representative) and by Executive, as of the date first above written.

EXHIBIT A

 

Release of Claims

 

FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the benefits to be provided me in connection with the termination of my employment, as set forth in that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of October __, 2023 (the “Agreement”), between me and STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”), or under any severance pay plan applicable to me, which benefits are conditioned on my signing this Release of Claims and to which I am not otherwise entitled, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of my heirs, executors, administrators, beneficiaries, representatives and assigns, and all others connected with me, hereby release and forever discharge Company and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates (as that term is defined in Section 11 of the Agreement) and all of their respective past, present and future officers, directors, trustees, equity holders, employees, agents, managers, joint venturers, representatives, successors and assigns, and all others connected with any of them (collectively, the “Released Parties”), both individually and in their official capacities, from any and all causes of action, rights and claims of any type or description, known or unknown, which I have had in the past, now have, or might now have, through the date of my signing of this Release of Claims, in any way resulting from, arising out of or connected with my employment by Company or any of its Affiliates or the termination of that employment, including, but not limited to, any allegation, claim or violation arising under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (including the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act); the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act; Executive Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; the Fair Labor Standards Act; any applicable Executive Orders; or their state or local counterparts; or under any other federal, state or local civil or human rights law, or under any other federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance; or under any public policy, contract or tort, or under common law; or arising under any policies, practices or procedures of Company; or any claim for wrongful discharge, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress or defamation; or any claim for costs, fees or other expenses, including attorneys’ fees incurred in these matters (all of the foregoing collectively referred to herein as “Claims”), other than (i) the right to payment of any vested or accrued benefits under any supplemental compensation, insurance, retirement and/or other benefit plan or agreement applicable to Executive, (ii) the right to payment of any amounts owed to me by Company pursuant to Section 5 of the Agreement, (iii) any rights under applicable workers compensation or unemployment compensation laws, (iv) any rights that survive termination of my employment pursuant to an option grant agreement or certificate to purchase Company’s (or an Affiliate’s) capital stock, (v) any rights with respect to Company’s (or an Affiliate’s) capital stock owned by Executive or (vi) any rights to indemnification under the Agreement, Company’s by-laws or any other applicable law.

 

In signing this Release of Claims, I acknowledge my understanding that I may not sign it prior to the termination of my employment, but that I may consider the terms of this Release of Claims for up to twenty-one (21) days (or such longer period as Company may specify) from the later of the date my employment with Company terminates or the date I receive this Release of Claims. I also acknowledge that I am advised by Company and its Affiliates to seek the advice of an attorney prior to signing this Release of Claims; that I have had sufficient time to consider this Release of Claims and to consult with an attorney, if I wished to do so, or to consult with any other person of my choosing before signing; and that I am signing this Release of Claims voluntarily and with a full understanding of its terms.

 

I represent that I have not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of my employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this Release of Claims, and covenant and agree that I will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of, any charges, lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by me pursuant to this Release of Claims.

 

I further acknowledge that, in signing this Release of Claims, I have not relied on any promises or representations, express or implied, that are not set forth expressly in the Agreement. I understand that I may revoke this Release of Claims at any time within seven (7) days of the date of my signing by written notice to the Secretary, Board of Directors of Company (or such other person as Company may specify by notice to me given in accordance with the Agreement) and that this Release of Claims will take effect only upon the expiration of such seven-day revocation period and only if I have not timely revoked it.

Intending to be legally bound, I have signed this Release of Claims as of the date written below.

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Exhibit 10.5

 

STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc.

 

October 26, 2023

 

Dear Chris,

 

This Retention Agreement is between Chris Lesovitz (“Employee”) and STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (“Strata”).

In consideration and acknowledgment of your future contributions to Strata you are hereby entitled to receive a Retention Bonus (as defined below) as an incentive to remain continuously employed through your designated Retention Period (as defined below), which will be payable in accordance with this Retention Agreement.

 

For purposes of this Retention Agreement, the following applies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you remain continuously employed with the Employer through your Retention Period or you are terminated by the Employer other than for Cause during the Retention Period or you voluntarily terminate employment for Good Reason, you will be entitled to receive your Retention Bonus, subject to the terms of this Retention Agreement.  The Retention Bonus, less applicable federal and state tax withholdings, will be paid out in the following intervals:

 

 

 

 Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if you are terminated by the Employer other than for Cause during the Retention Period or you terminate employment for Good Reason during the Retention Period, the entire Retention Bonus will be paid upon the later of 30 days following your employment termination date.

 

If the Employee resigns his employment with the Employer, other than for Good Reason, prior to the end of the Retention Period, Employee shall pay back any portion of the Retention Bonus he has already received within 30 days following such termination date.

 

No provision of this Retention Agreement may be modified, amended or revoked, except in a writing signed by Employee and an authorized officer of Strata. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Delaware, without regard to its choice or conflict of laws principles.

 

Unless specifically provided herein, this Retention Agreement contains all of the understandings and representations between the Employee and Strata pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. The parties mutually agree that the Retention Agreement can be specifically enforced in court and can be cited as evidence in legal proceedings alleging breach of the Retention Agreement.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

By signing below, you acknowledge that you agree to the terms and conditions of this Retention Agreement.  We appreciate your continued hard work.

 

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Exhibit 99.1

STRATA Skin Science Announces Leadership Change

HORSHAM, Pa., Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSKN), a medical technology company dedicated to developing, commercializing and marketing innovative products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions, today announced that the Board of Directors and Bob Moccia have mutually agreed that Mr. Moccia will step down as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, as of October 30, 2023. Dr. Dolev Rafaeli has been named the new Vice-Chairman, President andChief Executive Officer (CEO) .

Dr. Rafaeli brings over 30 years of public and private company experience, offering a dynamic and ever-changing business landscape across various industries, encompassing healthcare, medical device, and consumer and industrial services fields. He served as STRATA’s President and CEO from 2018 to 2021 and previously served as the President and CEO of PhotoMedex (Nasdaq: PHMD), the company that developed the technology and the unique go-to-market of the XTRAC^® and VTRAC^®, and had sold that business to STRATA in 2015, While at PhotoMedex, Dr. Rafaeli increased the global install base to over 2,000 devices and created a unique suite of services that drove the growth in domestic and international recurring revenue sales. During his tenure as CEO of PhotoMedex, from 2011 to 2017, the technology, intellectual property, and clinical application of the products were expanded widely, resulting in over 150 peer-reviewed published clinical studies. Additionally, from 2006 to 2017, he served as the President and CEO of Radiancy Inc., a subsidiary of PhotoMedex. He is also on the Board of Directors of Trukera Medical, formally TearLab Corporation. Dr. Rafaeli graduated with a BSc in industrial engineering and management cum laude and an MSc in operations management summa cum laude from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and holds a PhD in business management from Century University and an MBA summa cum laude from Cornell University.

Dr. Rafaeli expressed, “As a long and significant shareholder of the company, it is a privilege to rejoin STRATA as its Vice-Chairman, President, CEO , as I continue to be impressed by the Company's track record and the dedication of its employees. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Board to lead the organization as we persist in our commitment to advance and expand our efforts with XTRAC^®, VTRAC^®, and TheraClear^®X, focusing on patients struggling with various dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and acne. Together, we will build upon the work of Mr. Moccia and steer STRATA towards even greater accomplishments in the future."

Mr. Moccia added, “It has been a pleasure watching the Company grow. I take great pride in contributing to this outstanding team and look forward to STRATA’s future successes.”

About STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc.