Free CEO Agreement

This CEO Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Month Day, Year], by and between [Your Company Name], a [state of incorporation] corporation (the "Company"), and [CEO's Full Name], an individual (the "CEO"). The Company and the CEO may collectively be referred to as the "Parties."

1. Position and Duties

1.1 Employment. The Company agrees to employ the CEO, and the CEO agrees to serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1.2 Position. The CEO will hold the title of Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will report directly to the Company’s Board of Directors (the "Board").

1.3 Duties and Responsibilities. The CEO agrees to diligently, effectively, and faithfully perform all duties and responsibilities typically associated with the role of Chief Executive Officer, including, but not limited to:

• Overseeing the Company’s operations and day-to-day management.

• Formulating the Company’s strategic goals and objectives.

• Implementing and evaluating Company policies.

• Representing the Company in key industry and public relations matters.

• Ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Acting as a liaison between the Company and the Board, keeping the Board informed on important developments within the Company.

2. Term of Employment

2.1 Initial Term. The CEO’s employment shall commence on [Month Day, Year] (the "Effective Date") and shall continue for an initial term of [3] years, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 4 of this Agreement.

2.2 Renewal. At the expiration of the initial term, this Agreement may be renewed or extended by mutual written agreement of the Parties.

3. Compensation and Benefits

3.1 Base Salary. The CEO shall receive an annual base salary of $[0] (the "Base Salary"), payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices.

3.2 Performance Bonus. The CEO shall be eligible to receive an annual performance-based bonus (the "Bonus"), based on the achievement of goals and milestones as determined by the Board. The Bonus may range from [0]% to [0]% of the CEO’s Base Salary, subject to the terms outlined in the Company’s executive compensation plan.

3.3 Stock Options/Equity Compensation. The CEO shall be granted stock options or other equity incentives, as determined by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s equity compensation plan and the applicable grant agreement.

3.4 Benefits. The CEO shall be entitled to participate in the Company’s employee benefit plans, including but not limited to health, dental, life insurance, and retirement plans, as offered to the Company’s executive employees.

3.5 Vacation and Leave. The CEO shall be entitled to [4] weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to any paid holidays or other leave benefits provided by the Company. Vacation time shall be taken at times mutually agreed upon by the CEO and the Board.

4. Termination

4.1 Termination for Cause. The Company may terminate the CEO’s employment for "Cause," which includes:

• Willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of duties.

• Fraud, embezzlement, or other illegal activities that harm the Company.

• Failure to meet performance objectives set forth by the Board.

• Violation of any material terms of this Agreement.

In the event of termination for Cause, the CEO shall not be entitled to any severance or additional compensation beyond earned salary and benefits through the date of termination.

4.2 Termination without Cause. The Company may terminate the CEO’s employment without Cause upon [30] days’ written notice. In the event of termination without Cause, the CEO shall be entitled to severance pay in an amount equal to [12] months of the CEO’s Base Salary, payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, and continuation of benefits for [1] month following termination.

4.3 Resignation. The CEO may resign at any time with [X] days’ written notice to the Company. If the CEO resigns without Good Reason (as defined below), the CEO shall not be entitled to severance benefits.

4.4 Termination for Good Reason. The CEO may terminate this Agreement for Good Reason, which includes:

• A material reduction in the CEO’s duties, responsibilities, or authority.

• A reduction in the Base Salary or other compensation without consent.

• A relocation of the Company’s principal place of business more than [X] miles from its current location.

In the event of termination for Good Reason, the CEO shall be entitled to severance pay as described in Section 4.2.

5. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

5.1 Confidential Information. The CEO agrees not to disclose or use any confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information obtained during the course of employment for any purpose other than the performance of duties for the Company.

5.2 Return of Property. Upon termination of employment, the CEO agrees to promptly return all Company property, including but not limited to documents, files, and electronic data.

6. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation

6.1 Non-Compete. During the term of employment and for a period of [1] year following termination, the CEO agrees not to engage in or be associated with any business that competes directly with the Company within [0] miles of the Company’s principal place of business.

6.2 Non-Solicitation. The CEO agrees that, for a period of [3] years following termination, they will not solicit or hire any employees, consultants, or contractors of the Company.

7. Indemnification and Liability Insurance

The Company agrees to indemnify the CEO to the fullest extent permitted by law against any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from actions taken in good faith while performing duties for the Company. The Company will also maintain directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance for the benefit of the CEO.

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement represents the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, written or oral, regarding the CEO’s employment.

8.2 Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing, signed by both Parties.

8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of [State], without regard to its conflict of law principles.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this CEO Employment Agreement as of the Effective Date.

[Your Company Name]

By:

[Your Name]

[Title]

[CEO's Full Name]

By:

[Full Name]

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