UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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| Item 5.02. | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On June 10, 2022, the Board of Directors of Citi Trends, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Ms. Heather Plutino to serve as its Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective as of June 27, 2022. In this capacity, Ms. Plutino will serve as the Company’s principal financial officer. On the effective date of Ms. Plutino’s appointment, Jason B. Moschner will cease to serve as the Company’s principal financial officer but will continue to serve as the Company’s Vice President, Finance and principal accounting officer.
Ms. Plutino, age 50, most recently was with Bed Bath & Beyond, as Senior Vice President of FP&A and Commercial Finance from 2020-2022. Prior to her work with Bed Bath & Beyond, Ms. Plutino was Group Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Sally Beauty Holdings from 2018-2020. Previously, Ms. Plutino served as Vice President and Treasurer of ascena retail group from 2013-2018 and held a variety of finance and treasury roles at Charming Shoppes from 2007-2013 and Target Corporation from 1999-2007. Ms. Plutino has an MBA from Washington University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from James Madison University.
Ms. Plutino will receive a base salary of $475,000 per year and will be eligible to earn an annual cash incentive with a target amount equal to 65% of her base salary, with an opportunity to earn 200% of the target amount based on achievement of certain earnings targets for the Company. Ms. Plutino will also be eligible to receive annual equity incentive awards. In addition, Ms. Plutino will receive a one-time sign-on grant of time-based restricted stock and performance-based stock units having a grant date value of $308,750, to be granted on June 27, 2022. The time-based restricted stock will vest in three equal annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date, and the performance-based stock units will vest based on achievement of performance goals over a three-year performance period. Ms. Plutino will also receive a $75,000 relocation bonus to be paid in cash upon commencement of her employment.
Ms. Plutino entered into an Employment, Non-Compete, Non-Solicit and Confidentiality Agreement (the “Restrictive Covenant Agreement”) and a Severance Agreement (the “Severance Agreement”) with the Company. Pursuant to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, Ms. Plutino has agreed to (i) not work for a competitor during the term of her employment or for one year following termination of employment with the Company, (ii) not solicit any of the Company’s merchandise vendors for a period of eighteen months following termination of employment with the Company, and (iii) not solicit any employee of the Company during the term of her employment or for a period of two years following termination of employment with the Company, in each case, regardless of the reason for termination. Pursuant to the Severance Agreement, if the Company terminates Ms. Plutino’s employment without Cause (as defined in the Severance Agreement) or if she terminates her employment within twelve months of a Change in Control (as defined in the Severance Agreement), provided that within such period Ms. Plutino’s job duties have been materially diminished or compensation has been materially decreased, the Company will provide her with separation payments of twelve months base salary, and will pay her the full monthly cost, less applicable tax withholdings, to provide the same level of group health insurance maintained by her as of her separation from service for twelve months.
The summary of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Severance Agreement above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreements, copies of which are attached to this report as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
No family relationships exist between Ms. Plutino and any of the Company’s directors or other executive officers. There are no arrangements between Ms. Plutino and any other person pursuant to which Ms. Plutino was selected as an officer, nor are there any transactions to which the Company is or was a participant and in which Ms. Plutino has a material interest subject to disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
A copy of the press release announcing the appointment of Ms. Plutino as the Chief Financial Officer is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Employment Non-Compete, Non-Solicit and Confidentiality Agreement, dated effective as of June 27, 2022, between Citi Trends, Inc. and Heather Plutino. | |
| 10.2 | Severance Agreement, dated effective as of June 27, 2022, between Citi Trends, Inc. and Heather Plutino. | |
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated June 16, 2022. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| CITI TRENDS, INC. | ||
| Date: June 16, 2022 | By: | /s/ David N. Makuen |
| Name: | David N. Makuen | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT NON-COMPETE, NON-SOLICIT AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT NON-COMPETE, NON-SOLICIT AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into between Citi Trends, Inc., including its subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, successors, and related entities (“Company”), and Heather Plutino (“Employee”), as of the date signed by Employee below, to be effective as of June 27, 2022 (the “Effective Date”).
For and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, including, but not limited to, Company agreeing to employ and/or continuing to employ Employee, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree:
1. Employment; Scope of Services. As of the Effective Date, Company shall employ and/or continue to employ Employee, and Employee shall be employed and/or continue to be employed by Company, as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Employee shall use his/her best efforts and shall devote his/her full time, attention, knowledge and skills to the faithful performance of his/her duties and responsibilities as a Company employee. Employee shall have such authority and such other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. Employee shall comply with Company’s policies and procedures, shall conduct him/herself as an ethical business professional, and shall comply with federal, state and local laws.
2. At-Will Employment. Nothing in this Agreement alters the at-will employment relationship between Employee and Company or limits Company’s right to alter or modify Employee’s job title or job duties and responsibilities any time at Company’s discretion. Employment with Company is “at-will” which means that either Employee or Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, with or without cause. The date of Employee’s cessation of employment for any reason is the “Separation Date.”
3. Confidentiality.
(a) Employee acknowledges and agrees that: (1) the retail sale of value-priced/off-price family apparel is an extremely competitive industry; (2) Company has an ongoing strategy for expansion of its business in the United States; (3) Company’s major competitors operate throughout the United States and some internationally; and (4) because of Employee’s position as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer he/she will have access to, knowledge of, and be entrusted with, highly sensitive and competitive Confidential Information and Trade Secrets (as defined in subsection (b) below) of Company, including without limitation information regarding sales margins, purchasing and pricing strategies, marketing strategies, vendors and suppliers, plans for expansion and placement of stores, and also specific information about Company’s districts and stores, such as staffing, budgets, profits and the financial success of individual districts and stores, which Company has developed and will continue to develop and the disclosure or use of which would cause Company great and irreparable harm.
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(b) As used herein, “Confidential Information” means and includes any and all Company data and information in any form whatsoever (tangible or intangible) which: (1) relates to the business of Company, irrespective of whether the data or information constitutes a “trade secret” (as defined below); (2) is disclosed to Employee or which Employee obtains or becomes aware of as a consequence of Employee’s relationship with Company; (3) has value to Company; and (4) is not generally known to Company’s competitors. “Confidential Information” includes (but is not limited to) technical or sales data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data and statements, financial plans and strategies, product plans, sales or advertising information and plans, marketing information and plans, pricing information, the identity or lists of employees, vendors and suppliers of Company, and confidential or proprietary information of such employees, vendors and suppliers. “Trade Secret” means any and all information, knowledge or data in any form whatsoever, tangible or intangible, that is considered a trade secret under applicable law. Employee acknowledges and agrees that all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets are and remain the sole and exclusive property of Company.
(c) Employee agrees that he/she shall hold all Confidential Information and Trade Secrets in strictest confidence, and that he/she shall protect such Confidential Information and Trade Secrets from disclosure by or to others. Employee further agrees that he/she shall not at any time (except as authorized by Company in connection with Employee’s duties and responsibilities as an employee): (1) disclose, publish, transfer, or communicate Confidential Information or Trade Secrets to any person or entity, other than authorized Company personnel; (2) use or reproduce Confidential Information or Trade Secrets for personal benefit or for any purpose or reason other than furthering the legitimate business interest of Company within the scope of Employee’s duties with Company; or (3) remove or transfer any Confidential Information or Trade Secrets from Company’s premises or systems (by any method or means) except for use in Company’s business and consistent with Employee’s duties with the Company. The foregoing covenants and obligations are in addition to, and do not limit, any common law or statutory rights and/or protections afforded to Company.
(d) Employee acknowledges that Company has provided or will provide Employee with Company property, including without limitation, employee handbooks, policy manuals, price lists, financial reports, and vendor and supplier information, among other items. Upon the Separation Date, or upon the request of Company, Employee shall immediately deliver to Company all property belonging to Company, including without limitation, all Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and any property related to Company, whether in electronic or other format, as well as any copies thereof, then in Employee’s custody, control, or possession. Upon the Separation Date, Employee shall provide Company with a declaration certifying that all Confidential Information and any other Company property have been returned to Company, that Employee has not kept any copies of such items or distributed such items to any third party, and that Employee has otherwise complied with the terms of Section 3 of this Agreement.
(e) Employee shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret (as defined in section 1839 of title 18, United States Code) that (A) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. If Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of Employee and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Employee (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (B) does not disclose the trade secret, except as permitted by court order.
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4. Covenant Not to Compete. Employee acknowledges and agrees that Company has invested a great deal of time and money in developing relationships with its employees, customers, and “Merchandise Vendors” (as defined below). Employee further acknowledges and agrees that in rendering services to Company, Employee has been, will be and will continue to be exposed to and learn much information about Company’s business, including valuable Confidential Information and Trade Secrets, the Company’s employees, and the Company’s “Merchandise Vendors,” to which Employee would not have access if not for Employee’s employment with Company and which it would be unfair to disclose to others, or to use to Company’s disadvantage.
Employee acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions contained in this Agreement are necessary and reasonable to protect Company’s legitimate business interests in its Trade Secrets, valuable Confidential Information and relationships and goodwill with its employees, customers, and “Merchandising Vendors.” Employee further acknowledges that Employee’s skills, education and training qualify Employee to work and obtain employment which does not violate this Agreement and that the restrictions in this Agreement have been crafted as narrowly as reasonably possible to protect Company’s legitimate business interests in its Trade Secrets, valuable Confidential Information and relationships and goodwill with its employees, customers, and “Merchandising Vendors.”
In light of the foregoing, Employee agrees that he/she will not, at any point during his/her employment with Company, work for or engage or participate in any business, enterprise, or endeavor that in any way competes with any aspect of Company’s business or that otherwise conflicts with Company’s interests. In addition, for a period of one (1) year following the Separation Date, and regardless of the reason for separation, Employee shall not, within any geographic area in which Company does business at any time during Employee’s employment with Company: (a) become employed by or work for a “Competitor” (as defined below) in any position or capacity involving duties and/or responsibilities which are the same as or substantially similar to any of the duties and/or responsibilities Employee had with and/or performed for Company; or (b) perform or provide any services which are the same as or substantially similar to any of the services which Employee performed or provided for the Company, for or on behalf of any Competitor. For purposes of this Section 4, the term “Competitor” shall mean only the following businesses, commonly known as: Cato, TJX (including without limitation TJMAXX, HomeGoods, and Marshalls), Burlington Stores, Gabe’s Stores, and Ross Stores (including without limitation DD’s Discounts).
5. Covenant Not to Solicit. During Employee’s employment with Company, and for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Separation Date, and regardless of the reason for separation, Employee agrees not to solicit any “Merchandise Vendors” (as defined below) for the purpose of obtaining merchandise and/or inventory for or on behalf of any “Competitor” (as defined in Section 4 of this Agreement). As used herein, “Merchandise Vendors” means and includes any person or entity who/that has been a vendor or supplier of merchandise and/or inventory to Company during the eighteen (18) months immediately preceding the Separation Date or to whom/which Company is actively soliciting for the provision of merchandise and/or inventory, and with whom/which Employee had “material contact.” For purposes of this agreement, “material contact” means contact between Employee and an existing or prospective Merchandise Vendor: (a) with whom Employee dealt on behalf of Company within two years prior to the date of Employee’s termination; (b) whose dealings with Company were coordinated or supervised by Employee within two years prior to the date of Employee’s termination; (c) about whom Employee obtained Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Employee’s association with Company within two years prior to the date of Employee’s termination; or, (d) who provides merchandise and/or inventory to Company, the provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings for Employee within two years prior to the date of Employee’s termination.
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Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that, as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, his/her duties include, without limitation, establishing purchasing and pricing strategies and policies, managing sales margins, involvement in establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, and having contact with and confidential and/or proprietary information regarding Merchandise Vendors.
6. Covenant Not to Recruit Personnel. During Employee’s employment with Company, and for a period of two (2) years following the Separation Date, and regardless of the reason for separation, Employee will not: (a) recruit or solicit to hire or assist others in recruiting or soliciting to hire, any employee or independent contractor of Company; or (b) cause or assist others in causing any employee or independent contractor of Company to terminate his/her relationship with Company.
7. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions, and any partially enforceable provisions to the extent enforceable, shall be binding and remain in full force and effect. Further, each particular prohibition or restriction set forth in any Section of this Agreement shall be deemed a severable unit, and if any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any portion of such prohibition or restriction is against the policy of the law in any respect, but such restraint, considered as a whole, is not so clearly unreasonable and overreaching in its terms as to be unconscionable, the court shall enforce so much of such restraint as is determined to be reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Company. Employee and Company expressly agree that, should any court of competent jurisdiction find or determine that any of the covenants contained herein are overly-broad or otherwise unenforceable, the court may “blue-pencil,” modify, and/or reform any such covenant (in whole or in part) so as to cure the over-breadth or to otherwise render the covenant enforceable.
8. Survival of Covenants. All rights and covenants contained in Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Agreement, and all remedies relating thereto, shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason.
9. Binding Effect. The covenants, terms, and provisions set forth in this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Company and its successors, assigns, and successors-in-interest, including, without limitation, any corporation, partnership, or other entity with which Company may be merged or by which it may be acquired. Employee may not assign Employee’s rights or obligations under this Agreement to any other party.
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10. Governing Law. All matters affecting this Agreement, including the validity thereof, are to be subject to, and interpreted and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Georgia applicable to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State.
11. No Interference with Rights. Employee understands, agrees and acknowledges that nothing contained in this Agreement will prevent Employee from filing a charge or complaint with, reporting possible violations of any law or regulation, making disclosures to, and/or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by, the National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and/or any governmental authority charged with the enforcement of any laws.
12. Acknowledgment of Reasonableness/Remedies/Enforcement.
(a) Employee acknowledges that: (1) Company has valid interests to protect pursuant to Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Agreement; (2) the breach of the provisions of Sections 3, 4, 5, or 6 of this Agreement would result in irreparable injury and permanent damage to Company; and (3) such restrictions are reasonable and necessary to protect the interests of Company, are critical to the success of Company’s business, and do not cause undue hardship on Employee.
(b) Employee agrees that determining damages in the event of a breach of Sections 3, 4, 5, or 6 by Employee would be difficult and that money damages alone would be an inadequate remedy for the injuries and damages which would be suffered by Company from such breach. Therefore, Employee agrees that Company shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedies it may have under this Agreement, at law, or otherwise) to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief to prevent or curtail any such breach or threatened breach by Employee. Employee and Company waive any requirement that a bond or any other security be posted. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Company from seeking or recovering any legal or monetary damages to which it may be entitled if Employee breaches any provision in this Agreement.
(c) In the event Employee breaches this Agreement, Employee shall be liable to Company for all costs of enforcement, including attorneys’ fees and court costs, in addition to all other damages and redress available to Company in equity or in law.
13. Miscellaneous. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any and all prior contracts, agreements, or understandings between the parties which may have been entered into by Company and Employee relating to the subject matter hereof (including, without limitation, the Prior Confidentiality Agreement), except for any severance agreements or certain restricted stock award and stock option agreements, which are to remain in full force and effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by an instrument in writing signed by both Company and Employee. The failure of either party to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision or the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. All remedies are cumulative, including the right of either party to seek equitable relief in addition to money damages.
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EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT HE/SHE HAS CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT AND KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS ITS CONTENTS, THAT HE/SHE ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND THAT HE/SHE INDICATES HIS/HER CONSENT BY SIGNING THIS FINAL PAGE.
(SIGNATURES TO FOLLOW ON NEXT PAGE)
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement under seal as of the day and year set forth below.
| Citi Trends, Inc. | ||||
| By: | /s/ David N. Makuen | By: | /s/ Heather L. Plutino | |
| David N. Makuen | Employee Signature | |||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||
| Date: June 14, 2022 | Date: June 14, 2022 | |||
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Exhibit 10.2
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into between Citi Trends, Inc., a Delaware corporation, including its subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, successors, and related entities (the “Company”), and Heather Plutino, an individual (the “Executive”), as of the date signed by the Executive below, to be effective as of June 27, 2022.
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are also parties to an Employment Non-Compete, Non-Solicit and Confidentiality Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”) and certain restricted stock award and stock option agreements (collectively, the “Equity Agreements”), which are to remain in full force and effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Termination Payments and Benefits. Regardless of the circumstances of the Executive’s termination, Executive shall be entitled to payment when due of any earned and unpaid base salary, expense reimbursements and vacation days accrued prior to the termination of Executive’s employment, and other unpaid vested amounts or benefits under Company retirement and health benefit plans, and, as applicable, under Equity Agreements in accordance with their terms, and to no other compensation or benefits.
(a) If (i) the Company terminates the Executive’s employment without Cause, or (ii) the Executive terminates employment with the Company within twelve (12) months following the occurrence of a Change in Control, provided that within such period, (a) either Executive’s job duties have been materially and permanently diminished or the Executive’s compensation has been materially decreased and (b) Executive provides written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days of the occurrence of an aforementioned event and the Company fails to cure the event within thirty (30) days following the Company’s receipt of the Executive’s written notice, then, in the case of either (i) or (ii) above, the Company will provide the Executive with separation payments of twelve (12) months base salary at Executive’s base salary rate at the time of Executive’s termination or if greater, the Executive’s base rate in effect on the Change of Control Date; to be paid in twenty-six (26) regular bi-weekly pay periods beginning on the first pay period occurring after the sixtieth (60th) day following the Executive’s termination, provided the Executive executes and does not subsequently revoke the Separation and General Release Agreement referenced below within such sixty (60) day period.
(b) For a period of twelve (12) months from the Executive’s separation from service, the Company will pay to the Executive an amount, minus all applicable taxes and withholdings, equal to the full monthly cost (including any portion of the cost previously paid by the employee) to provide the same level of group health benefits maintained by Executive as of Executive’s separation from service, provided the Executive executes and does not subsequently revoke the Separation and General Release Agreement referenced below within such sixty (60) day period.
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following events:
(i) the acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”)) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (1), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control: (i) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, (ii) any acquisition directly from the Company, (iii) any acquisition by the Company, (iv) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or (v) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of subsection (3) of this definition; or
(ii) individuals who, as of the date of this Agreement, constitute the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board of Directors of the Company; or
(iii) consummation of a reorganization, merger, consolidation or share exchange or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company's assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing for such Business Combination; or
(iv) approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
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(d) The separation payments and benefits described in Sections 1(a) and 1(b), above, are conditioned upon Executive executing a Separation and General Release Agreement at the time of termination, which releases and waives any and all claims against the Company and its affiliated persons and companies, and is acceptable to the Company.
(e) In all other circumstances of separation, including if the Executive resigns, retires or is terminated for Cause, the Executive shall not be entitled to receive any separation payments or benefits. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean the Executive’s:
(i) commission of an act of fraud or dishonesty, the purpose or effect of which, in the CEO and/or Board’s sole determination, adversely affects the Company;
(ii) conviction of a felony or a crime involving embezzlement, conversion of property or moral turpitude (whether by plea of nolo contendere or otherwise);
(iii) engaging in willful or reckless misconduct or gross negligence in connection with any property or activity of the Company, the purpose or effect of which, in the CEO and/or Board’s sole determination, adversely affects the Company;
(iv) material breach of any of the Executive’s obligations as an employee or stockholder as set forth in the Company’s Information Security Policies and Code of Business Conduct, the Confidentiality Agreement or any other agreement in effect between the Company and the Executive; provided that, in the event such breach is susceptible to cure, the Executive has been given written notice by the CEO and/or Board of such breach and 30 days from such notice fails to cure the breach; or
(v) failure or refusal to perform any material duty or responsibility under this Agreement or a determination that the Executive has breached his fiduciary obligations to the Company; provided that, in the event such failure, refusal or breach is susceptible to cure, the Executive has been given written notice by the CEO and/or Board of such failure, refusal or breach and 30 days from such notice fails to cure such failure, refusal or breach.
2. Notice. The Executive will send all communications to the Company in writing, to: Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Citi Trends, Inc., 104 Coleman Blvd., Savannah, Georgia 31408, Fax: (866) 231-8835. All communications from the Company to the Executive relating to this Agreement shall be sent to the Executive in writing at his office and home address as reflected in the Company’s records.
3. Amendment. No provisions of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged except by a written document signed by a duly authorized Company officer and the Executive. A waiver of any conditions or provisions of this Agreement in a given instance shall not be deemed a waiver of such conditions or provisions at any other time in the future.
4. Choice of Law and Venue. The validity, interpretation, construction, and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia (excluding any that mandate the use of another jurisdiction’s laws). Any action to enforce or for breach of this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts of the County of Chatham, City of Savannah.
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5. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Executive and Executive’s estate, but the Executive may not assign or pledge this Agreement or any rights arising under it, except to the extent permitted under the terms of the benefit plans in which Executive participates. Without the Executive’s consent, the Company may assign this Agreement to any affiliate or to a successor to substantially all the business and assets of the Company.
6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute the same instrument.
7. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement between the parties constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any and all prior contracts, agreements, or understandings between the parties which may have been entered into by Company and the Executive relating to the subject matter hereof (including, without limitation, the Prior Severance Agreement), except for the Equity Agreements, which are to remain in full force and effect. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by an instrument in writing signed by both the Company and the Executive. The failure of either party to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision or the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. All remedies are cumulative, including the right of either party to seek equitable relief in addition to money damages.
8. Employment At-Will Relationship. Executive and the Company agree that nothing in this Agreement alters the at-will nature of Executive’s employment relationship with the Company.
9. Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any amount or benefit that would constitute non-exempt “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) would otherwise be payable or distributable hereunder by reason of a Participant’s termination of employment, such amount or benefit will not be payable or distributable to the Participant by reason of such circumstance unless the circumstances giving rise to such termination of employment meet any description or definition of “separation from service” in Section 409A of the Code and applicable regulations (without giving effect to any elective provisions that may be available under such definition). For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payable under Section 1(a) and 1(b) of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a separate payment.
| 4 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands as of the day and year set forth below.
| CITI TRENDS, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ David N. Makuen | |
| Name: | David N. Makuen | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Dated: | June 14, 2022 | |
| By: | /s/ Heather L. Plutino | |
| Employee Name: Heather L. Plutino | ||
| Dated: June 14, 2022 | ||
| 5 |
Exhibit 99.1
CITI TRENDS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SAVANNAH, GA (June 16, 2022) — Citi Trends, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRN), a growing specialty value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends for way less spend primarily for African American and Latinx families in the United States, today announced that Heather Plutino has been appointed Chief Financial Officer effective June 27, 2022.
Ms. Plutino joins Citi Trends after serving as Senior Vice President of Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis and Commercial Finance at Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to that, Ms. Plutino served as Group Vice President of Finance and Treasury at Sally Beauty Holdings. Ms. Plutino also previously served as Vice President and Treasurer at Ascena Retail Group and in a variety of finance roles at Target Corporation.
David Makuen, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are so excited to welcome Heather to our senior leadership team. She is a seasoned finance executive who will thrive in serving our core customers while leading our finance team to accomplish great things ahead. Heather truly understands our purpose and values, and combined with her financial acumen, we are confident she will contribute to our long term strategic growth.”
“I am honored and excited to join the Citi Trends team. The potential for growth is significant given Citi Trends’ unique value proposition servicing the apparel, accessories and home needs of African American and Latinx families combined with the company’s talented and passionate team. I look forward to partnering with David and the team to continue to enhance the financial and operational performance of this impressive brand,” said Ms. Plutino.
Makuen concluded, “Heather will complement our existing strong finance team and play an important role in identifying opportunities to further transform our business model.”
About Citi Trends
Citi Trends, Inc. is a growing specialty value retailer of apparel, accessories and home trends for way less spend primarily for African American and Latinx families in the United States. The Company operates 615 stores located in 33 states. For more information, visit cititrends.com or your local store.
Contact:
Tom Filandro/Rachel Schacter
ICR, Inc.
CitiTrendsIR@icrinc.com