Executives in Transition: Five Important Steps to Take

Company executives transitioning out of positions differ from most employees because they are more likely to have employment contracts and to have executed documents restricting future employment.  In addition, financial considerations for executives in transition may include future performance bonuses and stock options that have not yet vested.

Although every situation is different, here are five of the steps executives in transition should consider taking before they sign any separation agreements and before they transition out of the company:

(1) Obtain Copies of  All Executed Agreements

This would include all employment contracts, all revisions and addenda and any signed confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicitation, and inventions agreements.  It would also include any shareholder agreements and any other documents that may affect your rights and obligations.

(2) Understand the Impact of Any Restrictive Covenants on Future Employment

Is that non-compete still valid following the merger or acquisition?  You signed the agreement five years ago before your promotion.  Still valid?  The agreement you signed may or may not be enforceable.  Do not assume that just because you signed a document restricting your post employment opportunities that it is valid and enforceable.  You may need a legal opinion.

(3) Take Into Consideration Future Benefits

Before signing off on a separation agreement, consider future benefits you may be leaving on the table.  Are you entitled to a bonus at the end of the year?  Is there a schedule for vesting of stock options?

(4) Understand Whether You are Giving Up Legal Claims

Depending upon the circumstances of your separation from the company, you may be giving up certain legal rights when signing a separation agreement.  Check with an employment attorney to see whether there are any grounds for a discrimination or retaliation claim, or whether you have any rights as a whistle blower.

(5) Consider the Job Market You are Entering

Fully appreciate the job market you will be entering after leaving your position.  Will you need to re-locate?  Will your age be a factor?  Will that non-compete restrict you from working in your industry? How long will it take you to find suitable employment.  What will you need to ease the transition?  References?  Resume Assistance?  Companies offer a range of tools to ease the transition of executives.  These may be a valuable part of exit packages for executives in transition.

As a company executive you have learned to “know what you don’t know” and seek advice.  We have advised executives at all levels of organizations, from Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Directors, CEO’s, CFO’s, COO’s, CTO’s, partners, principals, administrators and professors.  We’ve reviewed and negotiated severance agreements for executives employed in industries such as technology, biotechnology, banking, pharmaceutical, software, higher education, secondary education, and manufacturing.

If you have any questions about your job transition, please contact Boston Employment lawyer Maura Greene, Law Office of Maura Greene, Six Beacon Street, Suite 205, Boston, MA 02108 at 617-936-1580 or  [email protected] for a confidential consultation.  Maura Greene is a graduate of Smith College and Suffolk University Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review.  She is AV-rated, which is a peer review rating and the highest rating an individual attorney may receive.  She has been on the list of Super Lawyers in employment for the past five years.