Form 8-K
8-K — Volato Group, Inc.
Accession: 0001493152-26-034338
Filed: 2026-07-23
Period: 2026-07-22
CIK: 0001853070
SIC: 4522 (AIR TRANSPORTATION, NONSCHEDULED)
Item: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
Item: Financial Statements and Exhibits
Documents
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UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
8-K
CURRENT
REPORT
PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date
of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
July 22, 2026
VOLATO
GROUP, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-41104
86-2707040
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
1954
Airport Road, Suite 124
Chamblee,
GA 30341
(Address
of principal executive offices) (zip code)
844-399-8998
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code
(former
name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check
the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under
any of the following provisions:
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name
of each exchange on which registered
Class
A Common Stock
SOAR
NYSE
American LLC
Warrants,
each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $287.50
SOARW
OTC
Markets Group, Inc.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405
of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging
growth company ☒
If
an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item
5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of
Certain Officers.
Appointment
of David Allen to the Board of Directors and Various Committees
On
July 22, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Volato Group, Inc. (the “Company”) appointed David Allen
to serve as a member of the Board. The Board has determined that Mr. Allen satisfies the applicable independence requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the NYSE American and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended with respect to service as
a director of the Company and qualification for membership on and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board. Additionally, Mr. Allen
was appointed to serve on the Nominating and Governance Committee and appointed to serve on the Compensation Committee.
Mr.
Allen will serve as a Class III director with a term expiring at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2026.
There
are no transactions involving Mr. Allen that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. As an independent
director of the Company, Mr. Allen will be entitled to receive compensation consistent with that of the Company’s other independent
directors who are not employees of the Company and enter into the Company’s standard indemnification agreement for directors.
There
is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Allen and any other persons pursuant to which he was elected as a director. Mr. Allen
does not have a direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed by the Company pursuant to Item 404(a)
of Regulation S-K.
Employment
Agreement with Mark Heinen and Bonus
On
July 22, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Volato Group, Inc. (the “Company”), upon the recommendation
of the Compensation Committee, approved an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Mark Heinen,
the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
The
Employment Agreement reflects the Board’s commitment to maintaining executive leadership continuity and supporting the Company’s
ongoing strategic initiatives and long-term business objectives.
The
Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $310,000 and an annual incentive bonus opportunity with a target equal to
100% of base salary and a maximum equal to 200% of base salary, subject to the achievement of performance objectives established by the
Board or the Compensation Committee. The Employment Agreement also provides for a severance payment equal to twelve months of the then-current
base salary upon certain qualifying terminations and, in connection with certain qualifying terminations following a change in control,
such severance payment would include an additional amount equal to the pro-rated portion of 100% of the targeted annual bonus in the
fiscal year of the termination date.
The
Board also approved (i) a one-time cash performance bonus of $50,000 and (ii) a one-time retention bonus of $100,000, payable upon the
consummation of a Board-approved strategic business combination, subject to Mr. Heinen’s continued employment through the closing,
except as otherwise provided in the Employment Agreement.
The
foregoing summary of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employment
Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Item
9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description
10.1
Executive Employment Agreement dated July 1, 2026, by and between the Company, Volato, Inc., and Mark Heinen.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURES
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 hereunto duly authorized.
Date:
July 22, 2026
Volato
Group, Inc.
By:
/s/
Mark Heinen
Name:
Mark
Heinen
Title:
Chief
Financial Officer
EX-10.1
EX-10.1
Filename: ex10-1.htm · Sequence: 2
Exhibit
10.1
Executive
Employment Agreement
This
Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of July 1, 2026 (the “Effective Date”),
by and among Mark Heinen (the “Executive”), Volato Group, Inc., (the “Parent”), and Volato, Inc., (the
“Company,” and together with the Parent, the “Companies”).
WHEREAS,
the Executive has been employed by Parent or its legacy subsidiaries since November 27, 2023 and currently serves as its Chief Financial
Officer.
WHEREAS,
in connection with an anticipated merger, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement in order to facilitate the Executive’s
retention and service, to incentivize the Executive to grow the Companies and their market position and to better reflect the Executive’s
value to the Companies;
WHEREAS,
in connection with entering into the Agreement, the Companies and Executive intend to enter into that certain Employee Invention Assignment
and Confidentiality Agreement effective as of the Effective Date (such agreement, as it may be amended and/or restated from time to time
in accordance with the terms hereof, the “Confidentiality Agreement”); a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit [__]
and incorporated into this Agreement by reference as though fully set forth herein;
WHEREAS,
the Confidentiality Agreement contains Executive’s obligations regarding confidentiality, non-disclosure, protection of trade secrets
and other proprietary information, assignment of inventions and intellectual property, ownership of work product, return of the Companies’
property and information, and related proprietary rights protections, and the parties intend that such obligations shall constitute material
terms and conditions of Executive’s employment and shall survive termination of Executive’s employment in accordance with their terms;
and
WHEREAS,
the parties acknowledge and agree that any amendment, modification, waiver, restatement, or termination of the Confidentiality Agreement
shall be effective only if made in a written instrument executed by the parties in accordance with Article XVII of this Agreement.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and obligations set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
I.
Term.
This Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and continue until terminated by either party pursuant to Section V of this Agreement.
II.
Position
and Duties.
A.
Position.
During the Term, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Companies, reporting to the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer of the Parent (the “Board” and “CEO,” respectively). In such position, the Executive
shall have such duties, authority and responsibilities as are consistent with the Executive’s position and such duties, authority
and responsibilities as shall be determined from time to time by the CEO and/or the Board and in accordance with applicable laws,
rules and regulations (“Applicable Law”). The Executive shall, if requested, also serve as a member of the Board or as
an officer or director of any Affiliate of the Companies for no additional compensation. For the purposes of the Agreement, an “Affiliate”
shall mean a person or entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company or the Parent.
B.
Duties.
During the Term, the Executive shall devote substantially all of the Executive’s business time and attention to the performance
of the Executive’s duties hereunder and will not engage in any other business, profession or occupation that would conflict
or interfere with the performance of such services or the business of the Companies, either directly or indirectly without the prior
written consent of the Board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive will be permitted to (a) with the prior written consent
of the Board (which consent can be withheld by the Board in its discretion) act or serve as a director, trustee, committee member
or principal of any type of business, civic or charitable organization, and (b) purchase or own less than five percent (5%) of the
publicly traded securities of any corporation; provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that the Executive
is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation; provided further that the activities described
in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section II.B do not interfere with the performance of the Executive’s duties and responsibilities
to the Companies as provided hereunder, including, but not limited to, the obligations set forth in Section II herein.
III.
Place
of Performance. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to perform his or her duties primarily on a remote basis; provided
that the Executive shall be required to travel on business for the Companies during the Term as necessary for the performance of
the Executive’s duties or as reasonably requested by the Companies.
IV.
Compensation.
A.
Base
Salary. The Companies shall pay the Executive an annual base salary of $310,000.00, payable in periodic installments in accordance
with the Companies’ customary payroll practices and applicable wage payment laws, and prorated based on employment for any
partial calendar year. The Executive’s base salary shall be reviewed periodically by the Board and/or the Compensation Committee
of the Board (the “Committee”) and the Board and/or the Committee may, but shall not be required to, adjust the base
salary during the Term. The Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect from time to time, is hereinafter referred to as the
“Base Salary.”
B.
Annual
Bonus.
1.
For
each calendar year of the Term, the Executive will be eligible to receive an annual target bonus in an amount equal to one hundred
percent (100%) of the Executive’s Base Salary (each, an “Annual Bonus”), with an opportunity to receive a maximum
bonus of 200% of Base Salary, based on the achievement of such performance factors and such other terms and conditions as may be
established by the Board and/or the Committee; provided that, depending on results, the Executive’s actual bonus may be higher
or lower than the target bonus amount. For clarity, the decision to award any Annual Bonus and the amount and terms of any Annual
Bonus shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee.
2.
The
Executive, in consultation with the Company’s management team, shall develop and recommend
proposed performance objectives, performance factors, and other criteria applicable to the
determination of any Annual Bonus for each fiscal year. Such proposed objectives, factors,
and criteria shall be submitted to the Board and/or the Committee for review, discussion,
modification, and approval. The Board and/or the Committee shall retain sole and absolute
discretion to approve, reject, modify, or replace any proposed objectives, factors, or criteria
and to determine whether and to what extent such objectives, factors, and criteria have been
achieved.
To
the extent practicable, the performance objectives, performance factors, and other criteria applicable to the determination of any
Annual Bonus shall be established within ninety (90) days following the commencement of the applicable fiscal year; provided, however,
that the Board and/or the Committee may revise such objectives, factors, and criteria during the fiscal year to reflect material
changes in the business, strategic objectives, capital structure, transaction activity, market conditions, or other circumstances
affecting the Companies.
Failure
to establish, approve, or communicate such objectives, factors, or criteria within such ninety (90) day period shall not create any
entitlement to an Annual Bonus and shall not preclude the Board or the Committee from awarding, reducing, or withholding a discretionary
Annual Bonus based on the Executive’s overall performance, contributions, achievement of business objectives, and such other factors
as the Board or the Committee deems appropriate in its sole discretion.
The
Annual Bonus, if any, will be paid within two and a half (2-1/2) months after the end of the applicable calendar year or otherwise
in a manner intended to be in accordance with or exempt from Section 409A (“Section 409A”) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Except as otherwise provided in Section V, (i) the Annual Bonus will be subject to
any short-term incentive plan or program of the Companies under which it is granted, which short-term incentive plan or program shall
be subject to such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and/or the Committee, and (ii) in order to be eligible
to receive an Annual Bonus, the Executive must be employed by the Companies on the date that Annual Bonuses are paid.
C.
Equity
Awards. During the Term the Executive may be eligible to participate in the Company’s 2025 Stock Incentive Plan or any
successor stock incentive plan (collectively, such plans, as they may be amended and/or restated, the “Stock Plan”) on
such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and/or the Committee in its or their discretion. The grant of any such
awards shall be subject to the terms of the Stock Plan and applicable award agreement which shall contain such terms and conditions
as may be determined by the Board and/or the Committee.
D.
Fringe
Benefits and Perquisites. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits and perquisites consistent with the
practices of the Companies and governing benefit plan requirements (including plan eligibility provisions), and to the extent the
Companies provide similar benefits or perquisites (or both) to similarly situated executives of the Companies, subject to the Companies’
authority to amend, modify or terminate such fringe benefits and perquisites at any time and from time to time.
E.
Employee
Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall, to the extent eligible, be entitled to participate in the employee benefit plans,
practices and programs maintained by the Companies, as in effect from time to time (collectively, the “Employee Benefit Plans”),
on a basis that are substantially comparable to those provided to other similarly situated executives of the Companies, to the extent
consistent with Applicable Law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Companies reserve the right to amend,
suspend, modify or terminate any Employee Benefit Plans at any time in its sole discretion, subject to the terms of such Employee
Benefit Plan and Applicable Law.
F.
Paid
Time Off. The Executive shall be entitled to Paid Time Off (“PTO”)in accordance with Company policy. Such paid time shall
include time off for vacation or personal reasons. The time or times during which leave may be taken shall be by mutual agreement
of the Companies and the Executive. Whenever possible, the Companies agree to accommodate and grant the Executive’s request
for paid time off. Since the Executive does not accrue PTO, the Companies will not compensate for any PTO upon termination of the
Agreement.
G.
Sick
Leave. The Executive shall be entitled to accrue and use sick leave in accordance with applicable Company policy.
H.
Business
Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment,
and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder in accordance
with the Companies’ expense reimbursement policies and procedures and Section XXI herein..
I.
Clawback
and Related Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based or other compensation
paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement, plan or arrangement with the Companies which is subject to recovery
under any Applicable Law (including any SEC or stock exchange listing requirement) or any forfeiture, clawback or other policy adopted
by the Companies will be subject to such forfeiture, deductions and clawback as may apply pursuant to such Applicable Law or any
such policy, as applicable to the Executive from time to time. The Companies will make any determination for clawback or recovery
in its or their sole discretion and in accordance with any Applicable Law. In addition, without limiting the effect of the foregoing,
the Executive acknowledges and agrees that he or she shall be subject to, and shall abide by, any equity retention policy, stock
ownership guidelines and/or other policies adopted by the Companies, each as in effect from time to time and to the extent applicable
to the Executive.
V.
Termination
of Employment. The Term and the Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Companies or the Executive at any
time and for any reason; provided that, unless otherwise provided herein, either party shall be required to give the other party
at least thirty (30) days’ advance written notice of any termination of the Executive’s employment. On termination of
the Executive’s employment during the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits described in this
Section V and shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Companies or any other Affiliates of
the Companies.
A.
Termination
For Cause or Without Good Reason.
1.
The
Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Companies for Cause (as defined below) or by the Executive without
Good Reason (as defined below). Upon such termination, the Executive shall be entitled to receive only:
a.
any
accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the Termination Date, payable in accordance with applicable law and the Companies’ customary
payroll practices;
b.
reimbursement
of properly documented business expenses properly incurred through the Termination Date in accordance with the Companies’ expense
reimbursement policy and Section XXI herein; and
c.
vested
benefits, if any, to which the Executive is entitled under the express terms of any applicable employee benefit plan as of the Termination
Date;.
d.
treatment
of any outstanding equity awards solely as provided under the applicable Stock Plan and award agreements..
For
the avoidance of doubt, a termination for Cause shall not entitle Executive to any severance benefits, continued compensation, bonus
payments (except as otherwise required under a written incentive plan), accelerated vesting, continued benefits, or any other post-termination
payments or benefits except the Accrued Amounts (defined below) and any vested benefits required under the terms of an applicable employee
benefit plan or equity award agreement.
Items
V.A.1.a through V.A.1.c are referred to herein collectively as the “Accrued Amounts”.
2.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” shall mean:
a.
the
Executive’s willful or material failure to perform Executive’s duties (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity
due to physical or mental illness);
b.
the
Executive’s willful failure to comply with any valid and legal directive of the Board (or, if applicable, the person or entity
to whom the Executive reports);
c.
the
Executive’s engagement in dishonesty, illegal conduct or other misconduct, which is, in each case, materially injurious to
the Companies or their Affiliates;
d.
the
Executive’s embezzlement, misappropriation or fraud, whether or not related to the Executive’s employment with the Companies;
e.
the
Executive’s conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent)
or a crime that constitutes a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
f.
the
Executive’s material violation of the Companies’ written policies or codes of conduct, including but not limited to written
policies related to discrimination, harassment, performance of illegal or unethical activities and ethical misconduct;
g.
the
Executive’s material breach of any material obligation under this Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement or any other written
agreement between the Executive and the Companies;
h.
the
Executive’s engagement in conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Companies negative publicity or into public
disgrace, embarrassment or disrepute; or
i.
the
knowing misstatement by the Executive of the financial records of the Companies or complicit actions in respect thereof, or knowing
failure to disclose material financial or other information to the Board, or the Executive’s engagement in conduct that results
in the Executive’s obligation to reimburse either of the Companies for the amount of any bonus, incentive-based compensation,
equity-based compensation, profits realized from the sale of the Parent’s securities or other compensation pursuant to application
of the provisions of Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act or other Applicable Law or pursuant to any clawback or recoupment policy, plan or agreement of either of the Companies.
For
purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the part of the Executive shall be considered “willful” unless it
is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission
was in the best interests of the Companies. Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted
by the Board or on the advice of counsel for the Companies shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive
in good faith and in the best interests of the Companies.
Termination
of the Executive’s employment shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until the Companies deliver to the Executive a copy
of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the Board (excluding the Executive if applicable)
(after reasonable written notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be
heard before the Board), finding that the Executive has engaged in the conduct described in any of (a)-(i) above.
Except
for a failure, breach or refusal which, in the Board’s reasonable discretion, is not subject to cure or cannot reasonably be expected
to be cured, in which case no cure period shall be required, the Executive shall have twenty (20) days from the delivery of written notice
by the Companies within which to cure any acts constituting Cause. Without limiting the foregoing, no notice or opportunity to cure shall
be required with respect to: (i) any conduct described in Sections 2(c), 2(d), 2(e), 2(h), or 2(i), (ii) fraud, embezzlement, theft,
misappropriation, dishonesty, financial reporting misconduct, or other intentional misconduct, (iii) any material violation of applicable
law, or (iv) any conduct that, in the Board’s reasonable discretion, is not subject to cure or cannot reasonably be expected to be cured.
The Companies may place the Executive on paid leave for up to sixty (60) days while determining whether there is a basis to terminate
the Executive’s employment for Cause. Any such action by the Companies will not constitute Good Reason.
3.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following, in each case during the
Term without the Executive’s written consent:
a.
a
material reduction in the Executive’s Base Salary (other than a reduction in Base Salary that affects all similarly situated
executives in substantially the same proportions);
b.
any
material and adverse breach by the Companies of any material provision of this Agreement; or
c.
a
material and adverse change in the Executive’s title, authority, duties, reporting relationships or responsibilities (other
than temporarily while the Executive is physically or mentally incapacitated or as required by Applicable Law).
d.
Following
a Change in Control, any of the following shall constitute Good Reason:
(i)
Executive
ceases to serve as a Chief Financial Officer of the surviving parent company or its principal operating subsidiary;
(ii)
Executive
ceases to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the surviving parent company and is not thereafter employed in a substantially
equivalent senior executive capacity with substantially equivalent duties, responsibilities, authority, and status;
(iii)
Executive
experiences a material reduction in authority, responsibilities, operational scope, budgetary authority, strategic responsibilities,
or access to the Board of Directors as compared to those held immediately prior to the Change in Control;
(iv)
Executive
is no longer designated as a member of the executive leadership team of the surviving company;
(v)
Executive’s
principal work location is located more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then-current principal work location, other
than reasonable travel requirements with Executive’s position; or
(vi)
Executive’s
annual Base Salary or target bonus opportunity, is materially reduced, other than reductions that are generally applicable to similarly
situated senior executives of the surviving company, or the surviving company materially breaches its obligations under this Agreement,
including any obligation relating to severance or Change in Control benefits.
For
purposes of this Section, the determination of whether a material reduction has occurred shall be made by comparing Executive’s position,
authority, responsibilities, reporting relationships, and role in the management of the business immediately before and immediately after
the Change in Control. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive not being retained as Chief Financial Officer of the surviving publicly
traded parent company shall automatically constitute Good Reason.
The
Executive cannot terminate employment for Good Reason unless the Executive has provided written notice to the Companies of the existence
of the circumstances providing grounds for termination for Good Reason within sixty (60) days of the Executive’s initial knowledge
of such grounds and the Companies have had at least thirty (30) days from the date on which such notice is provided to cure such circumstances,
and the Companies fail to cure such grounds within that thirty (30) day period. If the Executive does not terminate employment for Good
Reason within one hundred eighty (180) days after the Executive’s first knowledge of the applicable grounds, then the Executive
will be deemed to have waived the right to terminate for Good Reason with respect to such grounds.
B.
Termination
Without Cause or for Good Reason. The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by the Companies without Cause or
by the Executive for Good Reason. In the event of such termination, the Executive shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts
and, subject to the Executive’s compliance with the Confidentiality Agreement and the Executive’s execution of a release
of claims in favor of the Companies, its or their Affiliates and its or their respective officers and directors in a form provided
by the Companies (the “Release”) and such Release becoming effective within sixty (60) days following the Termination
Date (such sixty (60)-day period, the “Release Execution Period”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive the following:
1.
a
severance payment equal to twelve (12) months of the Executive’s then-current Base Salary (prior to a material reduction described
in Section V.A.3.a above) for the year in which the Termination Date occurs, which shall be paid on the Companies’ regular
payroll dates over a period of twelve (12) months, beginning with the first regular payroll date that occurs on or after sixty (60)
days following the Termination Date; provided that, if the Release Execution Period begins in one taxable year and ends in another
taxable year, payment shall not be made until the beginning of the second taxable year.
2.
If
the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1985 (“COBRA”), the Companies shall reimburse the Executive for a portion of the monthly COBRA premium paid by the Executive
for the Executive and the Executive’s dependents equal to the monthly employer contribution that the Company would have made
to provide health insurance to the Executive if the Executive had remained employed by the Company. Such reimbursement shall be paid
to the Executive on the thirtieth (30th) 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 twelve (12)-month
anniversary of the Termination Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and
(iii) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible to receive substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Companies’ making payments under this Section V.B would violate the nondiscrimination
rules applicable to non-grandfathered plans under the Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”), or result in the imposition of
penalties under the ACA and the related regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder), the parties agree to reform this Section
V.B in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
3.
If
the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the twelve (12)
months of cash severance payments will include an amount which is the pro-rated portion of 100% of targeted Annual Bonus which the
Executive is entitled to in the fiscal year of the termination date. A Change in Control is defined as any one of the following occurrences:
(i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended
(the “Exchange Act”), other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities of the Company under an employee benefit
plan of the Company, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly
or indirectly, of the securities of the Company representing more than 50% of a) the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company
or b) the combined voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding securities; or, (ii) the sale or disposition of all or substantially
all of the Company’s assets (or any transaction having similar effect is consummated); or, (iii) the Company is party to a
merger or consolidation that results in the holders of voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto failing
to continue to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more
than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after
such merger or consolidation; or, (iv) there occurs a sale to a “person” (as such term is defined in Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act) of securities of the Company representing more than fifty (50%) percent of the total number of votes that may be
cast for the election of directors of the Company.
4.
The
treatment of any outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Stock Plan and applicable award
agreements.
C.
Death
or Disability.
1.
The
Executive’s employment hereunder shall terminate automatically on the Executive’s death during the Term, and the Companies
may terminate the Executive’s employment on account of the Executive’s Disability.
2.
If
the Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term on account of the Executive’s death or Disability, the Executive
(or the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiary, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts.
Notwithstanding
any other provision contained herein, all payments made in connection with the Executive’s Disability shall be provided in a manner
which is consistent with federal and state law. Nothing herein shall alter the terms of any short-term or long-term disability policy
offered by the Companies pursuant to which Executive may be eligible for benefits upon such Disability.
3.
For
purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” shall mean the Executive’s inability to perform the essential duties of
the Executive’s position, with or without any reasonable accommodations, because of the Executive’s mental or physical
illness, injury, impairment or incapacity, as interpreted and applied consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other
Applicable Law, for a period in excess of ninety (90) consecutive days in any calendar year. The Committee shall exercise reasonable
discretion to determine if a Disability has occurred.
4.
The
treatment of any outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Stock Plan and applicable award
agreements.
D.
Notice
of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder by the Companies or by the Executive during the Term
(other than termination pursuant to Section V.C.1 on account of the Executive’s death) shall be communicated by written notice
of termination (“Notice of Termination”) to the other party hereto in accordance with Section XXIV. The Notice of Termination
shall specify:
1.
The
termination provision of this Agreement relied upon;
2.
To
the extent applicable, the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment
under the provision so indicated; and
3.
The
applicable Termination Date.
E.
Termination
Date. The Executive’s “Termination Date” shall be:
1.
If
the Executive’s employment hereunder terminates on account of the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s
death;
2.
If
the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated following the Executive’s Disability, the date that it is determined
by the Committee that the Executive has terminated employment following a Disability;
3.
If
the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated for Cause, the date the Notice of Termination is delivered to the Executive;
4.
If
Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated without Cause, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall
be no less than thirty (30) days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered; provided that, the Companies
shall have the option to instruct the Executive not to perform any further work after receiving the Notice of Termination (but the
Executive shall continue to receive compensation and benefits under this Agreement through the date of termination);
5.
If
the Executive terminates the Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the date specified in the Executive’s
Notice of Termination, which shall be no less than thirty (30) days following the date on which the Notice of Termination is delivered;
provided that, the Companies may waive all or any part of the thirty (30)-day notice period for no consideration by giving written
notice to the Executive and for all purposes of this Agreement, the Executive’s Termination Date shall be the date determined
by the Company; and
6.
If
the Executive terminates the Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the date the Executive’s Notice of Termination
is delivered to the Company.
Notwithstanding
anything contained herein, the Termination Date shall not occur until the date on which the Executive incurs a “separation from
service” within the meaning of Section 409A.
F.
Mitigation.
In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as provided in Section V.B.2, any amounts payable
pursuant to this Section V shall not be reduced by compensation the Executive earns on account of employment with another employer.
G.
Resignation
of All Other Positions. On termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason, the Executive agrees to resign,
and shall be deemed to have resigned, effective on the Termination Date, from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer
or member of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Parent, and the board (or a committee thereof) of the Company and any other
Affiliates of the Companies.
H.
Section
280G.
1.
If
any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive (including, without limitation, any payment or benefits
received in connection with a change of control or the Executive’s termination of employment, whether pursuant to the terms
of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement, or otherwise) (all such payments collectively referred to herein as
the “280G Payments”) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code and would,
but for this Section V.H, be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then
prior to making the 280G Payments, a calculation shall be made comparing (i) the Net Benefit (as defined below) to the Executive
of the 280G Payments after payment of the Excise Tax to (ii) the Net Benefit to the Executive if the 280G Payments are limited to
the extent necessary to avoid being subject to the Excise Tax. Only if the amount calculated under (i) above is less than the amount
under (ii) above will the 280G Payments be reduced to the minimum extent necessary to ensure that no portion of the 280G Payments
is subject to the Excise Tax. “Net Benefit” shall mean the present value of the 280G Payments net of all federal, state,
local, foreign income, employment, and excise taxes. Any reduction made pursuant to this Section V.H shall be made in a manner determined
by the Companies that is consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.
2.
All
calculations and determinations under this Section V.H shall be made by an independent accounting firm or independent tax counsel
appointed by the Companies (the “Tax Counsel”) whose determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Companies
and the Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section V.H, the
Tax Counsel may rely on reasonable, good faith assumptions and approximations concerning the application of Section 280G and Section
4999 of the Code. The Companies and the Executive shall furnish the Tax Counsel with such information and documents as the Tax Counsel
may reasonably request in order to make its determinations under this Section V.H. The Companies shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel
may reasonably incur in connection with its services.
VI.
Compliance
with Confidentiality Agreement. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Companies’ obligation to pay any benefits under
Section V, other than the Accrued Amounts, is contingent upon the Executive’s compliance with the Confidentiality Agreement
and any other covenants that are applicable to the Executive. The Executive further acknowledges and agrees that the Confidentiality
Agreement is incorporated into this Agreement by reference, constitutes a material term and condition of Executive’s employment,
and is a material inducement to the Companies’ willingness to enter into this Agreement. Any breach or threatened breach of
the Confidentiality Agreement shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and may serve as grounds for disciplinary action,
including termination of Executive’s employment for Cause, to the extent permitted under this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other
provision to the contrary in the Agreement, in the event the Executive fails or ceases to fully abide by the Confidentiality Agreement
or any other restrictive covenants applicable to the Executive, whether or not any such covenant(s) are ultimately deemed to be invalid
or unenforceable, then the Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive shall not be eligible to receive, and will forfeit, any
and all benefits under Section V other than the Accrued Amounts, except that the Executive will be entitled to $1,000 of the severance
benefits provided under Section V. If the Executive has already received any such severance benefits provided in Section V (other
than the Accrued Amounts) at the time the Executive violates any such covenant, whether or not the covenants are ultimately deemed
invalid or unenforceable as set forth in the preceding sentence, then, in addition to any rights of the Companies under Section IV.H
herein, the Executive is deemed to have acknowledged that the Companies will immediately be entitled to recover all such gross amounts
in full from the Executive, except that the Executive may retain $1,000 of such severance benefits. The rights and remedies of the
Companies under this Section shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies available at law, in equity, under
this Agreement, or under the Confidentiality Agreement, including the right to seek injunctive or other equitable relief.
VII.
Protected
Rights. Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing in the Agreement,
including but not limited to any release provided under the Agreement, or other agreement prohibits the Executive from reporting
possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice,
the SEC, the Congress and any agency Inspector General (the “Government Agencies”), or communicating with the Government
Agencies or otherwise participating in any investigation or proceedings that may be conducted by the Government Agencies, including
providing documents or other information, or engaging in any concerted activities or other actions as protected by the National Labor
Relations Act; (ii) the Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Companies to take any action described in (i), and
the Executive is not required to notify the Companies that he or she has taken any action described in (i); and (iii) neither the
Agreement nor such release limits the Executive’s right to receive an award for providing information relating to a possible
securities law violation to the SEC. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly
liable under any federal, state, or local trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (x) is made (A) in confidence
to a federal, state, or local official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting
or investigating a suspected violation or law; or (y) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding,
if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual suing an employer for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected
violation of law may disclose a trade secret to his or her attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding,
so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the individual does not disclose the trade secret except
pursuant to court order.
VIII.
Non-Disparagement.
Subject to Executive’s protected rights under Section VII hereof and Applicable Law, the Executive covenants and agrees that,
during the term of the Executive’s employment and thereafter, the Executive shall not make any disparaging remarks, or any
remarks that could reasonably be construed as disparaging, regarding the Companies or its or their Affiliates, or its or their officers,
directors, employees, stockholders, representatives or agents. The Companies shall, except to the extent otherwise required by Applicable
Law or as appropriate in the exercise of the fiduciary duties of the Board or the board of directors of the Company (as determined
by the Board or the board of directors of the Company, with advice of counsel), as applicable, exercise reasonable efforts to cause
the following individuals to refrain from making, and refrain from instructing or encouraging others to make, any disparaging statements,
orally or in writing, regarding the Executive from and after the termination of the Executive’s employment: the Companies’
executive officers and the members of the Board.
IX.
Non-Diversion
of Business Opportunity. During the Executive’s employment with the Companies and consistent with the Executive’s duties
and fiduciary obligations to the Companies, the Executive shall (i) disclose to the Companies any business opportunity that comes
to the Executive’s attention during the Executive’s employment with the Companies and that relates to the business of
the Companies or otherwise arises as a result of the Executive’s employment with the Companies, and (ii) not take advantage
of or otherwise divert any such opportunity for the Executive’s own benefit or that of any other person or entity without prior
written consent of the Companies.
X.
Cooperation.
The parties agree that certain matters in which the Executive will be involved during the Term may necessitate the Executive’s
cooperation in the future. Accordingly, following the termination of the Executive’s employment for any reason, to the extent
reasonably requested by the Board, the Executive shall cooperate with the Companies in connection with matters arising out of the
Executive’s service to the Companies; provided that, the Companies shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of
the Executive’s other activities. The Companies shall reimburse the Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection
with such cooperation and, to the extent that the Executive is required to spend substantial time on such matters, the Companies
shall provide reasonable compensation to the Executive for such services.
XI.
Acknowledgement.
The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the services to be rendered by the Executive to the Companies are of a special and unique
character; that the Executive will obtain knowledge and skill relevant to the Companies’ industry, methods of doing business
and marketing and other strategies by virtue of the Executive’s employment; and that the restrictive covenants and other terms
and conditions of this Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement are reasonable and reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate
business interest of the Companies.
XII.
Remedies.
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Executive of the Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement, the Executive hereby
consents and agrees that the Companies shall be entitled to seek, in addition to other available remedies, a temporary or permanent
injunction or other equitable relief against such breach or threatened breach from any court of competent jurisdiction, and that
money damages would not afford an adequate remedy, without the necessity of showing any actual damages, and without the necessity
of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned equitable relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies,
monetary damages or other available forms of relief.
XIII.
Arbitration.
Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or any breach of this Agreement or the Executive’s
employment, whether the claim arises in contract, tort, or statute, shall be submitted to and decided by binding arbitration with
the exception of the following claims by Executive: (1) for state Workers’ Compensation benefits; (2) for unemployment insurance
benefits filed with the appropriate government entity; (3) arising under a benefit plan where the plan expressly specifies a separate
arbitration procedure; (4) arising under the National Labor Relations Act and filed through a charge with the National Labor Relations
Board; (5) for sexual harassment or sexual assault under state or federal law; or (6) which are otherwise expressly prohibited by
law from being subject to arbitration under this Agreement. Executive and the Companies expressly acknowledge and agree that by entering
into this Agreement, Executive and the Companies waive any right to a jury trial on any dispute or claim that is subject to binding
arbitration under this Agreement. Any arbitration under this Agreement shall be conducted pursuant to the Employment/Workplace Arbitration
Rules and Mediation Procedures of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) then in effect. Any arbitration shall
be heard before a single arbitrator and shall be conducted in Atlanta, Georgia unless the parties mutually agree otherwise in writing.
A.
All
aspects of the arbitration, including without limitation, the record of the proceeding and any award or findings by the arbitrator,
are confidential and shall not be open to the public except: (1) to the extent the parties agree otherwise in writing, (2) as may
be appropriate in any subsequent proceedings between the parties, or (3) as may otherwise be appropriate in response to a governmental
agency or legal process, provided that the party upon whom such process is served shall give immediate notice of such process to
the other party and afford the other party an appropriate opportunity to object to such process.
B.
Executive
and the Companies will share the costs of arbitration equally except that the Companies will bear the cost of the arbitrator’s
fee and any other type of expense or cost that Executive would not be required to bear if Executive were to bring the dispute or
claim in court. Each party shall initially bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs; provided, however, that if Executive substantially
prevails in enforcing any right, payment, benefit, or obligation arising under this Agreement, the Parent and Company shall reimburse
Executive for all reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection therewith. The arbitrator shall have authority
to determine whether Executive has substantially prevailed and to award such reimbursement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either
party may seek temporary, preliminary, or other provisional injunctive or equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction
before, during, or after the pendency of any arbitration proceeding, including to protect confidential information, trade secrets,
intellectual property, or to enforce restrictive covenants, without waiving such party’s right to arbitrate the underlying dispute.
The parties acknowledge and agree that any request for such provisional relief shall not be deemed incompatible with, or a waiver
of, the agreement to arbitrate set forth herein. Except as expressly provided in this Section XIII, all disputes subject to arbitration
shall be resolved exclusively through arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with this Section
XIII.
C.
To
the fullest extent permitted by law, and notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement, Executive and the Companies agree that
any claims brought by the Companies (or one of its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates), by Executive or on Executive’s behalf
shall be decided by the arbitrator on an individual basis and not on a class, collective or representative basis. Accordingly, class,
collective and representative actions are not permitted under this Agreement. The arbitrator shall not have the authority or jurisdiction
to hear the arbitration as a class, collective or representative action or to join or consolidate causes of action of different parties
into one proceeding. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive and the Companies agree to waive, to the maximum extent possible,
any rights to bring or participate in class, collective or representative actions with respect to any claims. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if and to the extent applicable law precludes you or the Companies from waiving any right to bring class, collective or
representative claims, and provided that the applicable law is not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act or other federal law,
then Executive and the Companies agree that such class, collective or representative claims shall not be subject to the terms of
this Agreement and shall be heard by a court of competent jurisdiction.
D.
Except
upon a substantial showing of good cause, discovery will be limited to the exchange of relevant documents and three depositions per
side. Upon request, either party shall be entitled to receive, prior to the final hearing, information and copies of documents that
meet the criteria for discovery. Upon request, Executive shall also be entitled to a true copy of his or her employment records kept
in the ordinary course of business (including, without limitation any and all performance evaluations), other than records relating
to pre-employment procedures and any reference checks, subject to any condition or limitation imposed by the arbitrator upon a showing
of good cause. Any dispute relative to discovery shall be presented to the arbitrator for final and binding resolution. The arbitrator
will have the authority to hear and grant motions, including but not limited to motions for summary judgment and summary adjudication.
E.
The
arbitrator shall issue a final and binding award that shall contain the essential findings of fact and conclusions of law on which
the decision is based. Judgment upon the award may be entered, and enforcement may be sought, in any court of competent jurisdiction.
F.
The
arbitrator shall apply the substantive laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, together with
applicable federal law.
G.
The
arbitrator shall have the exclusive authority and jurisdiction to resolve any issue relating to the formation or enforceability of
this Agreement, or any issue relating to whether a claim is subject to arbitration under this Agreement.
XIV.
Return
of Property of the Companies. Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination of the Executive’s employment (or at any time upon
request of the Companies), the Executive shall immediately surrender and return to the Companies all property of or relating to the
Companies (including, without limitation, all records, notes, documents, forms, manuals, photographs, instructions, lists, drawings,
blueprints, programs, diagrams, equipment, supplies, electronic files, passwords, log-in credentials, client-related and other records,
notes, materials, computer-generated or computer-retrievable data or other data, computer disks, software or other written, printed
or electronic material, which pertain to the business of the Companies or that may or may not relate to or otherwise comprise or
contain confidential information or trade secrets, as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) that the Executive created, used,
possessed, had access to or maintained while working for the Companies from whatever source and whenever created, including all reproductions
or excerpts thereof. This provision does not apply to purely personal documents of the Executive, but it does apply to business calendars,
customer lists, contact information, computer programs, laptops, computers, cell phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants,
disks and their contents and like information that may contain some personal matters of the Executive. The Executive acknowledges
that title to all such property is vested in the Companies. The Executive expressly agrees that the Companies, upon termination of
the Executive’s employment or at any time upon request of the Companies, may have access to and review any computer(s), smart
phones or similar equipment utilized by the Executive at least in part for the Companies’ businesses, whether owned by the
Executive or by the Companies, to determine if there is any business-related information thereon, and the Companies may require that
any such information be deleted if it determines that such is in the best interests of the Companies.
XV.
Governing
Law: Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Georgia without
regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding by either of the parties to enforce this Agreement that is not subject
to the mandatory arbitration provision in Section XIII shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of
Georgia. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waive the defense of inconvenient
forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceeding in such venue.
XVI.
Entire
Agreement. Except for the Confidentiality Agreement and the other agreements expressly incorporated herein by reference, , this Agreement
contains all of the understandings and representations between the Executive and the Companies 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.
XVII.
Modification
and Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified unless such amendment or modification is agreed to in writing
and signed by the Executive and an authorized officer of each of the Parent and the Company. No waiver by any of the parties of any
breach by another party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by another party hereto shall be deemed
a waiver of any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any prior or subsequent time, nor shall the failure of
or delay by any of the parties in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder operate as a waiver thereof to preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other such right, power or privilege.
XVIII.
Severability.
Should any provision of this Agreement be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be enforceable only if modified, or if any
portion of this Agreement shall be held as unenforceable and thus stricken, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remainder
of this Agreement, the balance of which shall continue to be binding upon the parties with any such modification to become a part
hereof and treated as though originally set forth in this Agreement.
The
parties further agree that any such court is expressly authorized to modify any such unenforceable provision of this Agreement in lieu
of severing such unenforceable provision from this Agreement in its entirety, whether by rewriting the offending provision, deleting
any or all of the offending provision, adding additional language to this Agreement, or by making such other modifications as it deems
warranted to carry out the intent and agreement of the parties as embodied herein to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The
parties expressly agree that this Agreement as so modified by the court shall be binding upon and enforceable against each of them. In
any event, should one or more of the provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not
modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had not been set
forth herein.
XIX.
Captions;
Construction. Captions and headings of the sections and paragraphs of this Agreement are intended solely for convenience and no provision
of this Agreement is to be construed by reference to the caption or heading of any section or paragraph. For clarity, reference to
the “Companies” includes the Parent and the Company unless the context otherwise requires.
XX.
Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
XXI.
Section
409A. Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, if and to the extent that Section 409A is deemed to apply
to any benefit under the Agreement, it is the general intention of the Companies that such benefits shall, to the extent practicable,
comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A, and the Agreement shall, to the extent practicable, be construed in accordance therewith.
Deferrals of benefits distributable pursuant to the Agreement that are otherwise exempt from Section 409A in a manner that would
cause Section 409A to apply shall not be permitted unless such deferrals are in compliance with or otherwise exempt from Section
409A. In the event that the Companies (or a successors thereto) have any stock which is publicly traded on an established securities
market or otherwise and the Executive is determined to be a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A), any
payment of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A to be made to the Executive upon a separation from service may not be made
before the date that is six months after the Executive’s separation from service (or death, if earlier). To the extent that
the Executive becomes subject to the six-month delay rule, all payments of deferred compensation subject to Section 409A that would
have been made to the Executive during the six months following his or her separation from service, if any, will be accumulated and
paid to the Executive during the seventh month following his or her separation from service, and any remaining payments due will
be made in their ordinary course as described in the Agreement. For the purposes herein, the phrase “termination of employment”
or similar phrases will be interpreted in accordance with the term “separation from service” as defined under Section
409A if and to the extent required under Section 409A. Whenever payments under the Agreement are to be made in installments, each
such installment shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A. To the extent not otherwise specified in
the Agreement, all (A) reimbursements and (B) in-kind benefits provided under the Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance
with the requirements of Section 409A, including, where applicable, the requirement that (1) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred
during the Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in the Agreement); (2) the amount of expenses
eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement,
or in kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (3) the reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be made no later
than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred; and (4) the right to reimbursement or
in kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Further, (i) in the event that Section 409A requires
that any special terms, provisions, or conditions be included in the Agreement, then such terms, provisions and conditions shall,
to the extent practicable, be deemed to be made a part of the Agreement, and (ii) terms used in the Agreement shall be construed
in accordance with Section 409A if and to the extent required. Neither the Companies, its or their Affiliates, the Board, the Committee,
the board of directors of the Company, nor its or their designees or agents makes any representations that the payments and benefits
provided under the Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event will the Companies, its or their Affiliates, the Board, the
Committee, the board of directors of the Company, nor its or their designees or agents be liable for all or any portion of any taxes,
penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Executive (or any person claiming through him or her) on account
of non-compliance with Section 409A. Any payments that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception or another exception
under Code Section 409A shall be paid under the applicable exception.
XXII.
Notification
to Subsequent Employer. When the Executive’s employment with the Companies terminates, the Executive agrees to notify any subsequent
employer of any restrictive covenants that apply pursuant to this Agreement or the Confidentiality Agreement. The Executive will
also deliver a copy of such notice to the Companies before the Executive commences employment with any subsequent employer. In addition,
the Executive authorizes the Companies to provide a copy of any restrictive covenant provisions under this Agreement or the Confidentiality
Agreement to third parties, including but not limited to, the Executive’s subsequent, anticipated or possible future employer.
XXIII.
Successors
and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and permitted
assigns. Neither Parent nor Company may assign this Agreement, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written
consent of Executive; provided, however, that Executive’s consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed
with respect to an assignment to a successor entity in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of assets, stock
sale, or other change in control transaction where such successor expressly assumes all obligations under this Agreement. Executive
may not assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder.
XXIV.
Notice.
Notices provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, or by overnight carrier to the parties at the addresses set forth below (or such other addresses as specified
by the parties by like notice):
If
to the Parent:
Volato
Group, Inc.
1954
Airport Road, Suite 124
Chamblee,
GA 30341
Attn:
Secretary
If
to the Company:
Volato,
Inc.
1954
Airport Road, Suite 124
Chamblee,
GA 30341
Attn:
Secretary
If
to the Executive:
Mark
Heinen
1824
Baker Ridge Road
Sherman,
Texas 75090
XXV.
Representations
of the Executive. The Executive represents and warrants to the Companies that:
1.
The
Executive’s continued employment with the Companies and the performance of duties hereunder will not conflict with or result
in a violation of, a breach of, or a default under any contract, agreement or understanding to which the Executive is a party or
is otherwise bound.
2.
The
Executive’s continued employment with the Companies and the performance of duties hereunder will not violate any non-solicitation,
non-competition or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
XXVI.
Withholding.
The Companies shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any federal, state and local taxes in order for
the Companies to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any Applicable Law.
XXVII.
Survival.
Upon the expiration or other termination of this Agreement, the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall survive
such expiration or other termination to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties under this Agreement.
XXVIII.
Acknowledgement
of Full Understanding. THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE EXECUTIVE HAS FULLY READ, UNDERSTANDS AND VOLUNTARILY ENTERS
INTO THIS AGREEMENT. THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE EXECUTIVE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND CONSULT
WITH AN ATTORNEY OF THE EXECUTIVE’S CHOICE BEFORE SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT.
[SIGNATURE
PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
Volato
Group, Inc. (Parent):
By:
/s/
Matt Liotta
Name:
Matthew
Liotta
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer
Volato,
Inc. (Company):
By:
/s/
Matt Liotta
Name:
Matthew
Liotta
Title:
Chief
Executive Officer
EXECUTIVE
By:
/s/
Mark Heinen
Name:
Mark
Heinen
Signature
Page to Mark Heinen Employment Agreement
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v3.26.1
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Jul. 22, 2026
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Entity File Number
001-41104
Entity Registrant Name
VOLATO
GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key
0001853070
Entity Tax Identification Number
86-2707040
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
DE
Entity Address, Address Line One
1954
Airport Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two
Suite 124
Entity Address, City or Town
Chamblee
Entity Address, State or Province
GA
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City Area Code
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Title of 12(b) Security
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Security Exchange Name
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Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $287.50
Title of 12(b) Security
Warrants,
each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $287.50
Trading Symbol
SOARW
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