8-K
REED'S, INC. (REED)
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): April 14, 2025
REED’S,
INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-32501 | 35-2177773 |
|---|---|---|
| (State<br> or other jurisdiction<br><br> <br>of<br> incorporation) | (Commission<br><br> <br>File<br> Number) | (IRS<br> Employer<br><br> <br>Identification<br> No.) |
501 Merritt 7 Corporate Park, Norwalk, CT 06851
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
Not applicable
(Former name or former address if changed since last report)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 997-3337
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<br> communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Soliciting<br> material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement<br> communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement<br> 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: None
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchanged on Which Registered |
|---|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).
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. ☐
Item1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
LeadershipTransition
On April 16, 2025, Norman E. Snyder, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of Reed’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Reed’s or the “Company”), announced his retirement.
In connection with Mr. Snyder’s retirement, the Company’s board of directors appointed Cyril Wallace as Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors, effective April 16, 2025, pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”).
In order to ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Snyder will remain as an employee of the Company through May 31, 2025 pursuant to the Retirement, Transition and Separation Agreement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Transition Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Transition Agreement, Mr. Snyder will receive 12 months’ severance at his current salary rate and reimbursement of COBRA premiums and deductibles for such 12 month period. Further, he will be given an extended period of two years to exercise all of his vested stock options. Mr. Snyder will also be eligible for bonuses in Q1. Mr. Snyder is party to the Company’s standard Confidentiality and Proprietary Information Agreement (“CPIA”), which includes customary restrictive covenants, and the Company’s standard Indemnification Agreement available to executive officers and directors. Pursuant to the Transition Agreement, Mr. Snyder further agreed to cooperate with the Company, from time to time, as may be reasonably requested to support the Company’s ongoing matters.
Mr. Wallace’s Employment Agreement provides for a base salary of $700,000. Mr. Wallace will receive health insurance, four weeks paid vacation on an annual basis and other benefits available to our executive officers. Mr. Wallace will also receive a signing bonus of $35,000 and long distance commuting and relocation expense reimbursement up to $50,000, which must be reimbursed in full if his employment is terminated (for no reason or any reason) prior to the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date. The Employment Agreement is “at-will” and may be terminated by Mr. Wallace or Reed’s at any time upon five days’ notice, for no reason or for any reason. The Employment Agreement contains customary clawback and arbitration provisions.
Mr. Wallace also executed the CPIA and is party to Reed’s standard Indemnification Agreement. Subject to the board of directors’ establishment of a new equity incentive plan and Mr. Wallace’s continued employment, Mr. Wallace will be granted a restricted stock award of 280,000 shares of common stock, vesting over a one-year term, and performance based stock options to purchase up to 1,388,166 shares of common stock. The performance-based stock options will be granted in tranches beginning in 2025 through 2027. Vesting of performance-based stock options will be subject to achievement of annual performance metrics established by the board of directors and agreed between the parties.
The foregoing summary of the Transition Agreement, Employment Agreement, Indemnification Agreement and CPIA are not complete and are subject to, qualified in their entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the full text of such agreements filed, or to be filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
Item5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements ofCertain Officers.
(b) The disclosures set forth in Item 1.01 regarding Norman E. Snyder’s retirement and resignation from the positions of Chief Executive Officer and director and the terms of the Transition Agreement are incorporated into this section (b) by this reference.
(c) The disclosures set forth in Item 1.01 regarding Cyril Wallace’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer and the terms of the Employment Agreement are incorporated into this section (c) by this reference.
Mr. Wallace, age 45, has worked with PepsiCo Beverages North America for 21 years. Most recently, he was a VPGM at PepsiCo Beverages North America from May 2022 through April 2024, where he led a $3.2 B territory overseeing sales, warehouse, transportation, and GTM teams and developed strategies to mitigate cost and create sustainable long term growth. Prior, from October 2019, through June 2022, he served as Sales Vice President for PepsiCo’s Atlantic region, a $2.7B territory, overseeing sales, product supply, finance, and Go-To-Market teams. Mr. Wallace holds a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Georgia State University.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Wallace and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Wallace was selected as Chief Executive Officer. There are also no family relationships between Mr. Wallace and any director or executive officer of the Company. Mr. Wallace has no direct or indirect material interest in any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
(d) On May 14, 2025, the Company appointed Rudolph “Rudd” Bakker, age 59, to the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Bakker will receive standard board compensation of $50,000 per annum. The Company expects to appoint Mr. Bakker to the audit, compensation and governance committees of the board. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Bakker and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Bakker was selected as a director. Mr. Bakker has no direct or indirect material interest in any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
On May 16, 2025, the Company appointed Cyril Wallace, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, to the Company’s board of directors.
(e) The disclosures set forth in Item 1.01 regarding compensatory arrangements of Norman E. Snyder, Jr. and Cyril Wallace are incorporated into this subsection (e) by this reference.
Item8.01 Other Events.
On April 17, 2025, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Snyder’s retirement, Mr. Wallace’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Bakker’s appointment as director. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
This information is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Item9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d)Exhibits
| EXHIBIT<br><br> <br>NUMBER | EXHIBIT<br> DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 10.1* | Retirement, Transition and Separation Agreement by and between Reed’s, Inc. and Norman E. Snyder, Jr. dated April 14, 2025 |
| 10.2* | Executive Employment Agreement by and between Reed’s, Inc. and Cyril Wallace dated April 16, 2025 |
| 10.3 | Form of Indemnification Agreement, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K as filed with the SEC April 1, 2024. |
| 10.4 | Form of Confidentiality and Proprietary Information Agreement |
| 99.1 | Press Release of Reed’s, Inc. dated April 17, 2025 |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
* Portions of the exhibit have been omitted.
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.
| REEDS,<br> INC., | ||
|---|---|---|
| a<br> Delaware corporation | ||
| Dated:<br> April 17, 2025 | By: | /s/ Cyril Wallace |
| Cyril Wallace | ||
| Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 10.1
Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
EXECUTIVERETIREMENT, TRANSITION AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT
THISEXECUTIVE RETIREMENT, TRANSITION AND SEPARATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into by and between Reed’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Norman E. Snyder, Jr. (“Executive”) effective April 14, 2025.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Executive has been employed by the Company in the position of Chief Executive Officer and serves as a member of the board of directors of the Company;
WHEREAS, Executive desires to retire and the parties desire to facilitate the orderly transition of Executive’s duties;
WHEREAS, in exchange for Executive executing and complying with the terms of this Agreement, including without limitation Executive’s execution and non-revocation of the general release of claims herein, the Company has agreed to provide Executive the below-described benefits and arrangements; and
WHEREASvoluntarily and of Executive’s own free will, Executive desires to accept the Company’s offer in exchange for executing and complying with the terms of this Agreement.
NOW,THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:
1. Separation of Employment; Transition Period.
(a) Separation Date. Unless otherwise approved by the Company, Executive’s last day of employment with the Company will be May 31, 2025 (the “Separation Date”). Executive confirms and understands that unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, regardless of whether Executive executes and does not revoke his acceptance to this Agreement, Executive’s employment and/or service relationship with the Company and any of its affiliates shall terminate and cease for all purposes effective as of the Separation Date, including for purposes of all salary, wages, compensation, benefits, bonuses, equity, vesting, and any other interests or benefits unless otherwise expressly set forth herein. Regardless of whether Executive timely executes and does not revoke his acceptance to this Agreement, Executive shall be paid Executive’s (i) salary at current rate of pay (based on annual salary of $378,525.00) earned through the Separation Date, unpaid expense reimbursements and unused paid time off that accrued through the Separation Date on or before the time required by law and (ii) any vested benefits the Executive may have under any employee benefit plan of the Company through the Separation Date, which vested benefits shall be paid and/or provided in accordance with the terms of such employee benefit plans, including but not limited to vested stock options. Further, Executive shall receive a guaranteed bonus in the amount of $30,000.00 and will be eligible to receive up to an additional $20,000.00 bonus subject to achievement of performance metrics set forth on Exhibit A.
(b) Transition Period. Effective through the Separation Date (the “Transition Period”), Executive (i) shall assist in the smooth and orderly transition of Executive’s duties and responsibilities, (ii) shall continue to serve as an employee, and (iii) shall otherwise provide reasonable assistance to the Company in accordance with the reasonable directives of the Company. Outstanding stock options that have not vested will continue to vest during the Transition Period.
- Separation Benefits. In consideration of Executive’s promises and covenants set forth herein and further conditioned upon: (a) Executive’s resignation from the office of Chief Executive Officer, as a member of the board of directors and any other position he holds with the Company effective as of the Separation Date (b) Executive executing, dating and delivering this Agreement to the Company in accordance with the terms provided in the paragraph titled “Older Worker Benefit Protection Act Disclosure”; (c) Executive not revoking this Agreement as provided for in the section titled “Older Worker Benefit Protection Act Disclosure”; (d) Executive executing, dating and delivering the Affirmation of General Release of Claims attached hereto as Exhibit B to the Company no earlier than the Separation Date and no later than seven (7) days after the Separation Date; and (e) Executive’s compliance with all the terms of this Agreement, as well as his continued compliance with that certain Confidentiality and Proprietary Information Agreement of evendate herewith (the “CPIA”), Company shall pay or provide to Executive the following (collectively (a)- (d), the “Separation Benefits”):
(a) Three hundred and seventy-eight thousand five hundred twenty -five dollars ($378,525.00) payable in equal installments for twelve (12) months following the Separation Date in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, but no less frequently than monthly, which shall commence immediately following the Termination Date (referred to herein as the “12-Month Continued Base Salary”.
(b) Executive will have an extended period of two years from the Separation Date to exercise vested stock options.
(c) The Company will reimburse Executive an amount up to $10,000.00 for legal fees paid by Executive related to review and negotiation of the terms of this Agreement.
(d) If the Executive timely and properly elects health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), the Company shall reimburse the Executive all of the monthly COBRA premiums paid by the Executive for the Executive and the Executive’s dependents and all of Executive’s deductibles to which Executive’s health insurance policy is subject. Reimbursement of such COBRA premiums shall be paid to the Executive on the first of the month immediately following the month in which the Executive timely remits the premium payment. The deductibles shall be pre-paid to Executive in accordance with Company’s policies and procedures applicable to executive employees. The Executive shall be eligible to receive such reimbursement until the earliest of: (i) the twelve-month anniversary of the Separation Date; (ii) the date the Executive is no longer eligible to receive COBRA continuation coverage; and (iii) the date on which the Executive receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or other source. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company’s making payments under this Section 2(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 2(b) in a manner as is necessary to comply with the ACA.
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Full Payment and Satisfaction. Executive acknowledges and agrees that (i) subject to receipt of the Executive’s receipt of the Separation Benefits described in Paragraph 2 above, Executive has received full and timely payment of all compensation, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, distributions, vacation pay, paid time off, severance, incentive pay, equity, profits, phantom stock payments, change in control bonuses, or other payments or benefits owed or which ever have been owed by the Company or any of its affiliates through the Separation Date, including without limitation pursuant to stock option award agreements and the applicable plan governing such awards and (ii) the Separation Benefits provided herein, individually or in the aggregate, are in exchange for his execution and non-revocation of this Agreement, as well as his compliance with the terms hereof. All unvested stock options shall cease to vest upon the Separation Date.
General Release of Claims. In exchange for the consideration set forth herein, including the Separation Benefits, Executive, for Executive, Executive’s agents, attorneys, heirs, beneficiaries, administrators, executors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting or claiming on Executive’s or their joint or several behalf, hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Company, and all of its past, present or future parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, and any of its or their past, present or future employees, officers, directors, managers, trustees, board members, owners, equity holders, agents, attorneys, insurers or benefit plans and any of its or their predecessors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting on their joint or several behalf (the “Releasees”), from any and all known and unknown, suspected or unsuspected, claims, causes of action, demands, damages, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, liabilities, or other losses, from the beginning of time through the date this Agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, those that in any way arise from, grow out of, or are related to Executive’s employment and/or service relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or the termination thereof or any contracts, agreements, awards, policies, plans, programs or practices with or of any Releasee. By way of example only and without limiting the immediately preceding sentence, Executive agrees that Executive is releasing, waiving, and discharging
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(a) any and all claims against the Company and the Releasees under (i) any federal, state, or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and any state or local equivalent law(s), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; (ii) applicable state or local civil rights law(s);
(b) any claim to benefits under any plan, or under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, except for Executive’s right to any benefits to which Executive is entitled under any retirement plan of the Company that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or Executive’s rights, if any, under COBRA;
(c) any and all claims under common law, including any claim for tort, breach of contract (express or implied, written or oral), quasi contract, wrongful or constructive discharge, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misrepresentation, fraud, or negligence;
(d) any and all claims arising under or in connection with any agreement, understanding, contract, promise, or arrangement, written or oral, between Executive and the Company and/or any of the Releasees, including but not limited to any claims arising under or in connection with equity award agreements and applicable governing plans;
(e) any and all claims for or relating to any compensation, distributions, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, income, carried interest, contributions, distributions, fees, income, contributions, overtime pay, incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, stock options, shares, equity, or any other actual or prospective stock, equity, option, profits, awards or grants; and
(f) any other claims Executive may now have against the Releasees, whether known or unknown to Executive;
Notwithstanding any releases granted in the foregoing, Executive’s right to be held harmless and Executive’s right to indemnification from the Company, as reflected in that certain Indemnity Agreement, dated February 27, 2024 (the “Indemnification Agreement”), or under the Company’s by-laws or certificate of incorporation, shall not be released, altered, or limited in any way as a result of the foregoing.
In addition, in exchange for Executive’s release herein and his compliance with this Agreement, the Company, on its behalf as well as any agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, and other representatives and anyone acting or claiming on the Company’s or their joint or several behalf, hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges Executive and all of his heirs, executors and/or affiliates, agents, attorneys, insurers and any of its or their predecessors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting on their joint or several behalf from any and all known and unknown, suspected or unsuspected, claims, causes of action, demands, damages, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, liabilities, or other losses, from the beginning of time through the date this Agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, those that in any way arise from, grow out of, or are related to Executive’s employment and/or service relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or the termination thereof or any contracts, agreements, awards, policies, plans, programs or practices.
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Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”), the National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or other similar governmental agency (federal, state, or local), or participating in investigations by such government entity. However, Executive acknowledges that the release Executive executes herein waives Executive’s right to seek individual remedies in any such action or to seek or accept individual remedies or monetary damages in any such action or lawsuit arising from such charges or investigations, including but not limited to, back pay, front pay, or reinstatement; however, Executive may accept any monetary award offered by the SEC pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Executive further agrees that if any person, organization, or other entity should bring a claim against the Releasees involving any matter covered by this Agreement, Executive will not accept any personal relief in any such action, including damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and all other legal or equitable relief. Executive also does not release: (i) any rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement or which arise under this Agreement; (ii) any rights or claims for unemployment compensation or workers’ compensation benefits; (iii) any rights under the Company’s 401(k) plan, if any; or (iv) any other rights that cannot be waived by private agreement or operation of law.
No Claims Filed. Executive affirms that, as of the date of execution of this Agreement, Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the Releasees.
Affirmation of Post-Employment Obligations. In executing this Agreement, Executive hereby reaffirms the post-employment obligations set forth in the CPIA. It is expressly understood that the Company may (i) be entitled to repayment of all or a portion of the payments under Section 2 in the event that Executive breaches any of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement or the CPIA or (ii) be entitled to all erroneously awarded Incentive Compensation as defined under the Company’s Clawback Policy.
Return of Company Property. Executive agrees that Executive will, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company, return to the Company all property and equipment of the Company or its affiliates in Executive’s possession. All records, paper and electronic files, documents, software programs, and copies thereof, pertaining to the business of the Company or its affiliates, including without limitation any records, files, documents and programs which may constitute trade secrets and proprietary information belonging to the Company or its affiliates, in each case, shall be returned to the Company by or upon the Separation Date. Executive may not retain copies of any such records, files, documents or programs, and hereby relinquishes and assigns to the Company any and all rights, if any, that Executive may have in any such records, files, documents or programs. Executive represents that Executive has not retained any information about the Company or its affiliates on any personal computer, personal phone, portable data storage device or otherwise.
5 Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the parties or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive or Executive’s attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards.
Future Cooperation. Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company as may be reasonably requested by the Company (a) in the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions now in existence or which may be brought in the future against, by or on behalf of the Company or any of its affiliates; and (b) in connection with any inquiry regarding, investigation of or by, or legal action or complaint against the Company and/or any other Releasees that relates to events or occurrences that transpired while Executive was employed by the Company or about which Executive may otherwise have knowledge or information. The Company will pay Executive an hourly fee of $200 for any time required in excess of 25 hours per month to provide any such future cooperation and will reimburse Executive for reasonable business travel expenses incurred by Executive in connection with providing cooperation under sub-parts (a) and (b) of this section, subject to receipt of appropriate documentation of such expenses.
No Admission of Wrongful Conduct. Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that, by the Company providing the consideration described above and entering into this Agreement, neither the Company nor any of the Releasees is admitting any unlawful or otherwise wrongful conduct or liability to Executive or Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, agents, or other representatives. The Company and Releasees expressly deny any liability or alleged violation of any law, contract or applicable policy.
Older Worker Benefit Protection Act Disclosure. Executive recognizes that as part of Executive’s agreement to release any and all claims against the Releasees, Executive is releasing claims for age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Accordingly, Executive has been afforded more than twenty-one (21) days from the date Executive received this Agreement to review this Agreement (the “Review Period”) and Executive has an additional period of seven (7) days after executing this Agreement to revoke it in writing to the Company under the terms of the Older Worker Benefit Protection Act. Any negotiated changes to this Agreement shall not restart the Review Period or extend any deadline for Executive to execute and return the Agreement to the Company. If timely signed, dated and returned to the Company and not revoked prior to the end of the seven (7) day revocation period, this Agreement shall be effective upon the expiration of the seven (7) day revocation period (the “Effective Date”). By Executive’s signature below, Executive represents and warrants that Executive has been advised to consult with an attorney of Executive’s own choosing, that Executive has been given a reasonable amount of time to consider this Agreement, and that Executive is voluntarily and knowingly waiving any right he could possibly claim to review the Agreement for an additional period of time.
6 Taxes. The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes as the Company is required to withhold pursuant to any applicable law, regulation or ruling. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall not be obligated to guarantee any particular tax result for Executive with respect to any payment provided to Executive hereunder, the Company makes no representation or warranty regarding the tax treatment and/or tax consequences of any payment described herein, and Executive shall be responsible for any taxes imposed on Executive with respect to any such payment.
Section409A. As applicable, the parties intend that this Agreement will be administered in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is ambiguous as to its compliance with Section 409A of the Code, the provision shall be read in such a manner so that all payments hereunder comply with Section 409A of the Code. Each payment pursuant to this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A2(b)(2). The parties agree that this Agreement may be amended, as reasonably requested by either party, and as may be necessary to fully comply with Section 409A of the Code and all related rules and regulations in order to preserve the payments and benefits provided hereunder without additional cost to either party. The Company makes no representation or warranty and shall have no liability to Executive or any other person if any provisions of this Agreement are determined to constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code but do not satisfy an exemption from, or the conditions of, such Section
Governing Law; Arbitration. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut, without regard to principles of conflict of laws. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, including the formation, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, including whether the claims asserted are arbitrable, will be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the JAMS Arbitration Rules. The tribunal will consist of one arbitrator. The place of arbitration will be Fairfield County, State of Connecticut. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Statement Regarding Executive’s Transition. Executive and the Company agree to coordinate in good faith on the terms of an internal statement with respect to Executive’s separation from the Company for the purpose of retirement.
7 Entire Agreement. Except as expressly set forth herein, this Agreement (including Exhibit A and Exhibit B hereto), constitutes the entire agreement between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersedes and replaces any prior understandings, agreements or representations, written or oral, concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. The terms of Exhibit A and Exhibit B to this Agreement, as well as the Indemnification Agreement and CPIA, are incorporated herein by reference and are part of this Agreement as if set forth fully herein. This is an integrated document. By signing below, Executive acknowledges that he is not relying on any promises or representations by the Company or the agents, representatives, or attorneys of any of the entities within the definition of Company regarding any subject matter addressed in this Agreement.
Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, such invalidation shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable. If, moreover, any one or more of the provisions (or portions thereof) contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it is excessively broad as to duration or scope of prohibited activities, it shall be (to the extent permitted by law) construed by limiting and reducing it, so as to extend and be enforced only over the maximum duration and scope of activities as to which it may be enforceable under applicable law.
Modification. This Agreement may be modified or amended only by a written instrument duly signed by each of the parties hereto or their respective successors or assigns. The parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall survive this Agreement becoming effective and Executive’s termination of employment in accordance with their respective terms.
Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be construed to be, nor shall be, a waiver of any other breach of this Agreement. No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach.
Acceptanceof Agreement. Executive agrees that if Executive timely revokes this Agreement prior to the end of the seven (7) day revocation period, the provisions of this Agreement shall be void and of no further force and effect.
Successorsand Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiaries. Executive may not assign this Agreement. Executive hereby consents to the assignment by the Company of all of its rights and obligations hereunder to any successor to the Company by merger or consolidation or purchase of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. The Releasees are expressly intended to be thirdparty beneficiaries of this Agreement and it may be enforced by each of them.
Knowingand Voluntary Agreement. By Executive’s signature below, Executive represents and warrants that Executive (i) has been given a reasonable amount of time of at least twenty-one (21) days to review and consider this Agreement, (ii) is hereby advised in writing to consult with independent legal counsel in connection with this Agreement; (iii) is represented by counsel of his choosing in connection with this matter; (iv) has read and reviewed this Agreement thoroughly and fully understands its terms and conditions and their significance and has discussed them with Executive’s independent legal counsel, or has had a reasonable opportunity to have done so; and (v) agrees to all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and is signing this Agreement voluntarily and of Executive’s own free will, with the full understanding of its terms, conditions and legal consequences, and with the intent to be bound hereby.
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Non-Disparagement. Executive understands and agrees that she shall not make any false, disparaging or derogatory statements to any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, consultant, client, customer of the Company or other person or entity regarding the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives or about the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and the Company shall instruct the members of the board of directors and its senior executives to not make any false, disparaging or derogatory statements to any media outlet, industry group, financial institution or current or former employee, consultant, client, customer of the Company or other person or entity regarding Executive.
- Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. An originally executed version of this Agreement that is scanned as an image file (e.g., Adobe PDF, etc.) and then delivered by one party to the other party via electronic mail as evidence of signature, shall, for all purposes hereof, be deemed an original signature. The parties further agree to accept electronic signatures generated using DocuSign as original signatures.
INWITNESS WHEREOF, Executive and a duly authorized representative of the Company hereby certify that they have read this Agreement in its entirety and voluntarily executed it, as of the date(s) set forth under their respective signatures.
| REED’S, INC. | |
|---|---|
| By: | /s/Douglas W. McCurdy |
| Name: | Douglas. W. McCurdy |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
| EXECUTIVE | |
| --- | --- |
| By: | /s/ Norman E Snyder, Jr. |
| Norman E. Snyder, Jr. |
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EXHIBIT A
Performance Metrics for Q1 2025
[Information has been omitted from this Exhibit]
EXHIBIT B
AFFIRMATION OF RELEASE OF CLAIMS
Capitalized terms not herein defined have the meanings ascribed to them in the Executive Retirement, Transition and Separation Agreement dated April 14, 2025 (the “Agreement”).
Executive herby affirms as of the date indicated by his signature below:
In exchange for the consideration set forth in the Agreement, including the Separation Benefits, Executive, for Executive, Executive’s agents, attorneys, heirs, beneficiaries, administrators, executors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting or claiming on Executive’s or their joint or several behalf, hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Company, and all of its past, present or future parents, subsidiaries or affiliates, and any of its or their past, present or future employees, officers, directors, managers, trustees, board members, owners, equity holders, agents, attorneys, insurers or benefit plans and any of its or their predecessors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting on their joint or several behalf (the “Releasees”), from any and all known and unknown, suspected or unsuspected, claims, causes of action, demands, damages, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, liabilities, or other losses, from the beginning of time through the date this Agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, those that in any way arise from, grow out of, or are related to Executive’s employment and/or service relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or the termination thereof or any contracts, agreements, awards, policies, plans, programs or practices with or of any Releasee. By way of example only and without limiting the immediately preceding sentence, Executive agrees that Executive is releasing, waiving, and discharging:
(a) any and all claims against the Company and the Releasees under (i) any federal, state, or local employment law or statute, including, but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act(s) of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act and any state or local equivalent law(s), the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 806 of the Corporate and Criminal Fraud Accountability Act of 2002, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act; (ii) applicable state or local civil rights law(s);
(b) any claim to benefits under any plan, or under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, except for Executive’s right to any benefits to which Executive is entitled under any retirement plan of the Company that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or Executive’s rights, if any, under COBRA;
(c) any and all claims under common law, including any claim for tort, breach of contract (express or implied, written or oral), quasi contract, wrongful or constructive discharge, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, misrepresentation, fraud, or negligence; and
(d) any and all claims arising under or in connection with any agreement, understanding, contract, promise, or arrangement, written or oral, between Executive and the Company and/or any of the Releasees, including but not limited to any claims arising under or in connection with equity award agreements and applicable governing plans; (e) any and all claims for or relating to any compensation, distributions, salary, wages, bonuses, commissions, income, carried interest, contributions, distributions, fees, income, contributions, overtime pay, incentive compensation, equity-based compensation, stock options, shares, equity, or any other actual or prospective stock, equity, option, profits, awards or grants; and (f) any other claims Executive may now have against the Releasees, whether known or unknown to Executive; Notwithstanding any releases granted in the foregoing, Executive’s right to be held harmless and Executive’s right to indemnification from the Company, as reflected in that certain Indemnity Agreement, dated February 27, 2024 (the “Indemnification Agreement”), or under the Company’s by-laws or certificate of incorporation, shall not be released, altered, or limited in any way as a result of the foregoing.
In addition, in exchange for Executive’s release herein and his compliance with this Agreement, the Company, on its behalf as well as any agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, and other representatives and anyone acting or claiming on the Company’s or their joint or several behalf, hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges Executive and all of his heirs, executors and/or affiliates, agents, attorneys, insurers and any of its or their predecessors, successors, assigns, and other representatives, and anyone acting on their joint or several behalf from any and all known and unknown, suspected or unsuspected, claims, causes of action, demands, damages, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, liabilities, or other losses, from the beginning of time through the date this Agreement is executed, including, but not limited to, those that in any way arise from, grow out of, or are related to Executive’s employment and/or service relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or the termination thereof or any contracts, agreements, awards, policies, plans, programs or practices.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit Executive from filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the “EEOC”), the National Labor Relations Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or other similar governmental agency (federal, state, or local), or participating in investigations by such government entity. However, Executive acknowledges that the release Executive executes herein waives Executive’s right to seek individual remedies in any such action or to seek or accept individual remedies or monetary damages in any such action or lawsuit arising from such charges or investigations, including but not limited to, back pay, front pay, or reinstatement; however, Executive may accept any monetary award offered by the SEC pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Executive further agrees that if any person, organization, or other entity should bring a claim against the Releasees involving any matter covered by this Agreement, Executive will not accept any personal relief in any such action, including damages, attorneys’ fees, costs, and all other legal or equitable relief. Executive also does not release: (i) any rights or claims that may arise after Executive signs this Agreement or which arise under this Agreement; (ii) any rights or claims for unemployment compensation or workers’ compensation benefits; (iii) any rights under the Company’s 401(k) plan, if any; or (iv) any other rights that cannot be waived by private agreement or operation of law.
Executive has filed no lawsuit, charge, claim or complaint with any governmental agency or in any court against the Company or the Releasees.
Dated: _____________, 2025
| Norman E. Snyder, Jr. |
|---|
Exhibit10.2
Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of April 16, 2025, by and between Cyril Wallace (the “Executive”) and Reed’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).
WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by the Company on such terms and conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and obligations set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Term. The Executive’s employment hereunder shall be effective as of April 16, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) and shall be “at-will,” continuing until terminated pursuant to Section 5 of this Agreement. The period during which the Executive is employed by the Company hereunder is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.”
2. Position and Duties.
2.1 Position. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reporting to Board of Directors (“Board”). In such position, the Executive shall have such duties, authority, and responsibilities as shall be determined from time to time by Board, which duties, authority, and responsibilities are consistent with the Executive’s position.
2.2 Duties. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall devote 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 for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the performance of such services either directly or indirectly without the prior written consent of the Board.
2.3 Executive’s employment is subject to execution by the parties of the Company’s standard Indemnification Agreement (the “Indemnification Agreement”) and Employee Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement (“ECPR”).
Place of Performance. The principal place of Executive’s employment shall be the Company’s principal executive office currently located in Norwalk, Connecticut; provided that, the Executive may be required to travel on Company business during the Employment Term.
Compensation.
4.1 Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive an annual base salary (the “Base Salary”) of seven hundred thousand dollars (US$700,000.00) in periodic installments semi-monthly in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices and applicable wage payment laws, subject to applicable withholding and deductions.
4.2 Sign-On Bonus. Executive will receive a one-time sign-on bonus of thirty-five thousand dollars (US$35,000.00), which shall be payable in the first payroll cycle following the Effective Date, subject to applicable withholdings and deductions. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated (for no reason or any reason) prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Executive shall be required to repay the Company the gross amount of the sign-on bonus under this Section 4.2.
4.3 Equity Awards. Upon the establishment by the Board of a new equity incentive plan (“Plan”), subject to Executive’s continued employment and Board approval, Executive will be granted the following equity awards:
(a) Restricted Stock Award. As an inducement grant, Executive will be granted a restricted stock award of 280,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value (“Common Stock”), vesting in equal increments on a monthly basis for 12 consecutive months commencing the Effective Date and otherwise subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, applicable award agreement and applicable law.
(b) Performance-Based Stock Option Awards. During the third quarter of calendar year 2025, Executive will be granted a performance-based stock option award to purchase up to 462,722 shares of Common Stock. In each of 2025 and 2026, Executive will be granted a performance-based stock option award to purchase up to 925,444 shares of common stock. Vesting of stock options underlying each award will be subject to achievement of performance metrics set forth on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Stock options eligible to vest in any given year will vest on a proportional basis based on the percentage of performance metrics achieved over 75%. For example, if 85% of the performance metric is achieved in a year, approximately 40% of the applicable award for that year will vest and the remaining 60% will be forfeited. If 75% or less of the performance metrics are achieved for a year, all stock options underlying the applicable award will be forfeited for that year. The exercise price of each tranche of stock options will be determined on the date of grant of each tranche, in accordance with the Plan, and each performance-based stock option award will be granted subject to Board approval, the applicable award agreement and applicable law.
4.4 Employee Benefits. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all employee benefit plans, practices, and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time (collectively, “Employee Benefit Plans”), on a basis which is no less favorable than is provided to other similarly situated executives of the Company, to the extent consistent with applicable law and the terms of the applicable Employee Benefit Plans. The Company reserves the right to amend 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. Executive will be eligible to participate in the Company’s health benefit plan on the first day the month following the Effective Date. The Company’s current policy is to pay 100% the health benefit plan premium for executives and their eligible dependents.
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4.5 Paid Time Off. During the Employment Term, the Executive shall be entitled to 20 days of paid time off per calendar year (prorated for partial years) in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies as in effect from time to time. The Executive shall receive other paid time off in accordance with the Company’s policies for executive officers as such policies may exist from time to time. Unused accrued paid time off will be forfeited annually, to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law and Company policies then in effect.
4.6 Relocation Expenses. The Company shall pay, or reimburse the Executive for, up to $50,000 incurred by the Executive relating to the Executive’s long-distance commute, temporary housing and subsequent relocation to or near Norwalk, Connecticut in accordance with the terms of the Company’s relocation policy. In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated (for no reason or any reason) prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Executive shall be required to repay the Company the gross amount of any relocation expenses paid or reimbursed under this Section 4.6. The Company will not be obligated to pay any additional relocation or commuting expenses (long-distance or otherwise) to Executive.
4.7 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 Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures.
4.8 Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement to the contrary, any incentive-based or other compensation paid to the Executive under this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with the Company which is subject to recovery under any law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such law, government regulation, or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement for time to time).
- Termination of Employment.
5.1 The Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated by either the Company or the Executive at any time and for any reason or no reason upon 5 days’ written notice; provided Executive’s employment will terminate automatically upon Executive’s death; provided further any termination due to disability of Executive and all payments made in connection with a disability shall be in a manner which is consistent with federal and state law.
5.2 Upon termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive (or the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits described in this Section 5 and shall have no further rights to any compensation or any other benefits from the Company or any of its affiliates.
(a) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and accrued but unused paid time off;
(b) reimbursement for unreimbursed business expenses properly incurred by the Executive, which shall be subject to and paid in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; and
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(c) such employee benefits, if any, to which the Executive may be entitled under the Company’s Employee Benefit Plans; provided that, in no event shall the Executive be entitled to any payments in the nature of severance or termination payments.
Items 5.1(a) through 5.1(c) are referred to herein collectively as the “Accrued Amounts”.
Upon termination of Executives employment, the treatment of any outstanding equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the Plan and the applicable award agreements.
5.3 Resignation of All Other Positions. On termination of the Executive’s employment hereunder (for any reason or no reason), the Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions that the Executive holds as an officer or member of the Board (or a committee thereof) of the Company or any of its affiliates.
5.4 Section 280G.
(a) If any of the payments or benefits received or to be received by the Executive (including, without limitation, any payments or benefits received in connection with 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 will be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive, no later than the time such Excise Tax is required to be paid by the Executive or withheld by the Company, an additional amount equal to the sum of the Excise Tax payable by the Executive, plus the amount necessary to put the Executive in the same after-tax position (taking into account any and all applicable federal, state, and local excise, income, or other taxes at the highest applicable rates on such 280G Payments and on any payments under this Section 5.4 or otherwise) as if no Excise Tax had been imposed.
(b) All calculations and determinations under this Section 5.4 shall be made by an independent accounting firm or independent tax counsel appointed by the Company (the “Tax Counsel”) whose determinations shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the Executive for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations and determinations required by this Section 5.4, 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 Company 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 5.4. The Company shall bear all costs the Tax Counsel may reasonably incur in connection with its services.
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Cooperation. The parties agree that certain matters in which the Executive will be involved during the Employment 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 Company in connection with matters arising out of the Executive’s service to the Company; provided that, the Company shall make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption of the Executive’s other activities. The Company 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 Company shall compensate the Executive at an hourly rate based on the Executive’s Base Salary.
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. Arbitration shall be administered exclusively by JAMS located in (or if not available, near) Fairfield County, Connecticut and shall be conducted consistent with the rules, regulations, and requirements thereof as well as any requirements imposed by state law. Any arbitral award determination shall be final and binding upon the parties.
Governing Law: Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Connecticut without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any action or proceeding by either of the parties to enforce this Agreement shall be brought only in a state or federal court located in the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield. 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.
Entire Agreement. Unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement, the Indemnification Agreement and the CPRA contains all of the understandings and representations between the Executive and the Company 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; provided any grants of equity awards to Executive shall further be subject to the Plan and applicable award agreement(s).
10. 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 by the Chief Financial Officer or other authorized signatory of the Company. No waiver by either of the parties of any breach by the other party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other 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 either 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.
11. 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.
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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.
12. Captions. 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.
13. 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.
14. Section 409A.
14.1 General Compliance. This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and administered in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, payments provided under this Agreement may only be made upon an event and in a manner that complies with Section 409A or an applicable exemption. Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. For purposes of Section 409A, each installment payment provided under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A, and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest, or other expenses that may be incurred by the Executive on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.
14.2 Reimbursements. To the extent required by Section 409A, each reimbursement or in-kind benefit provided under this Agreement shall be provided in accordance with the following:
(a) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, during each calendar year cannot affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year;
(b) any reimbursement of an eligible expense shall be paid to the Executive on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred; and
(c) any right to reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
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Notification to Subsequent Employer. When the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates, the Executive agrees to notify any subsequent employer of the restrictive covenants sections contained in this Agreement. The Executive will also deliver a copy of such notice to the Company before the Executive commences employment with any subsequent employer. In addition, the Executive authorizes the Company to provide a copy of the restrictive covenants sections of this Agreement to third parties, including but not limited to, the Executive’s subsequent, anticipated, or possible future employer.
Successors and Assigns. This Agreement is personal to the Executive and shall not be assigned by the Executive. Any purported assignment by the Executive shall be null and void from the initial date of the purported assignment. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Company and permitted successors and assigns.
17. Notice. Notices and all other communications 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 Company:
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Reed’s, Inc.
501 Merritt 7 Corporate Park
Norwalk, CA 06851
If to the Executive:
3625 Mere Lane
Marietta, GA 30062
18. Representations of the Executive. The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that:
(a) The Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company 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.
(b) The Executive’s acceptance of employment with the Company and the performance of duties hereunder will not violate any non-solicitation, non-competition, or other similar covenant or agreement of a prior employer.
19. Withholding. The Company shall have the right to withhold from any amount payable hereunder any Federal, state, and local taxes in order for the Company to satisfy any withholding tax obligation it may have under any applicable law or regulation.
20. 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.
21. 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.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| REED’S,<br> INC. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| By: | /s/ Shufen Deng | ||
| Name: | Shufen<br> Deng | ||
| Title: | Chairperson<br> of the Board of Directors | ||
| CYRIL<br> WALLACE | |||
| Signature: | /s/ Cyril Wallace |
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EXHIBIT A
Performance Metrics
[Information has been omitted from this Exhibit A]
Exhibit 10.4
Form of Employee Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement
This Employee Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between Reed’s, Inc., a Delaware corporation, (the “Employer”) on behalf of itself, its subsidiaries, and other corporate affiliates (collectively referred to herein as the “Employer Group”), and ________ (the “Employee”) (the Employer and the Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”) as of April ______, 2025 (the “Effective Date”). The Employer Group’s businesses and existing and prospective customers, suppliers, investors, distributors and vendors and other associated third parties are referred to herein as “Associated Third Parties.”)
In consideration of the Employee’s employment by the Employer, which the Employee acknowledges to be good and valuable consideration for the Employee’s obligations hereunder, the Employer and the Employee hereby agree as follows:
1. Confidentiality and Security.
(a) Confidential Information. The Employee understands and acknowledges that during the course of employment by the Employer, the Employee will have access to and learn about confidential, secret, and proprietary documents, materials, data, and other information, in tangible and intangible form, of and relating to the Employer Group and its businesses and Associated Third Parties (“Confidential Information”). The Employee further understands and acknowledges that this Confidential Information and the Employer’s ability to reserve it for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Employer Group is of great competitive importance and commercial value to the Employer, and that improper use or disclosure of the Confidential Information by the Employee will cause irreparable harm to the Employer Group, for which remedies at law will not be adequate and may also cause the Employer to incur financial costs, loss of business advantage, liability under confidentiality agreements with third parties, civil damages and criminal penalties.
For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, all information not generally known to the public, in spoken, printed, electronic or any other form or medium, relating directly or indirectly to: business processes, practices, methods, policies, plans, publications, documents, research, operations, services, strategies, techniques, agreements, contracts, terms of agreements, transactions, potential transactions, negotiations, pending negotiations, know-how, trade secrets, computer programs, computer software, applications, operating systems, software design, web design, work-in-process, databases, device configurations, embedded data, compilations, metadata, technologies, manuals, records, articles, systems, material, sources of material, supplier information, vendor information, financial information, results, accounting information, accounting records, legal information, marketing information, advertising information, pricing information, credit information, design information, payroll information, staffing information, personnel information, employee lists, supplier lists, vendor lists, developments, reports, internal controls, security procedures, graphics, drawings, sketches, market studies, sales information, revenue, costs, formulae, notes, communications, algorithms, product plans, designs, styles, models, ideas, audiovisual programs, inventions, unpublished patent applications, original works of authorship, discoveries, experimental processes, experimental results, specifications, formulas, customer information, customer lists, client information, client lists, manufacturing information, factory lists, distributor lists, and buyer lists of the Employer Group or its businesses or any Associated Third Party, or of any other person or entity that has entrusted information to the Employer in confidence.
The Employee understands that the above list is not exhaustive, and that Confidential Information also includes other information that is marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary, or that would otherwise appear to a reasonable person to be confidential or proprietary in the context and circumstances in which the information is known or used.
The Employee understands and agrees that Confidential Information developed by the Employee in the course of the Employee’s employment by the Employer shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement as if the Employer furnished the same Confidential Information to the Employee in the first instance. Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available to and known by the public, provided that such disclosure to the public is through no direct or indirect fault of the Employee or person(s) acting on the Employee’s behalf.
(b) Disclosure and Use Restrictions.
(i) The Employee covenants:
(A) to treat all Confidential Information as strictly confidential;
(B) not to directly or indirectly disclose, publish, communicate, or make available Confidential Information, or allow it to be disclosed, published, communicated, or made available, in whole or part, to any entity or person whatsoever (including other employees of the Employer Group) not having a need to know and authority to know and to use the Confidential Information in connection with the business of the Employer Group and, in any event, not to anyone outside of the direct employ of the Employer Group, except with the prior consent of an authorized officer acting on behalf of the Employer Group in each instance (and then, such disclosure shall be made only within the limits and to the extent of such consent) and only after execution of a confidentiality agreement by the third party with whom Confidential Information will be shared; and
(C) not to access or use any Confidential Information, and not to copy any documents, records, files, media, or other resources containing any Confidential Information, or remove any such documents, records, files, media, or other resources from the premises or control of the Employer Group, except with the prior consent of an authorized officer acting on behalf of the Employer Group in each instance (and then, such access or use shall only be within the limits and to the extent of such consent). The Employee understands and acknowledges that the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement regarding any particular Confidential Information begin immediately and shall continue during and after the Employee’s employment by the Employer until the Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of the Employee’s breach of this Agreement or a breach by those acting in concert with the Employee or on the Employee’s behalf.
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(ii) Permitted disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information as may be required by applicable law or regulation, or pursuant to the valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that the disclosure does not exceed the extent of disclosure required by such law, regulation, or order. The Employee shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to an authorized officer of the Employer Group.
(iii) Nothing in this Agreement prohibits or restricts the Employee (or Employee’s attorney) from filing a charge or complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), or any other securities regulatory agency or authority. The Employee further understands that this Agreement does not limit the Employee’s ability to communicate with any securities regulatory agency or authority or otherwise participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any securities regulatory agency or authority in connection with reporting a possible securities law violation without notice to the Employer. This Agreement does not limit the Employee’s right to receive an award for information provided to the SEC staff.
(iv) Notice of Immunity Under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996, as amended by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:
(A) This Employee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of a trade secret that is made: (1) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney and solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding.
(B) If the Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Employer for reporting a suspected violation of law, the Employee may disclose the Employer’s trade secrets to the Employee’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if the Employee (1) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (2) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.
(c) Duration of Confidentiality Obligations. The Employee understands and acknowledges that the Employee’s obligations under this Agreement with regard to any particular Confidential Information shall commence immediately upon the Employee first having access to such Confidential Information (whether before or after the Employee begins employment by the Employer) and shall continue during and after the Employee’s employment by the Employer until such time as such Confidential Information has become public knowledge other than as a result of the Employee’s breach of this Agreement or breach by those acting in concert with the Employee or on the Employee’s behalf.
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- Proprietary Rights.
(a) Work Product. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that, subject to 2(c), all writings, works of authorship, technology, inventions, discoveries, ideas, and other work product of any nature whatsoever, that are created, prepared, produced, authored, edited, amended, conceived, or reduced to practice by the Employee individually or jointly with others during the period of the Employee’s employment by the Employer and relating in any way to the business or contemplated business, research, or development of the Employer (regardless of when or where the Work Product is prepared or whose equipment or other resources is used in preparing the same) and all printed, physical, and electronic copies, all improvements, rights, and claims related to the foregoing, and other tangible embodiments thereof (collectively, “WorkProduct”), as well as any and all rights in and to copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks (and related goodwill), mask works, patents and other intellectual property rights therein arising in any jurisdiction throughout the world and all related rights of priority under international conventions with respect thereto, including all pending and future applications and registrations therefor, and continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, reissues, extensions, and renewals thereof (collectively, “Intellectual Property Rights”), shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Employer.
For purposes of this Agreement, Work Product includes, but is not limited to, Employer Group information, including plans, publications, research, strategies, techniques, agreements, documents, contracts, terms of agreements, negotiations, know-how, computer programs, computer applications, software design, web design, work in progress, databases, manuals, results, developments, reports, graphics, drawings, sketches, market studies, formulae, notes, communications, algorithms, product plans, product designs, styles, models, audiovisual programs, inventions, unpublished patent applications, original works of authorship, discoveries, experimental processes, experimental results, specifications, customer information, client information, customer lists, client lists, manufacturing information, marketing information, advertising information, and sales information.
(b) Work Made for Hire; Assignment. The Employee acknowledges that, by reason of being employed by the Employer at the relevant times, to the extent permitted by law, all of the Work Product consisting of copyrightable subject matter is “work made for hire” as defined in the Copyright Act of 1976 (17 U.S.C. § 101), and such copyrights are therefore owned by the Employer. To the extent that the foregoing does not apply, the Employee hereby irrevocably assigns to the Employer, for no additional consideration, the Employee’s entire right, title, and interest in and to all Work Product and Intellectual Property Rights therein, including the right to sue, counterclaim and recover for all past, present, and future infringement, misappropriation, or dilution thereof, and all rights corresponding thereto throughout the world. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to reduce or limit the Employer’s rights, title, or interest in any Work Product or Intellectual Property Rights so as to be less in any respect than that the Employer would have had in the absence of this Agreement.
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(c) Further Assurances; Power of Attorney. During and after the Employee’s employment, the Employee agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Employer at the Employer’s expense to (i) apply for, obtain, perfect, and transfer to the Employer the Work Product and Intellectual Property Rights in the Work Product in any jurisdiction in the world; and (ii) maintain, protect, and enforce the same, including, without limitation, executing and delivering to the Employer any and all applications, oaths, declarations, affidavits, waivers, assignments, and other documents and instruments as shall be requested by the Employer. The Employee hereby irrevocably grants the Employer power of attorney to execute and deliver any such documents on the Employee’s behalf in the Employee’s name and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to transfer the Work Product to the Employer and further the transfer, issuance, prosecution, and maintenance of all Intellectual Property Rights therein, to the full extent permitted by law, if the Employee does not promptly cooperate with the Employer’s request (without limiting the rights the Employer shall have in such circumstances by operation of law). The power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall not be impacted by the Employee’s subsequent incapacity.
(d) Moral Rights. To the extent any copyrights are assigned under this Agreement, the Employee hereby irrevocably waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any and all claims the Employee may now or hereafter have in any jurisdiction to all rights of paternity, integrity, disclosure, and withdrawal and any other rights that may be known as “moral rights” with respect to all Work Product and all Intellectual Property Rights therein.
(e) No License. The Employee understands that this Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to, grant the Employee any license or right of any nature with respect to any Work Product or Intellectual Property Rights or any Confidential Information, materials, software, or other tools made available to the Employee by the Employer.
3. Security.
(a) Security and Access. The Employee agrees and covenants (i) to comply with all Employer Group security policies and procedures as in force from time to time including without limitation those regarding computer equipment, telephone systems, voicemail systems, facilities access, monitoring, key cards, access codes, Employer Group intranet, the internet, social media and instant messaging systems, computer systems, email systems, computer networks, document storage systems, software, data security, encryption, firewalls, passwords, and any and all other Employer Group facilities, IT resources, and communication technologies (“Facilities Information Technology and AccessResources”); (ii) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources except as authorized by the Employer; and (iii) not to access or use any Facilities and Information Technology Resources in any manner after the termination of the Employee’s employment by the Employer, whether termination is voluntary or involuntary. The Employee agrees to notify the Employer promptly in the event the Employee learns of any violation of the foregoing by others, or of any other misappropriation or unauthorized access, use, reproduction, or reverse engineering of, or tampering with any Facilities and Information Technology Access Resources or other Employer Group property or materials by others.
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(b) Exit Obligations. Upon (i) voluntary or involuntary termination of the Employee’s employment or (ii) the Employer’s request at any time during the Employee’s employment, the Employee shall (A) provide or return to the Employer any and all Employer Group property, including keys, key cards, access cards, identification cards, security devices, employer credit cards, network access devices, computers, cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, equipment, speakers, webcams, manuals, reports, files, books, compilations, work product, email messages, recordings, tapes, disks, thumb drives, other removable information storage devices, hard drives, negatives data, and all Employer Group documents and materials belonging to the Employer and stored in any fashion, including but not limited to those that constitute or contain any Confidential Information or Work Product, that are in the possession or control of the Employee, whether they were provided to the Employee by the Employer Group or any of its business associates or created by the Employee in connection with the Employee’s employment by the Employer; and (B) delete or destroy all copies of any such documents and materials not returned to the Employer that remain in the Employee’s possession or control, including those stored on any non-Employer Group devices, networks, storage locations, and media in the Employee’s possession or control.
- Non-Disparagement. The Employee agrees and covenants that the Employee will not make, publish, or communicate defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning any of the Employer Group’s products or services. The Employee agrees and covenants that the Employee will not at any time make, publish, or communicate to any person or entity or in any public forum any maliciously false, defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments, or statements concerning the Employer Group or its businesses, or any of its employees, officers, and Associated Third Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right the Employee may have to exercise protected rights to the extent that such rights cannot be waived by agreement, or otherwise disclose information as permitted by law. The Employee is permitted to discuss the terms and conditions of employment with coworkers, the media, or others for mutual aid or protection.
This Section does not restrict or impede the Employee from exercising any rights to communicate with securities regulators to report suspected unlawful conduct. This Section also does not prevent the Employee from complying with any applicable law or regulation or a valid order of a court of competent jurisdiction or an authorized government agency, provided that such compliance does not exceed that required by the law, regulation, or order. The Employee shall promptly provide written notice of any such order to an authorized officer of the Employer Group within 20 days of receiving such order, but in any event sufficiently in advance of making any disclosure to permit the Employer to contest the order or seek confidentiality protections, as determined in the Employer’s sole discretion.
Non-Solicitation of Employees. The Employee agrees and covenants not to directly or indirectly solicit, hire, recruit, attempt to hire or recruit, or induce the termination of employment of any employee of the Employer Group, or attempt to do so, during a term of two-years, to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Employee’s employment with the Company.
6 Non-Solicitation of Associated Third Parties. The Employee understands and acknowledges that because of the Employee’s experience with and relationship to the Employer Group, the Employee will have access to and learn about much or all of the Employer Group’s information relating to Associated Third Parties. “Associated Party Information” includes, but is not limited to, names, phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, order history, order preferences, chain of command, decisionmakers, pricing information, and other information identifying facts and circumstances specific to the third party and relevant to sales. The Employee understands and acknowledges that loss of any of these third-party relationships and/or goodwill will cause significant and irreparable harm. The Employee agrees and covenants, during two years, to run consecutively, beginning on the last day of the Employee’s employment with the Company, not to directly or indirectly solicit, contact (including but not limited to email, regular mail, express mail, telephone, instant message, or social media), attempt to contact, or meet with the Company’s Associated Third Parties for purposes of offering or accepting goods or services similar to or competitive with those offered by the Company.
Acknowledgment. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the services to be rendered by the Employee to the Employer are of a special and unique character; that the Employee will obtain knowledge and skill relevant to the Employer’s industry, methods of doing business, and marketing strategies by virtue of the Employee’s employment; and that the terms and conditions of this Agreement are reasonable under these circumstances. The Employee further acknowledges that the amount of the Employee’s compensation reflects, in part, the Employee’s obligations and the Employer’s rights under this Agreement; that the Employee has no expectation of any additional compensation, royalties, or other payment of any kind not otherwise referenced herein in connection herewith; that the Employee will not be subject to undue hardship by reason of the Employee’s full compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Employer’s enforcement thereof; and that this Agreement is not a contract of employment and shall not be construed as a commitment by either of the Parties to continue an employment relationship for any certain period of time. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construedto in any way terminate, supersede, undermine, or otherwise modify the at-will status of the employment relationship between the Employerand the Employee, pursuant to which either the Employer or the Employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with orwithout cause, with or without notice.
Remedies. The Employee acknowledges that the Employer’s Confidential Information and the Employer’s ability to reserve it for the exclusive knowledge and use of the Employer Group is of great competitive importance and commercial value to the Employer, and that improper use or disclosure of the Confidential Information by the Employee will cause irreparable harm to the Employer Group, for which remedies at law will not be adequate. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Employee of any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Employee hereby consents and agrees that the Employer 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, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, 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. The Employee further acknowledges that each member of the Employer Group is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Agreement.
9. Successors and Assigns.
(a) Assignment by the Employer. The Employer may assign this Agreement to any subsidiary or corporate affiliate in the Employer Group or otherwise, or to any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Employer. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the Employer Group and permitted successors and assigns.
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(b) No Assignment by the Employee. The Employee may not assign this Agreement or any part hereof. Any purported assignment by the Employee shall be null and void from the initial date of purported assignment.
Arbitration. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or related to this Agreement or any breach of this Agreement shall be submitted to and decided by binding arbitration. Arbitration shall be administered exclusively by JAMS located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and shall be conducted consistent with the rules, regulations, and requirements thereof. Any arbitral award determination shall be final and binding upon the Parties.
Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement, for all purposes, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Connecticut without regard to conflicts-of-law principles and all disputes, actions or proceedings arising under or relating to this Agreement shall be brought and resolved solely and exclusively in the state and Federal courts located in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Entire Agreement. Unless specifically provided herein, this Agreement contains all the understandings and representations between the Employee and the Employer 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.
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 Employee and by the Chief Executive Officer. No waiver by either of the Parties of any breach by the other Party hereto of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by the other 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 either 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.
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, by 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.
Captions. 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.
16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile, email in portable document format (.pdf), or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a document has the same effect as delivery of an executed original of this Agreement.
[signature page follows]
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INWITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Employee Confidentiality and Proprietary Rights Agreement as of the Effective Date above.
| REED’S,<br> INC. | |
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| By: | |
| Name: | |
| Title: | |
| EMPLOYEE | |
| Signature: | |
| Print<br> Name: |
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Exhibit99.1

Reed’sAnnounces Leadership and Board Updates
CEONorman E. Snyder, Jr. to Retire; Cyril Wallace Appointed as CEO and Director; Ruud Bakker also Joins Board of Directors
Norwalk,CT, (April 17, 2025) — Reed’s, Inc. (OTCQX: REED) (“Reed’s” or the “Company”), owner of the nation’s leading portfolio of handcrafted, natural ginger beverages, today announced key updates to its executive leadership team and Board of Directors (the “Board”). Cyril Wallace has been appointed to Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Director, succeeding Norman E. Snyder, Jr. who is stepping down to retire. In addition, the Company has appointed seasoned beverage executive Ruud Bakker to its Board.
Mr. Wallace brings more than 20 years of leadership experience from PepsiCo, where he most recently served as Vice President and General Manager overseeing a $3.2 billion territory. A strategic and results-driven executive, Mr. Wallace has consistently delivered strong revenue and margin performance, spearheaded innovative growth strategies and built high-performing teams. Throughout his career, he has earned multiple top sales honors and played a key role in PepsiCo’s diversity and talent development efforts. Mr. Wallace holds a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Georgia State University.
Mr. Bakker joins the Board with more than 25 years of global leadership experience across the beverage industry, including senior roles at Red Bull, Diageo and Heineken. He has led market expansion efforts, brand revitalization initiatives, and innovation strategies across both emerging and developed markets. Mr. Bakker is also the founder of Purple Fox Studios, a beverage innovation incubator that collaborates with entrepreneurs and companies to launch and scale distinctive brands. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Erasmus University and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, London Business School, and Kellogg Executive Education.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Norm for his leadership over the past five years,” said Shufen Deng, Chairperson of the Board. “He helped stabilize and revitalize the Company amid unprecedented industry and macroeconomic headwinds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, the Company restructured its operations, optimized costs, and built a stronger foundation for future growth. His expertise, dedication and tireless work will have a lasting impact on our organization.”
Ms. Deng continued, “We are thrilled to welcome Cyril as our new CEO and Director. His strategic vision and operational expertise will be instrumental as we expand distribution, launch new products and drive profitability. We are equally pleased to welcome Ruud to our Board — his extensive international experience and executive positions with leading global beverage companies make him an exceptional addition. Together, Cyril and Ruud will help lead Reed’s into its next chapter of growth.”
“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at Reed’s,” said Norman E. Snyder, Jr. “We have built a resilient business, introduced exciting innovations, and improved operations across key functional areas of the Company. I leave knowing that Reed’s is in good hands and look forward to spending more time with my family and cheering on the Company as a shareholder.”
AboutReed’s, Inc.
Reed’s is an innovative company and category leader that provides the world with high quality, premium and naturally bold™ better-for-you beverages. Established in 1989, Reed’s is a leader in craft beverages under the Reed’s®, Virgil’s® and Flying Cauldron® brand names. The Company’s beverages are now sold in over 32,000 stores nationwide.
Reed’s is known as America’s #1 name in natural, ginger-based beverages. Crafted using real ginger and premium ingredients, Reed’s portfolio includes ginger beers, ginger ales, ready-to- drink ginger mules and hard ginger ales. The brand has recently successfully expanded into the zero-sugar segment with its proprietary, natural sweetener system.
Virgil’s® is an award-winning line of craft sodas, made with the finest natural ingredients and without GMOs or artificial preservatives. The brand offers an array of great tasting, bold flavored sodas including Root Beer, Vanilla Cream, Black Cherry, Orange Cream, and Cola. These flavors are also available in five zero sugar varieties which are naturally sweetened and certified ketogenic.
Flying Cauldron® is a non-alcoholic butterscotch beer prized for its creamy vanilla and butterscotch flavors. Sought after by beverage aficionados, Flying Cauldron is made with natural ingredients and no artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, gluten, caffeine, or GMOs.
For more information, visit drinkreeds.com, virgils.com and flyingcauldron.com. To receive exclusive perks for Reed’s investors, please visit the Company’s page on the Stockperks app here.
Forward-LookingStatements
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are typically identified by terms such as “will,” “position,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control.
The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: inventory shortages; risks associated with new product releases; the impacts of further inflation; risks that customer demand may fluctuate or decrease; risks that we are unable to collect unbilled contractual commitments, particularly in the current economic environment; our ability to compete successfully and manage growth; our significant debt obligations; our ability to develop and expand strategic and third party distribution channels; our dependence on third party suppliers, brewers and distributors; third party co-packers meeting contractual commitments; risks related to our international operations; our ability to attract and retain experienced management and personnel; our ability to continue to innovate; our strategy of making investments in sales to drive growth; increasing costs of fuel and freight, protection of intellectual property; competition; general political or destabilizing events, including the wars in Ukraine and Israel, conflict or acts of terrorism; financial markets, commodity and currency impacts of the wars; the effect of evolving domestic and foreign government regulations, including those addressing data privacy and cross-border data transfers; and other risks detailed from time to time in Reed’s public filings, including Reed’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 28, 2025, which is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Reed’s assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
InvestorRelations Contact
Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
Elevate IR
ir@reedsinc.com
(720) 330-2829