ZK International Group Co., Ltd 6-K, filed Oct 6, 2025
ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (ZKIN)
About this 6-K
ZK International Group Co., Ltd filed this 6-K on October 6, 2025.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month ended October 2025
Commission File Number: 001-38146
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
c/o Zhejiang Zhengkang Industrial Co., Ltd.
No. 678 Dingxiang Road, Binhai Industrial Park
Economic & Technology Development Zone
Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
People’s Republic of China 325025
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
On October 6, 2025, ZK International Group Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) announced the following changes to its board of directors and management:
Resignation of Chief Executive Officer
On October 3, 2025, Mr. Jiancong Huang notified the Company of his resignation as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective October 3, 2025. Mr. Huang will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Resignations of Directors
Mr. Guolin Wang and Mr. Lie Cao each resigned as directors of the Company, effective October 3, 2025, in order to pursue other business commitments. Mr. Wang and Mr. Cao’s resignations were not a result of any disagreement with the Company’s operations, policies, or procedures.
Appointment of New Directors
The Board of Directors appointed Ms. Yannan Chuai and Mr. Ruihong Ma as directors of the Company, effective October 3, 2025.
Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
On October 3, 2025, the Board of Directors, together with the Nominating Committee and the Compensation Committee, approved by resolution the appointment of Mr. Ruihong Ma and Ms. Yannan Chuai as directors of the Company, effective upon approval of the resolution, to serve until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, or removal.
The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Ma, pursuant to which he serves as Chief Executive Officer and a director, with annual compensation of US$5,000.
The Board has determined that Ms. Chuai qualifies as an “independent” director under applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The Company entered into a director offer letter with Ms. Chuai providing annual compensation of US$5,000. She has been appointed chair of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
The foregoing descriptions of Mr. Ma’s employment agreement and Ms. Chuai’s director offer letter are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of such agreements, filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
There are no family relationships between Mr. Ma, Ms. Chuai, and any other employees of the Company or members of the Board of Directors.
The biographical information of Mr. Ma and Ms. Chuai is set forth below:
Mr. Ruihong Ma, age 43
Mr. Ma brings over 15 years of leadership experience in the engineering, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment sectors. From September 2016 to June 2024, he served as General Manager of Hebei Sowang Road & Bridge Engineering Co., Ltd. Prior to that, he was Sales Director of Xingtai Aisen Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. from 2010 to 2016, and Sales Manager of Xingtai Wanbang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. from 2005 to 2010. Mr. Ma holds a degree in Biology and Chemistry from Xingtai University.
Ms. Yannan Chuai, age 31
Ms. Chuai has extensive experience in human resources management and corporate administration. She currently serves as Chief Human Resources Officer of Beijing Labaku Information Technology Co., Ltd.. From September 2023 to July 2024, she was Chief Human Resources Officer of Beijing Hui’anjin Technology Co., Ltd. Ms. Chuai holds a degree from Yanjing University of Technology.
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Ruihong Ma, dated October 3, 2025 | |
| 10.2 | Director offer letter to Ms. Yannan Chuai, dated October 3, 2025 |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| ZK International Group Co., Ltd. | ||
| Date: October 6, 2025 | By: | /s/ Ruihong Ma |
| Name: | Ruihong Ma | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
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Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is entered into as of October 3, 2025 by and between ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD., an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands with limited liability (the “Company”), and Ruihong Ma, an individual (the “Executive”). The term “Company” as used herein with respect to all obligations of the Executive hereunder shall be deemed to include the Company and all of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”).
RECITALS
The Company desires to employ the Executive and to assure itself of the services of the Executive during the term of Employment (as defined below).
The Executive desires to be employed by the Company during the term of Employment and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
AGREEMENT
The parties hereto agree as follows:
1. POSITION
The Executive hereby accepts the position of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company (the “Employment”).
2. TERM
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the initial term of the Employment shall be two (2) years, commencing on October 3, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Upon expiration of the initial term, the Employment shall be automatically extended for a successive 1-year term (“Extension Term”) unless either party gives the other party hereto a three-month prior written notice to terminate the Employment prior to the expiration of such Extension Term or unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Executive shall be employed on a full-time basis and is expected to work the standard business hours of the Company, subject to any additional requirements necessary to fulfill his duties.
3. PROBATION
No probationary period.
4. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
| (a) | The Executive’s duties at the Company will include all jobs assigned by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). |
| (b) | The Executive shall devote all of his working time, attention and skills to the performance of his duties at the Company and shall faithfully and diligently serve the Company in accordance with this Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company (the “Articles of Association”), as amended and restated from time to time, and the guidelines, policies and procedures of the Company approved from time to time by the Board. |
| (c) | The Executive shall use his best efforts to perform his duties hereunder. The Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, serve as an officer or member of the board of directors or advisory board (or the equivalent in the case of a non-corporate entity) of non-competing for-profit businesses and charitable organizations, provided, however, that such activities do not materially interfere, individually or in the aggregate, with the performance of his duties and responsibilities to the Company. The Executive shall not be concerned or interested in any business or entity that engages in the same business in which the Company engages (any such business or entity, a “Competitor”), provided that nothing in this clause shall preclude the Executive from holding any shares or other securities of any Competitor that is listed on any securities exchange or recognized securities market anywhere if such shares or securities represent less than 5% of the Competitor’s outstanding shares and securities. The Executive shall notify the Company in writing of his interest in such shares or securities in a timely manner and with such details and particulars as the Company may reasonably require. |
5. NO BREACH OF CONTRACT
The Executive hereby represents to the Company that: (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Executive and the performance by the Executive of the Executive’s duties hereunder shall not constitute a breach of, or otherwise contravene, the terms of any other agreement or policy to which the Executive is a party or otherwise bound, except for agreements entered into by and between the Executive and any member of the Group pursuant to applicable law, if any; (ii) that the Executive has no information (including, without limitation, confidential information and trade secrets) relating to any other person or entity which would prevent, or be violated by, the Executive entering into this Agreement or carrying out his duties hereunder; (iii) that the Executive is not bound by any confidentiality, trade secret or similar agreement (other than this) with any other person or entity except for other member(s) of the Group, as the case may be.
6. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
| (a) | Base Salary. During the Employment Term, as compensation for services hereunder and subject to the performance of his obligations hereunder, the Executive shall be paid the annual cash compensation of US$5,000 (inclusive of the statutory welfare reserves that the Company is required to deduct from the Executive’s pay under applicable laws). The cash compensation may be paid by the Company, a subsidiary or affiliated entity or a combination thereof, as designated by the Company from time to time. |
| (b) | Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible for Bonuses determined by the Board. |
| (c) | Equity Incentives. To the extent the Company adopts and maintains a share incentive plan, the Executive will be eligible to participate in such plan pursuant to the terms thereof as determined by the Board. |
| (d) | Benefits. The Executive is eligible for participation in any standard employee benefit plan of the Company that currently exists or may be adopted by the Company in the future, including, but not limited to, any retirement plan, life insurance plan, health insurance plan and travel/holiday plan. |
| (e) | Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Company for all reasonable ordinary and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of his duties under this Agreement; provided that he properly accounts for such expenses in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures. |
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7. TERMINATION OF THE AGREEMENT
| (a) | By the Company. |
| (i) | For Cause. The Company may terminate the Employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration (unless notice or remuneration is specifically required by applicable law, in which case notice or remuneration will be provided in accordance with applicable law), if: (1) the Executive is convicted or pleads guilty to a felony or to an act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement, (2) the Executive has been grossly negligent or acted dishonestly to the detriment of the Company, (3) the Executive has engaged in actions amounting to willful misconduct or failed to perform his duties hereunder and such failure continues after the Executive is afforded a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure; or (4) the Executive violates Section 7 or 9 of this Agreement. Upon termination for cause, the Executive shall be entitled to the amount of base salary earned and not paid prior to termination. However, the Executive will not be entitled to receive payment of any severance benefits or other amounts by reason of the termination, and the Executive’s right to all other benefits will terminate, except as required by any applicable law. | |
| (ii) | For death and disability. The Company may also terminate the Employment, at any time, without notice or remuneration (unless notice or remuneration is specifically required by applicable law, in which case notice or remuneration will be provided in accordance with applicable law), if: (1) the Executive has died, or (2) the Executive has a disability which shall mean a physical or mental impairment which, as reasonably determined by the Board, renders the Executive unable to perform the essential functions of his employment with the Company, with or without reasonable accommodation, for more than 120 days in any 12-month period, unless a longer period is required by applicable law, in which case that longer period would apply. Upon termination for death or disability, the Executive shall be entitled to the amount of base salary earned and not paid prior to termination. However, the Executive will not be entitled to receive payment of any severance benefits or other amounts by reason of the termination, and the Executive’s right to all other benefits will terminate, except as required by any applicable law. | |
| (iii) | Without Cause. The Company may terminate the Employment without cause, at any time, upon a prior written notice. Upon termination without cause, the Company shall provide the following severance payments and benefits to the Executive: (1) a lump sum cash payment equal to 12 months of the Executive’s base salary as of the date of such termination; (2) a lump sum cash payment equal to a pro-rated amount of his target annual bonus for the year immediately preceding the termination, if any; (3) payment of premiums for continued health benefits under the Company’s health plans for 12 months fo1lowing the termination, if any; and (4) immediate vesting of 100% of the then-unvested portion of any outstanding equity awards held by the Executive. Upon termination without cause, the Executive shall be entitled to the amount of base salary earned and not paid prior to termination. | |
| (iv) | Change of Control Transaction. If the Company or its successor terminates the Employment upon a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity (the “Change of Control Transaction”), the Executive shall be entitled to the following severance payments and benefits upon such termination: (1) a lump sum cash payment equal to 12 months of the Executive’s base salary at a rate equal to the greater of his/her annual salary in effect immediate1y prior to the termination, or his/her then current annua1 salary as of the date of such termination; (2) a lump sum cash payment equal to a pro-rated amount of his/her target annual bonus for the year immediately preceding the termination; and (3) immediate vesting of 100% of the then-unvested portion of any outstanding equity awards held by the Executive. |
| (b) | By the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Employment at any time with a prior written notice to the Company, if (1) there is a material reduction in the Executive’s authority, duties and responsibilities, or (2) there is a material reduction in the Executive’s annual salary. Upon the Executive’s termination of the Employment due to either of the above reasons, the Company shall provide compensation to the Executive equivalent to 12 months of the Executive’s base salary that he is entitled to immediately prior to such termination. In addition, the Executive may resign prior to the expiration of the Agreement if such resignation is approved by the Board or an alternative arrangement with respect to the Employment is agreed to by the Board. |
| (c) | Notice of Termination. Any termination of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be communicated by written notice of termination from the terminating party to the other party. |
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8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE
| (a) | Confidentiality and Non-disclosure. The Executive hereby agrees at all times during the term of his/her employment and after termination, to hold in the strictest confidence, and not to use, except for the benefit of the Group, or to disclose to any person, corporation or other entity without written consent of the Company, any Confidential Information. The Executive understands that “Confidential Information” means any proprietary or confidential information of the Group, its affiliates, their clients, customers or partners, and the Group’s licensors, including, without limitation, technical data, trade secrets, research and development information, product plans, services, customer lists and customers (including, but not limited to, customers of the Group on whom the Executive called or with whom the Executive became acquainted during the term of his/her employment), supplier lists and suppliers, software, developments, inventions, processes, formulas, technology, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration information, personnel information, marketing, finances, information about the suppliers, joint ventures, licensors, licensees, distributors and other persons with whom the Group does business, information regarding the skills and compensation of other employees of the Group or other business information disclosed to the Executive by or obtained by the Executive from the Group, its affiliates, or their clients, customers or partners either directly or indirectly in writing, orally or by drawings or observation of parts or equipment, if specifically indicated to be confidential or reasonably expected to be confidential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall not include information that is generally available and known to the public through no fault of the Executive. (b) Company Property. The Executive understands that all documents (including computer records, facsimile and e-mail) and materials created, received or transmitted in connection with his/her work or using the facilities of the Group are property of the Group and subject to inspection by the Group, at any time. Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company (or at any other time when requested by the Company), the Executive will promptly deliver to the Company all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to his/her work with the Company and will provide written certification of his/her compliance with this Agreement. Under no circumstances will the Executive have, following his/her termination, in his/her possession any property of the Group, or any documents or materials or copies thereof containing any Confidential Information. |
| (c) | Former Employer Information. The Executive agrees that he has not and will not, during the term of his/her employment, (i) improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former employer or other person or entity with which the Executive has an agreement or duty to keep in confidence information acquired by Executive, if any, or (ii) bring into the premises of the Group any document or confidential or proprietary information belonging to such former employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such former employer, person or entity. The Executive will indemnify the Group and hold it harmless from and against all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of suit, arising out of or in connection with any violation of the foregoing. |
| (d) | Third Party Information. The Executive recognizes that the Group may have received, and in the future may receive, from third parties their confidential or proprietary information subject to a duty on the Group’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. The Executive agrees that the Executive owns the Group and such third parties, during the Executive’s employment by the Company and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person or firm and to use it in a manner consistent with, and for the limited purposes permitted by, the Group’s agreement with such third party. |
| (e) | This Section 8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. In the event the Executive breaches this Section 8, the Company shall have right to seek remedies permissible under applicable law. |
9. RETURN OF CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL
| (a) | Return of Confidential Material. In the event of the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, Executive agrees promptly to surrender and deliver to the Company all records, materials, equipment, drawings, documents and data of any nature pertaining to any confidential information or to his/her employment, and Executive will not retain or take with him/her any tangible materials or electronically-stored data, containing or pertaining to any confidential information that Executive may produce, acquire or obtain access to during the course of his/her employment. |
| (b) | Survival. This Section 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. In the event the Executive breaches this Section 9, the Company shall have right to seek remedies permissible under applicable law. |
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10. CONFLICTING EMPLOYMENT
The Executive hereby agrees that, during the term of his/her employment with the Company, he/she will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity related to the business in which the Group is now involved or becomes involved during the term of the Executive’s employment, nor will the Executive engage in any other activities that conflict with his/her obligations to the Company without the prior written consent of the Company.
11. NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION
In consideration of the salary paid to the Executive by the Company and subject to applicable law, the Executive agrees that during the term of the Employment and for a period of one (1) year following the termination of the Employment for whatever reason:
| (a) | The Executive will not approach clients, customers or contacts of the Company or other persons or entities introduced to the Executive in the Executive’s capacity as a representative of the Company for the purposes of doing business with such persons or entities which will harm the business relationship between the Company and such persons and/or entities; |
| (b) | The Executive will not assume employment with or provide services as a Executive or otherwise for any Competitor, or engage, whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, in any Competitor; and |
| (c) | The Executive will not seek, directly or indirectly, by the offer of alternative employment or other inducement whatsoever, to solicit the services of any employee of the Company employed as at or after the date of such termination, or in the year preceding such termination. |
The provisions contained in Section 9 are considered reasonable by the Executive and the Company. In the event that any such provisions should be found to be void under applicable laws but would be valid if some part thereof was deleted or the period or area of application reduced, such provisions shall apply with such modification as may be necessary to make them valid and effective.
This Section 9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement for any reason. In the event the Executive breaches this Section 9, the Executive acknowledges that there will be no adequate remedy at law, and the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief and/or a decree for specific performance, and such other relief as may be proper (including monetary damages if appropriate). In any event, the Company shall have the right to seek all remedies permissible under applicable law.
12. WITHHOLDING TAXES
Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, the Company may withhold (or cause there to be withheld, as the case may be) from any amounts otherwise due or payable under or pursuant to this Agreement such national, provincial, local or any other income, employment, or other taxes as may be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
13. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement is personal in its nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the Company may assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder to any member of the Group without such consent, and (ii) in the event of a merger, consolidation, or transfer or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company with or to any other individual(s) or entity, this Agreement shall, subject to the provisions hereof, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successor and such successor shall discharge and perform all the promises, covenants, duties, and obligations of the Company hereunder.
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14. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Executive and the Company regarding the terms of the Employment and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements concerning such subject matter, other than any such agreement under any employment agreement entered into with a subsidiary of the Company at the request of the Company to the extent such agreement does not conflict with any of the provisions herein. The Executive acknowledges that he/she has not entered into this Agreement in reliance upon any representation, warranty or undertaking which is not set forth in this Agreement. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the Executive and the Company.
16. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
17. AMENDMENT
This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed (in whole or in part), except by a formal, definitive written agreement expressly referring to this Agreement, which agreement is executed by both of the parties hereto.
18. WAIVER
Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
19. NOTICES
All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given and made if (i) delivered by hand, (ii) otherwise delivered against receipt therefor, or (iii) sent by a recognized courier with next-day or second-day delivery to the last known address of the other party.
20. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall become binding when one or more counterparts hereof, individually or taken together, shall bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories. Photographic copies of such signed counterparts may be used in lieu of the originals for any purpose.
21. NO INTERPRETATION AGAINST DRAFTER
Each party recognizes that this Agreement is a legally binding contract and acknowledges that such party has had the opportunity to consult with legal counsel of choice. In any construction of the terms of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against either party on the basis of that party being the drafter of such terms. The Executive agrees and acknowledges that he/she has read and understands this Agreement, is entering into it freely and voluntarily, and has been advised to seek counsel prior to entering into this Agreement and has ample opportunity to do so.
[remainder of this page left intentionally blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the date first written above.
| ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD. | ||
| Signature: | /s/ Jiancong Huang | |
| Name: | Jiancong Huang | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
| Executive | ||
| Signature: | /s/ Ruihong Ma | |
| Name: | Ruihong Ma | |
[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]
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Exhibit 10.2
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD.
c/o Zhejiang Zhengkang Industrial Co., Ltd.
No. 678 Dingxiang Road, Binhai Industrial Park
Economic & Technology Development Zone
Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
People’s Republic of China
October 3, 2025
Re: Director Offer Letter
Dear Ms. Yannan Chuai:
ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD., a British Virgin Islands limited liability company (the “Company” or “we”), is pleased to offer you a position as a Director of the Company. We believe your background and experience will be a significant asset to the Company and we look forward to your participation as a Director in the Company. Should you choose to accept this position as a Director, this letter agreement (the “Agreement”) shall constitute an agreement between you and the Company and contains all the terms and conditions relating to the services you agree to provide to the Company. Your appointment shall begin immediately upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.
1. Term. This Agreement is effective as of the date of this Agreement. Your term as a Director shall continue, subject to the provisions in Section 9 below or until your successor is duly elected and qualified. The position shall be up for re-appointment every year by the board of the Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and upon re-appointment, the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
2. Services. You shall render customary services as a Director, member of the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee and Compensation Committee (hereinafter, your “Duties”). During the term of this Agreement, you may attend and participate at each meeting regarding the business and operation issues of the Company as regularly or specially called, via teleconference, video conference or in person. You shall consult with the members of the Board and committee (if any) regularly and as necessary via telephone, electronic mail or other forms of correspondence.
3. Services for Others. You shall be free to represent or perform services for other persons during the term of this Agreement.
4. Compensation. As compensation for your services to the Company, you will receive upon execution of this Agreement a compensation of US$5,000 for each calendar year of service under this Agreement on a pro-rated basis.
You shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred by you in connection with the performance of your Duties (including travel expenses for in-person meetings).
5. D&O Insurance Policy. During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall include you as an insured under its officers and directors insurance policy, if available.
6. No Assignment. Because of the personal nature of the services to be rendered by you, this Agreement may not be assigned by you without the prior written consent of the Company.
7. Confidential Information; Non-Disclosure. In consideration of your access to certain Confidential Information (as defined below) of the Company, in connection with your business relationship with the Company, you hereby represent and agree as follows:
a. Definition. For purposes of this Agreement the term “Confidential Information” means: (i) any information which the Company possesses that has been created, discovered or developed by or for the Company, and which has or could have commercial value or utility in the business in which the Company is engaged; (ii) any information which is related to the business of the Company and is generally not known by non-Company personnel; and (iii) Confidential Information includes, without limitation, trade secrets and any information concerning products, processes, formulas, designs, inventions (whether or not patentable or registrable under copyright or similar laws, and whether or not reduced to practice), discoveries, concepts, ideas, improvements, techniques, methods, research, development and test results, specifications, data, know-how, software, formats, marketing plans, and analyses, business plans and analyses, strategies, forecasts, customer and supplier identities, characteristics and agreements.
b. Exclusions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term Confidential Information shall not include: (i) any information which becomes generally available or is readily available to the public other than as a result of a breach of the confidentiality portions of this Agreement, or any other agreement requiring confidentiality between the Company and you; (ii) information received from a third party in rightful possession of such information who is not restricted from disclosing such information; (iii) information known by you prior to receipt of such information from the Company, which prior knowledge can be documented and (iv) information you are required to disclose pursuant to any applicable law, regulation, judicial or administrative order or decree, or request by other regulatory organization having authority pursuant to the law; provided, however, that you shall first have given prior written notice to the Company and made a reasonable effort to obtain a protective order requiring that the Confidential Information not be disclosed.
c. Documents. You agree that, without the express written consent of the Company, you will not remove from the Company’s premises, any notes, formulas, programs, data, records, machines or any other documents or items which in any manner contain or constitute Confidential Information, nor will you make reproductions or copies of same. You shall promptly return any such documents or items, along with any reproductions or copies to the Company upon the Company’s demand, upon termination of this Agreement, or upon your termination or Resignation (as defined in Section 9 herein).
d. Confidentiality. You agree that you will hold in trust and confidence all Confidential Information and will not disclose to others, directly or indirectly, any Confidential Information or anything relating to such information without the prior written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the course of your business relationship with the Company. You further agree that you will not use any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company, except as may be necessary in the course of your business relationship with the Company, and that the provisions of this paragraph (d) shall survive termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you may disclose Confidential Information to your legal counsel and accounting advisors who have a need to know such information for accounting or tax purposes and who agree to be bound by the provisions of this paragraph (d).
e. Ownership. You agree that the Company shall own all right, title and interest (including patent rights, copyrights, trade secret rights, mask work rights, trademark rights, and all other intellectual and industrial property rights of any sort throughout the world) relating to any and all inventions (whether or not patentable), works of authorship, mask works, designations, designs, know-how, ideas and information made or conceived or reduced to practice, in whole or in part, by you during the term of this Agreement and that arise out of your Duties (collectively, “Inventions”) and you will promptly disclose and provide all Inventions to the Company. You agree to assist the Company, at its expense, to further evidence, record and perfect such assignments, and to perfect, obtain, maintain, enforce, and defend any rights assigned.
8. Non-Solicitation. During the term of your appointment, you shall not solicit for employment any employee of the Company with whom you have had contact due to your appointment.
9. Termination and Resignation. Your services as a Director may be terminated for any or no reason by the determination of the Board. You may also terminate your services as a Director for any or no reason by delivering your written notice of resignation to the Company (“Resignation”), and such Resignation shall be effective upon the time specified therein or, if no time is specified, upon receipt of the notice of resignation by the Company. Upon the effective date of the termination or Resignation, your right to compensation hereunder will terminate subject to the Company’s obligations to pay you any compensation that you have already earned and to reimburse you for approved expenses already incurred in connection with your performance of your Duties as of the effective date of such termination or Resignation.
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10. Governing Law; Arbitration. All questions with respect to the construction and/or enforcement of this Agreement, and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be determined in accordance with the law of the State of New York. All disputes with respect to this Agreement, including the existence, validity, interpretation, performance, breach or termination thereof or any dispute regarding non-contractual obligations arising out of or relating to it shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association at its New York office in force when the Notice of Arbitration is submitted. The law of this arbitration clause shall be New York law. The seat of arbitration shall be in New York. The number of arbitrators shall be one. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in English.
11. Entire Agreement; Amendment; Waiver; Counterparts. This Agreement expresses the entire understanding with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and terminates any prior oral or written agreements with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived only with the written consent of the parties hereto. Waiver of any term or condition of this Agreement by any party shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or failure of the same term or condition or waiver of any other term or condition of this Agreement. The failure of any party at any time to require performance by any other party of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the right of any such party to require future performance of such provision or any other provision of this Agreement. This Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts each of which will be an original and all of which taken together will constitute one and the same agreement, and may be executed using facsimiles of signatures, and a facsimile of a signature shall be deemed to be the same, and equally enforceable, as an original of such signature.
12. Indemnification. The Company shall, to the maximum extent provided under applicable law, indemnify and hold you harmless from and against any expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, settlements and other legally permissible amounts (“Losses”), incurred in connection with any proceeding arising out of, or related to, your performance of your Duties, other than any such Losses incurred as a result of your gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Company shall advance to you any expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs of settlement, incurred in defending any such proceeding to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. Such costs and expenses incurred by you in defense of any such proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such proceeding promptly upon receipt by the Company of (a) written request for payment; (b) appropriate documentation evidencing the incurrence, amount and nature of the costs and expenses for which payment is being sought; and (c) an undertaking adequate under applicable law made by or on your behalf to repay the amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined pursuant to any non-appealable judgment or settlement that you are not entitled to be indemnified by the Company.
13. Acknowledgement. You accept this Agreement subject to all the terms and provisions of this Agreement. You agree to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board of Directors of the Company of any questions arising under this Agreement.
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The Agreement has been executed and delivered by the undersigned and is made effective as of the date set first set forth above.
| Sincerely, | ||
| ZK INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO., LTD. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jiancong Huang | |
| Name: | Jiancong Huang | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board | |
| AGREED AND ACCEPTED: | ||
| By: | /s/ Yannan Chuai | |
| Name: | Yannan Chuai | |
| Address: [●] | ||
| Phone Number: [●] | ||
| Email: [●] | ||
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