UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
The disclosure set forth below under Item 5.02 relating to certain agreements between Quanex Building Products Corporation (the “Company”) and each of Scott Zuehlke, Mark Livingston, and Paul Cornett, is incorporated into this Item 1.01.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Managerial Changes. On November 1, 2019, the Company announced the following managerial changes, each effective on November 1, 2019:
(a) Mr. Scott Zuehlke has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer;
(b) Mr. Mark Livingston has been promoted to the position of Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. In addition, the Board has designated Mr. Livingston as the Company’s principal accounting officer as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission;
(c) Mr. Paul Cornett has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary; and
(d) The employment of Mr. Kevin P. Delaney, Senior Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary, was terminated without Cause (as such term is defined in Mr. Delaney’s Severance Agreement, the form of which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as Exhibit 10.5 of Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 as filed on February 14, 2008). Mr. Delaney will receive severance benefits pursuant to the terms of such Severance Agreement, and is also eligible to receive his accrued retirement benefit under the Company’s Supplemental Employees Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.9 of Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10, as filed with the SEC on March 17, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference. In addition, Mr. Delaney will be eligible to receive a cash payment under the Annual Incentive Award granted to him in December 2018 based on the Company’s performance in fiscal year 2019, to the extent such payout is awarded by the Board in the normal course at its December Board meeting after reviewing the Company’s 2019 financial results and calculating payouts due on all December 2018 Annual Incentive Awards, consistent with the Board’s standard practice.
Biographical Information and Compensatory Arrangements for New Officers
Scott M. Zuehlke, Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Zuehlke, age 43, joined the Company in 2016 as its Vice President – Investor Relations and Treasurer, and has also been serving as the Company’s interim Chief Financial Officer since June 2019. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Zuehlke served as Vice President, Investor Relations for Halcón Resources from 2011 to 2016. In his role at Halcón, Mr. Zuehlke was responsible for leading and managing the investor relations function and acting as the primary contact to the investment community. Halcón is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, production, exploration and development of onshore liquids-rich assets in the United States. Mr. Zuehlke holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston.
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In connection with Mr. Zuehlke’s appointment as Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, the Company and Mr. Zuehlke entered into an offer letter agreement (the “Zuehlke Agreement”), effective as of November 1, 2019. The Zuehlke Agreement replaces that certain letter agreement between Mr. Zuehlke and the Company dated January 9, 2016, but all other arrangements and agreements between Mr. Zuehlke and the Company remain in place, as more fully set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2019.
Under the Zuehlke Agreement, the Company will provide an annual base salary of $330,000, with future Annual Incentive Award target values equal to 55% of base salary, and future Long Term Incentive award target values equal to $390,000. Mr. Zuehlke will receive other benefits to the same extent as he enjoyed prior to his promotion, or as may be provided to other Company employees and officers in accordance with Company policies then in effect, and subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans.
Mark A. Livingston, Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. Mr. Livingston, age 56, joined the Company as its Vice President – Controller in February 2019. Prior to that time, Mr. Livingston served from 2015 to 2018 as Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer at Omega Protein Corporation, a producer of food ingredients, dietary supplements and animal feed that was publicly traded until it was taken private in December 2017. Prior to joining Omega, Mr. Livingston served as the Director of Financial Reporting from 2012 to 2015 at ION Geophysical Corporation, a geoscience company providing seismic services to the oil and gas industry. Mr. Livingston holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Certified Public Accountant.
In connection with Mr. Livingston’s appointment as Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, the Company and Mr. Livingston entered into an offer letter agreement (the “Livingston Agreement”) and an indemnity agreement (the “Livingston Indemnity Agreement”), each effective as of November 1, 2019.
Under the Livingston Agreement, the Company will provide an annual base salary of $240,000, with future Annual Incentive Award target values equal to 50% of base salary, and future Long Term Incentive award target values equal to $160,000. Mr. Livingston will receive other benefits to the same extent as he enjoyed prior to his promotion, or as may be provided to other Company employees and officers in accordance with Company policies then in effect and subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans.
A brief summary of the terms of the Livingston Indemnity Agreement can be found in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
Paul B. Cornett, Senior Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Cornett, age 42, has served as the Company’s Vice President – Deputy General Counsel since June 2018, and prior to that time served as the Company’s Deputy General Counsel from November 2017 to June 2018, as Associate General Counsel from August 2012 to November 2017, and as Assistant General Counsel from April 2008 to August 2012. Mr. Cornett originally joined Quanex Corporation, the Company’s predecessor, as a Staff Attorney in 2005, after beginning his legal career in 2003 as an Associate in the corporate group of international law firm Fulbright & Jaworski (now known as Norton Rose Fulbright). Mr. Cornett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology from Rice University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School.
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In connection with Mr. Cornett’s appointment as Senior Vice President – General Counsel and Secretary, the Company and Mr. Cornett entered into an offer letter agreement (the “Cornett Agreement”) and an indemnity agreement (the “Cornett Indemnity Agreement”), each effective as of November 1, 2019.
Under the Cornett Agreement, the Company will provide an annual base salary of $310,000, with future Annual Incentive Award target values equal to 50% of base salary, and future Long Term Incentive award target values equal to $285,000. Mr. Cornett will receive other benefits to the same extent as he enjoyed prior to his promotion, or as may be provided to other Company employees and officers in accordance with Company policies then in effect and subject to the terms and conditions of such benefit plans.
A brief summary of the terms of the Cornett Indemnity Agreement can be found in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 001-33913), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing discussion of compensatory arrangements for Messrs. Zuehlke, Livingston and Cornett is qualified in its entirety by reference to each of the following:
(i) | the Zuehlke Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference, |
(ii) | the Livingston Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference; |
(iv) | the Cornett Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4 and incorporated herein by reference; and |
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.
On November 1, 2019, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointments of Messrs. Zuehlke, Livingston and Cornett to the various positions outlined in Item 5.02 above, and the departure of Mr. Delaney. The foregoing is qualified by reference to such Press Release which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
This information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
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Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
*Filed herewith.
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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 hereunto duly authorized.
QUANEX BUILDING PRODUCTS CORPORATION | ||
Date: November 1, 2019 | By: | /s/ Scott M. Zuehlke |
Scott
M. Zuehlke Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
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Exhibit 10.1
Bill Griffiths Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
1800 West Loop South
Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77027
Main: 713-961-4600
CONFIDENTIAL
November 1, 2019
Scott Zuehlke
3318 Mallard Run Court
Katy, TX 77494
Dear Scott,
I am pleased to offer you the position of Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for Quanex Building Products Corporation (the “Company”), reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, effective on November 1, 2019 (“Effective Date”). Responsibilities of this position will be consistent with what was discussed with you during our several meetings.
Your total compensation will include the following:
1. | Base Salary. Your base salary will be $12,692.30 paid bi-weekly (annualized at $330,000). |
2. | Annual Incentive Award (AIA). The AIA target for your position will be 55% of your base salary and a maximum of 110%. |
3. | Long Term Incentive Award (LTI). You will also be eligible to continue to receive a Long Term Incentive Award in December 2019 based upon approval of the Compensation and Management Development Committee. The LTI target value for your position will be $390,000. The LTI award is comprised of grants from the Omnibus Incentive Plan that typically include a mix of restricted stock, Performance Restricted Stock and Performance Shares. |
4. | Stock ownership. You will have 3 years from your date of promotion to accumulate 200% of your base salary in Quanex shares. |
5. | Benefits. You will be entitled to the level of company health and welfare benefits that you currently participate in today. |
6. | Principal Office. The Quanex Building Products Corporation corporate headquarters, located at 1800 West Loop South, Suite 1500 Houston, Texas 77027 will be your principal office. |
Your entitlement to any of the benefits outlined herein is contingent on your continued employment at the time. Your employment may be terminated by either you or the Company at any time. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
Scott, I believe that you will help provide the leadership we need to meet the long-term needs of our team to deliver the results our owners deserve. I look forward to working with you in your new role.
Sincerely, | ||
/s/ Bill Griffiths | ||
Bill Griffiths | ||
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER | ||
/s/ Scott Zuehkle | November 1, 2019 | |
Scott Zuehkle | Date |
Exhibit 10.2
Bill Griffiths Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
1800 West Loop South
Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77027
Main: 713-961-4600
CONFIDENTIAL
November 1, 2019
Mark Livingston
6702 Woodbend Park N
Houston TX 77055
Dear Mark,
I am pleased to offer you the position of Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer & Controller for Quanex Building Products Corporation (the “Company”), reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, effective on November 1, 2019 (“Effective Date”). Responsibilities of this position will be consistent with what was discussed with you during our meeting.
Your total compensation will include the following:
1. | Base Salary. Your base salary will be $9,230.76 paid bi-weekly (annualized at $240,000). |
2. | Annual Incentive Award (AIA). The AIA target for your position will be 50% of your base salary and a maximum of 100%. |
3. | Long Term Incentive Award (LTI). You will also be eligible to continue to receive a Long Term Incentive Award in December 2019 based upon approval of the Compensation and Management Development Committee. The LTI target value for your position will be $160,000. The LTI award is comprised of grants from the Omnibus Incentive Plan that typically include a mix of restricted stock, Performance Restricted Stock and Performance Shares. |
4. | Stock ownership. You will have 3 years from your date of promotion to accumulate 100% of your base salary in Quanex shares. |
5. | Benefits. You will be entitled to the level of company health and welfare benefits that you currently participate in today. |
6. | Principal Office. The Quanex Building Products Corporation corporate headquarters, located at 1800 West Loop South, Suite 1500 Houston, Texas 77027 will be your principal office. |
Your entitlement to any of the benefits outlined herein is contingent on your continued employment at the time. Your employment may be terminated by either you or the Company at any time. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
Mark, I believe that you will help provide the leadership we need to meet the long-term needs of our team to deliver the results our owners deserve. I look forward to working with you in your new role.
Sincerely, | ||
/s/ Bill Griffiths | ||
Bill Griffiths | ||
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER | ||
/s/ Mark Livingston | November 1, 2019 | |
Mark Livingston | Date |
Exhibit 10.4
Bill Griffiths Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
1800 West Loop South
Suite 1500
Houston, Texas 77027
Main: 713-961-4600
CONFIDENTIAL
November 1, 2019
Paul Cornett
4033 Browning Street
Houston TX 77005
Dear Paul,
I am pleased to offer you the position of Senior Vice President – General Counsel & Secretary for Quanex Building Products Corporation (the “Company”), reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, effective on November 1, 2019 (“Effective Date”). Responsibilities of this position will be consistent with what was discussed with you during our meeting.
Your total compensation will include the following:
1. | Base Salary. Your base salary will be $11,923.08 paid bi-weekly (annualized at $310,000). |
2. | Annual Incentive Award (AIA). The AIA target for your position will be 50% of your base salary and a maximum of 100%. |
3. | Long Term Incentive Award (LTI). You will also be eligible to continue to receive a Long Term Incentive Award in December 2019 based upon approval of the Compensation and Management Development Committee. The LTI target value for your position will be $285,000. The LTI award is comprised of grants from the Omnibus Incentive Plan that typically include a mix of restricted stock, Performance Restricted Stock and Performance Shares. |
4. | Stock ownership. You will have 3 years from your date of promotion to accumulate 200% of your base salary in Quanex shares. |
5. | Benefits. You will be entitled to the level of company health and welfare benefits that you currently participate in today. |
6. | Principal Office. The Quanex Building Products Corporation corporate headquarters, located at 1800 West Loop South, Suite 1500 Houston, Texas 77027 will be your principal office. |
Your entitlement to any of the benefits outlined herein is contingent on your continued employment at the time. Your employment may be terminated by either you or the Company at any time. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
Paul, I believe that you will help provide the leadership we need to meet the long-term needs of our team to deliver the results our owners deserve. I look forward to working with you in your new role.
Sincerely, | ||
/s/ Bill Griffiths | ||
Bill Griffiths | ||
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer |
ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER | ||
/s/ Paul Cornett | November 1, 2019 | |
Paul Cornett | Date |
Exhibit 99.1
Quanex Building Products Announces
Executive
Leadership Appointments
HOUSTON, TEXAS, November 1, 2019 – Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE: NX) (“Quanex” or the “Company”) today announced several key leadership appointments, effective November 1, 2019.
Scott M. Zuehlke – Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Mr. Zuehlke joined the Company in 2016 as Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer and has most recently been serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zuehlke holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston.
Mark A. Livingston – Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
Mr. Livingston joined Quanex in 2019 as Vice President, Controller. Mr. Livingston holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Paul B. Cornett – Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Mr. Cornett joined the Company as a Staff Attorney in 2005 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, most recently as Vice President, Deputy General Counsel. Mr. Cornett holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rice University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Cornett is replacing Kevin P. Delaney.
Bill Griffiths, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our commitment to the development of our people is fundamental to our success, which underscores my confidence in these talented leaders as they embark on expanded and new roles. These promotions support our ongoing strategy and will benefit the Company moving forward.
“I would also like to thank Kevin for his guidance, leadership and commitment to Quanex over the years and wish him well.”
About Quanex
Quanex Building Products Corporation is an industry-leading manufacturer of components sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the building products industry. Quanex designs and produces energy-efficient fenestration products in addition to kitchen and bath cabinet components.
Contact:
Scott Zuehlke
SVP, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
713-877-5327
scott.zuehlke@quanex.com