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| 1. |
Introduction
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| 2. |
Objectives
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| 2.1. |
To closely align the interests of the Executive Officers with those of Sol-Gel's shareholders in order to enhance shareholder value;
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| 2.2. |
To provide the Executive Officers with a structured compensation package, while creating a balance between the fixed components, i.e., the base salaries and benefits, and the variable compensation,
such as bonuses and equity-based compensation in order to minimize potential conflicts between the interests of Executive Officers and those of Sol-Gel;
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| 2.3. |
To strengthen the retention and the motivation of Executive Officers in the short and long term.
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| 2.4. |
This Compensation Policy was prepared taking into account the Company's nature, size and business and financial characteristics.
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| 3. |
Compensation structure and instruments
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| • |
Base salary;
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| • |
Benefits and perquisites;
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| • |
Cash bonuses (short-to-medium term incentive);
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| • |
Equity based compensation (medium-to-long term incentive); and
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| • |
Retirement and termination of service arrangements payments.
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| 4. |
Overall Compensation - Ratio Between Fixed and Variable Compensation
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| 5. |
Intra-Company Compensation Ratio
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| 6. |
Base Salary
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| 6.1. |
The Base Salary varies between Executive Officers, is individually determined by the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO, also the Company's general meeting of
shareholders) and may be considered and adjusted by the Company (subject to the approvals of the abovementioned organs) on a periodically basis, according to, among others, the educational background,
prior vocational experience, expertise and qualifications, role, business authorities and responsibilities, past performance and previous compensation arrangements of such Executive Officer, as well as the Company's financial state and cash
position and any requirements or restrictions prescribed by any applicable legislation, from time to time. When determining the Base Salary, the Company may also decide to consider, at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and the
Board and as required, the prevailing pay levels in the relevant market, Base Salary and the total compensation package of comparable Executive Officers in the Company, the proportion between the Executive Officer's compensation package and
the salaries of other employees in the Company and specifically the median and average salaries and the effect of such proportions on the work relations in the Company.
|
| 1 |
Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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| 6.2. |
Position: Company CEO in Israel.
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| 6.3. |
The monthly Base Salary for the Company CEO resident is Israel shall not exceed NIS 120,000 for a full time position. The total fixed and variable compensation (including equity based compensation) payable to the Company CEO shall not
exceed NIS 5 million per year. Such maximum amounts may be increased from time to time based on increases in the Israeli Consumer Price Index from the date of approval of this Policy. For purposes of calculating the total fixed and variable
compensation payable to the Company CEO each year, the value of any equity award granted to the Company CEO determined on the date of Board approval will be allocated equally over the number of years during which such equity award vests.
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| 6.4. |
Position: Executive Officers in Israel (other than Board member or CEO)
The monthly Base Salary for Executive Officers (other than Board member or CEO) resident in Israel shall not exceed NIS 90,000 for a full time position. Such maximum amount may be increased from time to time
based on increases in the Israeli Consumer Price Index from the date of approval of this Policy.
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| 6.5. |
Position: Company CEO in the U.S. or other location outside of Israel
The annual Base Salary for the Company CEO resident in the U.S. or another location outside of Israel shall be determined by the shareholders pursuant to applicable law.
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| 6.6. |
Position: Officers in the U.S. or other location outside of Israel (other than Board member or CEO).
The annual Base Salary for the Executive Officers (other than Board member or CEO) resident in the U.S. or other location outside of Israel shall not exceed USD 400,000 for a full time position. Such amount may
be linked to increases in the Consumer Price Index in the U.S. (or in such other location, as the case may be) from the date of approval of this Policy.
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| 7. |
Benefits
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| 7.1. |
In addition to the Base Salary, the following benefits may be granted to the Executive Officers (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting pf
shareholders), in order, among other things, to comply with legal requirements. It shall be clarified, that the list below is an open list and Sol-Gel (subject to the abovementioned required approvals) may grant to its Executive Officers
other similar, comparable or customary benefits, subject to the applicable law. In addition, Executive Officers employed outside of Israel may receive other similar, comparable or customary benefits as applicable in the relevant jurisdiction
in which they are employed.
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| • |
Vacation days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law, up to a cap of 30 days per annum;
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| • |
Sick days in accordance with market practice and the applicable law; However, the Company may decide to cover sick days from the first day;
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| • |
Convalescence pay according to the applicable law;
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| • |
Medical Insurance in accordance with market practice and the applicable law;
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| • |
With respect to Executive Officers employed in Israel: monthly remuneration for a study fund ("Keren Hishtalmut"), as allowed by applicable tax law and with reference to Sol-Gel’s practice and common market practice;
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| • |
Pension and savings – according to local market practices and legislation;
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| • |
Disability insurance – the Company may purchase disability insurance, according to applicable legislation.
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| 7.2. |
Sol-Gel may offer additional benefits to its Executive Officers, including but not limited to: communication, company car and travel benefits, insurances and other benefits (such as newspaper
subscriptions, academic and professional studies), etc., including their gross up.
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| 7.3. |
Sol-Gel may reimburse its Executive Officers for reasonable work-related expenses incurred as part of their activities, including without limitations, meeting participation expenses, reimbursement of business travel, including a daily
stipend when traveling and accommodation expenses. Sol-Gel may provide advance payments to its Executive Officers in connection with work-related expenses.
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| 8. |
Signing Bonus
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| 9. |
Annual Bonuses
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| 9.1. |
The annual bonus that may be paid to the Executive Officers for any fiscal year shall not exceed twelve (12) monthly Base Salaries to the CEO, and six (6) monthly Base Salaries to any other Executive Officer.
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| 9.2. |
CEO
The annual bonus to the CEO will be based mainly on measurable criteria, and with respect to its less significant part shall be determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board, in
accordance with the following:
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Position
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Company/Individual
Performance Measures |
Company's Discretion
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CEO
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75%-100%
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0%-25%
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| 9.3. |
Other Executive Officers (Excluding CEO and Directors)
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| 10. |
Special Bonuses
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| 11. |
Additional Provisions Relating to Cash Bonuses
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| 11.1. |
Pro Rata Payment
Should the employment or service of the Executive Officer terminate prior to the end of a fiscal year, Sol-Gel may pay the Executive Officer his/her pro-rata share of that fiscal year’s
bonus, based on the period such Executive Officer was employed by the Company or has served in the Company.
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| 11.2. |
Compensation Recovery ("Clawback")
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| 11.2.1. |
In the event of an accounting restatement, Sol-Gel shall recover from its Executive Officers the bonus compensation or performance-based equity compensation received by each such Executive Officer during the three completed fiscal years
immediately preceding the date that the company is required to prepare an accounting restatement in the amount in which such bonus exceeded what would have been paid under the financial statements, as restated ("Compensation Recovery"), For purposes of this Policy, when compensation is deemed to be “received”, the date on which a restatement shall be deemed to be required, and the type of restatement for which this provision shall
apply, shall be as provided in the SEC Clawback Rule (as defined below).
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| 11.2.2. |
Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the Compensation Recovery will not be triggered in the following events:
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| • |
The financial restatement is required due to changes in the applicable GAAP financial reporting standards as determined by the Company’s outside auditor; or
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| • |
The Company (subject to any required approval by the applicable law) has determined that the direct expense paid to a third party to assist in enforcing the policy would exceed the amount to be recovered; or
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| • |
Otherwise as provided in the SEC Clawback Rule.
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| 11.2.3. |
The Company intends to adopt a clawback policy (“Nasdaq Clawback Policy”) that complies with the listing standards (“Nasdaq Standards”) to be adopted by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10D-1
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (as amended from time to time, the “SEC Clawback Rule”), which directs national securities exchanges, including Nasdaq, to establish listing standards for purposes of complying with
such rule. Any provision of the Nasdaq Clawback Policy as required by the Nasdaq Standards shall be deemed to comply with this Compensation Policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this Policy and the Nasdaq Clawback Policy, the
Nasdaq Clawback Policy shall prevail to the extent the Nasdaq Clawback Policy expands the obligation of the Company to conduct a Compensation Recovery. For the avoidance of any doubt, no amendments to, or further corporate approvals in
connection with, this Compensation Policy will be required in connection with the adoption of the Nasdaq Clawback Policy.
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| 11.2.4. |
Nothing in this Section 11 derogates from any other “Clawback” or similar provisions regarding disgorging of profits imposed on Executive Officers by virtue of other applicable securities or other laws, regulations or listing standard
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| 11.3. |
Reduction or Postponement
In the event of the termination of office of an Executive Officer under circumstances in which he/she will not be entitled to severance pay, the Company (subject to the approvals of the
Compensation Committee and the Board) may revoke the entitlement of such an Executive Officer to an annual bonus and to all parts of the annual bonus which have not yet been paid to him.
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| 12. |
General and Objectives
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| 12.1. |
The Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may grant from time to time equity-based
compensation which will be individually determined and awarded according to, inter alia, the performance, educational background, prior business experience, qualifications, role and the personal
responsibilities of the Executive Officer. Equity-based compensation may also be awarded to the Company's directors, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive Chairman, provided that such directors do not also serve as officers in
the Company.
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| 12.2. |
The main objectives of the equity-based compensation is to enhance the alignment between the Executive Officers' and directors' interests with the long term interests of Sol-Gel and its shareholders, and to strengthen the retention and the
motivation of Executive Officers in the medium-to-long term. In addition, since equity-based awards are structured to vest over several years, their incentive value to recipients is aligned with longer-term strategic plans.
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| 12.3. |
The equity based compensation offered by Sol-Gel is intended to be in a form of options exercisable into shares, restricted shares and/or other equity based awards, such as restricted share units (RSUs), in accordance with the Company's
incentive plan in place as may be updated from time to time.2
|
| 2 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of approval of the Board, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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| 13. |
Fair Market Value
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| 14. |
Taxation Regime
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| 15. |
Exercise Period
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| 16. |
Vesting
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| 3 |
Calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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| 17. |
For details regarding ceilings with respect to director's equity-based compensation see section 29 below.
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| 18. |
General
All other terms of the equity awards shall be in accordance with Sol-Gel's incentive plans and other related practices and policies. Accordingly, the Company may (subject to the approvals
of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) extend the period of time for which an award is to remain exercisable and make provisions
with respect to the acceleration of the vesting period of any Executive Officer's awards, including, without limitation, in connection with a corporate transaction involving a change of control, subject to any additional approval as may be
required by the Companies Law.
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| 19. |
Advanced Notice Period
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| 19.1. |
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may provide each Executive Officer (excluding directors), pursuant to an
Executive Officer's employment agreement and according to the Company's decision per each case, a prior notice of termination of up to six (6) months, except for the CEO whose prior notice may be of up to twelve (12) months (the "Advance Notice Period"). During the Advance Notice Period, the Executive Officer may be entitled to all of the compensation elements, and to the continuation of vesting of his/her options, restricted
shares, RSUs and/or any other equity based awards.
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| 19.2. |
During the Advance Notice Period, an Executive Officer will be required to keep performing his/her duties pursuant to his/her agreement with the Company, unless the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the
Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) has waived the Executive Officer’s services to the Company during the Advance Notice Period and pay the amount payable in lieu of notice, plus the value
of benefits.
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| 19.3. |
In the event of a change of control in the Company, the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may decide to extend
the Advance Notice Period as provided in section 19.1 above (and the compensation paid for such Advance Notice Period, accordingly) to up to two times the original Advance Notice Period of the Executive Officer, in accordance with the
applicable law as of that time.
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| 20. |
Adjustment Period/Retirement Bonus
In addition to the Advance Notice Period, the Company (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the CEO- also the Company's general meeting
of shareholders) may provide an additional adjustment period/retirement payment that will be determined, among other things, taking into consideration the Executive Officer's seniority in the Company, performance during employment,
contribution to Sol-Gel achieving its goals and the circumstances of retirement or termination. The maximum adjustment period/retirement bonus that may be paid to each Executive Officer shall be up to six (6) month Base Salaries and may
only be granted to Executive Officers who have served in the Company for at least one year; provided, however, that the adjustment period/retirement bonus and Advance Notice Period shall not exceed twelve (12) months in the aggregate.
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| 21. |
Additional Retirement and Termination Benefits
Sol-Gel may provide additional retirement and terminations benefits and payments as may be required by applicable law (e.g., mandatory severance pay under Israeli labor laws- unless
employment/term of service was terminated for cause), or which will be comparable to customary market practices.
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| 22. |
Exemption
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may
exempt in advance and retroactively its Executive Officers, from any liability to the Company, in whole or in part, for damages in consequence of his or her duty of care vis-a-vis the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law and
subject to the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association.
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| 23. |
Indemnification
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) may
indemnify its Executive Officers to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Company's Articles of Association, for any liability and expense that may be imposed on the Executive Officer, as provided in the Indemnity Agreement
between such individuals and Sol-Gel, all subject to applicable law and the Company’s Articles of Association.
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| 24. |
Insurance
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| 24.1. |
Sol-Gel (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) will provide "Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
Insurance" (the "Insurance Policy"), as well as a "run off" insurance policy for its Executive Officers as follows:
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| • |
The annual premium to be paid by Sol-Gel shall not exceed $1.5 million of the aggregate coverage of the Insurance Policy;
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| • |
The limit of liability of the insurer shall be up to $75 million per event and in the aggregate in the insurance period.
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| • |
The deductible amount per each claim shall not exceed $5 million.
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| • |
The Insurance Policy, as well as the limit of liability and the premium for each extension or renewal shall be approved by the Company, which shall determine (subject to the approvals of the Compensation Committee and the Board, and with
respect to the Company's directors and CEO- also the Company's general meeting of shareholders) that the sums are reasonable considering Sol-Gel's exposures, the scope of coverage and the market conditions and that the Insurance Policy
reflects the current market conditions, and it shall not materially affect the Company's profitability, assets or liabilities.
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| • |
The policy will also cover the liability of the controlling shareholders due to their positions as Executive Officers in the Company, from time to time, provided that the coverage terms in this respect do not exceed those of the other
Executive Officers in the Company.
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| 25. |
The following benefits may be granted to the Executive Officers in addition to the benefits applicable in the case of any retirement or termination of service upon a "Change of Control" following of which the employment of the Executive
Officer is terminated or adversely adjusted in a material way:
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| 25.1. |
Vesting acceleration of outstanding options, restricted shares, restricted share units (RSUs) and/or other equity based awards.
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| 25.2. |
Extension of the exercising period of options, restricted shares, restricted share units (RSUs) and/or other equity based awards for Sol-Gel’s Executive Officers for a period of up to five (5) years, following the date of termination of
employment.
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| 25.3. |
An Advance Notice Period, in accordance with section 19.3 above.
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| 25.4. |
An Adjustment period/retirement bonus in accordance with section 20 above, of up to twelve (12) months of Employment Cost.
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| 26. |
The compensation of the Company's directors shall be in accordance with the amounts provided in the Companies Regulations (Rules Regarding the Compensation and Expenses of an External Director) of 2000, as amended by the Companies
Regulations (Relief for Public Companies Traded in Stock Exchange Outside of Israel) of 2000, as such regulations may be amended from time to time, or in accordance with section 27 below, subject to any required approvals by the applicable
law.
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| 27. |
The compensation of the Company's directors (including external directors and independent directors) shall not exceed the following:
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| 27.1. |
Base payment of $58,500 per year (the "Base Payment");
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| 27.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $32,500 per year to the Base Payment;
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| 27.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $13,000 per year to the Base Payment;
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| 27.4. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $6,500 per year to the Base Payment;
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| 28. |
Following June 23, 2023, the maximum compensation of the Company's directors (including external directors and independent directors) will increase by 15% and shall not exceed the following:
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| 28.1. |
Base payment of $67,275 per year (the "Base Payment");
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| 28.2. |
Chairman of the Board- an additional amount of $37,375 per year to the Base Payment;
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| 28.3. |
Committee Chairman- an additional amount of $14,950 per year to the Base Payment;
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| 28.4. |
Lead Independent Director – an additional amount of $14,950 per year to the Base Payment; and
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| 28.5. |
Committee member- an additional amount of $7,475 per year to the Base Payment.
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| 29. |
In addition, the Company may engage with its directors (excluding external and independent directors) for the receipt of consulting services and/or other special services, for a consideration of up to $1,000 per day, plus reasonable
expense reimbursement. Such compensation shall be paid for a maximum of 6 days per year for each director.
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| 30. |
Directors may be granted equity-based compensation in accordance with the applicable principles detailed in section D of this Policy, and subject to the provisions of the Companies Law and the regulations thereunder.4
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| 31. |
Equity based-compensation granted to the Company’s directors shall not exceed 55% of the total compensation paid to the Company’s directors.
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| 32. |
Sol-Gel's external and independent directors may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the Companies Law and the regulations thereunder.
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| 33. |
This Policy is designed solely for the benefit of Sol-Gel. Nothing in this Compensation Policy shall be deemed to grant any of Sol-Gel’s Executive Officers or employees or any third party any right or privilege in connection with their
employment by the Company and their compensation thereof. Such rights and privileges, to which Executive Officers or employees serving in the Company or that will serve in the Company in the future, are entitled for, shall be governed by the
respective personal employment agreements.
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| 34. |
This Policy is subject to applicable law and is not intended, and should not be interpreted as limiting or derogating from, provisions of applicable law to the extent not permitted, nor should it be interpreted as limiting or derogating
from the Company’s Articles of Association.
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| 35. |
This Policy is not intended to affect current agreements nor affect obligating customs (if applicable) between the Company and its Executive Officers as such may exist prior to the approval of this Compensation Policy, subject to any
applicable law.
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| 36. |
In the event of amendments made to the Companies Law or any regulations promulgated thereunder providing relief in connection with Sol-Gel’s compensation to its Executive Officers, Sol-Gel may elect to act pursuant to such relief without
regard to any contradiction with this Policy.
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| 37. |
The Company (subject to any required approvals by the applicable law) may determine that none or only part of the payments, benefits and perquisites shall be granted, and is authorized to cancel or suspend a compensation package or part of
it.
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| 38. |
An immaterial change in the terms of office of Executive Officers (excluding directors, a controlling shareholder or a controlling shareholder's relative) during the term of this Compensation Policy, will be subject to the approval of the
Company's CEO only (changes in the terms of office of the CEO shall be approved in accordance with the Companies Law). An immaterial change in this matter shall be deemed to be a change that does not exceed 5% of the annual Employment Cost
with respect to the employment of such an Executive Officer in the Company, subject to the conditions prescribed in this Compensation Policy.
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| 39. |
It should be clarified, that the compensation components detailed in this Policy do not relate to various components that the Company may provide to all or part of its employees and/or its Executive Officers, such as: parking spaces, entry
permits for its assets, reimbursement for meals and accommodation expenses, vacations, company events, etc.
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| 4 |
The equity based compensation is based on the fair value on the date of approval of the Board, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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| 5 |
Based on the fair value on the date of grant, calculated annually, on a linear basis.
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