Align ends HR EVP role, not for cause

Align Technology, Inc. disclosed that it has terminated the employment of Mr. Stuart Hockridge, its Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, with the termination effective in May 2026.

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Align Technology, Inc. disclosed that it has terminated the employment of Mr. Stuart Hockridge, its Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, with the termination effective in May 2026. The company states that the termination is not for “cause” under his May 23, 2016 employment agreement. Any severance, compensation, or benefits he receives will be materially consistent with that agreement and with the disclosures under “Termination Unrelated to a Change of Control” in Align’s 2025 proxy statement filed on April 8, 2025.

Insights

Corporate governance and executive compensation analyst

Align announces a non-cause exit of its HR head with standard severance terms.

The company reports that Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, Stuart Hockridge will have his employment terminated effective May 2026. Crucially, the filing specifies that this termination is not for “cause” as defined in his May 23, 2016 employment agreement, signaling that the separation is being treated as a standard, contractual departure rather than a disciplinary action.

Severance and related benefits are described as materially consistent with his existing employment agreement and the “Termination Unrelated to a Change of Control” section of the 2025 proxy statement. That language indicates the company is following pre-disclosed compensation frameworks rather than creating bespoke terms. For investors, this reads as a routine senior leadership transition in the human resources function, with financial obligations already outlined in prior disclosures.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

FAQ

What executive leadership change did Align Technology (ALGN) disclose?

Align Technology disclosed that it terminated the employment of Mr. Stuart Hockridge, its Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, with an effective date in May 2026.

Was the termination of Align Technology executive Stuart Hockridge for cause?

No. The company states that Mr. Hockridge’s termination was not for “cause” as defined in his May 23, 2016 employment agreement.

When will the termination of Align executive Stuart Hockridge take effect?

The filing states that Mr. Hockridge’s employment with Align will be terminated effective in May 2026.

How will Align Technology determine severance for Stuart Hockridge?

Any severance payments, other compensation, or benefits for Mr. Hockridge will be materially consistent with his employment agreement and the disclosures in the “Termination Unrelated to a Change of Control” section of Align’s 2025 Proxy Statement.

Where can investors find more detail on Stuart Hockridge’s severance terms at Align Technology?

Additional detail is referenced in his employment agreement dated May 23, 2016 and in the section titled “Termination Unrelated to a Change of Control” on page 87 of Align’s 2025 Proxy Statement filed on April 8, 2025.

Which executive signed the Align Technology 8-K about Stuart Hockridge’s termination?

The 8-K was signed on behalf of Align Technology by John Morici, who is identified as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Finance.

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Accepted by SEC EDGAR 09/18/2025 - 05:04 PM Learn about SEC filing dates

0001097149false00010971492025-09-122025-09-12

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 12, 2025

ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

000-32259

94-3267295

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

410 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 1300, Tempe, Arizona 85288

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(602) 742-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class			Trading Symbol(s)			Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.0001 par value			ALGN			The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
						(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17  CFR §240.12b-2). 

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02     Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangement of Certain Officers.

On September 12, 2025, Align Technology, Inc. (the “Company”) terminated the employment of Mr. Stuart Hockridge, Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources of Align, effective May 2026. The termination was not for “cause” as defined in Mr. Hockridge’s employment agreement dated May 23, 2016 (“Employment Agreement”). Any severance payments, other compensation or benefits Mr. Hockridge may receive from the Company will be materially consistent with the terms of his Employment Agreement and the disclosures in the section entitled Termination Unrelated to a Change of Control on page 87 of the Company’s 2025 Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2025.

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.

						ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
			By:			/s/ John Morici
						John Morici Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Finance

Date: September 18, 2025