Starz Entertainment updates CEO Jeffrey Hirsch contract through 2028
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Starz Entertainment Corp. approved a new employment agreement for President & CEO Jeffrey Hirsch following its separation from Lionsgate Studios Corp. The agreement runs from May 7, 2025 through December 31, 2028 and keeps him in his current roles. Mr. Hirsch will receive a base salary of $1,550,000 and an annual discretionary bonus targeted at 300% of base salary, subject to performance goals set by the Board’s Compensation & Talent Committee.
He is also eligible each year for long-term incentives, including time-based RSUs valued at $2,500,000 and three performance and stock price-based awards with potential values of $3,250,000, $3,250,000, and $6,000,000. The agreement details severance protections if he is terminated without cause, resigns for good reason, or leaves after a change in control, including cash severance and accelerated vesting of certain equity awards. It also includes confidentiality and non-solicitation covenants.
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8-K Event Classification
FAQ
What did Starz Entertainment Corp. (STRZ) announce in this 8-K?
Starz Entertainment Corp. disclosed a new employment agreement with its President & CEO, Jeffrey Hirsch, which replaces his prior contract and sets compensation and severance terms through December 31, 2028.
What is Jeffrey Hirsch’s base salary under the new Starz (STRZ) agreement?
Under the new agreement, Jeffrey Hirsch’s annual base salary is $1,550,000.
How is Jeffrey Hirsch’s annual bonus structured at Starz Entertainment Corp.?
Mr. Hirsch is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus with a target opportunity of 300% of base salary, based on performance criteria set by the Compensation & Talent Committee.
What long-term incentive awards can Jeffrey Hirsch receive from Starz (STRZ)?
Each fiscal year, Mr. Hirsch may receive: (i) time-based RSUs valued at $2,500,000, (ii) a performance award tied to AOIBDA targets valued at $3,250,000 if earned, (iii) a performance award tied to stock price targets valued at $3,250,000 if earned, and (iv) an out-performance stock price-based award valued at $6,000,000 if earned.
What severance is Jeffrey Hirsch entitled to if he is terminated without cause by Starz?
If terminated without cause or for good reason, Mr. Hirsch is entitled to cash severance equal to 0.75 times the sum of base salary and target bonus, a pro-rated bonus based on actual performance, accelerated vesting of specified RSUs and equity awards, vesting of earned long-term incentives, and payment of employee premiums for 18 months, subject to a release of claims.
How does a change in control affect Jeffrey Hirsch’s severance at Starz Entertainment Corp.?
If his employment ends without cause or for good reason within 12 months after a change in control, Mr. Hirsch’s cash severance increases to 1.25 times the sum of base salary and target bonus, and all outstanding RSUs, prior equity awards, and any earned but unvested long-term incentives vest in full.
Does Jeffrey Hirsch’s agreement with Starz include non-compete or non-solicitation terms?
The agreement includes confidentiality obligations and a non-solicitation covenant preventing Mr. Hirsch from soliciting Company employees for 12 months after termination. A non-compete provision is not described in the excerpt.