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  • Writer's pictureRobert Adelson

Triggering Executive Severance to Protect Your Interests in Case of Changed Circumstances

Updated: Dec 29, 2021

Six days ago, on May 27, 2020, CEOWorld magazine published an article I wrote on Triggering Executive Severance to Protect Your Interests in Case of COVID-19 or other Changed Circumstances”.  The magazine advised me that I can use “Featured in the CEOWORLD magazine” and the CEOWORLD “Logo” on my website.

This was my 28th article published in CEOWORLD. Earlier this year, the editor advised that I can add CEOWORLD magazine in my LinkedIn profile’s “Experience Section” as an “Opinion Columnist.” and authority in the field.  See https://ceoworld.biz/author/robert-adelson/


This article, my most recent, published May 27th, is designed for CEOs, C-level and senior executives, especially those who, once on the job, may find that their chances for success become daunting because changed circumstances beyond their control.  For many such executives, the severe economic downturn arising in connection with the COVID-19/coronavirus crisis may cause great reductions in expected base, bonus, equity and LTI compensation and reduced duties and responsibilities as well.​


However, the article is not limited to COVID-19.  The article also discusses other circumstances where clients of the author have also experienced such negative effects, as result of dashed expectations, including where the executive accepted his or her job offer for a CEO, C-level or other senior executive position in reliance on any of these company actions:

  • Keeping a major customer account,

  • Retaining the services of a key man or woman executive,

  • Keeping or achieving regulatory approval,

  • Keeping or retaining a key source of funding,

  • Company possessing the positive financial position represented to you, a position on which you can build for growth.


ambitious executive

The article then concludes with proactive steps the executive can take in your executive employment and job offer negotiations to protect yourself in the event of such changed circumstances in the future.  This includes the crafting of severance terms with triggers tailored to your situation in the event of dashed expectations. Thus, the executive would have an executive contract that provides that if circumstances change, such that the job is no longer what you bargained for, you can move on to a new opportunity and still be made whole as you do so.


To see my full CEOWorld magazine. article, go to LINK:



With more than 12.4+ million-page views, CEOWORLD magazine is the world’s leading business magazine written strictly for CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, CSOs, senior management executives, business leaders, and high net worth individuals worldwide.


The editor has also advised that I can add CEOWORLD magazine in my LinkedIn profile’s “Experience Section” as an “Opinion Columnist.” and authority in the field.  See https://ceoworld.biz/author/robert-adelson/


It is my hope that this article will be helpful to suggest a potential remedy in job offer negotiations to CEOs, COOs, CMOs, other C-Level and senior executives who are considering a new executive position or giving up other opportunities, and, acting in reliance on the promises made by the employer, and seek protection against potential changed circumstances, whether from a pandemic, loss of a key customer, loss of key personnel, a negative regulatory ruling, loss of financing  or otherwise, so the executive can if that happens move and be made whole. If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me at rob@attorneyadelson.com.

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