CRNC Cerence Inc

Exhibit 10.1

November 27, 2024

Antonio (“Tony”) Rodriquez

1843 Lookout Drive

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

United States of America

Dear Tony,

Congratulations! It is with great pleasure that I confirm Cerence Operating Company’s (“Cerence” or the “Company”) offer of employment for the position of Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer of Cerence Inc. In this position, you will report to Brian Krzanich, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Your work location will be remote. If you accept this Offer, your first day of employment with the Company will be November 29, 2024 (such actual date, the “Start Date”).

Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the letter below, Cerence is pleased to offer you a compensation and benefits package with the following elements:

Base Salary and Employment Status

Your starting annual base salary for this exempt level position will be at the rate of $18,269.23 paid on a bi-weekly basis, which annualizes to $475,000.

Bonus Program

In addition to your base salary, you will be eligible to participate in the Cerence Short Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”), with a target STIP award of 75% of your base salary. The STIP coincides with Cerence’s fiscal year, which is October 1^st through September 30^th. Payments will be made in the form of cash and your actual STIP award for fiscal year 2025 will not be pro-rated according to your start date. Eligibility to participate and any payment under the STIP will be at the Company’s discretion, and the Company has the right to vary, suspend, revoke, or replace the STIP at any time.

Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)

As a material inducement to accept the Company’s offer of employment, and subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Cerence Inc., as promptly as practicable following the Start Date the following equity awards shall be granted under the Cerence Inc. 2024 Inducement Award Plan (the “Plan”) and pursuant to Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Marketplace Rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., contingent upon your commencement and continuation of employment with Cerence through the grant date:

A number of restricted stock units having an aggregate target value of $2,500,000. The number of restricted stock units will be calculated based on the average closing price of Cerence Inc. common stock over the trailing 20 trading days ending on and including November 27, 2024. The restricted stock units will be 50% in the form of time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and 50% in the form of performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), as follows in (a) and (b) below:

Please note that any equity awards granted to you are subject to the terms of the Plan or the Cerence 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, as applicable, (or any successor plan(s)) and the applicable grant agreements.

Benefits

Cerence offers affordable health care, income protection, and benefits that provide peace of mind now and in the future. If you are regularly scheduled to work twenty (20) hours or more per week, you are eligible for benefits on day one. The benefit programs you are eligible for as a Cerence employee will be provided during the New Hire On-boarding process.

Paid Time-Off

Cerence provides paid holidays and other time off under our Flexible Time Off policy. You are eligible to take time off subject to your manager’s approval commencing on your first day of employment.

Background Check

Your employment was contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, which was conducted in June 2024 in association with your engagement as the Company’s interim CFO.

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Change of Control and Severance Agreement

The Compensation Committee has approved the terms of the enclosed Severance Agreement, which shall become effective upon the Effective Date, as defined in the Severance Agreement.

Taxes

All forms of compensation are subject to reduction to reflect applicable withholding and payroll taxes and other deductions required by law. You are encouraged to obtain your own tax advice regarding your compensation from the Company. You agree that the Company does not have a duty to design its compensation policies in a manner that minimizes your tax liabilities.

Terms and Conditions

Your employment with Cerence will be “at will”, meaning that either you or Cerence will be entitled to terminate your employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, subject to the terms of the Severance Agreement, if applicable. Any contrary representations which may have been made to you are superseded by this offer. This Offer Letter (“Offer”) and any other agreement referenced herein, along with the Confidential Information, Inventions and Non-Competition Agreement (“CIIN”), which you are required to sign as a condition of employment, are the full and complete agreement between you and Cerence. Although your job duties, title, compensation, and benefits, as well as Cerence personnel policies and procedures, may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of Cerence.

This Offer is contingent upon your satisfying the conditions of hire, including the following:

Finally, this Offer is conditioned on your not being subject to any confidentiality or non-competition agreement or any other similar type of restriction that would affect your ability to devote full time and attention to your work at Cerence. If you have previously entered into such an agreement, please provide me with a copy as soon as possible. You’re accepting this Offer and not presenting me with a copy of an agreement containing a confidentiality or non-competition agreement or any other similar type of restriction indicates that no such agreement exists.

This letter, together with any other agreement referenced herein, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between you and the Company relating to your employment and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and discussions.

Tony, please confirm your acceptance of our Offer by signing this Offer Letter, indicating your anticipated start date and returning it via Adobe.

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If you have further questions regarding our offer, please contact me at (781) 565-8340. On behalf of the Company, I wish you a long and rewarding career with Cerence.

Sincerely,

/s/ Christopher Popadic       

Chris Popadic

VP Global Head of Human Resources

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Exhibit 10.2

CERENCE INC.

CHANGE OF CONTROL AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

This Change of Control and Severance Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Antonio Rodriquez (“Executive”) and Cerence Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), effective as of the later of (i) the latest date on the signature page of this Agreement and (ii) the date Executive’s employment with the Company commences (the “Effective Date”).

RECITALS

1. The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat, or occurrence of a Change of Control.

2. The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment under certain circumstances to provide Executive with enhanced financial security, incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company.

3. Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement and not otherwise defined are defined in Section 7 below.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of Executive’s continued employment and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement. Subject to the provisions for earlier termination set forth herein, the term of the Executive’s employment hereunder shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue through the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). The Initial Term will automatically renew for additional, successive one (1) year periods (each, a “Renewal Term”) unless either party provides written notice of such party’s intent not to continue this Agreement no less than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or the Renewal Term, as applicable; provided, however, in the event that a Change of Control (as defined below) occurs during the final year of the Initial Term or during any Renewal Term, the Initial Term of the Renewal Term, as applicable, shall automatically be extended until the one year anniversary of the Change of Control (a “Change of Control Extension”) (the Initial Term together with any Renewal Terms (each as extended by any Change of Control Extension), if applicable, shall be referred to herein as the “Term”). The Company and the Executive agree that if the Company adopts an executive severance and change of control plan (a “Severance Plan”) with economic terms that are at least as favorable as the terms in this Agreement, this Executive will waive his rights under this Agreement in exchange for participating in the Severance Plan and the Term of this Agreement will end.

2. At-Will Employment. The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law, except as otherwise specifically provided under the terms of a written employment agreement between the Company and Executive.

3. Severance Benefits.

(a) Termination Other than During Change of Control Period. If Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated by the Company other than for Cause and for a reason other than due to Executive’s death or Disability (as defined in Section 3(e) below), and such termination occurs outside the Change of Control Period, then, subject to Section 4 and the other provisions of this Agreement, Executive will receive from the Company:

(i) Base Salary Severance. A cash severance payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date, which shall be paid out in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company’s payroll practice over 12 months.

(ii) Target Bonus Severance. A lump sum cash severance payment equal to one hundred (100%) of Executive’s target bonus and a prorated percentage of Executive’s target bonus as in effect for the fiscal year that includes the termination date. For purposes of the preceding sentence, proration will be determined by dividing the number of days during the fiscal year for which Executive remained an employee of the Company, by three hundred and sixty-five (365). If Executive’s target bonus for the fiscal year including the termination date has not been set as of the termination date, Executive instead will receive a prorated percentage of the target bonus for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

(iii) Time-Based Equity Awards. Vesting of the portion of each (if any) of Executive’s outstanding and unvested equity awards covering shares of the Company’s common stock that are subject solely to time-based vesting (excluding any awards subject to performance-based vesting) (such awards “Time-Based Awards”) that are scheduled to vest during the twelve (12)-month period following Executive’s termination date.

(iv) Performance-Based Equity Awards. Vesting of the earned portion of any of Executive’s outstanding and unvested equity awards subject to performance-based vesting (excluding any Time-Based Awards) (such awards, “Performance-Based Awards”) for which the performance period is complete as of the termination date. In addition, for any Performance-Based awards held by Executive with a single three-year performance period for which the performance period is not complete as of the termination date (“Three-Year Performance-Based Awards”) and provided that Executive has been in the employ of the Company for at least six months of the performance period, except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, a pro-rated portion of any such Three-Year Performance-Based Award (with pro-ration determined by multiplying the number of shares or units subject to the applicable Three-Year Performance-Based Award by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days elapsed between the first day of the performance period of the Three-Year Performance-Based Award and Executive’s termination date and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the performance period for the applicable Three-Year Performance-Based

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Award) (such portion, the “Pro-Rated Portion”) shall remain eligible to be earned at the end of the performance period applicable to the Three-Year Performance-Based Award based upon actual achievement of the applicable performance metrics in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements and equity incentive plans and any Pro-Rated Portion that is earned at the end of the performance period shall be immediately fully vested.

(v) Continued Employee Benefits. Continuation coverage under the terms of the Company medical benefit plan pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), for Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents, subject to Executive timely electing COBRA coverage. Until the earliest of (A) twelve (12) months from the date of Executive’s termination, (B) Executive’s eligibility for group medical plan benefits under any other employer’s group medical plan, or (C) the cessation of Executive’s continuation rights under COBRA, the Company will pay directly on Executive’s behalf the monthly COBRA premiums (at the coverage levels in effect for active employees of the Company). For the avoidance of doubt, the direct payment of any COBRA premiums will be reported as taxable income and subject to any applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the foregoing benefit without potentially violating, or being subject to an excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide payroll payments of the applicable premium amounts directly to Executive for the time period specified above. Such payments shall be paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payment in lieu of COBRA reimbursements may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings.

(b) Termination Following a Change of Control. If during the Change of Control Period (i) Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated by the Company other than for Cause and for a reason other than due to Executive’s death or Disability or (ii) Executive resigns for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 4 and the other provisions of this Agreement, Executive will receive from the Company:

(i) Base Salary Severance. A lump sum cash severance payment equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of Executive’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date (or, if greater, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control).

(ii) Target Bonus Severance. A lump sum cash severance payment equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of Executive’s target bonus for the year in which Executive’s termination occurs (or, if greater, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control) and a prorated percentage of Executive’s target bonus as in effect for the fiscal year that includes the termination date (or, if greater, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control). For purposes of the preceding sentence, proration will be determined by dividing the number of days during the fiscal year for which Executive remained an employee of the Company, by three hundred and sixty-five (365).

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(iii) Continued Employee Benefits. Continuation coverage under the terms of the Company medical benefit plan pursuant to COBRA for Executive and/or Executive’s eligible dependents, subject to Executive timely electing COBRA coverage. Until the earliest of (A) eighteen (18) months from the date of Executive’s termination, (B) Executive’s eligibility for group medical plan benefits under any other employer’s group medical plan, or (C) the cessation of Executive’s continuation rights under COBRA, the Company will pay directly on Executive’s behalf the monthly COBRA premiums (at the coverage levels in effect for active employees of the Company). For the avoidance of doubt, the direct payment of any COBRA premiums will be reported as taxable income and subject to any applicable tax withholdings. Notwithstanding the preceding provision, if the Company determines in its sole discretion that it cannot provide the foregoing benefit without potentially violating, or being subject to an excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company will in lieu thereof provide payroll payments of the applicable premium amounts directly to Executive for the time period specified above. Such payments shall be paid on the Company’s regular payroll dates. For the avoidance of doubt, the taxable payment in lieu of COBRA reimbursements may be used for any purpose, including, but not limited to, continuation coverage under COBRA, and will be subject to all applicable tax withholdings.

(iv) Vesting of Time-Based Equity Awards. One hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding and unvested Time-Based Awards will become vested in full.

(v) Vesting of Performance-Based Equity Awards. Executive’s outstanding and unvested Performance-Based Awards shall become vested based on actual performance through Executive’s termination date, if measurable, and based upon target performance if performance is not measurable as of Executive’s termination date.

(vi) Except as provided in Sections 3(a)(iv) and 3(b)(v), all Performance-Based Awards remain subject to the terms of the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan or any successor thereto and the applicable award agreement.

(c) Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause. If Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries terminates in a voluntary resignation (other than for Good Reason during the Change of Control Period), or if Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, then Executive shall not be entitled to receive severance or other benefits except as otherwise provided by applicable law.

(d) Termination for Death or Disability. Except as otherwise provided in the award agreement for any Time-Based Award, if Executive’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries terminates on account of Executive’s death or absence from work due to a disability for a period in excess of one hundred and eighty (180) days in any twelve (12)-month period that qualifies for benefits under the Company’s long-term disability program (“Disability”), (i) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s outstanding and unvested Time-Based Awards will become vested, (ii) one hundred percent (100%) of the earned portion of any of Executive’s Performance-Based Awards for which the performance period is complete will become vested and (iii) Executive shall remain eligible to earn a Pro-Rated Portion of any Three-Year Performance-Based Award at the end of the performance period applicable to the Three-Year Performance-Based Award based upon actual achievement of the applicable performance metrics in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreements and equity incentive plans and any such Pro-Rated Portion that is earned at the end of the performance period shall be immediately fully vested. In the case of a termination for Disability, vesting under this Section 3(e) will be subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 4 and the other provisions of this Agreement.

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(e) Accrued Amounts. Without regard to the reason for, or the timing of, Executive’s termination of employment, the Company shall pay Executive: (i) any unpaid base salary due for periods prior to the date of termination, (ii) accrued and unused vacation, as required under the applicable Company policy, and (iii) all expenses incurred by Executive in connection with the business of the Company prior to the date of termination in accordance with the Company’s business expense reimbursement policy. These payments shall be made promptly upon termination and within the period of time mandated by law.

(f) Exclusive Remedy. In the event of termination of Executive’s employment as set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement during the Term, the provisions of Section 3 are intended to be and are exclusive and in lieu of any other rights or remedies to which Executive or the Company may otherwise be entitled, whether at law, tort or contract, in equity, or under this Agreement (other than the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, or any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses). During the Term of this Agreement, Executive will be entitled to no benefits, compensation or other payments or rights upon termination of employment, including under any offer letter or other agreement with the Company, other than those benefits expressly set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement.

(g) Transfer between Company and any Subsidiary. For purposes of this Section 3, if Executive’s employment relationship with the Company or any parent or subsidiary of the Company ceases, Executive will not, solely by virtue thereof, be determined to have been terminated without Cause for purposes of this Agreement if Executive continues to remain employed by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company immediately thereafter (e.g., upon transfer of Executive’s employment from the Company to a Company subsidiary or from a Company subsidiary to the Company).

4. Conditions to Receipt of Severance

(a) Release of Claims Agreement. The receipt of any severance payments or benefits in Section 3 pursuant to this Agreement is subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement that includes without limitation, if requested by the Company, a non-competition covenant that applies for up to twelve (12) months following Executive’s termination of employment, a non-solicitation covenant that applies for up to twelve (12) months following Executive’s termination of employment, non-disparagement and reasonable post-termination cooperation obligations of Executive and a release of claims, all in the form provided by the Company, which must become effective and irrevocable no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s termination of employment (the “Release Deadline”). If such separation agreement does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline, Executive will forfeit any right to severance payments or benefits under this Agreement. Any cash severance payments or benefits otherwise payable to Executive in a lump sum or otherwise between the termination date and the Release Deadline will be paid on or within fifteen (15) days (or such earlier date for such payment to qualify as a short-term deferral for purposes of Section 409A) following the Release Deadline, or, if later, such time as required by Section 5(a) and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the applicable equity plan or award agreement, to the

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extent permitted under Section 409A, any equity awards that become vested in connection with Executive’s termination of employment under this Agreement shall not be settled or become exercisable, as applicable, until the separation agreement becomes effective in accordance with its terms. In no event will any severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the separation agreement actually becomes effective and irrevocable and, if the separation agreement does not become effective in accordance with its terms on or prior to the Release Deadline, Executive’s entitlement to any such severance payments and benefits under this Agreement shall be forfeited on the Release Deadline for no consideration payable to Executive.

(b) Proprietary Information and Non-Competition Agreement. Executive’s receipt of any severance payments or benefits under Section 3 will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any agreements between Executive and the Company concerning inventions, confidentiality, or restrictive covenants (the “Confidentiality Agreement”).

5. Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Deferred Payments will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. In addition, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but before the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

(b) Any amounts paid under this Agreement that satisfy the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Agreement.

(c) Any amounts paid under this Agreement that qualify as payments made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit (as defined below) will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Agreement.

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(d) Payments under this Agreement are intended to comply with, or be exempt from, the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to so comply. Specifically, the payments hereunder are intended to be exempt from the Requirements of Section 409A under the “short-term” deferral rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations or as payments made as a result of an involuntary separation from service, as applicable. The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition before actual payment to Executive under Section 409A. The Company makes no representation or warranty to Executive and in no event will the Company reimburse Executive or any other person for any taxes or other costs that may be imposed on Executive as a result of Section 409A or any other law.

6. Limitation on Payments. In the event that the severance and other benefits provided for in this Agreement or otherwise payable to Executive (i) constitute “parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, and (ii) would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then Executive’s benefits under this Agreement shall be either:

(a) delivered in full, or

(b) delivered as to such lesser extent which would result in no portion of such benefits being subject to the Excise Tax,

whichever of the foregoing amounts, taking into account the applicable federal, state and local income taxes and the Excise Tax, results in the receipt by Executive on an after-tax basis, of the greatest amount of benefits, notwithstanding that all or some portion of such benefits may be taxable under Section 4999 of the Code. If a reduction in severance and other benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that benefits are delivered to a lesser extent, reduction will occur in the following order: (1) reduction of cash payments, (2) cancellation of equity awards granted within the twelve (12)-month period prior to a “change of control” (as determined under Code Section 280G) that are deemed to have been granted contingent upon the change of control (as determined under Code Section 280G), (3) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards and (4) reduction of continued employee benefits. In the event that accelerated vesting of equity awards is to be cancelled, such vesting acceleration will be cancelled in the reverse chronological order of the award grant dates. 

Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made in writing by the Company’s independent public accountants (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Section 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and Executive shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section.

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7. Definition of Terms. The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

(a) Cause. “Cause” means (i) any act of dishonesty or fraud taken by Executive in connection with his or her responsibilities as an employee other than immaterial, inadvertent acts that, if capable of cure, are promptly remedied by Executive following notice by the Company, (ii) Executive’s breach of the fiduciary duty or duty of loyalty owed to the Company, or material breach of the duty to protect the Company’s confidential and proprietary information, (iii) Executive’s commission of, conviction of or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to (A) any felony or to (B) a crime misdemeanor involving fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds or any other act of moral turpitude, (iv) Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of his or her duties, (v) Executive’s material breach of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any material written policy of the Company; (vi) Executive’s engagement in conduct or activities that result, or are reasonably likely to result, in negative publicity or public disrespect, contempt or ridicule of the Company that the Board reasonably believes will have a demonstrably injurious effect on the reputation or business of the Company or Executive’s ability to perform his or her duties (but excluding conduct and activities undertaken in good faith by Executive in the ordinary course of performing his or her duties or promoting the Company); (vii) Executive’s failure to abide by the lawful and reasonable directives of the Company (other than any failure to achieve a lawful and reasonable directive following the expenditure by Executive of commercially reasonable best efforts); or (viii) Executive’s repeated failure to materially perform the primary duties of Executive’s position.

Change of Control. “Change of Control” shall have the meaning specified in the Company’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan or any successor thereto.

(b) Change of Control Period. “Change of Control Period” means the period beginning on a Change of Control and ending on the one-year anniversary of the Change of Control.

(c) Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(d) Deferred Payments. “Deferred Payments” means any severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, in each case, are or when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits are, deemed to be “non-qualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A.

(e) Exchange Act. “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(f) Good Reason. “Good Reason” means Executive’s termination of employment within thirty (30) days following the expiration of any Cure Period (discussed below) following the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s duties, authority or responsibilities (other than during a period of Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii) a material reduction by the Company in the annual base compensation or target bonus opportunity (as a percentage of base salary) of Executive as in effect immediately prior to such reduction provided,

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however, that one or more reductions in base compensation or target bonus opportunity applicable to all executives generally that, cumulatively, total ten percent (10%) or less in base compensation and/or ten (10) percentage points or less in target bonus opportunity will not constitute a material reduction for purposes of this clause (ii); (iii) the relocation of Executive to a facility or a location more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then present location; or (iv) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement or any equity award agreement between Company and Executive. In order for an event to qualify as Good Reason, Executive must not terminate employment with the Company without first providing the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for “Good Reason” within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the grounds for “Good Reason” and the Company shall have failed to cure during a period of thirty (30) days following the date of such notice (the “Cure Period”) and Executive shall terminate employment within sixty (60) days after the end of the Cure Period.

(g) Section 409A. “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and the final Treasury Regulations and any official Internal Revenue Service guidance promulgated thereunder.

(h) Section 409A Limit. “Section 409A Limit” means two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during Executive’s taxable year preceding Executive’s taxable year of Executive’s termination of employment as determined under, and with such adjustments as are set forth in, Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which Executive’s employment is terminated.

8. Assignment. Neither Executive nor the Company may make any assignment of this Agreement or any interest in it, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other; provided, however, that the Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement without Executive’s consent to any affiliate or to any person or entity with whom the Company shall hereafter effect a reorganization, consolidate with, or merge into or to whom it transfers all or substantially all of its properties or assets; provided further that if Executive remains employed or become employed by the Company, the purchaser or any of their affiliates in connection with any such transaction, then Executive shall not be entitled to any payments, benefits or vesting pursuant to this Agreement, except as expressly provided in Sections 3(a) and 3(b). This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Executive and the Company, and each of Executive’s and the Company’s respective successors, executors, administrators, heirs and permitted assigns.

9. Notice.

(a) General. Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered, when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, or when delivered by private courier service such as UPS or Federal Express that has tracking capability. In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of the Company.

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(b) Notice of Termination. Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 9(a) of this Agreement. Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice or any shorter period required herein).

10. Resignation. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive will be deemed to have resigned from all officer and/or director positions held at the Company and its affiliates voluntarily, without any further required action by Executive, as of the end of Executive’s employment and Executive, at the Board’s request, will execute any documents reasonably necessary to reflect Executive’s resignation.

11. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) No Duty to Mitigate. Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement (whether by seeking new employment or in any other manner), nor shall any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(b) Waiver. No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

(c) Headings. All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

(d) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Confidentiality Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. This Agreement supersedes, replaces in their entirety and terminates any prior representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements between the Company and Executive, whether written or oral and whether expressed or implied, that provided any benefits to Executive upon termination of Executive’s employment for any reason. Nothing in this Agreement shall result in a duplication of severance payments or benefits under any other plan, program or arrangement with the Company. No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, it is the intention of the parties that the provisions of this Agreement providing for acceleration or other modification of the vesting provisions of equity awards are intended to supersede the vesting provisions of any equity awards that are outstanding during the term of this Agreement (except as otherwise explicitly provided in the applicable award agreement).

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(e) Clawback Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Executive agrees that incentive-based compensation or other amounts paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement with Company will be subject to clawback under any Company clawback policy that is applicable to all senior executives of Company (including any such policy adopted by Company pursuant to applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

(f) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof), and the Company and Executive each consent to personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(g) Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.

(h) Withholding. All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes.

(i) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has executed this Change of Control and Severance Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below.

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Exhibit 10.3

AMENDMENT NO. 2

TO THE

CERENCE INC.

2024 INDUCEMENT PLAN

WHEREAS, Cerence Inc. (the “Company”) maintains the Cerence Inc. 2024 Inducement Plan (as amended, the “Plan”), which was previously adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”);

WHEREAS, the Board believes that the number of shares of Stock (as defined in the Plan) remaining available for issuance under the Plan has become insufficient for the Company’s anticipated future needs under the Plan;

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is advisable and in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to amend the Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares of Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan by 1,500,000 shares; and

WHEREAS, Section 9 of the Plan provides that the Board may amend the Plan at any time, subject to certain conditions set forth therein.

NOW, THEREFORE:

1. Increase in Share Pool. Section 3(a) of the Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7(b), the number of shares of Stock that may be issued in satisfaction of Awards under the Plan is 4,500,000 shares (the “Share Pool”). For purposes of this Section 4(a), shares of Stock will not be treated as issued under the Plan, and will not reduce the Share Pool, unless and until, and to the extent, the shares are actually issued to a Participant. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, shares of Stock withheld by the Company in payment of the exercise price or purchase price of an Award or in satisfaction of tax withholding requirements with respect to an Award and shares of Stock underlying any portion of an Award that is settled in cash or that expires, becomes unexercisable, terminates or is forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, in each case, without the issuance (or retention (in the case of Restricted Stock or Unrestricted Stock)) of Stock, will not be treated as issued in satisfaction of Awards under the Plan and will not reduce the Share Pool.”

2. Effective Date of Amendment. This Amendment to the Plan shall become effective upon the date that it is approved by the Board.

3. Other Provisions. Except as set forth above, all other provisions of the Plan shall remain unchanged.

DATE APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS:    November 29, 2024

Exhibit 99.1

Cerence AI Names Tony Rodriquez as Chief Financial Officer

BURLINGTON, Mass., December 3, 2024 – Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global industry leader in AI for transportation, today announced that it has appointed Antonio (“Tony”) Rodriquez as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 29, 2024. As Cerence AI’s CFO, Mr. Rodriquez will be focused on accelerating growth, improving operating results, and driving sustainable, long-term value, leading the Company’s finance organization, including accounting, tax, FP&A, treasury, facilities, and procurement.

Mr. Rodriquez previously served as a partner of CSuite Financial Partners, a financial executive services firm, during which he served as Chief Financial Officer of The Bouqs Company from 2019 to 2023 and as interim Chief Financial Officer of Cerence AI from June 2024 until becoming an employee of Cerence AI on November 29, 2024.

“Tony has been a strong partner and contributor to the Cerence AI leadership team since joining as interim CFO in June, so he brings a deep understanding of our business to his new, permanent role,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO, Cerence AI. “Tony has a proven track record as an accomplished finance executive with experience across a broad range of industries, and I and the Cerence AI leadership team look forward to his continued contributions to our organization.”

“I am honored to join Cerence AI permanently at this exciting time for the company,” said Tony Rodriquez. “I’ve had such a positive experience thus far with the finance organization and the global team at large; I am looking forward to digging in even further and supporting the team as we focus on the next phase of growth for Cerence AI.”

Mr. Rodriquez has more than 25 years of experience as a financial leader managing all aspects of finance and accounting for both public and private global companies, including in the eCommerce, SaaS, advertising media and consumer marketing industries. Prior to joining CSuite Financial Partners, he served as Chief Financial Officer of TouchCommerce Inc. from 2010 to 2018. He began his career at KPMG LLP, where he serviced international public and private companies in the manufacturing, retail, distribution, and technology sectors as an assurance senior manager. Mr. Rodriquez holds a B.S. in business and accounting from California State University, Northridge.

To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding: Cerence’s future performance, results and financial condition; expected growth and profitability; outlook; transformation plans and cost efficiency initiatives, including the estimated net annualized cost savings; strategy; opportunities; business, industry and market trends; strategy regarding fixed contracts and its impact on financial results; backlog; revenue visibility; revenue timing and mix; demand for Cerence products; innovation and new product offerings, including AI technology; expected benefits of technology partnerships; and management’s future expectations, estimates, assumptions, beliefs, goals, objectives, targets, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “goal,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “expects,” “intends,” “continues,” “will,” “may,” or “estimates” or similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Although we believe forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results or performance of the company to be materially different from any

Kate Hickman | Tel: 339-215-4583 | Email: kate.hickman@cerence.com

future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements including but not limited to: the highly competitive and rapidly changing market in which we operate; adverse conditions in the automotive industry, the related supply chain and semiconductor shortage, or the global economy more generally; automotive production delays; changes in customer forecasts; the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and our customers’ businesses; the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; our inability to control and successfully manage our expenses and cash position; our inability to deliver improved financial results from process optimization efforts and cost reduction actions; escalating pricing pressures from our customers; the impact on our business of the transition to a lower level of fixed contracts, including the failure to achieve such a transition; our failure to win, renew or implement service contracts; the cancellation or postponement of existing contracts; the loss of business from any of our largest customers; effects of customer defaults; our inability to successfully introduce new products, applications and services; our strategies to increase cloud offerings and deploy generative AI and large language models (LLMs); the inability to expand into adjacent markets; the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; disruptions arising from transitions in management personnel, including the transition to our new Chief Executive Officer; cybersecurity and data privacy incidents; fluctuating currency rates and interest rates; inflation; restrictions on our current and future operations under the terms of our debt, the use of cash to service our debt; and our inability to generate sufficient cash from our operations; and the other factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.

About Cerence Inc.

Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

Kate Hickman | Tel: 339-215-4583 | Email: kate.hickman@cerence.com