ITEM 5.02. DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS
Item 5.02(b) Resignation of Steve Christensen as Chief Executive Officer
On or about May 20, 2021, Steve Christensen resigned as chief executive officer (“CEO”) of Granite Falls Energy, LLC, (“GFE”) effective May 26, 2021. Christensen and GFE previously executed an Separation Agreement dated February 17, 2021 (the “Separation Agreement”). Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Christensen will continue as an employee of GFE through December 31, 2021, for the purposes of aiding in the transition of GFE’s new CEO. This description of the Separation Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual Separation Agreement, a copy of which is available in GFE’s Form 8-K filing dated February 17, 2021.
Item 5.02(c) Appointment of Jeffrey Oestmann as Chief Executive Officer
On or about May 20, 2021, GFE appointed Jeffrey Oestmann, to serve as CEO effective May 26, 2021.
Oestmann executed a letter of employment dated May 20, 2021 (the “Agreement”). Pursuant to the Agreement, Oestmann’s tenure as CEO will begin May 26, 2021, and he will earn a base salary of $278,180. Oestmann will be entitled to certain benefits including a signing bonus, performance bonuses, expense reimbursement, moving allowance, paid time off, 401K, health and dental benefits, long-term disability, and life insurance, as set forth in the Agreement. Oestmann’s employment is at-will. The Agreement includes a covenant not to compete. This description of the Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as an exhibit and incorporated herein by reference.
Oestmann is 57 years old and has worked in the agriculture and bio-fuel sectors for approximately 27 years. From 2013 to 2017, Oestmann served as President and CEO of East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC, which operates an ethanol plant in Garnett, Kansas. From 2017 to 2019, Oestmann worked for Syngenta, an agricultural science and technology company, as Head of Accounts and subsequently as Head of Bio-Fuel Operations. Neither East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC, nor Syngenta is an affiliate, subsidiary, or parent of GFE.
Oestmann does not have any family relationships with any executive officer or director of the GFE.
Oestmann is not a party to any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.