Erik D. Vogt

Executive Compensation

Erik’s practice centers on the design, negotiation, implementation, and governance of executive compensation arrangements and employee benefits programs, especially in connection with mergers and acquisitions, executive hiring and retention, and other transformative business events. He regularly advises boards, compensation committees, and executive leadership teams on the ongoing administration of executive compensation programs, including:

• Long-term incentive arrangements
• Deferred compensation plans
• Equity compensation programs
• Executive employment agreements
• Severance and change-in-control protections
• Executive retention initiatives

Retirement Plans

Erik also advises clients on qualified retirement plans and broader employee benefits matters, including design, administration, and compliance for 401(k) plans, pension plans, and other tax-qualified retirement plans. He works with plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and administrative committees on ERISA fiduciary governance, plan administration, and risk management. Erik assists with fiduciary committee structures and processes, governance best practices, and compliance obligations under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. He represents employers, plan sponsors, and fiduciaries in Internal Revenue Service and Department of Labor audits, investigations, and correction programs, and he implements corrective strategies to minimize disruption and risk.

Transactional Experience

Erik is frequently called upon to advise clients on compensation and benefits aspects of complex transactions, where practical, business-oriented guidance and efficient execution are critical.

Health Care Focus

A significant portion of Erik’s practice involves representing health care systems and industry clients on executive compensation and employee benefits. He counsels on physician and executive compensation structures, deferred compensation arrangements, Section 409A and Section 457(f) compliance, and executive retention strategies. Erik regularly assists health care organizations in navigating highly regulated and operationally complex compensation environments.

Private Equity Focus

Erik has extensive experience advising private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in acquisitions, recapitalizations, growth investments, and exit transactions. He advises on management equity arrangements, profits interests, incentive compensation plans, phantom equity, transaction bonuses, retention arrangements, and executive employment and severance agreements — helping align management and investor objectives while managing legal and tax risk.