Notwithstanding any provisions of this Agreement relating to the timing of any benefits or payments, to the extent required to comply with applicable law, including Section 409A of the Code, or to prevent the imposition of any excise taxes or penalties on Company or Executive, the commencement of payment or provision of any payment or benefit shall be deferred to the minimum extent necessary so as to comply with any such law or to avoid the imposition of any such excise tax or penalty.