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A FIRST-CLASS VIRTUAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Billy Billingham
BILLY BILLINGHAM MBE

Decorated Military Leader. Bodyguard. Best-Selling Author. TV Personality. Speaker.

There is not much Billy Billingham MBE QCB can't do!

With more than 20 years of military leadership, including executing strategic operations in places including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa, Billy has experienced what it takes to be mentally tough.

As a result of his bravery, he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery and MBE by Queen Elizabeth II.

Join Billy as he brings his experiences to GEO's audience to educate and enthral those seeking how to combat challenges and hardships the SAS way!

INSIGHTFUL AND INSPIRING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Access on-demand recordings.of the event's 20 live sessions that span six subject tracks and 30 'Best of Edinburgh' highest-rated sessions from GEO's 24th Annual Conference.

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Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
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2.2 Bohemian Trends In Global Equity Compensation

Leann Balbona, FGE, KPMG (US)
Shane Hughes, Walmart (US)
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA (US)
Sandra Sussman, FGE, Axon Enterprisses  (US)
Marlene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates (US)

Global
BREAKOUT II

Since its establishment in 1993, the Czech Republic has seen significant changes in equity compensation. Our panelists, who began their careers around that time, will discuss the evolution of accounting, tax, and regulatory legislation, and their impact on common equity plan practices. We will also explore how employee expectations and corporate practices have evolved. The session will conclude with a look at current and future trends, including the effects of the global talent war, technological advancements, and corporate ownership on equity compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understanding the global evolution of equity compensation and its regulatory impacts.
  • Exploring how employee expectations and corporate practices have shaped equity plans.
  • Considering the future of equity compensation in light of global talent trends and technological changes.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 2
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Case Study
2.3 Excellence in Global Share Plans: Insights from Two Award-Winning Companies

Simin Cen, Amazon (US)
Sarah Fearnley, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions (IE)
David Nguyen, Amazon (US)
Dexter Tang, Google (UK)

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT II

Discover the award-winning strategies of Amazon and Google in transforming global share plans. Amazon, winner of ‘Best Use of Technology’ in 2024, will delve into how their VIA system automated complex LOA and COS processes for 400,000+ equity-eligible employees across 60 countries, ensuring compliance, reducing errors, and enhancing efficiency through real-time vesting visibility. Google, winner of ‘Best Use of Technology,’ in 2023 will showcase Project Nutella, their automation initiative that saved 1,500+ hours annually while enhancing accuracy, productivity, and participant experiences.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify key processes within your equity plans that are prime candidates for automation, and learn how to integrate technology to save time, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency.
  • Develop strategies to build modular, adaptable equity management systems that can scale with your company and incorporate evolving regulations, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Create effective communication and stakeholder collaboration plans to attract employee buy-in and participation in your equity plans, leveraging insights from successful ambassador programs and data-driven decision-making.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 3
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Legal and regulatory
2.4 Global Pay Without Limits: A Focus on the UK, US, Germany, and France

Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case (UK)
Veronique Japp, Pandora (BE)
Francesca MacSwiney, White & Case (UK)
 

Global
BREAKOUT II

In this session, the panel will explore the key restrictions impacting equity compensation today, from 'soft' restrictions such as shareholder approval ('say on pay') and progressive tax rates, to reputational risks, disclosure requirements, and litigation (including high-profile cases like the Elon Musk case).

This session will also address how these constraints influence equity plan structuring, and delve into the "hard" restrictions that companies face, especially in today’s evolving political environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the impact of shareholder approval, 'say on pay', and progressive tax rates on equity compensation decisions.
  • Explore the risks around disclosure, reputational challenges, and litigation, including implications from high-profile cases.
  • Debate the effects of the current political climate on both 'hard' and 'soft' restrictions in equity plan structuring.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Business Law
Level:
I
Monday, 28 Apr 2025, 16:00 - 17:00
Financial wellbeing and education
2.5 Global Approaches to Financial Education and Engagement

Jim Alden, Charles Schwab (US)
Carolina Ellerker, Google (US)
Eileen Nguyen, Google (US)
Daniel Roberts, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)
Derek Stephanian, Vialto Partners (US)

Global
BREAKOUT II

Equity awards come with great responsibility—tax obligations, broker account management, and financial health considerations. This interactive session will explore how to design a comprehensive education program that empowers employees to fully understand and appreciate their stock compensation. Learn how a multi-layered approach can enhance engagement with equity awards and foster greater financial wellness across your workforce.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Strategies for developing a multi-layered education program on equity awards.
  • How to boost employee appreciation of stock compensation and its long-term benefits.
  • Best practices for promoting financial wellness alongside equity plan education.
LOCATION:
Karlin 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 14:30 - 15:20
2.1 - Smarter Equity, Stronger Impact: 5 Ideas to Elevate your Process Efficiencies

Lenka Haase, Fidelity
Mark Miller, Deloitte 
Jennifer Thomas, ServiceNow

Choice plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
USA
BREAKOUT II

Continuous improvement is the key to keeping your global equity programs running smoothly and efficiently. In this highly practical session, we’ll explore five actionable ideas that can enhance plan effectiveness, reduce administrative burden, and help you stay ahead of global compliance challenges.

Topics include streamlining your FMV definitions with key global considerations in mind, understanding when and why fractional shares make sense, and how to accommodate additional tax withholding obligations with minimal friction. We'll also share strategies to elevate global tax education for participants and examine how integrating benefits can boost both perception and participation.

You’ll walk away with practical insights you can immediately apply to improve your equity function.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

  • Learn how thoughtful FMV definitions and fractional share practices can simplify global administration
  • Understand effective approaches to support additional tax withholding across jurisdictions
  • Discover practical ways to integrate and communicate equity as part of a broader employee benefits offering
LOCATION:
Ballroom A


CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 17 Sep 2025, 14:30 - 15:20
2.2 - Unleashing AI: Transforming Equity Plan Administration with Real-World Insights

Cory Anderson, KPMG
Chris Dohrmann, FGE, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions
Deidre Salisbury, Infinite Equity

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
USA
BREAKOUT II

Step into the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and explore how it’s reshaping the way equity plans are administered. In this engaging one-hour session, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of AI technologies and discover how they’re being applied to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and support smarter decision-making in equity compensation.

Through real-world examples and practical use cases, we’ll examine how AI is driving new levels of accuracy, efficiency, and insight across the equity lifecycle. We’ll also address important ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, helping you prepare to implement AI responsibly and effectively within your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the core concepts of AI and how they apply to equity plan administration
  • Explore real-world use cases where AI enhances data analysis, compliance, and reporting
  • Learn best practices for addressing ethical risks and safeguarding data in AI applications
LOCATION:
Ballroom B


CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Information Technology
Level:
O
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 11:45 - 12:30
2.1 UK Share Plan Trends: What SAYE and SIP Data Reveal for Employers and Employees

Sophie Altaf, Proshare
Cat Rylah, bp
Julie Shepherd, FGE, Sage Group plc

Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Netherlands
Norway
Spain
Sweden
BREAKOUT II

ProShare’s annual SAYE and SIP report provides a unique lens on the performance of UK tax-approved plans. This year’s data reveals declining participation rates and reduced company interest in launching new plans, alongside evidence that cost-of-living pressures are influencing employees’ investment behaviours and decisions at maturity. 

In this session, we’ll explore these trends through case studies from issuers and examine what companies need to consider for the success of their plans in today’s changing environment—from generational shifts and the AI revolution to the ongoing challenges of recruitment, retention, and motivation. 

Attendees will gain insight into the future of UK-approved plans and how they can continue to support both employee and corporate success.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • What current participation and maturity trends in SAYE and SIP mean for companies and plan participants.
  • How external factors like cost-of-living, workforce demographics, and technology are shaping the future of UK share plans.
  • Practical considerations for designing and positioning SAYE and SIP plans to drive engagement, retention, and shared success.
LOCATION:
Monument
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 11:45 - 12:30
2.2 Be Prepared to Manage the Next Equity Plan Crisis!

Elena Thomas, Empower
Ken Lockett, Empower
TBC

Global
UK and Channel Islands
BREAKOUT II

The turbulence of recent years has placed equity plan administrators at the center of economic and organizational challenges—from market volatility to corporate restructuring. This interactive roundtable will feature administrators who have successfully navigated diverse disruptions, sharing real-world experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for staying prepared. Participants will explore practical preparation checklists for handling market down-cycles, regulation changes, plan amendments, M&A, and restructuring, ensuring that the next wave of turbulence doesn’t catch them off guard.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Proven strategies administrators have used to navigate volatility, corporate actions, and regulatory change. 
  • How to prepare for and respond to disruptive events with actionable checklists. 
  • Lessons learned from real-world case studies to build resilience into equity plan administration.
LOCATION:
Fenchurch
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 11:45 - 12:30
2.3 Sharesave Reimagined: Lessons from Centrica’s Most Successful Launch Yet

Sarah Long, Wealth at Work
Jane Evans, Centrica 

Global
BREAKOUT II

Centrica’s relaunch of Sharesave—after a five-year gap—has delivered record-breaking employee engagement and participation. This real-life case study will showcase how Centrica used financial education, clear communication, and relatable storytelling to help colleagues understand the value of saving directly from pay, plan for the future, and experience those “lightbulb moments” about the benefits of share plans. With 2025 marking a milestone year—profit share vesting, a Sharesave maturity, and a Sharesave relaunch—this session will bring to life the strategies and results that made the initiative such a success.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How financial education can demystify Sharesave and make the benefits tangible for employees. 
  • Practical communication approaches that drive engagement and record take-up rates. 
  • Lessons from Centrica’s case study that issuers can apply to their own share plan relaunch or refresh.
LOCATION:
Lombard