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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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Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 13:30 - 14:30
3.2 The Equity Code: Fuelling Global AI Scale-Ups

Erika Andersson, Allshares
Harald Johansson, Allshares
 

Discount shares
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT III

AI scale-ups are scaling globally at an unprecedented speed, making traditional equity incentive models outdated. In this hyper-competitive environment, companies must design cross-border equity strategies from day one, treating employees as partners to win the war for talent. This keynote moves beyond theory, drawing on Nordic client engagements to share practical insights and a clear framework of “Do’s and Don’ts” for equity incentives. Attendees will explore real-world examples of what works—and what doesn’t—equipping leaders to build strategies that align employees, drive sustained motivation, and create a durable competitive advantage in the AI-driven economy.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How to design equity incentives for global, fast-scaling AI companies from the first hire. 
  • Practical “Do’s and Don’ts” for crafting a modern equity story that motivates and engages employees. 
  • Strategies to align talent with business goals, fostering retention, motivation, and long-term competitive advantage.
LOCATION:
Fenchurch
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 13:30 - 14:30
3.3 Going Global: Practical Considerations When Operating a Cross-Border Sharesave Plan

Sarah Fearnley, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions
Tejal Sanghrajka, Standard Chartered 
Matthew Hunter, Tapestry 
 

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Global
UK and Channel Islands
BREAKOUT III

Operating a global share plan comes with a unique set of challenges, from regulatory and tax compliance to cultural differences across jurisdictions. In this panel discussion, Standard Chartered will share how they developed a preparation strategy and successfully introduced their Sharesave plan to employees worldwide. Attendees will gain practical insights into the realities of administering a global Sharesave, including the complexities involved and the tangible benefits that make the effort worthwhile.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How regulatory and tax obligations vary across jurisdictions and the implications for global plan administration. 
  • The full scope of administrative complexity when operating a global Sharesave. 
  • The importance of tailoring communication and education strategies to different regional audiences.
LOCATION:
Lombard
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2025, 13:30 - 14:30
3.4 Share-Friendly Nations: What Makes a Country a Leader in Equity Programs

Amy Reback, GEO
Hannah Needle, FGE, Tapestry Compliance 
Alison Hughes, KPMG
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Global
UK and Channel Islands
BREAKOUT III

Global Share Plan Ranking Report, which evaluates the “share friendliness” of 30+ countries. Developed in collaboration with leading experts in the design, implementation, and administration of employee share schemes, the report examines operating environments, adoption rates, and employee participation levels. Attendees will discover which countries lead the way in fostering employee share plans and learn how these practices can drive organizational growth while enhancing employee prosperity.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Insights into the global landscape of employee share schemes and which countries are leading the way.
  • How operating environments, adoption, and participation rates influence the success of share plans.
  • Practical takeaways for leveraging international best practices to enhance your own equity programs.
LOCATION:
Mintster Forum
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 13:20 - 14:10
3.1 OBBB, ARPA, TCJA: Navigating the Impact of Global Equity Programs on IRC Section 162(m) Deductions

Sharmon Priaulx, PwC 
Nathan Swartz, PwC

All plan types
USA
BREAKOUT III

Recent changes in US corporate tax law have created important implications for public companies, particularly around the deduction of executive compensation under IRC Section 162(m). This targeted session will explore how global equity programs can influence who qualifies as a “covered employee” and which elements of compensation must be considered, starting from 2016 and 2017. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating these changes to ensure compliance while optimizing their equity plans.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How recent US tax law changes affect corporate deductions and covered employee designations.
  • The role of global equity programs in determining which compensation is subject to IRC Section 162(m).
  • Practical steps for aligning equity plan strategy with tax compliance and corporate objectives.
LOCATION:
Park A/B
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Tax
Level:
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 13:20 - 14:10
3.2 From Concept to Practice: How Double-Trigger Awards Are Evolving

Elena Thomas, Empower
Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie

Global
BREAKOUT III

Since the early days of big tech, double-trigger equity awards have become a standard tool for private issuers preparing for liquidity events. Over time, companies have adapted these awards with more sophisticated vesting schedules and termination treatments to meet unique plan needs. This session will use issuer case studies to explore the rationale behind double-trigger awards, current design trends, and key considerations for administration, legal compliance, and termination processes. Participants will gain practical insights into managing post-termination “tails,” mitigating Section 409A risks, and designing awards that balance flexibility with compliance.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understanding the purpose and rationale behind double-trigger equity awards.
  • Design considerations including vesting schedules, termination treatments, and post-termination participant “tails.”
  • Legal and administrative implications, including Section 409A risks and best practices for compliance.
LOCATION:
Park C
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
3.1 Around the World in 60 Minutes: Global Equity Edition

Ian Gassner, Weir Group
Tom Parker, Tapestry 
Lewis Dulley, Tapestry

BREAKOUT III

From China to Chile, the U.S. to the UK—and everywhere in between—this session takes a practical look at the legal, regulatory, and tax updates shaping global equity incentive plans. 
Designed for professionals balancing compliance, cost, and complexity, this session cuts through the noise with candid discussion, practical guidance, and hard-earned lessons on managing global incentive plans without losing your sanity—or your budget. Whether you’re a seasoned global equity leader or just expanding internationally, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the latest regulatory and tax developments impacting equity compensation across key global markets.
  • Learn strategies to control compliance costs while minimizing legal, tax, and operational risk.
  • Gain real-world tips from issuers and advisors on keeping plans compliant, scalable, and efficient across multiple jurisdictions.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 1
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
3.2 Bridging Equity Awards and Global Reporting

Jeff Bauman, Baker McKenzie
Melanie Anderson, Atlassian
Simona Paduraru, Google
Corey Slagle, Emerson 

BREAKOUT III

Global equity programs bring complex reporting obligations that touch multiple stakeholders throughout the plan lifecycle—from implementation to plan termination or conversion in an M&A context. This session brings together legal experts, corporate issuers, and a financial institution representative to unpack these requirements, offering insight into how companies manage reporting duties across jurisdictions while maintaining compliance and governance standards.
 

Panelists will share practical approaches for handling regulatory and market transparency obligations, addressing evolving requirements, and mitigating risks tied to non-compliance. Attendees will gain actionable guidance on establishing oversight, managing cross-border reporting, and ensuring alignment with both global and local obligations, including indirectly related regulations like the EU Pay Transparency Directive.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understanding the full scope of reporting obligations tied to global equity programs.
  • Best practices for managing compliance effectively across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Strategies for maintaining oversight and mitigating risks of reporting failures.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 2
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
3.3 Unlocking Equity: Making Equity Benefits Accessible for Every Employee

Dan Nelson, Sage
Ajit Jacob, Aon
Pam Chernoff, Aon
Laura Fahnlander, The Trade Desk

BREAKOUT III

Equity programs only create value when employees truly understand them. Yet for many—particularly those with limited financial experience—equity benefits feel complex, confusing, or out of reach. This panel brings together seasoned equity and communication leaders to share how companies are simplifying equity education and making participation more accessible across all employee populations.
 

Experts will focus on practical communication strategies that cut through confusion, correct common misconceptions, and drive engagement—from ESPP enrollment decisions to understanding the value of RSUs. Through real-world examples, the panel will highlight how interactive videos, digital content, and intuitive modeling tools can build equity literacy and confidence across a global workforce.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • How to communicate equity concepts clearly without losing accuracy or credibility.
  • Which tools and formats most effectively increase employee understanding and participation.
  • How to address common misconceptions that prevent employees from engaging with equity.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 3
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
3.4 Global Lessons Learned: Equity Plan Implementation After IPO

Sara Shoaf, Charles Schwab
Randy Murphy, Instacart
Rees Franklin III, Affirm
Brooke Anderson, Charles Schwab

BREAKOUT III

Transitioning to a public company is a defining moment—particularly when equity programs must scale quickly across multiple countries. For newly public organizations, the real challenge begins after the bell rings: building equity plans that meet heightened governance expectations while supporting a growing, global workforce.
 

Drawing on lessons learned from recent IPOs, this session explores critical post-IPO considerations including Day 1 trading readiness for officers and executive leadership roles (ELRs), scalable equity operations, and the realities of managing cross-border tax, compliance, and award administration. Through real-world examples, speakers will share how companies have balanced control and flexibility—creating equity programs that are resilient, compliant, and built for international growth.
 

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Understand post-IPO equity requirements, including trading readiness for officers and executives.
  • Learn how to build equity processes that adapt to regional expansion, operational growth, and evolving governance needs.
  • Gain practical strategies for handling tax withholding, award modifications, and local compliance across jurisdictions.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 4