LEADERS’ LOUNGE: ESG INTEGRATION AND PROXY ADVISOR INFLUENCE ON EQUITY PROGRAMS

This session extends the insights from Dr. Christian Berg's sustainability keynote, exploring the evolving global trends affecting society, climate, regional economies, and humanity's future.

A distinguished panel of GEO Fellows will dissect the interplay between ESG targets, proxy advisors, and investor influence on equity programs. Our industry experts will also address the emergence of the 'anti-ESG' movement in North America, challenging conventional corporate sustainability. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the dynamic ESG landscape, proxy advisor impact, and aligning equity programs with ESG goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Advisor and investor influence: Grasp the powerful influence of proxy advisors and investors on shaping equity programs and their direct implications for ESG integration.
  • Anti-ESG challenges: Examine the 'anti-ESG' movement's emergence and consequences in North America, and its impact on conventional ESG approaches and future business strategies.
  • Impactful metrics: Identify and prioritize measurable performance metrics that are both vital for sustainability and directly affect an organization's environmental and social footprint.


 

Speaker/Author

MODERATOR: Matt Connor, FGE
Paul Arens, MSc, FGE
Dr. Adie Leung, FGE
Sandra Sussman, FGE
Prof. Dr. Christian Berg, Corporate Sustainability Expert

 

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 16:35 - 17:35
Topic
Country
Breakout series

5.2 REVOLUTIONIZING EQUITY COMPENSATION COMMUNICATION: INSIGHTS FROM FINTECH

In an era of information overload, participants can become overwhelmed with information and employee equity communication that relies on traditional methods such as brochures and emails is often rendered ineffective.

In the fast-paced world of FinTech where engaging customer communication is the norm, learning from FinTech's strategies can transform your equity compensation communication, regardless of your industry.

This panel promises to leave attendees inspired and equipped to adapt modern FinTech approaches and external influences to enhance their equity compensation communications. Join our experts for an invigorating exploration of innovative communication strategies.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Innovative engagement: Learn from Klarna's Slack channel and onboarding approach and the importance of visually appealing graphic designs for effective employee engagement.
  • Modern learning: Explore the benefits of concise, engaging methods like videos, webinars, and podcasts.
  • Tech integration: Discover in-app, AI-driven solutions and strategies for inclusive communication, catering to all generations.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Communications and Marketing
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Carmen Egermann, KPMG AG
Brittmarie Kronqvist Merino, Global Shares - a J.P. Morgan company
Priyanka Ojha, Klarna
Rafaella Apuzzo, Klarna
 

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Country
Breakout series

5.1 MINDING THE (GENDER PAY) GAP: HOW TO NAVIGATE THE EUROPEAN PAY TRANSPARENCY DIRECTIVE

The Pay Transparency Directive in the EU is a significant step towards achieving equal pay and reducing the gender pay gap. Companies operating within the EU must adapt their pay structures and policies to ensure compliance and promote a more equitable work environment.

Join this session as the expert panel explores the practical implications of this directive and unveil strategies for fostering transparency and equity. Master the intricacies of the Pay Transparency Directive and equip yourself with the knowledge to promote pay equality and transparency in your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Directive insights: Gain a deep understanding of the European directive on pay transparency, covering vital aspects such as information rights, reporting obligations, enforcement mechanisms, compensation practices, and potential sanctions.
  • National law variations: Discover the key differences between the directive and current national laws in Germany, the UK, France, and Belgium, ensuring compliance in diverse legal landscapes.
  • Effective employee engagement: Receive valuable tips on skillfully managing employee requests related to pay transparency and equal pay, fostering a collaborative and equitable work environment.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Business Law
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Jennifer Granado Aranzana, Linklaters LLP
Yukiko Hitzelberger-Kijima, Linklaters LLP

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Country
Breakout series

4.2 ELEVATE YOUR GLOBAL EQUITY PROGRAM: NUGGETS OF WISDOM FROM EXPERTS

Looking for nuggets of wisdom to help improve the performance of your global equity program? This illuminating session explores the profound influence of advice on personal and professional growth.

Featuring a diverse panel of accomplished individuals who have both offered and received life-changing guidance, our experts recount the pivotal moments when they received or provided advice that led to transformative outcomes.

You will leave with a treasure trove of insights and actionable takeaways that aid a deeper understanding of the power of guidance and the lasting impact it can have on your journey to success.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Transformative guidance: Discover the most impactful advice shared by our panelists and how it has shaped their careers and personal development.
  • Decision-making insights: Learn how pivotal advice moments have influenced critical decisions, providing you with valuable perspectives for your own journey.
  • Actionable takeaways: Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding talent, gain actionable insights to enhance your path to success. Explore the enduring power of guidance and its potential to shape your trajectory.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

June Davenport, FGE, Morgan Stanley at Work
Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network
Eaton Williamson, Seagate

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Country
Breakout series

5.3 LOCAL VS GLOBAL: EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES WITH GLOBAL CONTRIBUTORY PLANS

Join our expert panel for an insightful session as we tackle the perennial question surrounding all-employee plans: should you prioritize locally approved plans or opt for a one-size-fits-all approach? We will draw lessons from Siemens Energy's experience in launching a new all-employee plan, delving into their decision-making process and rationale.

Don't miss this session, which promises to provide valuable insights into the strategic considerations behind all-employee plans and practical lessons learned from Siemens Energy's experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Strategic decision-making: Gain insights into Siemens Energy's decision-making process, understanding why they chose to launch a new all-employee plan and the strategic considerations that guided their choice.
  • Navigating challenges: Explore the challenges Siemens Energy encountered along the way and how they effectively addressed them. Discover the practical insights that emerged from overcoming hurdles.
  • Objectives and outcomes: Dive into the objectives that drove Siemens Energy to launch the scheme and the ultimate results they achieved. Understand the tangible benefits and outcomes of their approach.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.


 

Speaker/Author

Elliot Alexander, Computershare
Christian Hyldig, AON
Sebastian Wetzel, Siemens Energy
 

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Topic
Country
Breakout series

4.1 EMPOWERING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: SUEZ'S AWARD-WINNING ESPP SHARE PLAN

Suez, the recipient of the 2023 GEO AWARD for Best Use of Employee Share Plans in a Corporate Action, invites you to explore their remarkable journey. This presentation will walk you through their commitment to significantly increase employee ownership, the global implementation of a French-type ESPP with innovative leverage formulas, and the resounding success of this initiative.

Join this inspiring session that unveils the power of employee ownership and shares valuable lessons from Suez's award-winning plan.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Strategic implementation: Learn how Suez executed its most significant employee share ownership plan, achieving record-high participation rates within the organization.
  • Navigating challenges: Explore the complexities and challenges that Suez encountered while implementing their employee share plans, gaining insights into overcoming obstacles.
  • Adapting best practices: Discuss opportunities to incorporate similar features into your own share ownership plans, leveraging the success and strategies employed by Suez.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Jerome Laurre, BeyondSolutions
Nadine Thouin, Suez

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Country
Breakout series

3.2 HYPER-PERSONALISATION: KEEPING EQUITY RELEVANT IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE

In the face of the ongoing and unprecedented mismatch between inflation and salary increases in 2023, which is expected to continue into 2024, companies find themselves in a relentless War for Talent. The challenge now is to ensure that equity plans remain effective and relevant in this ever-evolving landscape. In response to this changing environment, companies resorted to ‘one-off payments’ and ad-hoc share-based grants in 2022 and 2023.

Don't miss this session, where you'll gather invaluable knowledge about adapting equity plans to the challenges of today's talent landscape and future-proofing your organization's approach to employee rewards.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigating market trends: Gain insights into the market trends that unfolded in 2022 and 2023, understanding the dynamics that have shaped the current scenario.
  • The power of hyper-personalization: Explore how companies are harnessing the concept of "Hyper-personalization" to tailor equity rewards to individual employee needs and aspirations.
  • Revamping communication strategies: Discover how organizations are evolving their communication strategies to effectively reward and retain employees as we venture into 2024 and beyond.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

James Robertson, Computershare
Louise Sutton, AstraZeneca
David Edwards, NatWest
Alex Brooks, Computershare

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 11:00 - 12:00
Topic
Plan type
Country
Breakout series

2.1 TEAMVIEWER'S SHARE PLAN SUCCESS STORY

Discover TeamViewer's groundbreaking journey as they introduced their inaugural employee share plan in December 2022. This momentous occasion underscored their unwavering commitment to their workforce, forging a sense of shared ownership and a united path towards success. It recognized the strategic significance of employees in propelling TeamViewer to unprecedented heights.

During this session, our expert panel will dissect the fundamental principles and objectives that drove their plan choices. They will shed light on how this program has transformed employees into genuine stakeholders in the company's flourishing trajectory. Notably, TeamViewer has extended Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) plans to all employees and introduced an exclusive Performance Stock Unit (PSU) plan tailored for their esteemed leadership team.

Don't miss this engaging session that delves into the decision-making process, the intricate navigation of complexities, and the triumphant implementation of this transformative initiative.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the core principles and objectives guiding TeamViewer's pioneering employee share plan.
  • Discover how RSU plans for all employees and PSU plans for the leadership team have empowered staff to become genuine stakeholders in the company's growth.
  • Uncover the strategies and successes behind TeamViewer's remarkable journey in launching this milestone initiative.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.


 

Speaker/Author

Anto Lucic, Computershare
Carolin Graue, TeamViewer

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 09:40 - 10:40
Country
Breakout series

1.3 CRYPTO AS AN INCENTIVE: FROM ESOP TO VSOP TO COP

Join this enlightening session that sees our expert panel provide a beginner's guide to the dynamic realm of crypto assets and their emerging role as rewards and salaries, both within the crypto sector and across industries. Discover the compelling reasons behind companies' adoption of these innovative incentive structures.

This user-friendly and thought-provoking session will equip you with valuable knowledge about crypto assets as incentives and provide insights into the future landscape of employee compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Crypto asset basics: Understand crypto assets with a user-friendly overview, covering terms like security tokens, utility tokens, exchange tokens, bitcoin, and NFTs, to grasp the essentials.
  • Taxation and compliance: Delve into taxation complexities, valuation methods, legal aspects, and regulatory considerations linked to crypto assets. Focus on Germany and the UK's regulatory landscapes and approaches for companies.
  • Future of crypto Incentives: Join a forward-looking discussion on crypto currencies as employee incentives, exploring implications and possibilities in innovative compensation methods.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Speaker/Author

Cathy Wears, CMS
Martin Friedberg, CMS

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 08:30 - 09:30
Topic
Breakout series

1.2 TRABANT: DOES THE SAME VEHICLE WORK FOR ALL?

Join us for a captivating panel discussion featuring issuer companies as we dissect the concept of global share plans. Is a one-size-fits-all approach akin to the utilitarian Trabant car the way to go, or should it be as unique as a designer car tailored to specific needs?

Don't miss this engaging session that promises to provide clarity on the balance between standardization and customization in global share plans, leaving you well-informed and ready to make informed decisions for your organization.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understanding plan varieties: Explore the various types of global share plans and gain a comprehensive understanding of their distinct characteristics.
  • Efficiency vs. customization: Delve into the discussion of whether global share plans should prioritize efficiency and standardization, like a production line, or embrace customization to cater to unique requirements.
  • Rolling out plans: Learn about the ease or complexity involved in rolling out different types of global share plans, and discover strategies for successful implementation.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.


 

Speaker/Author

Alexy Armitage, bp
Marc Muntermann, Siemens Energy
Maya Wright, Iron Mountain

Event date
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 08:30 - 09:30
Country
Breakout series