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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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Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Finance, tax and accounting
4.2 Mastering Talent Strategies in France: Taxation, Trends, and Tools for Success

Orianne Achéritéguy, Deloitte Société d'Avocats (FR)
Xavier Cavenel, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (FR)
Matthieu Gonbert, Banque Transatlantique (FR)
Vanda Kiss, Nokia (HU)

Global
BREAKOUT IV

In today’s competitive talent market, understanding the evolving landscape is essential to staying ahead. This session brings together experienced professionals and French companies to share best practices and insights into navigating the complexities of compensation and taxation in France. Gain actionable strategies to attract, retain, and motivate top talent while aligning with corporate social responsibility (CSR) trends and French tax regulations.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Hear and discuss recent changes in French tax laws and how CSR trends influence compensation strategies.
  • Share and discuss the most effective compensation tools and how to incorporate them into your talent strategy.
  • Exchange best practices for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 2
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Not eligible
Level:
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Financial wellbeing and education
4.3 Total Rewards and Financial Wellness Beyond Equity Plans

Evans Longacre, Fidelity (US)
Maya Wright, Industry Expert (US)
Augustin Serban, Industry Expert (ES)

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Discover the power of an integrated rewards strategy that goes beyond equity plans to support employee financial wellness and overall well-being during this interactive roundtable. Participants will share experiences and explore how to combine equity, compensation, benefits, and wellness initiatives to attract and retain top talent while addressing the diverse needs of today’s workforce.
Through guided discussions, you’ll uncover actionable insights on creating cohesive total rewards strategies, the role of financial wellness programs in reducing workplace stress, and innovative ways to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore strategies for integrating compensation, equity, benefits, and non-monetary perks into a cohesive total rewards strategy.
  • Explore how financial wellness programs can improve employees' overall well-being and reduce workplace stress.
  • Share practical tools and strategies to design rewards programs that meet the diverse needs of a modern workforce, fostering higher satisfaction and retention.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 3
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Not eligible
Level:
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Private and pre-IPO companies
4.4 Preparing for IPO Success: Aligning Stakeholders and Scaling Equity Plans

Peter Ahern, Ledgy (UK)
Dennis Paalman, Arcadis (NL)
Andrew Quayle, CMS (UK)
 

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Discover how companies can effectively prepare for IPOs by aligning stakeholders, fortifying financials, and ensuring equity plans are primed to scale for the demands of public markets. With the IPO pipeline showing signs of renewed activity, this roundtable offers a valuable platform to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and develop actionable strategies with peers and industry experts.
This interactive discussion will delve into critical aspects of the IPO process, spotlighting common equity-related roadblocks and practical solutions to address them. Participants will explore best practices for stakeholder alignment, financial readiness, and creating scalable share plans that can withstand the scrutiny of public markets.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore and discuss the steps required to align stakeholders and ensure financials are prepared for IPO scrutiny.
  • Share insights into overcoming equity-related challenges and addressing common blockers.
  • Discuss strategies to adapt and scale share plans to ensure a smooth transition to public markets.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Not eligible
Level:
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Trending now
4.5 Global Tariffs & Share Plans: Risks, Reactions, and Resilience

Zoe Denny, GEO (UK)
Mark Higgins, WPP (UK)

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT IV

As global trade policies evolve, tariffs are increasingly influencing more than just goods—they’re affecting how multinational companies design and administer employee share plans. In this session, industry experts will explore how tariff-driven costs and shifting regulations are adding complexity to equity compensation.

We'll consider how companies might adapt their strategies, redesign plans for resilience, and communicate effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover how tariff pressures may reshape award design, plan localization, and performance metrics.
  • Learn ways to keep participants engaged despite rising uncertainty and regional volatility.
  • Get practical insights into “tariff-proofing” your equity plans for the future
LOCATION:
Karlin 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 14:00 - 14:50
Trending now
INCENTIVISING LEADERSHIP IN A GLOBAL TALENT MARKET

SPEAKERS: Katie Kenny, Deloitte LLP, Ian Dawson, Deloitte LLP

Global
BREAKOUT V

This session will focus on the challenges faced by listed companies when competing for and negotiating board talent in a global market. As businesses aim to attract and retain leaders who can drive success in a rapidly shifting external landscape, the session will provide insights into the specific challenges encountered in the global market.

Attendees will learn:

  • Best practices from a CEO's perspective in attracting and retaining leaders
  • Equity's role in negotiating during the hiring process, executive compensation, and senior leader retention
  • Investors' expectations of executive compensation and talent
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 14:00 - 14:50
Trending now
IPO JOURNEY HINDSIGHT: INSIGHTS, TIPS, AND EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION

SPEAKERS: Chris Dohrmann, Global Shares (US), Matthew Neuman, Aramco (SA)

Global
BREAKOUT V

Learn from the IPO experiences of three issuers in this insightful panel discussion who each consider what they would do differently if they had their time again.

Join them as they delve into their valuable insights, tips, and the challenges they encountered throughout their IPO journeys. Through real-life examples, they will explore the lessons learned and mistakes made, providing valuable knowledge to enhance the smooth execution of future IPOs.

Attendees will learn:

  • Real-Life IPO Insights: Gain valuable perspectives from prominent business leaders who have undergone the IPO process, sharing their experiences, challenges, and key takeaways.
  • Getting Stock Plans IPO-Ready: Discover best practices and strategies for preparing your stock plans for an IPO, ensuring compliance, transparency, and effectiveness during the transition.
  • Employee Communication Tips: Learn effective communication strategies to engage and inform employees during the IPO journey, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding.
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Legal and regulatory
5.1 MINDING THE (GENDER PAY) GAP: HOW TO NAVIGATE THE EUROPEAN PAY TRANSPARENCY DIRECTIVE

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

Cash deferral
Choice plans
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Equity deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT V

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.

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Communications
5.2 REVOLUTIONIZING EQUITY COMPENSATION COMMUNICATION: INSIGHTS FROM FINTECH

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

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT V

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.

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 14:10 - 15:10
Case Study
5.3 LOCAL VS GLOBAL: EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES WITH GLOBAL CONTRIBUTORY PLANS

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

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT V

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.