8.45 – 9.30 – Registration and welcome coffee

9.30 – 9.45 – Welcome remarks from International Employment Lawyer 

9.45 – 11.00 – Changing governments and their impact on executive pay structures

With new governments around the world bringing major shifts in economic policy, taxation, corporate governance, and global trade, the landscape of executive compensation is likely to face new challenges and opportunities. From potential tax cuts and deregulation to changes in labour and immigration policies, multinational businesses must anticipate how these factors will impact executive pay structures in the US and abroad. This session will examine expected policy changes, their effect on executive compensation strategies, and how companies can prepare for new regulatory and market dynamics. 

Moderator:

Alan S. Wilmit, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw (United States)

Panellists:

Arthur H. Kohn, General Counsel – ERISA, Compensation & Benefits, Citi (United States)
Andrew Bratt, Partner, Gowling WLG (Canada)
Julio Alvarez, Partner, Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez (Mexico)
Rishi Sharma, Vice President, Executive Compensation & Benefits Legal, Goldman Sachs (United States)
Wendi Lazar, Founder, C-Suite Strategies (United States)

11.00 – 11.30 – Coffee break 

11.30 – 12.45 – From global to local: structuring rewards in a multinational workforce

For multinational businesses, a one-size-fits-all approach to executive compensation and bonus structures is impractical due to differing tax laws, disclosure requirements, cultural expectations, and labour regulations across core markets. This session will explore best practices for achieving a globally consistent executive compensation framework that allows for local flexibility. Panellists will discuss how companies can maintain equity, competitiveness, and compliance while navigating regulatory and governance challenges globally. 

Moderator:

Donald C. Dowling Jr., Shareholder, Littler (United States)

Panellists:

Henry Thomas, Vice President, People & Places Counsel, Sportradar (United States)
Jake Downing, Partner, King & Spalding (United States)
Kelly Pointer, Associate General Counsel, Compensation & Benefits, AXA XL (United States)
Lori Goodman, Partner, Freshfields (United States)

12.45 – 14.15 – Networking Lunch

14.15 – 15.30 – Strategic management of executive pay and benefits in cross-border M&A

 As companies expand globally, cross-border mergers and acquisitions present significant challenges in structuring executive compensation and benefit plans. Regulatory frameworks, cultural differences, and shareholder expectations add complexity to aligning executive pay with business goals and integration success. This panel will explore best practices, common pitfalls, and strategic approaches to managing executive compensation throughout the M&A lifecycle. Attendees will gain insights into structuring effective pay packages, managing retention risks, and ensuring compliance with local employment laws.

Moderator:

Brian Jebb, Partner, A&O Shearman (United States)

Panellists:

Henrik Patel, Partner, White & Case (United States)
Rebecca S. Coccaro, Partner, Paul Weiss (United States)
Regina Readling, Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges (United States)
Scott Matarese, Senior Vice President, Total Rewards, Bristol Myers Squibb (United States)

15.30 – 16.00 – Coffee break

16.00-17.15 - High-stakes conflict: lessons from executive disputes

Disputes involving senior executives are among the most complex and high-profile employment conflicts businesses face. From wrongful termination claims and bonus disputes to allegations of misconduct and breaches of fiduciary duties, these cases often result in significant financial, reputational, and legal risks. This session will examine some of the most complex type of executive disputes, analysing key legal trends, common pitfalls, and best practices for multinational employers. Panellists will discuss lessons learned from high-profile litigation and regulatory scrutiny, and how companies can mitigate risks when handling executive conflicts and departures. 

Moderator:

Brian Cousin, Partner, Fox Rothschild (United States)

Panellists:

Gabrielle Levin, Partner, Mayer Brown (United States)
Lauren Tanen, VP, Human Resources, Employee Relations, G-III (United States)
Phil Linnard, Partner, Slaughter and May (United Kingdom)
Ravi Motwani, Senior Vice President & Assistant General Counsel - Employment Law, Sirius XM Radio (United States)

17.15 – 17.30 – Closing remarks from International Employment Lawyer

17.30 onwards – Close and networking drinks reception