The NASPP Blog

For today’s “Meet the Speaker” interview, we feature Stuart Reid of Mercer, who will lead the session “Preventing Death by a Hundred Piranha Bites: Protecting Expatriated Equity Plan Participants.” Here is what Stuart had to say:

NASPP: What is the most critical thing NASPP Conference attendees need to know about equity awards held by globally mobile employees?

Stuart: Tax authorities across the globe are becoming more and more sophisticated when it comes to understanding the most common equity vehicles available to globally mobile employees. Significant negative outcomes can occur, including financial statement impact, if the right process is not put in place.

NASPP: What common mistake do companies make and how can they avoid it?

Stuart: A common mistake organizations make when dealing with equity provided to expatriate employees is to forget about the employee once they have come off of assignment. Post-repatriation equity income should be reviewed for any host country tax implications.

NASPP: What is the silver lining to all of this?

Stuart: The equity process for expatriates is manageable and surprises can be avoided.

NASPP: Tell us three things people don’t know about you.

Stuart:

1. I once appeared on the show “Candid Camera” doing hopscotch on a sidewalk in downtown San Jose. I received $25 for that appearance.
2. I scuba dived in Tahiti, following a divemaster who was towing 1/2 of a marlin while sharks attacked it.
3. I played trombone for the UCLA Marching Band and was lucky enough to march in two Rose Bowl Parades and play at the follow on Rose Bowl games.

About the NASPP Conference
The 21st Annual NASPP Conference will be held from September 23-26 in Washington, DC. This year’s program features 60+ sessions on today’s most timely topics in stock compensation; check out the full agenda and register today! You don’t want to miss Stuart’s session, “Preventing Death by a Hundred Piranha Bites: Protecting Expatriated Equity Plan Participants.”