October 10, 2017
Global Stock Plans in Jeopardy!
Our popular “Meet the Speaker” series, featuring interviews with speakers at the 25th Annual NASPP Conference, is a great way to get to know our many distinguished speakers and find out a little more about their sessions in advance of the Conference.
For today’s “Meet the Speaker” interview, we feature an interview with Jule Torre of Applied Materials, who will lead the session “Global Stock Plans in Jeopardy!” Here is what Jule had to say:
NASPP: Why do you feel strongly that stock plan administration needs to be less US-centric?
Jule: With the variety of smart phones and tools available today that allow people to work from anywhere, it is so very important to have a clear understanding that US rules and processes do not work outside the United States. Each country has its own unique rules, regulations and terminology. Engaging with your internal and external business partners, stakeholders and peers is critical to ensure that the programs are meeting their goals to retain and attract employees globally. A key consideration is to continually do data analysis to assess the risk of exposure for failing to comply. This is an ongoing process.
NASPP: What is one best practice companies should implement?
Jule: Ensure that your SOX controls and flow charts will stand up to the scrutiny of audits including those outside the oversight of the stock team. In this day and age, with outsourcing and multiple third-party vendors, it’s important that controls are in place to manage the complex equity programs that are in place or being rolled out and that they not just meet the corporate objectives but also comply with the local jurisdictions (i.e., data privacy, employment laws, works councils, currency/exchange controls and foreign ownership issues, etc.). Bottom line, it is important to have compliance guidelines and/or a policy in place.
NASPP: What is the silver lining to administering global stock plans?
Jule: I would have to say that it’s the collaboration of a great group of people who bring unique skills and knowledge to the table all the while attempting to make a complex topic simple in a world where one size does not fit all. It’s the ability to continue to ask questions, find and use the available resources and understand your company culture. Every day is different and there’s no time to become bored.
NASPP: What is your favorite tourist attraction in DC?
Jule: There is so much to see and do while visiting Washington, DC, it is hard to pinpoint one site. Just walking down the mall is awe inspiring but I would have to say it is the Smithsonian. In particular, the Air and Space Museum and American Museum of History. Both have left impressions from my early visits to our capital city.
Don’t miss Jule’s session “Global Stock Plans in Jeopardy!” session at the NASPP Conference!
About the NASPP Conference
The 25th Annual NASPP Conference will be held from October 17-21 in Washington DC. This year’s program features close to 100 sessions on today’s most timely topics in stock and executive compensation; check out the full agenda and register today!