Joanne Baker Email and Phone Number

I am responsible for the overall strategic planning, efficient operations and management of the Benefits and Global Mobility (expat) Programs for XL Catlin.

Ensured deep technical expertise of global benefits, global mobility including expat and immigration management and health& safety plans, and recognition, work-life and employer-of-choice programs which enabled the development of strategic planning, design, implementation and ongoing delivery for 30 + countries. Capitalized on HR data to analyze, forecast and report on employee related expenses. Colaborated with HRIS team to improve HR technology infrastructure to automate processes, implement web-based self-service features, and minimize administrative burden. Initiated the benefits M&A due diligence and integration activities.Accomplishments: Developed market-prevalent, competitive and cost effective benefit plans globally which enhanced employee value proposition: Recognition includes National Business Group on Health's Gold and Platinum Award for the company's commitment to health & wellness; 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers Award; Plan Sponsor’s Best-in-Class Retirement Plans. Directed the benefit activities in the termination of the Defined Benefit Plan which resulted in a very positive outcome for employees (80% choosing a lump sum option) and eliminated a $280M obligation for MasterCard. Initiated and delivered on the strategy to reduce the U.S. health care trend from approximately 22% to a consistent 3% - 5% which resulted in millions of dollars of cost avoidance while providing for meaningful plan choice, a high quality network of providers and market competitive rates. Directed the successful total replacement to consumer driven health plans. Directed the migration of post-65 retirees to a Medicare Exchange which resulted in retirees being provided with more meaningful health care options, high retiree engagement (96%) and a $12M cost savings to MasterCard. Enhanced the global mindset by providing a competitive and transparent global mobility program which resulted in 150% year-over-year increase in mobility moves.

Leadership Roles include:Chairman of MasterCard Fiduciary CommitteeUK Pension Plan TrusteeMember of MasterCard Investment CommitteeMember of Entity Establishment CommitteeInstitutional Investor Advisory Board Role for DC SummitExecutive Liaison for American Cancer Society

Directed the strategy, planning, implementation and administration of global benefits plans, compensation and global mobility plans for AM, LAC, APAC, EMEA. Managed the team responsible for compensation and benefits design and infrastructure, HR systems, vendor management, compliance, reporting, visa administration, international assignments, relocations and overall HR processes. Managed the M&A due diligence and integration activities for compensation & benefits. Ensured the alignment of compensation structures, managed the annual salary review process, market surveys, salary budgets and the delivery of incentives based on business objectives and results. Member of the HR leadership team which drove strategic planning efforts and the development, implementation, monitoring, and completion of HR's strategic plan including changes to the performance management program and system. Accomplishments:  Spearheaded the transformation of a new global career and rewards framework resulting in a structure that provided for greater transparency for employees and global consistency in roles, contributions and rewards. Developed and implemented executive compensation changes which included a Founders Grant and a stock based long-term incentive plan in support of a very successful IPO. Managed the development of Compensation Committee materials to facilitate Board approval. Developed and implemented a global governance and plan management framework for compensation & benefits which resulted in more robust and effective plan administration and compliance.

Directed the strategy, planning, implementation and administration of global benefits that were aligned with business objectives and culture. These activities included annual benchmarking, cost and utilization trend, and best-in-class design and practice analyses. Ensured that innovation and creativity were integrated into the benefits' design processes. Lead the benefits team by setting overall program initiatives, allocating financial and human capital for programs and projects, and ensured timely, accurate, compliant and effective delivery of benefit programs. Conducted the M&A due diligence and integration activities.Accomplishments:  Initiated the benefits integration activities for the harmonization of benefit programs for two newly acquired companies. This harmonization resulted in "freezing" the defined benefit plan in Belgium for 500+ employees and implementing a defined contribution plan with Works Council approval. In the UK, a leading edge cafeteria plan and Trustee based defined contribution plan were introduced to all employees as a result of a favorable employee consultation process. Developed and implemented an assessment tool to determine the competitive positioning of the total remuneration programs globally which resulted in establishing a consistent basis for measuring and monitoring competitive targets in 30+ countries. Established and documented plan design, administration and governance practices for the U.S. benefit plans to provide for greater plan management, compliance and financial rigor.

Developed recommendations for benefit strategy and policy for salaried and hourly associate plans. Member of the bargaining team; developed negotiation strategies for unionized plans in partnership with the Labor Relations team. Managed the Bell Atlantic/GTE benefits merger for Bell Atlantic. Directed the benefits communication strategy and the benefits information systems integration for Bell Atlantic.

Held various positions in HR of increasing responsibility including mergers and acquisitions, benefits planning, bargaining support for hourly/union plans, planning and administration for non-qualified plans, environmental health, and wellness.