Michele Gest Email & Phone Number

Friendswood, Tx, Us

Houston, Tx, Us

Lead a global team of 35 professionals for a $50 billion, Fortune 500 chemical company managing the strategy, design and execution of the global total rewards programs including executive and broad-based compensation, benefits, mobility, recognition, and payroll. Report directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer.• Provide strategic oversight of executive compensation programs including the preparation for and participation in Compensation Committee meetings• Restructured Total Rewards COE and upskilled talent in key roles to enhance the capability of the function and the value to the company• Evaluated current compensation programs and practices against the market and best practices and implemented changes to improve competitiveness of program, including a new enhanced and globally consistent reward and recognition program• Conducted a global analysis to assess fairness and equity with respect to employee compensation and embedded the process in the annual compensation cycle • Benchmarked the mobility function and related policies to identify the optimal operating model, ensure alignment with best practices and enhance the employee experience; service delivery shifted to a hybrid insourced and outsourced approach • Utilized a global payroll assessment to determine the optimal operating model; implemented a dual operational structure using insourced and outsourced approaches across more than 30 countries, developed global payroll organization and governance structure, leveraging automation and technology enhancements to drive efficient work processes and optimal use of resources• Partnered with Talent Management to develop a framework and strategy for engaging and retaining key talent

Houston, Tx, Us

Built the mergers and acquisition (M&A) function for Human Resources. Led transactions through all phases of the M&A lifecycle including due diligence, integration planning and implementation. Advise management on critical human capital matters and coach leaders on talent and culture issues helping ensure the achievement of the company’s strategic objectives related to each transaction.• Partnered with functional and business leaders to develop the day one and end state organizational structure for the company following the $2.25 billion acquisition of A. Schulman Inc., creating the world’s largest compounding business• Implemented actions required to capture headcount synergies across all functions as well as non-headcount synergies for the human resources function specifically. The company expects to capture $150 million in cost savings within two years following the close of the merger creating significant value for shareholders.• Partnered with functional and business leaders to ensure effective engagement with key talent at the target company • Directed the development and execution of integration plans for the human resources function including day one critical plans and post integration plans for key workstreams; Total Rewards, Payroll, Human Resources Management Systems, Recruiting, Talent Management, and Policies

Houston, Texas, Us

Led broad spectrum of human resource functions for approximately 30,000 employees in over 80 countries for $12 billion Fortune 500 oilfield services company, including cash and equity compensation, executive compensation, health and retirement benefits, talent acquisition, mobility, immigration, and employee relations. Led enterprise Human Resources operations and technology through a centralized shared services organization and was accountable for the business partner relationship with the executive leaders for corporate functions.• In this expanded role, continued to lead the Total Rewards function• Led specific retention efforts focused on retaining key talent during prolonged industry downturn and a merger transaction resulting in a 91% retention rate• Re-established university recruiting program following a two-year period of inactivity related to industry downturn solidifying the sustainability of talent pipeline• Directed the development and implementation of Human Resource Process Lifecycle Management ensuring the effective delivery of key processes and services to employees and managers• Restructured global mobility programs including streamlining package options and modifying allowance framework to meet current needs of the business• Made strategic modifications to compliance program and associated reporting mechanisms and re-established focus in the HR function on accountability resulting in sustained achievement on key compliance metrics.

Houston, Texas, Us

Led global total rewards function including cash and equity compensation, executive compensation, health and retirement benefits, retirement plan investments and employee recognition. • Trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Compensation Committee on executive compensation matters during period of significant uncertainty and volatility due to a prolonged industry downturn and two merger transactions.• Partnered with other members of the Human Resources Leadership Team and business leaders to design and implement the transformation of the Human Resources function aligning HR services with business needs and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the function• Built global Total Rewards Center of Excellence in conjunction with the transformation of Human Resources• During this period of volatility and uncertainty, effectively led large, global, multi-function HR team with no lapses in service delivery or other activities critical to business continuity while also fully supporting integration. • Implemented initiatives resulting in savings exceeding $100 million which was crucial to the company meeting its business plans during this unstable period.• Chair of Investment and Administrative Committees, member of Canadian Pension Committee and advisor to the UK pension trustees; global assets of over $6B• Led compensation and benefits activities for several mergers/acquisitions including due diligence, change in control provisions and the global integration of reward programs for a $5.5 billion acquisition resulting in savings exceeding $20 million.• Led retention efforts focused on retaining key talent during prolonged industry downturn and a merger transaction resulting in a 91% retention rateExpertise:Executive Compensation, including Board experienceCompensation/Benefits Strategy and DesignMergers, Acquisitions & DivestituresChange ManagementLeadershipCompliance & Governance

Houston, Texas, Us

Houston, Texas, Us

Bachelor Of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Management

Bachelor Of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.)