Congratulations to our clients Grundfos, J D Wetherspoon and Sportradar who all picked up wins at this years’ GEO (Global Equity Organization) Awards gala in Austin, Texas.
Grundfos won for Best Use of Employee Share Plans in an Emerging Market, J D Wetherspoon were recognized for Most Innovative Plan Design (under 15,000 employees), while Sportradar collected the trophy for Best in Executive Compensation.
Best Use of Employee Share Plans in an Emerging Market
GEO said the Grundfos plan: “stands out as a powerful example of how organisations can successfully extend employee ownership into emerging markets – balancing scale, accessibility, and impact to create meaningful opportunities for employees worldwide.”
Source: https://www.globalequity.org/awards/emerging#winners-2026
Most Innovative Plan Design
Of the J D Wetherspoon plan GEO said they have: “delivered a highly impactful and innovative share plan design, tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality sector.”
“By combining automatic enrolment, innovative structuring, and a focus on inclusivity, Wetherspoon has created a share plan that delivers meaningful ownership at scale – setting a benchmark for employee engagement in the hospitality industry.”
Source: https://www.globalequity.org/awards/innovative#winners-2026
Best in Executive Compensation
GEO said the Sportradar plan was: “recognised for its innovative and highly tailored approach to executive compensation, designed to drive sustained performance and align leadership outcomes with long-term shareholder value.”
“While the plan’s impact is primarily evidenced through engagement and design innovation, judges recognised it as a highly creative and well-executed example of how executive compensation can be tailored to reflect company strategy, culture, and industry dynamics.”
Source: https://www.globalequity.org/awards/executive-compensation#winners-2026
About GEO
Since 1999 GEO’s mission has been to promote broad-based share ownership, worldwide. They offer a community and suite of supporting resources to their members globally. The annual GEO Awards recognize excellence in share ownership structures across a range of distinct categories. They offer a platform to highlight the diverse ways in which companies can create effective share plans and drive employee engagement. J. P. Morgan Workplace Solutions would like to congratulate all of the winners and shortlisted companies.
What next?
Client stories: Discover more about the J D Wetherspoon and Sportradar plans.
If you’re interested in finding out how Workplace Solutions could help you with your equity awards get in touch.
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