Mergers and acquisitions often create some of the most challenging decisions Total Rewards leaders face. Compensation structures, benefits programs, retirement plans, incentive designs, and employee expectations all need to be evaluated and aligned, often under tight timelines and significant organizational change.

In this fireside chat, Amy Bruyea, former Chief People Officer of Fairstone Bank, and Kenneth Yung, Founder and Partner at Laulima Consulting, will share lessons learned from the integration of Fairstone Bank and Home Trust, along with insights drawn from other corporate transactions.

The discussion will explore how organizations can evaluate differing reward philosophies, make difficult design decisions, communicate changes effectively, and balance business objectives with employee concerns. Speakers will share practical examples of what worked, what proved more challenging than expected, and how leaders can build trust throughout the integration process.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the key decisions involved in harmonizing total rewards programs during a transaction and receive a practical transaction checklist that can help guide planning and implementation efforts within their own organizations.