Joanne Baker

Currently retired from AXA XL

New York City Metropolitan Area

About

Accomplished Compensation and Benefits Leader with proven expertise in transformation management and development of a Total Rewards strategy that aligns with the company's core values and drives scale and business success. Global experience in delivering industry competitive Total Rewards programs which incorporates best practices and new trends. As an accomplished human resources professional, I am responsible for the overall strategic planning, efficient operations and management of the Benefits and Global Mobility (expat) Programs for XL Catlin. At MasterCard, I was responsible for the overall strategic planning, efficient operations and management of the Benefits, Compensation and Global Mobility (expat and immigration) Programs. I was the Benefits expert for MasterCard for 14 + years and a senior member of the HR leadership team. Additionally, I served as a trusted and valued industry resource for the CEO and his direct reports. I have a proven track record in delivering a governance framework that meets all benefits and compensation mandated government requirements and provides the flexibility to meet the needs of the company. As well, I have driven operational efficiencies in benefits, compensation and mobility programs using strong negotiation tactics to enhance productivity and provide for an improved employee experience. Throughout my career, I have successfully collaborated with my HR Operations, Legal and Finance colleagues in providing state-of-the-art delivery systems and programs.

Experience

  • AXA XL, a division of AXA (7 yrs 10 mos)
    • Head of Total Rewards at AXA XL
      Oct 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 9 mos

    • Global Head of Benefits and Mobility at AXA XL
      Sep 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

  • Global Head of Benefits at XL Catlin
    Jan 2017 - Oct 2021 · 4 yrs 10 mos

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

  • MasterCard (Purchase, New York)
    • SVP, Global Workforce Programs
      Mar 2009 - Dec 2015 · 6 yrs 10 mos

      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.

    • Senior Vice President
      Mar 2005 - Dec 2015 · 10 yrs 10 mos

      Leadership Roles include: Chairman of MasterCard Fiduciary Committee UK Pension Plan Trustee Member of MasterCard Investment Committee Member of Entity Establishment Committee Institutional Investor Advisory Board Role for DC Summit Executive Liaison for American Cancer Society

    • SVP, Global Compensation & Benefits
      Mar 2005 - Feb 2009 · 4 yrs

      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.

  • Director - Employee Benefits Strategic Planning at Verizon/Bell Atlantic
    Aug 1997 - Oct 2000 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    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.

  • Assistant Manager to Director - Benefits at NYNEX
    May 1979 - Jul 1997 · 18 yrs 3 mos

    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.