Hannah Needle

Practice Areas

Hannah is a Legal Director (Partner equivalent) and advises many leading global companies on the implementation and operation of all forms of global executive and employee share and incentive plans, including the design and establishment of new plans, global compliance, managing grants and maturities under existing plans and on technical tax and legal matters. She also advises on the impact of corporate transactions that may affect a company's global incentive arrangements.

In recent years, Hannah has been instrumental in liaising with the UK’s tax authority (HMRC) regarding various important clearances which have enabled clients to deliver significant tax efficiencies.

She leads on the work we do for clients such as The Coca Cola Company, Tesco, Rentokil Initial, Rolls Royce and Schroders.

Hannah has recently been recognised as a ‘Best Lawyer in the UK’ for Employee Share Schemes. Inclusion in ‘Best Lawyers’ is based on a rigorous peer review and symbolises excellence in practice (see here).

Hannah has been appointed to the Practical Law Share Schemes & Incentives Consultation Board, which brings thought leadership to Practical Law's offering in this area.

Hannah is closely involved in the Global Equity Organization (GEO). She holds fellowship status, which recognises her as an industry-leading professional, and serves on GEO's Board of Directors. Hannah is the Co-Chair of the Share Plan Lawyers’ Corporate and Regulatory Committee and leads a number of the Committee’s working groups, including leading the industry discussions with the FCA and HM Treasury on changes to the market abuse regulations in the UK, post-Brexit.

Hannah sits on Tapestry’s Board of Directors under the Employee Ownership Trust structure.

Career

2016 to date: Tapestry Compliance

2004 - 2015: Pinsent Masons LLP

2006 - Qualified, Pinsent Masons LLP

Professional Memberships

GEO, ProShare, SPL