Executive Team
Laura Hayter
CEO - IR Society
Laura is CEO at The Investor Relations Society. Formerly Head of Policy and Communications, Laura took on the role of CEO in 2019 and has been with the Society for over 13 years. Laura has been part of the IR community since 2001, and among other roles, she was formerly a director at the IR consultancy, Taylor Rafferty, providing IR advisory services to blue chip clients, both in London and New York. Laura’s particular interests within IR are around career progression, mentoring and professional development. She graduated from the University of Leeds, with an honours degree in German and management studies.
Leila Hill
Professional Development Administrator - IR Society
Leila is the Professional Developments Administrator at the Investor Relations Society, where she supports the growth and development of the community. Prior to this, she spent nearly seven years at the International Dispute Resolution Centre, coordinating legal proceedings and managing the reception team, she is now transitioning her skills into the investor relations sector. Leila holds an LLB (Hons) in Law with Business from Brighton University.
Tara Mitchell
Professional Development Executive - IR Society
Tara joined the IR Society in September 2018 as Professional Development Executive. Tara was previously at Old Mutual Group working as an Investor Relations Co-ordinator in their IR team. Prior to this Tara lived and worked in Sydney, Australia. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family.
Alina Ardeleanu
Financial Controller - IR Society
Alina joined the IR Society in 2012 as Financial Controller. Prior to this she was working for 15 years as a Financial Controller in the manufacturing industry.
She has a vast experience in management accounts and is responsible for the production of accurate reports including forecasting revenue, costs and profitability, P&L accounts and budget packs. She is also responsible for monitoring the business’ performance, cash flow, developing financial models and strategic planning.
Alina has graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Romania.
Liz Cole
Head of Policy and Communications - IR Society
Liz joined the IR Society in January 2022 as head of policy and communications. Liz qualified as a lawyer with Linklaters, where she practiced in the corporate tax department for five years. In 2003, Liz joined the technical strategy department at the ICAEW where she was responsible for policy, representations and member guidance on various aspects of business law including company law, distributable profits, insolvency, data protection and workplace pensions. Liz graduated from the University of Oxford with an MA in Biology.
Robert Dann
Head of Marketing & Operations - IR Society
Rob joined the IR Society in January 2012 as head of marketing, with responsibility for the society’s marketing and sponsorship programme. In 2014 Rob’s role developed to incorporate all of the society’s membership activities, including member recruitment and retention and the identification of potential new member groups. In 2019 the roles further expanded to incorporate internal processes and operations. Prior to moving into IR Rob had previously worked in marketing roles across a number of sectors, most recently as group head online for an international media company.
Anneka Finnane
Events Manager - IR Society
Anneka joined the IR Society in May 2024 as Events Manager. Her most recent role was at the Association of Foreign Banks as Senior Practice, Events and Training Associate. Prior to that, she has worked in various membership organisations such as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, British Council for Offices, and Industry and Parliament Trust, managing a wide variety of events and training programmes. Anneka has a degree in Event Management from Bournemouth University. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family.
James Lomas
Membership Executive - IR Society
Bio & photo to follow