IR Discussion: How to Prepare for and Respond to Activism

Join us for an online discussion around preparing for and responding to activism, as an IR professional.

This small group discussion, under Chatham House Rules, will welcome a panel of speakers with notable experience of activist situations who will share their thoughts on the strategies that activists use and their impact, which will help in understanding how to navigate these scenarios.

This session promises to be informative and practical, offering valuable insights into the world of activism and the crucial role that investor relations plays in navigating these complex dynamics. The discussion format welcomes all in attendance to contribute to the conversation.

Moderator: Alistair de Kare-Silver

Senior Client Advisor, Temple Bar Advisory

Senior Client Advisor, Temple Bar Advisory

Alistair is an Investor Relations and Corporate Communications specialist with over a decade of experience advising management teams of UK and international companies.

He has helped management teams strengthen their relationships with investors, build support for their strategies and compete effectively for investment. He has successfully steered companies through critical moments including profit warnings, transactions, M&A, IPOs, placings, disposals, CVAs, administrations, restructuring programmes, crises and activism. He also has particular expertise across ESG, digital communications, crisis and issues management.

He holds both The Certificate and The Diploma in Investor Relations. Alistair has a degree in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds.

Guest speaker: Tom Matthews

Partner, White & Case LLP

Partner, White & Case LLP

Tom Matthews is a partner in our global M&A and Corporate practice based in London. Tom is also Head of the Firm's EMEA Activism practice.

Tom has over 20 years' experience advising corporates, investment banks, private equity and hedge funds and family offices on international public and private M&A transactions, joint ventures, primary and secondary equity raisings and sell-downs, and listed company advisory and corporate governance matters.

Tom also advises a number of companies, activist funds, founder shareholders and other active shareholders on their shareholder engagement campaigns and responses.

Guest speaker: Garrett Muzikowski, CFA, CAIA

Managing Director, FTI Consulting

Managing Director, FTI Consulting

Garrett Muzikowski is a Managing Director for the M&A, Activism & Governance practice in FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications segment. Mr. Muzikowski supports companies in the development of strategies to secure shareholder support in both contested and uncontested situations.

Mr. Muzikowski advises clients preparing for shareholder activism and when navigating live activism situations, ranging from private engagements to proxy fights and contested M&A. He has advised companies when engaging with Elliott Management, Starboard Value, Jana Partners, Engaged Capital, Legion Partners, Ananym Capital and Land & Buildings, among other activist funds.

Mr. Muzikowski also counsels companies on corporate governance matters. With a distinct understanding of how to appeal to investors’ internal voting policies, he partners with clients to draft compelling proxy statements and develop effective shareholder engagement strategies. During his career, he has helped clients secure favorable outcomes on hundreds of proposals, including director elections, Say on Pay proposals, equity plans and environmental or social shareholder proposals.

Guest speaker: Louise Rich

Head of Investor Relations, De La Rue

Head of Investor Relations, De La Rue

Louise has had a range of investor relations and investor relations advisory roles, most recently as the Head of Investor Relations at De La Rue during an eventful three years which culminated in the agreed purchase of the business by Atlas Holdings in July 2025. She has also worked in investor relations in the real estate and venture capital sectors, as well as a corporate broker at both Cazenove and UBS.  She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse.

Guest speaker: Tony White

Partner, MKP Advisors

Photo & bio to follow.

Dates

  • 4.00pm to 5.00pm Thursday 9 October, 2025

Location

  • Online - Zoom

With thanks to our Events Programme Sponsor

Open to Members and Non-members

Book now

  • Free to Members
    £0
  • Non-members - £25+VAT
    £30