CEO Update - February 2026

The Society’s Annual Conference is one of our flagship events, and colleagues have been hard at work constructing the agenda. I hope you can join us on June 24th, where we have an exceptional line up of diverse voices and opinions exploring the key issues impacting investor relations. This year’s theme is all about the strategic value of investor relations in uncertain environments. From geopolitics, to technology, to demographics, we know the world is changing quickly. It’s our member’s position - that intersection between business, finance, and communications – that enables them to provide valuable insight and intelligence not just to the investment community, but to their CEO, their CFO, and colleagues across their organisation. We’re making the case for IR as a key strategic function. 

Earlier this month, we held a workshop with our Policy Committee, where we investigated the key themes and topics we want to influence. Right up the at the top of the list is the UK’s attractiveness as a listing environment. This is something that should matter to all of us, collectively and individually. A stronger UK proposition with a stable, consistent, and competitive regulatory environment helps us collectively tell a more positive equity story for UK-listed companies. And individually, more companies listing here unlocks more career opportunities for those working in our profession.  

Closely interlinked with the above is the modernisation of corporate reporting. Simply put, modern best practice approaches to reporting, including integrated and digital first approaches, are a key element in constructing compelling investment cases. Timely, transparent, and consistent reporting drives investor confidence.The Society’s collective expertise gives us a unique vantage point to assess what truly adds value in corporate reporting. 

These are issues that really matter to policymakers, regulators, issuers, and investors. We’ll be developing a member-led work programme, using your expertise to positively influence the debate, and the outcomes. 

While the Society’s focus is naturally on the UK, we’re also part of a vibrant global IR community. I recently had calls with the leaders of the Middle Eastern, Danish, Romanian, and Swiss IR associations to discuss opportunities for collaboration and insight. In March, I will be meeting with the leaders of the US, Canadian, Australian, and German representative organisations in Frankfurt. Sharing best practice and guidance across borders and markets is a key element to responding to the challenges we all face. 

Finally, we’ve been looking at how we can do more to support careers development in investor relations. We’ll be inviting members to talk about their career journeys. We’ll be speaking to a number of recruiters and hiring managers across the sector to explore the key trends and insights in the space, and offering their hints and tips on how to stand out and position yourself for success, whether at the junior, mid, or senior levels. 

I want the Society to tell the story of why investor relations offers exciting, varied, and rewarding career paths, and to help our members support their career goals and aspirations. 

That’s it from me, see you in March.