Gary Davies to retire as CEO of the IR Society; Laura Hayter appointed as successor

The IR Society today announces that Gary Davies is to retire as Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons. Laura Hayter, currently Head of Policy and Communications, will succeed him.

8 October 2019

London - The IR Society today announces that Gary Davies is to retire as Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons.  Laura Hayter, currently Head of Policy and Communications, will succeed him.  While Laura will take on the role with effect from 11 October 2019 there will be a transition period until the end of the year.

David Lloyd-Seed, Chair of the IR Society commented, “On behalf of the Board, IR Society members and partners, I’d like to thank Gary for his significant contribution over the last year or so.  I am sorry to see him go and I wish him the very best for the future.

I am delighted that Laura has agreed to take on the role of CEO.  Laura has been a lynchpin of the Society over the last eight years and has a wealth of knowledge of our Industry and of the Society.  Her appointment will enable us to maintain momentum as the IR Society goes from strength to strength in promoting excellence in investor relations and delivers an even greater service to our members as our industry continues to grow.”

Gary Davies commented, “I am very pleased that I am able to pass the baton on to Laura and know that I leave the Society’s future in a very safe pair of hands. The experience that Laura brings to the role and the extensive network of contacts that she has developed over her years with the Society will be invaluable in taking the Society to its next phase.”

Laura Hayter commented, “I am delighted to be taking on the Chief Executive role of the Society.  It is an exciting time for the Investor Relations profession, and I look forward to leading the Society on the next stage of its growth, building on its excellent foundations.”

For more information contact:

David Lloyd-Seed, Chair, The IR Society

+44 20 7379 1763 or david.lloyd-seed@powerscourt-group.com

Gary Davies, CEO, The IR Society
+44 20 7379 1763 or gary.davies@irsociety.org.uk

Laura Hayter, Head of Policy & Communications and CEO Designate, The IR Society
+44 20 7379 1763 or laura.hayter@irsociety.org.uk

Notes for editors:

About The Investor Relations Society
The Investor Relations Society (IR Society) is a membership organisation that exists to promote best practice investor relations in the UK and beyond. It is run by IR professionals for IR professionals.
Established in 1980, the IR Society’s mission is to promote best practice in investor relations; to support the professional development of its members; to represent their views to regulatory bodies, the investment community and government; and to act as a forum for issuers and the investment community.

The Society has over 850 members from the UK, Europe and beyond, including representatives from most of the FTSE 100, a large number of FTSE 250 companies and a number of AIM and smaller companies as well as IR advisers and service providers. For more information visit www.irsociety.org.uk or connect with us on Twitter (@IRSocietyUK) or LinkedIn

Published 8 October, 2019