The Investor Relations Society announces Laura Hayter, Chief Executive Officer, to step down.
Laura Hayter, Chief Executive Officer of The Investor Relations Society, has advised the Board of The Investor Relations Society that she plans to step down at the end of August.
Laura joined The Investor Relations Society in 2011 and took on the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2019. Under Laura’s leadership, the membership has grown, and The Society has consistently increased revenues, with reserves returning to pre-pandemic levels. Laura has also overseen other significant programmes within The Society’s professional development offering, including the successful DELIVER (Developing future Leaders through IR) leadership programme, and extended the reach of the Certificate in Investor Relation’s (CIR) internationally.
Douglas Radcliffe, Chair of the IR Society said
‘On behalf of the Board and The Investor Relations Society members and partners I would like to thank Laura for her dedication and commitment to The Society over the past 14 years. Since becoming CEO in 2019, she has been a fantastic ambassador for The Society; successfully developing relationships with members, suppliers and other stakeholders to raise the profile and professionalism of the profession. Her significant achievements have left a lasting legacy and will continue to benefit the profession for years to come.’
Laura Hayter said,
‘After 14 years at The Investor Relations Society and 6 years in the role as CEO, I feel the time is right to step down and pursue other opportunities. I leave The Society with an excellent executive team in place and in good financial health. It has been a privilege to see how the role of investor relations has grown in stature, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved as a Society during my tenure. I look forward to seeing The Society continue to go from strength to strength.’
The Board of Directors of The Investor Relations Society will now conduct a search for a new Chief Executive. For details of the role and the search process, including how to apply please visit the Investor Relations Society website, send an e-mail to careers@irsociety.org.uk or contact Laura
Laura Hayter, CEO, The Investor Relations Society
+44 20 7378 1780 or laura.hayter@irsociety.org.uk
Further information and job description
Notes for editors:
About the Investor Relations Society
The Investor Relations 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 Investor Relations 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 Investor Relations Society has over 800 members from the UK, Europe and beyond, including representatives from most FTSE 100 companies, a large number of FTSE 250 companies and several AIM and smaller companies, as well as IR advisers and service providers. For more information on the IR Society visit www.irsociety.org.uk or connect with us on LinkedIn.
Published 24 June, 2025