How the best made it in IR
EMR were proud to sponsor the Best Newcomer to Investor Relations award for the fifth year running at the Investor Relations Society Best Practice Awards. The IR Society recognised those companies and individuals that are leading the way in engaging with the capital markets, building trust and strengthening corporate reputation. Muksheeda Boodhooa, Senior Consultant at EMR presented David Phillips, Head of IR at Hays plc with the award. We spoke to him and the runners up about how they entered the world of IR and what they have achieved so far.
Best Newcomer to IR Winner – David Phillips, Head of IR at Hays plc.
What was your background before moving into IR, and why did you make the transition?
I have worked as an Accountant (1996-99), a Fund Manager (1999-2006) and an Analyst / Stockbroker (2006-2017). But I have always wanted to see how a business operates close up and work in a Corporate, and IR is the perfect role to do this. The timing, team and opportunity with Hays was perfect.
What do you feel has been your most significant contribution to your IR role so far?
I think I bring a high degree of practicality to the IR job, and having been an investor myself I know the value of clear, honest communications. Hays already has a strong IR platform , but I think we have made improvements in the clarity of our quarterly reporting, the way our Annual report/website explains our business and the ways we target our trips overseas to meet prospective investors.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
Naturally I am delighted to be nominated for the award, and to have joined an industry with great forward momentum.
Runner up – Phillip Lindsay, Director Investor Relations Europe at TechnipFMC
What was your background before moving into IR, and why did you make the transition?
I had spent the majority of my career in sell side research – Credit Suisse most recently (before that HSBC, RBS, ABN AMRO). The last ten years I specialised in the oilfield equipment and services sector, which included coverage of TechnipFMC. TechnipFMC is a new company resulting from the merger between Technip (of France) and FMC (of the US) in January 2017. I was the only London-based analyst that had experience of covering both legacy companies. I had huge admiration for TechnipFMC; the management team, the technology and the strategy, driving much needed change in the oil & gas industry. I viewed TechnipFMC as a highly accomplished player in the market with an exciting future and I wanted to be part of that. I believed that I could make a real difference to the company from an IR perspective, and my background would enable me to get up and running quickly. I considered IR to be an attractive career progression from sell-side research.
What do you feel has been your greatest/most significant contribution to your IR role so far?
I have successfully established the European arm of the TechnipFMC IR function. Building trust with the investment community - strong relationships formed with key sell-side / buy-side players. Understanding the key issues – providing management with market Intelligence and key investor pushback on our equity story. Playing a key role in preparation for earnings and investor conferences – script writing, slide preparation, financial analysis and Q&A prep. I have enjoyed being part of Successful and highly targeted self-organised investor roadshows in London and other locations.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
I’m absolutely thrilled and humbled to be nominated for best newcomer only one year into my new career. My understanding is that the IR Society awards are the most prestigious in the U.K. It’s been an amazing year; not only have I learned a great deal from an amazing management team and highly innovative company, I have also learned a lot of new skills as I make the transition from research analyst to investor relations - this nominations is the icing on the cake.
Runner up – Jennifer Ramsey, Head of Investor Relations at Rolls Royce plc
What was your background before moving into IR, and why did you make the transition?
Prior to joining Rolls-Royce as Head of Investor Relations, I worked as an equity fund manager in London and New York for almost 20 years for Sarasin & Partners, TRW Investment Management and JP Morgan Private Bank. Previously I was a Chartered Civil Engineer specialising Earthquake Engineering at Ove Arup. I obtained my MBA from London Business School in 1998 and I became a CFA Charterholder in 2002. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and a masters in Soil Mechanics and Earthquake Engineering both from Imperial College, London. I decided to make the transition as the opportunity offered a new challenge, a chance to learn something new, to take me out of my comfort zone and to do something that I thought I would enjoy doing.
What do you feel has been your greatest/most significant contribution to your IR role so far?
Opportunity to shape the investment message as the company restructures. I have invested in many turn-around stories, this was a chance to be part of the change. When I interviewed for the job, I was very clear on the reasons why I had never invested in Rolls-Royce and Stephen and Warren were clear that those reasons were changing. We had made significant progress on co-ordinating a coherent message across all Rolls-Royce stakeholders and increasing our transparency for our shareholder and as an investor for 19 years I was uniquely placed to understand the importance of expectations and delivery in building trust.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
It is an honour to be recognised as one of the best new comers in the IR industry over the period and justifies the career move I made a year ago
Runner up – Matthew Kay, Director of Investor Relations at InterContinental Hotels Group
What was your background before moving into IR, and why did you make the transition?
I have been with IHG for over six years, working in different finance roles around the business. Most recently I was on the commercial side, working with our brand and marketing organisations. I had always thought IR jobs were interesting and challenging, and when an opportunity came up to join the team, I jumped at the chance.
What do you feel has been your greatest/most significant contribution to your IR role so far?
It has been a busy year, and the learning curve has been pretty steep! Some changes to the team meant there was an opportunity to get promoted to a more senior role, and I have taken on more responsibility and have a more visible presence as a result. I feel that being able to get up to speed quickly and lead results preparation and investor meetings has helped anchor the team and provide a degree of continuity throughout the year.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
This nomination was entirely unexpected and so came as a lovely surprise. It is always a good feeling to get external validation of your work – a sign that you are doing something right at least! It would not have happened without the support and guidance I have had from others in the team.
Runner up – Ryan Thompson, Investor Relations and Communications Manager at Hiscox Insurance
What was your background before moving into IR, and why did you make the transition?
After graduating in politics I worked for a financial communications consultancy in my hometown (Sydney, Australia), advising clients from a range of sectors, including mining and natural resources, financial services, private equity and even retail. From very early on I worked on M&A transactions, capital raisings and number of IPOs, which stoked my interest in the financial markets further. After re-locating to London in 2015, I was lucky enough to land a role in the excellent communications team at Hiscox, responsible for financial reporting and media relations, as well as some interface with the sell-side. When the opportunity arose to progress into an Investor Relations Manager job, I was delighted to step up. I’ve been in the role for more than a year now, and they haven’t sacked me yet!
What do you feel has been your greatest/most significant contribution to your IR role so far?
At Hiscox, IR has traditionally been the domain of the CFO, so the establishment of a formalised IR function is probably my most significant contribution. Investors and analysts have responded very well to having increased access to the company, and it has been a steep, but enjoyable learning curve for me personally.
What does it mean to you to be nominated for this award?
It’s obviously humbling to be nominated by colleagues in the industry, particularly as I still regard myself very much as ‘the new guy’, but I’m very grateful for the recognition.
For our latest IR jobs click here
Sign up for more insights
Related jobs
Salary
£40000 - £50000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Brand Marketing
Marketing (general)
Event Marketing
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Health & Wellbeing
City
London
Description
An established and market-leading talent firm who work within the healthcare industry are seeking a highly skilled Marketing Manager
Reference
PR/132479_1713456470
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Katie Halliday (née Rogers)Author
Katie Halliday (née Rogers)Salary
£35000 - £42000 per annum
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Bids & Tenders
Business Development
Marketing (general)
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Business Services
City
London
Description
Our client is a successful, market-leading UK and international law firm who are looking for an ambitious and creative Marketing & Business Development Executive to join the team.
Reference
PR/132480_1713456255
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Katie Halliday (née Rogers)Author
Katie Halliday (née Rogers)Salary
£35000 - £40000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Media Relations & PR
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
PR Manager for Luxury Investment, E-commerce and Retail company based in Central London. Developing and executing PR campaigns that enhance brand visibility and reputation.
Reference
PR/132467_1712670963
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£120000 - £150000 per annum + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Fixed Term Contract
Discipline
B2B
Seniority
Director/Chief
Salary
£125,000 +
Sector
Publishing
City
London
Description
CMO - 6-month Contract - Subscription Marketing Experience Needed
Reference
RPT_1712153059
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£30000 - £35000 per annum + + Benefits
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Social Media
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Retail
City
London
Description
Become a Social Media Manager for a luxury assets broker who focuses on helping individuals gain wealth by investing in a number of distinct luxury products.
Reference
PR/ 132438_1712053229
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shanelle GreenAuthor
Shanelle GreenSalary
£30000 - £40000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Copywriting
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Retail
City
London
Description
Copywriter role for Luxury Investment, E-commerce, and Retail company based in Central London. Help create compelling and engaging content across various channels
Reference
PR/132466_1712052242
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£30000 - £40000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Media Relations & PR
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
PR Manager for Luxury Investment, E-commerce and Retail company based in Central London. Developing and executing PR campaigns that enhance brand visibility and reputation.
Reference
PR/132467_1712050342
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£35000 - £42000 per annum + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
B2B
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Growth Marketing Executive - £35-45,000 - B2B
Reference
RPA_1711605578
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£35000 - £45000 per annum + Excellent Bonus + Benefits
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
B2B
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Marketing Comms Recruitment Consultant @ emr
Reference
RPEMR_1711605497
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£50000 - £55001 per annum
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Digital Marketing
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Joining a successful luxury investment company this role will see you reporting to the Co-founder, coming into their fourth year of successful operation.
Reference
PR/132475_1711550095
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rebekah CrampAuthor
Rebekah CrampRelated posts
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In the wake of the global pandemic, the tech industry has embraced change and innovation in the way it operates and manages its workforce. The shift to remote and hybrid work, the acceleration
Teaser
Case StudiesContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
Spotlight: Property GPE is a UK property development and investment company - it mainly owns office buildings, with a smaller amount of retail property. The company invests in and develops cent
by
EMR Recruitment
Teaser
Case StudiesContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
Spotlight: B2C Based in Palma, Italy, Barilla is an Italian family-owned food company and the world’s largest pasta producer. Established in 1877, it’s now an international Group present in mor
by
EMR Recruitment
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/02/2024
Summary
The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate and reshaped clients' expectations, emphasising the importance of agility, efficiency, and digital fluency in service delivery. At
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
03/08/2024
Summary
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have been at the forefront of digital-first innovation in marketing. Traditionally, these brands relied heavily on third-party retailers and marketplaces to reach consu
by
Rebekah Cramp
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
01/17/2024
Summary
Welcome back to EMR's Marketing & Communications Leader Series, where we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and communications practitioners. Join us as we take a closer look
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
01/12/2024
Summary
There has never been a better time to launch or boost a career in communications. 2022 was an excellent year to invest in communications, and in 2024, it’s even more vital as people want to feel conn
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
01/03/2024
Summary
Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series, where we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and communications practitioners. Join us as we explore their pat
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
11/28/2023
Summary
Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series, where we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and communication practitioners. Join us as we take a closer l
Teaser
Salary & Market Trend GuideContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
11/23/2023
Summary
Our Pay Survey 2024 is your opportunity to share your experience of pay and packages within your current sector and the wider industry and join thousands of professionals who contribute to our researc
Recently viewed jobs