2011 Conference
That was the key message at the IR Society's 25th Annual Conference – 'Investor relations at the heart of the stakeholder universe' – which took place on Tuesday 24 May 2011.
Thank you very much to everyone involved in the conference – especially conference sponsor Audi & platinum sponsor BNY Mellon – for making the event a great success.
Moderated by Evan Davis, each of the high profile speakers delivered a consistent message: that investor relations and stakeholder relations are all part of the same story and need to be part of a co-ordinated communications programme. The widening and deepening role of IR was examined as guest speakers and delegates considered the evolving shareholder and stakeholder bases, IR in the M&A environment, the increased focus on sustainability in the investment process and the central position IR holds in corporate communications.
The central role that IR plays in today's company was emphasised by key note speaker Carolyn McCall OBE, CEO of easyJet, who emphasised that the “commitment of the plc Board and management is key” and the importance of a good working relationship between CEO and IR director.
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Following a CEO's endorsement of IR, it was the turn of a Chairman as Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of Centrica and Chairman elect of the CBI confirmed “IR and management: one message delivers results” and the importance of the “IR team (to) be integrated, engaged, informed and empowered as part of senior management team”.
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Throughout the day delegates were polled on a number of IR related issues. Findings included two thirds of conference delegates agreeing that it was appropriate to balance the financial and non-financial interests of shareholders and stakeholders and that most delegates would welcome investment from a Sovereign Wealth Fund. However, delegates considered warning bells would sound for 80% if an activist investor turned up on the share register.
An illuminating discussion on crisis management and the role IR has to play in placating and reassuring nervous investors finished the day. Andrew Shilston, FD of Rolls Royce, discussed recent events affecting that company and the implementation of a successful strategy to stabilise the share price and explain events to the shareholder base. Stephen Ball, partner at KPMG gave amusing story demonstrating crisis management in action when he recalled an incident which saw Dick Cheney accidentally shoot a friend, with the friend later commenting surreally “My family and I are deeply sorry for everything Vice President Cheney and his family have had to deal with. We hope that he will continue to come to Texas and seek the relaxation that he deserves.”