Working in corporate communications for the past two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how investor relations and public relations alignment can build trust and create real business value.
And in today’s environment, on top of the challenges facing IR and PR pros, stakeholders expect more clarity, more consistency and more connection from companies.
That’s why breaking down silos and increasing collaboration is so crucial - and at NIRI 2025, I was excited to join Stewart Grisante of REPAY and Katie Creaser of ICR for an important conversation on this topic.
Keep reading to learn the key takeaways from our discussion.
IR operates in a new reality. Expectations are higher, markets are less predictable and messages are consumed across countless channels.
Stakeholders piece together your story from everything you publish – so alignment between IR and PR isn’t optional. It’s a strategic imperative that builds trust at every touch point.
At REPAY, for example, Grisante described how their team starts each year by defining a “north star” message aligned with company strategy. Whether the team is preparing a product press release, attending a conference, or reporting quarterly earnings, they ensure all messaging reflects that same strategic intent.
It’s not a siloed approach. It’s a stakeholder journey – one story, told consistently across every touchpoint.
Another topic we discussed is how every external communication is investor-facing now.
Creaser noted that while some content is labeled “PR” or “marketing,” investors don’t see it that way.
That’s why IR must have visibility into – and ideally input on – everything that goes public. Even minor language adjustments from IR can elevate a press release from “great” to “bulletproof.”
This doesn’t mean IR needs to approve every social post. But it does mean teams should have a shared editorial calendar, regular check-ins and aligned goals behind each piece of communication.
Teams using integrated platforms – such as those we offer here at Notified (learn more here) - have an advantage.
Whether you're distributing earnings releases, managing media contacts or monitoring investor sentiment, having both IR and PR using shared tools can streamline collaboration and elevate impact.
The rise of generative AI has made collaboration between IR and PR even more critical.
As large language models like ChatGPT increasingly shape how stakeholders learn about companies, the quality and consistency of your owned content has become your best defense – and offense.
As Creaser explained, these AI models prioritize credible, verifiable sources. That means press releases issued through trusted wires, blog posts on your site and social media content you control are all signals AI uses to determine what’s true about your business.
We recently conducted our own audit across generative search platforms and found outdated content influencing our brand presence. It was a reminder: if you’re not actively shaping the story, someone – or something – else is.
Most IR and PR teams already come together around key moments like earnings or crisis communications.
But the real opportunity is in the in-between – the product launches, trade shows, announcements and customer partnerships that might seem routine but still shape perception.
At REPAY, Grisante shared how their team uses internal check-ins and project planning across departments to help maintain alignment – even with a lean IR team. You don’t need a big team. You need clear priorities, open communication and a shared narrative.
Finally, one of the most important takeaways from our discussion was how this collaboration isn’t just about more effective storytelling – it’s about reducing risk.
Grisante put it well: IR isn’t just about highlighting the positives. It’s about mitigating the negatives. And in a world where media is fragmented, trust is fragile and misinformation can spread quickly, having one consistent voice is a powerful way to protect your brand.
For IR and PR professionals alike, now is the time to think holistically and plan intentionally.
Want to learn more?
At our upcoming Capital Narratives events, we’ll bring together IROs and CCOs for real conversations around what’s working (and what’s next) when it comes to building strong, consistent corporate stories.
Expect standout keynotes, honest fireside chats and lively roundtables where everyone can get involved.
We’re hosting sessions this fall in New York, London, Paris and Germany – register your interest today!
We are Notified, and your story goes here. As the only technology partner dedicated to both investor relations and public relations professionals, we help you control and amplify your corporate narrative. Our fully integrated PR and IR platforms streamline every step—whether it's reaching the right media, press release distribution, and measurement or designing new IR websites, managing investor days, earnings releases, and regulatory filings. Connecting both worlds, GlobeNewswire is one of the world's largest and most trusted newswire distribution networks, serving leading organizations for over 30 years. Together, we empower communicators to inform a better world.
Notified is an affiliate of Equiniti Group Limited (EQ)