What’s Changed in Investor Relations - And What You Need to Do Next

According to new research from IR Impact, half of all IROs say board and C-suite briefings now take up more of their time - and are more critical - than ever. 

You’re not just translating numbers anymore. You’re helping your leadership team navigate everything from market sentiment to regulation to global risk. 

In our new playbook, Maximizing Your Return on Time, we explored how today’s IR role is a whole new job compared to just five years ago. 

Let’s take a closer look at three ways investor relations has changed - and how you can keep up.

1. Why Do Board and C-Suite Briefings Matter More Than Ever?

“Twice a year, I walk the board through key investor themes and what IR thinks management should focus on next.”  

Claire Mogford

Head of Investor Relations at SEGRO

What’s Changed? 

• 50% of IROs say board and management briefings have become more important. 

• Executives now turn to IR for quick, clear insights on shifting topics like geopolitics, regulation and market reaction. 

What Can You Do? 

• Set a regular briefing schedule - monthly or quarterly - so updates aren’t rushed. 

• Focus on key investor themes: what they’re excited about, concerned about and what they need clarity on. 

• Use real data from earnings calls, analyst notes and sentiment tracking to ground your message. 

2. Internal vs. External: Finding the Right Balance

Our study with IR Impact showed that IROs now spend 56% of their time on internal work. 

Yes, road shows and investor calls are still vital. But most of your time is likely spent on earnings prep, aligning messaging, building decks and keeping leadership up to speed. 

And that’s not a downside. It’s an opportunity. 

Why Does This Matter? 

• Internal alignment sets the tone for every external meeting. 

• Clear, consistent messaging holds up under tough questions - and in tough markets. 

Quick win: Draft a short “core message” doc each quarter (three lines max). Share it early with finance, comms and legal. You’ll cut down on last-minute edits and stay on message. 

3. How AI Can Help with Earnings Prep

No surprise here - in our report, nearly 48% of IROs ranked earnings preparation as their number one task. It’s vital work, and it’s time consuming. But artificial intelligence can help. 

“Earnings prep can swallow four solid weeks. We’re streamlining verification and leaning on AI tools to cut through the data grind.”  

Romas Viesulas

Head of Investor Relations at Vista Alegre

How Do You Make Things Easier? 

• Use AI tools to analyze transcripts and prep for recurring analyst questions. 
  
  
• Reverse engineer deadlines - finalize press release drafts first, slides second. 

• Pre-record your management remarks to lock messaging and reduce fire drills. 

From IR Tactics to Strategy: Your Role Just Got Bigger

If you’re feeling the pressure, you're not alone. But this shift also opens doors. 

You’re now closer to strategy. You’re helping leaders make better calls. And you’re playing a bigger role in shaping your company's narrative - not just repeating it. 

Now is the time to simplify what can be simplified - so you can spend more energy where it counts. And that’s where IR Hub can help. 

IR Hub is our new, all-in-one solution specifically designed to meet the growing demands you face. From earnings calls and regulatory filings to website updates, press releases and real-time analytics, IR Hub brings everything together in one intelligent control center paired with our new AI assistant, IRIS (coming later this year).
 
No more switching between disconnected tools or juggling multiple logins. With IR Hub, you can move faster, stay better organized and spend more time driving stakeholder engagement – and less on admin tasks. 

➡️Learn more about IR Hub.

Take the Next Step with Our Full IR Playbook

This is just a small taste of what you can expect.  

Inside our playbook, you’ll find: 

• Real quotes and tips from award-winning IROs 

• Six smart ways to better manage your time and simplify your IR workflow 

• Easy tech ideas to help simplify earnings, board updates and more  

Access the full playbook now!