Ep 07: Thinking Differently About IR with Rob Gurner

Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

As part of our first series of conversations with senior investor relations professionals in the UK, we are delighted to be joined by Rob Gurner to talk about ways to innovate and think differently about IR. Rob is a highly experienced Head of Investor Relations who currently serves as Head of IR for Plus500, a global FinTech company. He has previously held senior IR roles at Inmarsat, Dentsu, Lonmin, and G4S, and he also sits on the Conference Committee of the Investor Relations Society in the UK. In today’s episode, Rob shares his IR career journey to date and reflects on the unique perspective he gained from his background in public relations. You’ll find out what drew him to IR in the first place, his advice for those entering the industry, and his perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing IR professionals today, as well as why he is a big believer in banging the drum for IR internally. We also touch on how he has seen investor relations evolve, including the impact that trends like MiFID II, COVID, and the rise of private investors have had on the industry, and Rob emphasises the importance of collaboration, educating yourself on best practice, and keeping up to speed with new technology. Tune in today for practical insights into getting out of your comfort zone and more from experienced IR professional, Rob Gurner!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Rob shares some insight into his IR career journey to date.
• The unique perspective on storytelling that he gained from his time in financial PR.
• The challenges of constant knowledge building that drew him to IR in the first place.
• Insight and investor relations skills that Rob believes are transferrable between sectors.
• His advice for IR professionals: educate yourself, get involved with mentorship schemes.
• Rob on the biggest challenge IR professionals face; learning to expect the unexpected!
• The importance of keeping up with technology, especially since the advent of COVID.
• Leadership in IR and the value of having consistent two-way dialogue with the board.
• How Rob believes IR can be viewed internally as a function that creates value.
• Hear his perspective on how IR has evolved over the last five years, including the impact of MiFID II, COVID, and passive investing on the industry.
• Other trends, including increased activism and the rise of the power of private investors.
• How Plus500 is working digital platforms and events into their IR strategy going forward.
• Rob shares his dos and don’ts of IR for the future: don’t be afraid to collaborate, do get out of your comfort zone, and more!
• The professionalisation of IR as witnessed by Rob since he joined the industry.
• Managing the risks and opportunities of being a technology and people business.
• Gain some further insight from the quick fire questions round.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Rob Gurner on LinkedIn

Plus500

Investor Relations (IR) Society

Equitory