Ep 25: Simon Whittington - IR and Corporate Development: The Expanding Responsibilities of a Former Sell-side Analyst and Experienced IR Professional

Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast

With more than a decade of investor relations experience behind him, Investor Relations and Corporate Development Director at PZ Cussons, Simon Whittington, shares how his progression from a sell-side role to working in investor relations has enriched his knowledge. Tuning in today, you’ll hear about his experience at Merlin Entertainments, his thoughts on disclosure and communication, and insights from the past two years at PZ Cussons. Touching on board interactions and involvement, Simon offers his reflections from 2023 and shares his insights on what is required to attract and convert investors in 2024. Join us as we discuss measuring success, drawing wisdom by observing the approach taken by other companies, Simon’s advice for others looking to launch or improve a career in investor relations, and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Simon’s diverse career journey to date, starting at the City of London.
• Moving from the sales side to investor relations.
• Customising decision-making for Merlin Entertainments.
• Striking a balance between financial disclosure and privacy.
• How Simon’s development experience complements his work in investor relations.
• Challenges and opportunities of operating in a small team.
• Board interactions and involvement in investor relations.
• Reflecting on 2023 and what is required to attract and convert investors in 2024.
• Measuring success in an IR Program for reporting and strategising.
• The value of introducing investors to lower levels of management.
• Why it’s necessary to continuously assess and improve.
• Learning from the approach of other companies.
• Various approaches to continuous optimisation.
• Advice for anyone looking to launch or improve their investor relations career.
• Simon’s funny anecdote of getting lost in translation.
• The surprising variety of approaches shared by guests on this podcast.

Quotes:

“You have to try to be as creative as possible and think, well actually, should we be looking further afield for investors?” — Simon Whittington [0:21:23]

“Thinking about how we can improve, how we are presenting results, and how we are presenting the company to investors is key.” — Simon Whittington [0:26:01]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Simon Whittington on LinkedIn
PZ Cussons
Merlin Entertainments
Equitory