Some senior public company roles are shifting from a linear to non-linear career path, a fact that can help IR professionals move into those positions, according to Smooch Repovich Reynolds, founder and CEO of SmoochUnplugged, an executive search firm. ‘The notion of a linear career path versus [non-linear] started changing about 10 years ago predominantly with the CFO role, when CEOs started thinking, I need less of a quantitative headset at my strategic leadership table, and I need someone who’s going to be a business thought partner,’ says Reynolds.
IR professionals are hearing ever more questions from investors about ESG issues. But what about questions from hiring managers when they go for a job interview? The number of companies asking about ESG experience or interest when conducting a search for an IR candidate has risen five-fold in five years, says Smooch Repovich Reynolds, CEO and founder of SmoochUnplugged.
Over the last 10 years, an increasing number of IR professionals have made the step up to CFO roles. It’s a sign of the growing caliber of individuals coming into the profession, as well as the view at many companies that IR offers great experience for future finance leaders. What’s less common – and less talked about – is former IROs ending up in the top job as chief executive. But there are more CEOs with a background in IR than you may think, says Smooch Repovich Reynolds, CEO and founder of SmoochUnplugged.
IR professionals have a wide range of backgrounds, from finance to investment banking and corporate communications. It’s a result of the fact that people often arrive ‘by accident’ in the profession, rather than follow a set career path. As the IR industry continues to grow and mature, individuals with other profiles will likely be drawn into the profession. But what kind of experience might they have? According to Smooch Repovich Reynolds, founder and CEO of Smooch Unplugged, there are two emerging backgrounds for IROs.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Head of IR? CFO? Traveling the world on a sabbatical? In this video interview, Smooch Repovich Reynolds, founder and CEO of Smooch Unplugged, suggests ways for IR professionals to better understand what they want to get out of their career. Among her advice? Write a career bucket list. ‘This goes back to the fundamentals of thinking about your career,’ she says. ‘You’re not always going to achieve 100 percent of it, but wouldn’t it be great if you could achieve 90 percent?’