The Shifting Landscape of Investor Relations
The Center for Global Business (CGB) hosted an outstanding Global Frontier Speaker Series talk titled “The Shifting Landscape of Investor Relations.” CGB Advisory Board Member and UT alumna, Marissa Vidaurri, NI Vice President of Investor Relations (IR), described the growing significance of the IR role for public companies operating globally.
Vidaurri discussed the importance of Investor Relations to NI’s impending merger with Emerson Electric Co. As the primary liaison between NI and its investors, Vidaurri was responsible for communicating the company’s strategy, financial performance, and product roadmap to financial analysts and shareholders.
Vidaurri, who studied marketing and communications at UT, shared three key takeaways during her talk:
1. Growing Importance of Investor Relations at Public Companies
Public companies have a duty to provide transparency to investors and analysts about their strategy and financial performance. A major part of Vidaurri’s role was regular communication with investors, representing NI at conferences and roadshows, and addressing questions and concerns.
2. Challenges of Global Operations and Their Impact on IR
As a global company, NI had to explain its performance in the face of diverse complications including supply chain issues and shifting regulations. Vidaurri needed to research trends in individual regions and monitor the competitive landscape to communicate effectively with global investors.
3. Value of International Business Education for Investor Relations Career
While Vidaurri’s own background was not in international business, she highlighted the value of this course of study for investor relations professionals. She said understanding different cultures and customer needs across regions is critical for success in IR.
Watch the full talk on our YouTube channel and follow us on LinkedIn
