The career of IR specialist will continue to be in strong demand due to the increasing complexity of private equity financial transactions, the growing desire by potential and current investors for transparency, and increasing competition between PE firms for funding, among other factors. One major trend in the industry is the increasing demand by limited partners (LPs) for investor relations specialists with both relationship management skills and investment experience and professional qualifications (e.g., chartered financial analyst, MBA, etc.).
In November 2024, the National Investor Relations Institute conducted a survey in partnership with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm, which revealed that IR professionals were becoming more pronounced among the ranks of company leaders and their roles were expanding in scope. The "2024 NIRI and Korn Ferry Investor Relations Career Trends Survey Report" found that 87 percent of professionals in this field were either very or somewhat optimistic about their profession. Another 61 percent indicated that their function had been elevated within the organization.
“According to IR professionals, having a strategic mindset and the ability to manage ambiguity are the most critical skills to be successful in the profession,” the survey stated, adding that this field often requires wearing more than one hat; almost 80 percent of respondents to the survey indicated that they also handled responsibilities other than IR. This was an increase from 62 percent in 2022.
- Investment Underwriters
- Private Equity Accountants and Auditors
- Private Equity Business Development Directors
- Private Equity Chief Dealmakers
- Private Equity Compliance Professionals
- Private Equity Financial Managers
- Private Equity Lawyers
- Private Equity Marketing Specialists
- Private Equity Research Analysts and Associates
- Private Equity Risk Managers