ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NIRI: The Association for Investor Relations, today announced the release of the Comprehensive Guide to Investor Relations Roles, Responsibilities, and Competencies (2026 Edition), a defining resource for the investor relations (IR) profession.
This guide reflects the modern practice of investor relations and its continued maturation as a strategic discipline operating at the intersection of capital markets, corporate strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement. It provides a rigorous and practical framework designed to support investor relations professionals, senior executives, and boards in understanding the scope, expectations, and competencies required across each stage of the IR career lifecycle.
The 2026 edition introduces several substantive enhancements, including clearly articulated, outcome-oriented role definitions aligned with current market practice; a competency-based framework reflecting the evolving demands of the profession; and the integration of critical capabilities such as strategic planning, risk management, crisis leadership, technology fluency, and emotional intelligence. It further establishes a structured pathway for professional development, engagement, and credentialing.
“Collectively, these enhancements reinforce the guide’s role as an authoritative resource for advancing professional standards in investor relations,” said Matthew D. Brusch, CAE, President and CEO of NIRI. “They are designed to support the continued development of IR professionals, strengthen succession planning, and inform an effective oversight at the executive level.”
NIRI extends its appreciation to the volunteer members and subject matter experts whose contributions were instrumental in shaping a guide that is both practical and forward-looking:
Julie Dewey, IRC, NIRI Fellow, Chief Investor Relations and Communications Officer, Orthofix Medical Inc; Michael Koehler, IRC, CTP, Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasury, Hillman Solutions Corp; and Deb Ann Wasser, IRC, NIRI Fellow, Vice President Investor Relations and ESG Engagement, Etsy, Inc.
Our appreciation also goes to the lead reviewers who shared their perspectives to ensure that this resource reflects the realities and demands of the profession today, and supports not only current practitioners, but also the next generation of investor relations professionals:
Lee Ahlstrom, IRC, NIRI Fellow, Retired; Jennifer Almquist, CPA, IRC, FSA Owner/President, Ivy Street Advisory; Mitch Haws, IRC, NIRI Fellow, SVP, Investor Relations, Semtech Corporation; Laura Kiernan, CPA, IRC, NIRI Fellow, Vice President, Investor Relations, Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc; and Deborah Pawlowski, IRC, NIRI Fellow, Founding Partner, Alliance Advisors, LLC.
We encourage you to explore this guide and apply it within your organization to support and advance professional excellence in investor relations.