Our recent webinar hosted in partnership with Business Wire, “Mastering IR Communications: Navigating New Trends and Tactics,” was moderated by our Founder and CEO, Darrell Heaps, and brought together industry leaders to discuss AI’s transformative impact on Investor Relations (IR). The panel included Kimberly Esterkin, VP of Investor Relations at ASGN Incorporated; Matthew Policastro, Head of Sales at Business Wire; and Whitney Kukulka, Managing Director at The Blueshirt Group. AI is all the buzz right now, responding to industry demands for more efficient and effective communication tools. This webinar delved into how IR professionals can leverage these cutting-edge tools to streamline their processes and enhance their strategic efforts. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways and expert insights on leveraging AI in IR.
The following has been edited for clarity and length.
How can organizations use AI to streamline investor relations?
Kimberly Esterkin: AI can significantly enhance efficiency in IR by automating routine tasks and providing valuable insights. For example, at ASGN, we use Microsoft Copilot to generate ideas, draft press releases, and reference important documents. This helps us streamline our workflow and focus on strategic activities.
AI tools are also excellent for summarizing and analyzing large volumes of data. They can quickly generate lists of potential discussion points or draft letters, saving IR professionals considerable time. However, it’s crucial to use these tools within a secure environment to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with regulations.
Matthew Policastro: At Business Wire, we see clients using AI to draft press releases and generate content ideas. These tools can provide a first draft, which is then reviewed and refined by experienced editorial teams. This combination ensures accuracy and maintains the company’s voice while benefiting from the efficiencies AI offers.
AI’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of information makes it invaluable for sentiment analysis and understanding market trends. For instance, we noticed an increase in AI-related press releases, reflecting the technology’s growing impact across industries.
Whitney Kukulka: AI is incredibly useful for research and creating efficiencies in summarizing key highlights. It helps IR teams compile important information from various sources, such as earnings calls and peer press releases, and analyze investor sentiment. This capability allows IR professionals to prepare more effectively for investor interactions and anticipate questions.
How does AI benefit investor relations teams?
Kimberly Esterkin: AI delivers substantial time savings, enabling IR teams to execute their strategies more efficiently. This frees up time for deep-diving into shareholder analysis and understanding which investors to target. Being strategic at the investor level is crucial for driving a premium valuation against peers.
Matthew Policastro: AI helps streamline the drafting process for press releases and other communications. By automating routine tasks, IR teams can focus on high-value activities like relationship building and strategic planning. This ultimately enhances the overall impact of IR efforts.
Whitney Kukulka: Using AI for tasks such as compiling research and analyzing market sentiment allows IR teams to better prepare management for investor interactions. This leads to more informed and effective communication, which is essential for building and maintaining investor confidence.
How do you believe AI affects the human aspects of IR?
Kimberly Esterkin: AI enhances the human aspects of IR by removing administrative burdens. This allows IR professionals to focus on building relationships and engaging with investors who can make the biggest difference. Relationship building is a key component of successful IR, and AI enables teams to dedicate more time to this crucial activity.
Matthew Policastro: By automating routine tasks, AI frees up IR teams to engage more deeply with their investor base. This human interaction is vital for understanding investor needs and concerns, and for building trust and confidence in the company.
Whitney Kukulka: AI allows IR teams to spend more time on strategic activities and less on administrative tasks. This shift not only improves efficiency but also enhances the quality of investor interactions, leading to stronger relationships and better outcomes.
What advice do you have for executives for incorporating AI into their IR program?
Kimberly Esterkin: Develop a consistent corporate policy for using AI and ensure clarity from a security perspective. This prevents fragmented approaches and ensures that AI is used effectively and securely across the organization.
Matthew Policastro: Evaluate AI tools carefully to ensure they meet your specific needs and are secure. Focus on areas where AI can deliver the most value, particularly in terms of time savings and efficiency.
Whitney Kukulka: Recognize that AI is fundamentally changing how we operate. It’s important to embrace this change and leverage AI to enhance your IR program. Focus on specific use cases where AI can have the greatest impact and streamline your efforts accordingly.
Conclusion
Embracing AI is not just about the future; it’s about how IR is done today. At Q4, we’re committed to empowering IR professionals with cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights. If you’re ready to take your IR program to the next level, we invite you to explore our IR Ops Platform and discover how we can help you achieve your goals.
Want to learn more about the future of IR?
Watch the full webinar replay here to gain deeper insights into the latest trends and best practices in investor relations.
