Introducing the IR Leadership Forum: A New Peer Network for Senior Investor Relations Leaders

The investor relations function continues to evolve. IR leaders today are navigating increasingly complex capital markets, changing investor expectations, new technologies, and growing demands from senior management and boards.

The IR Leadership Forum is launching to give senior investor relations professionals a dedicated place to have the conversations that matter most.

The Forum is a curated network of experienced investor relations officers representing many of the most respected corporations in the U.S. and internationally. Throughout the year, a select group of senior IR leaders will convene to exchange best practices, discuss evolving market dynamics, and share perspectives on managing the IR function and engaging effectively with senior management and the investment community.

The goal is straightforward: to create a trusted, peer-driven community where experienced IR professionals can learn from one another and openly discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping their roles.

Launching with a Conversation on AI and Investor Relations

The IR Leadership Forum will officially launch its programming on September 17, 2026, from 2:00–2:45 p.m. EDT with a virtual conversation featuring Francesca DeMartino, SVP & Chief Investor Relations Officer at Pfizer.

Few topics are generating as much discussion across corporate functions as artificial intelligence. For investor relations teams, the question is increasingly moving from what AI might mean for the profession to how it can be used effectively today.

During the conversation, Francesca will discuss how Pfizer is using AI within its investor relations function, including practical examples, lessons learned, and her perspective on the opportunities and challenges the technology presents for IR teams as it continues to evolve.

Francesca brings nearly 25 years of experience in investor relations and corporate communications within the healthcare industry. At Pfizer, she leads the company's investor relations efforts, communicates its commitment to innovation and growth, and advises senior leadership on financial communications, disclosures, governance, and capital markets strategy. Her previous leadership roles include positions at Becton Dickinson, Medtronic, Macrocure, and Johnson & Johnson.

Building a Community for IR Leaders

The September webinar is the beginning of a broader series of conversations designed around the issues senior investor relations professionals are confronting in real time.

Future IR Leadership Forum programming will bring together experienced practitioners to share ideas, compare approaches, learn from their peers, and explore emerging issues affecting the profession.

As we launch the IR Leadership Forum, we invite senior investor relations professionals to join us and help shape a community built around candid conversation, practical insights, and meaningful peer-to-peer engagement.

Click HERE to join us September 17 for our inaugural webinar and the launch of the IR Leadership Forum.