In this episode of Enquire, Ross Hawley reflects on a 34-year career spanning banking, hedge funds, sustainability and senior IR roles across multiple FTSE companies. Now leading IR at Zigup plc, Ross discusses how credibility is built through judgment, clarity and a deep understanding of the business. He shares practical insights on crisis communication, capital markets days, narrative development, and why the IRO must balance facilitation with authoritative communication. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping investor behaviour, what companies must do to make disclosures machine-readable, and why authenticity and long-term thinking remain central to effective IR.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How a diverse career across banking, hedge funds and sustainability shaped Ross’s approach to IR
• What the “dual role” of the IRO really means in practice
• Why authenticity and structure define successful capital markets events
• How to communicate effectively in times of crisis
• What it takes to explain a complex business model clearly and consistently
• Practical tools for simplifying disclosure and enhancing accessibility
• How the buy side is adopting AI and what that means for corporate communication
• Why companies should avoid drafting with AI but embrace it for thinking and workflow
• Lessons from Zigup’s IR programme, rebrand and website transformation
• Advice for aspiring IR professionals and those moving from the sell side

Quotes:

• “When your CEO or CFO is in the room, you’re the quiet facilitator. When they leave, you are the representative of the company.”
• “Answer the phone. How you sound really matters.”
• “AI will help you think, but it shouldn’t write your CEO statement.”

Resources:

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn