15 questions with John Shave of GoHealth

John Shave joined health insurance marketplace GoHealth as vice president of investor relations in March 2023. Prior to his role at the $342 mn company, he was vice president of investor relations at BrightView, a provider of commercial landscaping.

1. How long have you been in IR?

I joined Georgeson as an investor relations consultant in 1994. Since then, I have built IR programs and led IR functions at four publicly traded companies.

2. What did you do before IR?

I began my career at Marston Strategic Communications in New York City. While at Marston, we arranged an investor day for Dial, one of the US’ most trusted brands, and that piqued my interest in IR.

3. What are your qualifications?

I have a track record of being a strategic partner and adviser to public company executives and boards of directors on all matters regarding strategy and communication with the investment community.



John Shave, GoHealth
John Shave, GoHealth

4. How is your team set up?

I am a one-man show and believe there are several potential benefits to this structure. While being a one-man IR team may mean fewer resources, it also allows me to have a broader perspective on GoHealth’s operations and strategy.

5. How will your background help you tackle challenges in the new role?

GoHealth completed its IPO in July 2020. In June 2022 the company appointed a new CEO and CFO with a mandate to position GoHealth to achieve profitable growth. The repositioning of this leading small-cap health insurance marketplace and Medicare-focused digital health company has begun! I have built and led IR programs at multiple small-cap companies that were in the process of a turnaround or repositioning.

6. What are your plans for your company’s IR program in 2023?

In an increasingly competitive investor landscape, I ask the following questions: are we attracting the ‘right’ investors? Are major institutional investors investing in our competition but not us? Are competitors getting a higher multiple for expected future growth?

15 questions with John Shave of GoHealth

My first 100 days: make them count! Initially, I will begin with comprehensive fact-finding and research across multiple dimensions to understand current investor positioning. Conduct a listening and relationship-building tour to familiarize myself with GoHealth’s operations, as well as the company’s vision, values, mission, strategic priorities, goals and objectives. 

7. Do you use social media as part of your IR program?

We don’t currently use social media as part of our IR program. I do believe it could potentially increase our reach and engagement with a wider audience. I also believe it could be useful for GoHealth to increase our visibility among retail investors.

8. Do you receive support from any external IR firms?

Yes, we partner with outside advisers based upon the needs of the IR program.

9. What is the most popular question from analysts and investors right now?

GoHealth analysts and investors are laser-focused on the company’s cash flow and improving cash-flow visibility. They are also focused on sector headwinds, but have been encouraged by our diversification, quality focus and fee-based strategy.

10. Is ESG a focal point for investors in your sector and, if so, which aspect is scrutinized?

To date, I have not received any ESG-related questions or inquiries. At my last company, I experienced a similar dynamic. We were very focused on proactively communicating our ESG initiatives, targeting ESG-focused investors and we even published an inaugural sustainability report, but inbound ESG-related inquiries were limited.

15 questions with John Shave of GoHealth

Based upon conversations with my IR colleagues, it seems the level of interest in ESG issues can vary between different investors and industries. Some investors may be more focused on financial performance, while other may prioritize social responsibility and sustainability. Additionally, the level of understanding and awareness of ESG may vary between different investors and stakeholders.

11. What’s been the biggest challenge of your IR career?

Running investor relations for underperforming companies that have missed the expectations set forth. In cases where the company misses expectations, I always strive to provide context and insight into the reasons for the underperformance and outline plans to address the issues to minimize the credibility hit.

12. What’s your favorite thing about investor relations?

I love investor relations because it is a team sport and I’m a team player. I also enjoy my interactions with the investment community and the opportunity to proactively engage with investors and analysts and build relationships with them over time.

15 questions with John Shave of GoHealth

Strong relationships with investors can build trust and credibility, which can ultimately lead to improved valuation and better access to capital. But the most rewarding aspect of investor relations is that I can play a major and vital role in the success of the company and growth of its valuation.

13. And your least favorite?

The quiet period. I really enjoy my interactions with the investment community and the number one staple of my programs is proactivity. I understand that limiting communication during this period ensures all investors have access to the same information so that no one has an unfair advantage, but the quiet period is my least favorite aspect of IR.

14. What sort of things do you enjoy doing outside work?

I love being outdoors and active with family and friends. Hiking, biking, boating and golf are all enjoyable. I also like traveling to new places, exploring different cultures and trying new foods. I always find time to socialize with friends and family and volunteer for causes I care about. It’s important to make time for activities I find fulfilling and enjoyable, as they help me relax, recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

15. If you could pass on one IR lesson, what would it be?

Black-and-white thinking doesn’t work in a gray world. It can be useful in some situations, but it can also be limiting and inaccurate in many cases, particularly in complex and nuanced situations. The world we live and work in is rarely black or white, but rather shades of gray.

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