Learning on the job with AstraZeneca’s head of IR and Gervais Williams on why UK equities will outperform US: The Ticker 142

In the latest episode of The Ticker podcast, IR Magazine reporter Noemi Distefano speaks with Gervais Williams, leading fund manager and head of equities at Premier Miton.

Williams gives an outlook on the UK stock market and explains why, in his view, UK equities are set to outperform US stocks over the next two decades. He also delves into the implications of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) listing rules reforms and offers best practice advice to IR teams to bring new investors on board.

Senior reporter Garnet Roach talks with Andy Barnett, vice president and global head of IR at AstraZeneca, about his experience and efforts in driving the IR program at a high-profile company.

Distefano is also joined by Katie Perry, general manager of investor relations at Public.com, to discuss key findings from the firm’s latest retail investor report.

The Ticker is presented in partnership with Pulse by Public.com, providing tools for IR teams to engage retail shareholders. Find out more at Public.com/pulse.

In this episode you will hear:

  • A forecast for UK equity market performance
  • The impact of FCA listing rules reforms on companies and UK listings
  • Best practices to win investors’ trust
  • How to craft a successful IR program with no previous experience in IR
  • The impact of global mega-trends on retail investors’ behavior.

The Ticker podcast provides listeners with insights into cutting-edge issues of the day for investor relations professionals.

The series features interviews with IR experts bringing a global perspective, actionable insights and commentary on trending topics. These include sustainability, activism, corporate access, regulation and more.

Click here to listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast and wherever you access your podcasts.

Upcoming events

  • Briefing – Lessons from the 2025 Proxy Season
    Tuesday, July 22, 2025

    Briefing – Lessons from the 2025 Proxy Season

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event The 2025 proxy season was influenced by several key issues, including changes announced in Staff Legal Bulletin 14M regarding the interpretation of Rule 14a-8, and…

    Online
  • Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility
    Thursday, August 07, 2025

    Briefing – Effective earnings preparation amid macro volatility

    In partnership with WHEN 8.00 am PT / 11.00 am ET / 4.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm CET DURATION 45 minutes About the event Amid constant tariff news, geopolitical upheaval and other developments stemming from the new US administration, IR teams have their work cut out as they prepare…

    Online
  • IR Impact Forum – AI & Technology
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025

    IR Impact Forum – AI & Technology

    About the event As more investors, governance and corporate communicators teams embrace AI, machine learning and emerging technologies to inform their decision-making, investor relations professionals are facing a pivotal moment: adapt and lead, or risk falling behind. At this early but fast-moving stage of adoption, IR teams are asking important…

    New York, US

Explore

Andy White, Freelance WordPress Developer London