annual gathering in frankfurt tackled AI, strategic thinking and staying calm
IR professionals are facing an ever-growing set of challenges: geopolitical uncertainties, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, to name but a few.
These developments are reshaping the IR profession. Against this backdrop, the 28th annual DIRK Conference took place under the highly relevant theme: IR in a time of ‘permavolatility’.
To explore these pressing issues, we once again offered a rich program of roundtables, alumni gatherings, workshops, presentations and panel discussions. Insightful keynote speeches sparked open dialogue and deepened professional networking. The IR community remains a close-knit and collaborative network – where everyone knows each other, supports one another and, as always, enjoys the conference atmosphere.
Staying calm in the lion’s cage
Our conference tradition goes beyond purely technical content. Each year, we include ‘non-IR topics’ to encourage broader thinking and personal development.
One of this year’s standout moments was the keynote by burnout expert Frank Berndt. In his talk, named ‘Switching off – the art of staying calm in the lion’s cage,’ he combined humor, practical insights and actionable advice to show how we can remain resilient and develop new strategies, even under intense stress. It was a session that not only offered food for thought but also provided tangible tools for everyday life.
The first day of the conference ended with the traditional and ever-popular ‘IR Apéro’: over chilled drinks, participants engaged in stimulating conversations late into the night, rekindled old connections and met new colleagues.
Credibility Is key
Day two kicked off with the much-loved IRun, setting a lively and energetic tone for another insightful day. In his opening remarks, DIRK President Thomas Denny stressed that in a world marked by uncertainty and increasing complexity, credible and consistent communication is more crucial than ever.
Dr Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO of Brenntag SE, echoed this sentiment in his compelling keynote. He emphasized the importance of long-term strategic thinking in an age of permanent volatility.
Drawing on his experience, he observed that the expectations around transparency and the frequency of investor dialogue have fundamentally changed – no longer just during crises, but as a constant expectation. Investors, he noted, are showing more interest in the operational and strategic development of companies and prefer direct engagement – ideally with senior management.
A subsequent panel explored whether traditional financial communication still meets today’s needs. The sheer volume of media and information sources today can distort perceptions, making proactive, direct communication more essential than ever. Whether through pre-earnings updates or personal conversations, direct investor engagement is key. Leveraging generative AI could help IR teams manage routine tasks more efficiently, freeing up time for meaningful interactions.
Fifteen deep-dive workshops followed, covering topics such as AI, corporate reporting and investor engagement strategies and much more. The sessions were marked by practical insights, openness and a vibrant exchange of perspectives.
Celebrating excellence
A highlight of the conference, as always, was the German IR Award 2025 ceremony, held during a festive gala dinner. This prestigious award recognizes companies that excel in establishing solid IR foundations amid market volatility. We at DIRK are continually inspired by the positive energy and enthusiasm that surrounds this event.
This year’s company winners where all represented by their respective CFO:
- Deutsche Telekom in the DAX category
- Nemetschek in the MDAX
- Ceconomy in the SDAX
- Infineon, which received a special award for ESG communication.
The trophies for the ‘Best head of IR’ where taken by:
- Leslie Iltgen, head of IR at Henkel in the DAX category
- Florian Fuchs, VP, head of IR at Fraport in the MDAX
- Fabienne Caron, VP, head of IR at Ceconomy in the SDAX.
AI enhances IR, but human connections irreplaceable
The 28th DIRK Conference confirmed a crucial trend: the demand for information among investors – both long- and short-term – is growing steadily, even between earnings reports.
AI will undoubtedly play a key role in handling routine IR tasks. However, if we aim to secure the long-term success of Investor Relations, one thing remains clear: human interaction is irreplaceable. It is the foundation of trust, understanding and effective communication in the financial markets.
Kay Bommer is the managing director of DIRK – the German IR association.
