GE Aerospace and Orthofix Medical follow closely with four nominations each, alongside other notable names including last year’s winners Duolingo and Reddit.
Financial intelligence and credit rating company Moody’s leads the pack this year with the most nominations across categories such as best innovation in shareholder communications, best IR website, best sell-side management, best sustainability reporting (large cap) and best use of technology including AI.
Following in its footsteps is leading engine manufacturer GE Aerospace, nominated for best in sector: industrials, best investor event (large cap), best investor targeting strategy and best use of social media and video. Similarly, Texas-based medical device company Orthofix Medical is nominated across best overall investor relations (small cap), best investor relations officer (small cap), best in sector: healthcare and best IR impact.
With more than 120 companies shortlisted this year across both researched and nominated awards, the IR Impact Awards – US 2026 will take place on March 25 at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York.
For the full list of nominees, click here.
Appearing for the first time this year are two new awards, one for best CEO communications and another for best IR impact. While the first highlights investor communication campaigns centered on a company’s CEO or other management figure, the latter recognizes IR teams that have implemented innovative approaches that demonstrate the strategic importance of the IR function.
This year, the shortlists feature more than 15 new companies that have never been nominated for an IR Impact award, including Qnity Electronics, a recently listed company following its separation from DuPont in November 2025.
The awards are split into two sections. First, the awards-by-research categories are decided by a survey of analysts, portfolio managers and investors who cover US companies. They select the winners for best overall IR, best IRO and best in sector categories.
Meanwhile, the awards-by-nomination categories allow IR teams to enter themselves for consideration for specific aspects of their programs, such as their use of social media and technology or the best approach to engaging the buy or sell side.
These categories are then judged by a panel of IR industry experts. This year, the judges are:
- Sally Curley, CEO, Curley Global IR (CGIR)
- Matt Latino, VP, finance and CFO Americas, Xylem
- Carol Murray-Negron, president, Equanimity
- Thaddeus Pollock, executive vice president, head of equities, Mutual of America Capital Management
- Maureen Wolff, CEO, Sharon Merrill Associates
- Laurie Havelock, editor, IR Impact
Since its launch in 1996, the annual IR Impact awards has expanded to recognize more aspects of the function, giving IR teams the opportunity to highlight their capabilities and achievements in the field.
To find out more about the awards, click here.
