Rules of engagement: How leading IR Pros are using modern intelligence techniques to identify investors with influence

Investors are becoming more selective in their engagement and less predictable in their voting, driven by a growing focus on company-specific issues, customized voting approaches and the rise of pass-through voting. At the same time, tighter regulations and more sophisticated activist strategies are making direct communication harder, increasing pressure on IR professionals to act earlier and more strategically. This playbook goes beyond ownership data to help identify who truly influences investment and voting decisions, spot early shifts in sentiment and prioritize the investors who matter most, enabling more targeted engagement, better-informed conversations and stronger investor support.

Download this playbook to: 

  • Improve your investor engagement approach by learning how top IR teams make the most of their shareholder, engagement and market intelligence 
  • Identify the signals that show which investors shape decisions and where views are changing 
  • Focus management time on the conversations most likely to build support 
  • Improve the quality and relevance of investor engagement in special situations 
  • Build stronger support across your shareholder base before critical moments 
  • Reduce the risk of activism, adverse votes and surprise outcomes through earlier, more targeted engagement. 

It contains:

  • Real-world examples of how leading IR teams are thinking about their engagement practices, starting from investor targeting.
  • Data revealing how investors have been engaging with companies in the 2026 proxy season
  • Crucial intelligence around how to deploy senior management figures, working alongside activists and overall engagement strategies.

Includes thoughts of:

  • Deb Wasser, vice president of IR, Etsy (multiple award-winner and panel speaker)
  • Steve Willoughby, senior vice president of IR, ESG and risk management, Revvity (frequent speaker)
  • Brandon Throop, vice president, corporate development and investor relations, Blossom Gold (frequent speaker)
  • Kirsten van Rooijen, Investor Engagement Global CEO, Computershare
  • Aaron Bertinetti, CEO of investor engagement, North America, Computershare
  • Meighan McGowan, head of business development, investor engagement, Computershare

Upcoming events

  • Awards – Europe
    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    Awards – Europe

    About the event The IR Impact Awards – Europe takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in London. This very special event honors excellence in the investor relations profession across Europe and we are excited to welcome everyone for an evening of fine food and lots of celebrating! WHEN WHERE…

    London, UK
  • Think Tank – Europe
    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    Think Tank – Europe

    About the event The IR Impact Think Tank – Europe will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in London and exclusively for senior IR officers. Our think tanks are free to attend and our unique format enables participants to network extensively, discuss, debate and dissect topical issues affecting today’s…

    London, UK
  • Corporate Governance Forum
    Thursday, November 5, 2026

    Corporate Governance Forum

    About the event WHEN WHERE VENUE_ADDRESS Awards by nomination Categories Awards by research Categories What our attendees say IR Rankings – LOCATION The IR Rankings – LOCATION report is the ultimate benchmarking resource for any IRO looking to improve their IR program. It provides detailed analysis and statistics on the…

    New York, US

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