In this insightful interview, we sit down with Owen Price, a Senior Investor Relations Manager, to discuss his transition from investment banking to investor relations. Owen shares his experiences, challenges, and advice for others considering a similar career move.
Background and Current Role
Owen Price spent nearly a decade in investment banking as a generalist corporate broker before transitioning to investor relations. Seeking a change from the demanding hours and client pressures, he leveraged his strong work ethic and business analysis skills, honed at prestigious firms like Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank.
Currently, Owen is a Senior Manager in the Investor Relations team at CYBG plc, which owns Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank. His responsibilities include drafting results announcements, handling analyst inquiries, supporting investor roadshows, and keeping the executive team informed about market perspectives affecting share price performance.
Challenges and Success in Transitioning to IR
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Owen faced challenges in securing his desired IR role, primarily due to his lack of sector-specific knowledge and direct IR experience. Despite his strong equity market background and familiarity with UK corporate regulations, these gaps made hiring him a non-obvious choice. Feedback from multiple applications highlighted his need for hands-on IR experience.
Securing the Role
Owen credits his success to finding a Head of IR and Finance Director who valued his well-rounded CV and potential to learn the role, rather than focusing solely on prior IR experience. This openness allowed him to secure a position where he could provide long-term value to the bank.
Adapting to a New Environment
The transition to IR met Owen’s expectations, as he already had clear views on IR goals and success metrics. Surprisingly, he was asked for input on results scripts within two weeks, highlighting the collaborative nature of IR compared to the hierarchical structure of investment banking. The most challenging aspect was mastering the language and jargon of retail banking, which initially complicated interactions with executives, analysts, and investors.
Advice for Aspiring IR Professionals
Owen offers valuable advice for those considering a move to investor relations:
- Clearly understand your motivations for changing roles. A mutual understanding between employer and employee fosters a successful relationship.
- Recognize the growing importance of investor relations due to complex disclosure obligations, reduced sell-side support, and rising investor expectations.
- With listed companies investing more in their IR teams, now is an opportune time for high-quality candidates to enter the field.
Special thanks to Owen Price and CYBG for participating in VMA GROUP’s Q&A blog series, providing valuable insights from communications professionals.
Written by Tom Morgan-Harris
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