Start of new research project on the strategic positioning of Investor Relations towards the executive board.

On October 7, 2025, a new joint research project was launched in Frankfurt in cooperation with the DIRK – German Investor Relations Association. The project explores how Investor Relations (IR) can position itself strategically towards the executive board and strengthen its role as a trusted advisor and strategic partner within the company.

Led by Prof. Christian Pieter Hoffmann and Dr. Sandra Binder-Tietz, a group of nine Master’s students in Communication Management investigates three key questions:

1. Trust and perception: How can IR build lasting trust and credibility with the executive board?
2. Relationships: Which internal (e.g., Finance, Corporate Communications, Sustainability) and external (e.g., analysts, investors) relationships enhance IR’s strategic role?
3. Active positioning: How can IR departments proactively shape their role to be seen as equal strategic partners?

Using a combination of literature review, qualitative interviews, and quantitative validation, the project aims to develop an evidence-based model for the strategic positioning of Investor Relations in corporate contexts.

The research team includes Merle Graalfs, Jan Kaiser, Sarah Krauss, Dominique Naujok, Meriel Pecher, Sarah Pütter, Chiara Santangelo, Sven Schapke, and Nina Marlene Voigt.

The project is supported by industry experts Martin Ziegenbalg and Claudia Kellert.

Running until March 2026, the project will deliver practical recommendations for IR professionals and contribute to the academic advancement of strategic financial communication in Germany.