IR Department expands with ESG practice and new team members

Boutique investor and public relations consultancy IR Department today announced the launch of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practice, along with the appointment of new members of its investor and public relations teams.

 

The launch of IR Department’s ESG practice and its new team members underscores the consultancy’s commitment to delivering outstanding results for its clients by meeting and exceeding their needs, and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to developments in investor and public relations.

 

IR Department’s ESG practice is being led by Ilona Marchetta, a certified ESG Practitioner with over 20 years’ experience across public relations, journalism and marketing, placing her at the nexus organisations ESG and communications obligations and needs. Ilona is one of less than 100 ESG practitioners certified under the GRI framework in Australia.

 

Alongside the launch of IR Department’s ESG practice, the consultancy has welcomed several new experienced practitioners in communications and investor relations. Jack McLintock has joined as Corporate Media Relations Manager, bringing his expertise in leading corporate affairs and communications in business, spanning from start-ups to marquee publicly-listed entities.

 

Annabelle Dick, who has deep experience in communications across the biotech sector, most recently as Communications lead with venture capital fund Brandon Capital, has joined IR Department as Media and Communications Specialist.

 

Anna Cvijetić, who brings financial services experience across sectors including tax accounting, mergers and acquisitions, equity capital and investor relations most recently with Deloitte, Wilsons Advisory and Caldera House, has joined IR Department as Account Manager, further strengthening the consultancy’s investor relations practice.

 

Commenting on the new ESG practice and expanded team, IR Department Founder and Managing Director, Jane Lowe, said it was a reflection of the consultancy’s drive to deliver exceptional results for their clients across the full suite of investor relations and communications.

 

“Our clients have been considering what their responsibilities are for ESG, how to best respond to growing interest on the topic from shareholders, and how to prepare for the changing regulatory landscape both in Australia and internationally. There is so much in the media about it and it’s quite hard to know where to start.

 

“The launch of our ESG practice is about supporting our clients to determine what their steps should look like in a manner that is fit for purpose – taking into consideration the type and size of the company, as well as market expectations. We’ve been working behind the scenes on this for about 12 months and delighted to announce Ilona Marchetta as ESG practice lead, supported by our other investor relations and communications experts.

 

“With Jack, Annabelle and Anna joining the IR Department team, we’re adding deep domain experience across tech, biotech and capital markets. Their combined expertise will further elevate the work we do for our clients, and enable us to grow our consultancy further.”

 

Ilona Marchetta, who has been with IR Department since 2016 said that the ESG practice was a natural expansion for the consultancy, and reflected the growing demand for ESG expertise, integrated with investor and public relations.

 

“The ESG landscape is complex to navigate and fast-evolving,” Ilona said. “The days of ESG as just a ‘nice-to-have’ or a feel-good exercise are long behind us. ESG performance is now a key risk indicator for investors, and it is crucial to a company’s success that their spokespeople can talk credibly on ESG topics – regardless of the size of the company. I’m looking forward to supporting our clients to operate and communicate to best practice ESG standards, no matter where they are on their journey.”

 

Jack McLintock said that he is delighted to join the IR Department team at a key moment in the consultancy’s growth. “IR Department has a well-earned reputation for delivering excellence in investor and public relations, so I am thrilled to bring my corporate affairs and communications expertise to the team and to deliver for our clients. There are plenty of fascinating stories within the great work being done by our clients, and bringing those to light really excites me.”

 

Anna Cvijetić remarked that she was excited to bring her financial expertise to IR Department. “I am excited to bring my unique perspectives and insights to the table, fostering an environment of collaboration and forward-thinking. I am dedicated to making a significant impact, contributing my best efforts and actively supporting the team’s vision and goals. I am confident that our collective synergy and passion for excellence as a team will drive us to achieve even greater heights.”

 

Annabelle Dick said joining IR Department naturally built on her expertise in the tech, biotech and capital markets sectors. “I’m honoured to be joining the talented and interdisciplinary IR Department team to support clients with strategic communications and media approaches. As a highly-reputable agency that works hand in glove with Australia’s life science, health and tech leaders, I was attracted to the firm and the opportunity to work closely with our clients on PR and media strategy, particularly as they seek capital and promote key inflection points and company milestones.”