Welcome to The Investor Relations Podcast

Peter W. McDermott

Peter W. McDermott Profile Photo

Senior Client Partner, Global Corporate Affairs and IR, Head of Corporate Affairs Practice NA

Based in New York City, Peter McDermott is Senior Client Partner, Global Corporate Affairs and IR, and Head of the Corporate Affairs Practice for North America, for Korn Ferry.

A seasoned corporate affairs search consultant, with both US and European experience, Mr. McDermott has an impressive international track record placing senior-level corporate communications, IR, financial communications, corporate and public affairs, and brand PR talent, across a wide spectrum of clients.

Mr. McDermott joined Korn Ferry from a global boutique firm specialized in the communications and IR functions, where he held leadership positions in both their London and New York offices. Mr. McDermott also spent time in the APAC region doing both candidate and business development. Previously, Mr. McDermott was with a global executive search firm, where he supported diverse financial services practices through research, candidate identification and outreach.

He began his career as an intern with Bloomberg LP.

Mr. McDermott is active in several of the professional organizations that are connected with the top functional leaders; He serves on the board of the National Investor Relations Institute, New York; and is part of the team that sponsors the Korn Ferry/NIRI Study of the function. He is also Vice Chair, on the Operating Committee and co-Chair of the Membership Committee of Page Up, part of the Arthur W. Page Society, and on the Board of The LAGRANT Foundation, which promotes diversity in the field of advertising, marketing, and public relations. He is also on the Diversity Action Alliance Advisory Committee. Mr. McDermott is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric and Communications Studies and American Studies, coupled with a concentration in Ethnic Studies and a minor in History.

April 30, 2025

Entrepreneurs: Cohesive Career Story from Spotty Resume

How to Navigate a Spotty Resume in the Startup and Venture Capital World In this episode, we discuss how founders and entrepreneurs with seemingly spotty resumes can present themselves as ideal candidates during turbulent tim...
April 25, 2025

How Can You Avoid Common Resume Pitfalls?

Essential Resume Tips: What to Avoid for a Successful Application In this interview, we explore essential resume tips to avoid common pitfalls. Learn why overloading your resume with logos, charts, and excessive details can b...
April 18, 2025

Which Credentials Matter For Investor Relations Careers

Key Credentials and Qualifications in Investor Relations This episode discusses the types of credentials that are important in investor relations (IR) and what CFOs and hiring managers look for in resumes and pedigrees. It co...
April 16, 2025

What is Activism and How Can IR Teams Be Prepared?

The Evolving Role of Activism and Investor Relations This episode explores the longstanding presence of activism in corporate environments and the evolving role of Investor Relations (IR) in managing activist demands. It disc...
April 9, 2025

The Evolution of Finance Roles: Peter McDermott on IR Careers

Insights on Transitioning to Investor Relations In this episode, Peter discusses the increasing trend of analysts and finance professionals moving into Investor Relations (IR) roles. He highlights the interest from CFOs, boar...
April 8, 2025

Job Searching During Uncertain Times

Navigating Job Searching During Uncertain Times: In times of economic uncertainty, job searching can seem like a daunting task. With turmoil in the capital markets and the reality of widespread layoffs, it’s understandable fo...
April 4, 2025

Compensation in Investor Relations

Evolution of Compensation Structures in Investor Relations In this episode, Peter addresses common questions concerning the evolving structure and setup of compensation in investor relations. He explains the typical component...
March 28, 2025

Managing Hot Topics in Investor Relations

Navigating Hot Topics Like ESG and DEI in Investor Relations This episode discusses how investor relations (IR) leaders are managing conversations around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and ...
March 26, 2025

How Do You Get Into Investor Relations

Navigating a Career in Investor Relations: Insights and Future Trends In this episode, Peter delves into the intricacies of starting and advancing a career in Investor Relations (IR). He explains the historical rotation model...
March 21, 2025

Understanding The IR Function From Boards Seats to C-Suites

Common Misunderstandings in Investor Relations (IR) by Boards and C-Suites In this episode, Peter discusses the common misconceptions within Investor Relations (IR) faced by boards, CEOs, and CFOs. He highlights how the evolv...
March 18, 2025

The Evolution of Investor Relations: From PR to Strategic Partner

The Evolution of Investor Relations: From PR to Strategic Finance Partner In this episode, Peter discusses the significant changes in investor relations roles over the past few years. He explains how investor relations has tr...