Private Equity
International
International
Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum Europe 2023
27 - 28 September 2023,
Grand Connaught Rooms, London
Driving the evolution of Europe’s private market fundraising
The Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum: Europe takes place in London on 27-28 September 2023.
Join your industry peers to learn about best practices for strengthening your relationships with investors, communicating with prospects, marketing your firm and more. Discover how to differentiate your fund in a crowded market and explore separation strategies between fundraising, business development and client management.
Plus, find solutions to your biggest challenges and discuss industry trends with your peers from leading private market firms during extensive networking opportunities.
What can you expect at the forum?
Event content with value
Explore key strategies, discuss industry trends and carve out your niche by attending panels and participating in the many networking sessions.
Gain exclusive insights
Hear 50+ experts speak about how the holistic private asset landscape affects your fundraising efforts and marketing strategy.
Meet leaders in private markets
Gather with a community of private market professionals to build lasting relationships, discuss best practices and benchmark against competitors.
Key event themes for 2023
- Keeping the IR function alive in times of distressed markets
- How to maintain brand consistency and alignment across the firm
- The benefits of outsourcing placement agents
- ESG demands, expectations and frameworks
- Embracing new digital tools and capabilities
- And more!
2023 speakers
Browse the 2022 attendees
Connect with IR professionals in private markets
Testimonials
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Catherine Campbell, Director
The content was top quality and agenda was well-executed.
Mercator
Steven Rothberg, Partner
The panels were all informational and stimulating, and the scale of the event made it manageable, in terms of meeting other attendees.
QIC
Lindsay Scully, Principal
Great event; informative and timely content.
Pre-Event Resources
Be part of industry-leading events for global private equity professionals
Engage with networking sessions, thought leadership, and more to build lasting relationships and meet your business goals. Sponsorship gives you:
- VIP access
- Thought-leadership opportunities
- High-profile branding
- And much more…
For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jimmy Kurtovic at jimmy.k@pei.group or call +1 646 356 4504.
2023 sponsors
Our leading advisory board for 2023
Andrew Harris
Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations and ESG, Tiger Infrastructure Partners
Andrew Harris is a Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations and ESG at Tiger Infrastructure Partners, an innovative private equity firm focused on providing transformational growth capital to middle market infrastructure companies. Tiger’s va… Read full bio
Danai Musandu
VP Investor Relations, HPE Growth
Danai Musandu is the Vice President Investor Relations at HPE Growth. In her role, she leads and supports the public and investor relations function. Her work entails fundraising and strategic communication. She has 7 years’ experience in private equ… Read full bio
Priya Nair
Senior Director, abrdn
Priya is a Senior Director and part of the abrdn Infrastructure team focused on Infrastructure investments with ESG principles integrated across all stages of the fund lifecycle.
Sarah Odds
Head of Client Services, ATLAS Infrastructure
Sarah has 15 years of experience in the financial industry and is a Principal in the London office. Sarah is Head of Client Services globally and is part of the Investor Relations team. Prior to joining ATLAS in July 2022, Sarah was most recently Hea… Read full bio
Harriet Rae
Head of IR ＆ ESG, Pioneer Point Partners
Harriet is Head of Investor Relations and Sustainability at Pioneer Point Partners, an independent, sustainable infrastructure investment firm. She joined in January 2020 to launch and manage the fundraising of Pioneer’s maiden institutional fund, Pi… Read full bio
Alexandra Simkin
Head of Client Services, Park Square Capital
Alexandra Simkin is Head of Client Services at Park Square Capital, LLP. Prior to joining Park Square in 2013, Alexandra worked in the Investor Relations team at Taconic Capital Partners in London. Alexandra graduated from the University of Leeds wit… Read full bio
Philippe Taillardat
Head of Investor Relations, RIVE Private Investment
Philippe joined RIVE Private Investment in December 2022 as head of investor relations. Philippe is an accomplished investment professional with over 30 years of relevant experience in real assets, including infrastructure, and project and asset fina… Read full bio
Vidya Verlkumar
Head of Marketing ＆ Communications, IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar leads Marketing and Communications for IK Partners, the European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Based in the firm’s London headquarters, she established a new marketing fun… Read full bio
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 27th
Pre-conference
08:00 - 08:45
Women-only breakfast
Welcome
08:45 - 08:50
Introduction from PEI
Kitty Watson, Producer, PEI Group
08:50 - 09:00
Chairperson’s welcome address
Danai Musandu
Danai Musandu, Vice President, Investor Relations, HPE Growth
Plenary sessions
09:00 - 09:40
Opening keynote: What are the current market trends and the impact on investor relations?
Daria Litvinova,
Ellinor Schrewelius,
Corinne Schreiber
- How to navigate the pressure of ticket size reductions and decreasing pace in fundraising
- How to exploit the newfound transparency in communication between investors and GPs to deploy capital and make a positive contribution to their returns
- Exploring the proliferation of the diversification of strategies and products such as secondaries and co-investments
Speakers:
Daria Litvinova, Partner, Head of Investor Relations, Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Corinne Schreiber, Principal, Investor Relations, Pantheon
Ellinor Schrewelius, Director, Investor Relations, Verdane
09:40 - 10:20
What differentiates your fund in a crowded market?
Priya Nair,
Vidya Verlkumar,
Amber Hilkene
- Developing a unique value proposition and articulating this effectively
- The importance of maintaining brand consistency and alignment across the firm
- How marketing channels must adapt to the changing fundraising landscape
Speakers:
Priya Nair, Senior Director, abrdn
Vidya Verlkumar, Head of Marketing & Communications, IK Partners
Amber Hilkene, Partner, Chief Growth Officer, Stanley Capital
10:20 - 11:00
What are the necessary building blocks for a successful IR function?
Patrick Raffard,
Alexandra Simkin,
Gerald Carton,
Eleanor Miller,
Carmela Mendoza
- Fundraising, business development, client relationship – exploring the separation strategy between the three functions
- Keeping the IR function alive in times of distressed markets
- To what extent do GPs understand the value of structured IR function
Moderator: Carmela Mendoza, Senior Reporter, Private Equity International
Speakers:
Eleanor Miller, Investor Relations Principal, Actis
Patrick Raffard, Partner, Head of Business Development, Rivage Investment
Alexandra Simkin, Head of Client Services, Park Square Capital
Gerald Carton, Partner, Coller Capital
Networking
11:00 - 11:30
Networking break
Plenary session
11:30 - 12:00
Industry-led presentation
12:00 - 12:40
Panel debate: Going solo vs. outsourcing agents
Philippe Taillardat
- Using regional agents vs global mandates
- How to measure the value of placement agents against their fees
- When is it the right time to let go of a placement agency?
Moderator: Philippe Taillardat, Head of Investor Relations, RIVE Private Investment
Speakers:
Kristina Kuhnke, Partner & Head of Investor Relations, RoundShield Partners
Working groups
12:40 - 13:20
Working group A: Reporting–a one size fits all scenario?
- How to have a streamlined process for prospecting and due diligence
- What are the limitations of ESG reporting?
- Navigating big data requests and the integrity of data
12:40 - 13:20
Working group B: The evolution of virtual relationships and investor communications
- Finding the ideal blend of in-person and virtual communication with investors
- Comparing AI and data analytics with human insight and personal interactions
- Dissecting the extra layer outsourcing adds to the relationship management piece
12:40 - 13:20
Working group C: How to successfully build a career in investor relations
Stephen Bradnam,
Harry Elliott
Hear from members of the Next Generation in Investor Relations Network.
- How to stay aware of the rapidly changing requirements of investors
- How to successfully transition from a junior to a mid-level IR professional
Speakers:
Stephen Bradnam, Investor Relations Officer, LeapFrog Investments
Harry Elliott, Vice President, MV Credit
12:40 - 13:20
Working group D: The evolution of the AGM
- Content – addressing the changes in investor demands and expectations of the AGM
- Structure – identifying the optimum style of the meeting; a series of meetings, road trip style and beyond
- Connections – prioritising exposure at the meeting to the portfolio companies vs the management team
Lunch
13:20 - 14:30
Lunch and networking break
Functional breakout sessions: Stream A – Investor relations, business development & client services
14:30 - 15:00
How to build the optimum investor relations team
Jonathan Aiach
- Identifying which skill sets are required and prioritised when building an IR team
- Finding the difference between hiring for business development and for client services
- Representation in fundraising – why we have more women in the role
Speaker: Jonathan Aiach, Director, Capman
15:00 - 15:30
Tech tools and where to use them
- The influence of technology on portfolio management, fund operations, deal origination, IR and fundraising
- Comparing reporting tools, CRM, RFP and marketing systems
- The effect of increased competition for assets on driving firms to reassess their use of data and technology
15:30 - 16:00
A deep dive into client services
Sarah Odds
- What is the best practise and how is it positioned within the organisation
- How the current climate reflects the change in resourcing for the client services function
- What are the operational challenges within client services within larger organisations?
Speaker: Sarah Odds, Head of Client Services, ATLAS Infrastructure
Functional breakout sessions: Stream B – Marketing messaging & communications
14:30 - 15:00
How to effectively rebrand
Lydia Kalia,
Claudia Urquiola
- Reasons why you might rebrand and when this could be appropriate
- Types of rebrand: name change, visual refresh, new website development etc
- Developing brand ambassadors and effecting change
Speakers:
Lydia Kalia, Director of Marketing & Communications, Livingbridge
Claudia Urquiola, Head of Marketing & Communications, Nauta Capital
15:00 - 15:30
How the marketing mix evolves with the democratisation of private assets
- The current mix vs future mix
- The importance of a customer experience
- Identifying the changes and developments of the marketing function and the benefits of outsourcing
15:30 - 16:00
Challenging longstanding behaviours internally and externally
- Highlighting the importance and role of senior buy-in on social media
- How to ensure your marketing message and communications are not blurred across asset classes
- Using social media as a way to connect with your target audience
Networking
16:00 - 16:40
Networking break
Plenary session
16:40 - 17:00
Fireside chat: An expert perspective on the evolution of investor relations
17:00 - 17:45
Audience roundtable discussions (Off the record)
- The most suitable disrupter tech platforms
- The democratisation of private equity
- The value of rich media
- The role of BCorp in private investments
- Tapping into new pools of capital and how to access or enter those markets eg. Asia Middle East etc
- Private wealth and family offices their role in fundraising specifically in the current market
Reception
17:45 - 19:00
Networking drinks reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 28th
Working breakfast sessions (Off the record)
08:15 - 09:15
Room 1: Investor relations, business development & client services
08:15 - 09:15
Room 2: Marketing messaging & communications
Welcome
09:15 - 09:20
Chairperson’s welcome back address
Plenary sessions
09:20 - 10:00
Investor keynote panel: LP requirements under the microscope
- Navigating LP reluctancy to disclose investment information
- How to navigate the impact of increasing interest rates on your private market portfolio
- How satisfied are investors with their GP’s ESG performance
10:00 - 10:40
How to weather the ESG data dilemma
Erika Gucfa,
Andrew Harris,
Merary Soto-Saunders
- Identifying practical measures to deliver meaningful ESG data and reports
- How automated the ESG data-gathering process is
- Joining the dots between ESG and DEI
Speakers:
Erika Gucfa, Managing Director, North Sky Capital
Andrew Harris, Head of ESG & Investor Relations, Tiger Infrastructure
Merary Soto-Saunders, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, CVC Capital Partners
10:40 - 11:00
Fireside chat: An expert perspective on the evolution of marketing & communications in private investment
Networking
11:00 - 11:40
Networking break
Plenary session
11:40 - 12:20
Navigating the maze of external data platforms
- Discussing the digital opportunity within the capital raising ecosystem
- Exploring the integrity of data providers to enhance intelligence
- Identifying the security risks of digitalisation
Lunch
12:20 - 13:30
Networking lunch
Think tank sessions
13:30 - 14:30
IR, marketing & communications in private equity
13:30 - 14:30
IR, marketing & communications in real estate
13:30 - 14:30
IR, marketing & communications in infrastructure
13:30 - 14:30
IR, marketing & communications in private debt
Close of conference
14:30 - 14:30
Close of conference
Connect with Europe's leading industry professionals
The forum is the optimal environment to cultivate lasting and valuable relationships with investor relations, marketing and communications professionals in private markets.
Exchange best practices and discuss solutions to pressing industry challenges with your peers during the forum’s networking sessions and interactive roundtable discussions.
Access Europe’s private markets community
Join your peers at the only event in Europe specifically for private market professionals focused on investor relations, marketing, branding and communications.
Discover solutions to your daily pain points
Join interactive roundtable discussions with experts in private markets to brainstorm solutions to the most pressing challenges facing investor relations professionals.
Learn from fellow industry professionals
Get up to date on the latest marketing trends and discuss best practices for communicating with investors by participating in the forum’s many networking sessions.
Browse the 2022 attendees
Network with your peers from these firms and more...
2023 speakers
Have a topic you would like to discuss at the Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum: Europe 2023? Contact Kitty Watson at kitty.w@pei.group to discuss available speaking opportunities.
Jonathan Aiach
Director Client Solutions ＆ Business Development, CapMan
Jonathan is a director in CapMan’s investor relations and business development team where he is in charge of fund-raising and business development across LP’s in the EMEA region. He has 15 years of experience in the alternative investment space, work… Read full bio
Stephen Bradnam
Investor Relations Officer, LeapFrog Investments
Stephen works within the Investor Relations team supporting LeapFrog’s fundraising and client services efforts. Stephen previously spent six years at Coller, a leading global secondaries house, and prior to this, worked at EY within the Wealth and As… Read full bio
Gerald Carton
Partner, Investor Relations, Coller Capital
Gerald is a Partner with responsibility for the firm’s Investor Relations activities across Southern Europe and the Middle East. He is based in the firm’s London office. Gerald joined Coller Capital in 2004 and previously spent 14 years in the Invest… Read full bio
Harry Elliott
Vice President, MV Credit
Harry is a Vice President in the Investor Solutions Team, which covers all things IR, Fundraising, Product Development and Optimisation. Prior to MV Credit, Harry worked in derivatives structuring and trading at River and Mercantile Derivatives, and… Read full bio
Erika Gucfa
Managing Director, North Sky Capital
As a Managing Director at North Sky Capital, Erika is responsible for business development and strategy efforts across both of North Sky’s flagship strategies: impact secondaries and sustainable infrastructure. Prior to joining North Sky, Erika was t… Read full bio
Andrew Harris
Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations and ESG, Tiger Infrastructure Partners
Andrew Harris is a Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations and ESG at Tiger Infrastructure Partners, an innovative private equity firm focused on providing transformational growth capital to middle market infrastructure companies. Tiger’s va… Read full bio
Amber Hilkene
Partner, Chief Growth Officer, Stanley Capital Partners
Amber heads up Stanley Capital’s investor relations and fundraising activities as well as leading and overseeing the strategic development of new tangential products and AUM growth over time. She has over 20 years of experience in the private equity… Read full bio
Lydia Kalia
Head of Marketing ＆ Communication, Livingbridge
Lydia is the Head of Marketing & Communication at Livingbridge where she looks after the strategy and execution of the brand and communications outputs for the global business. Prior to joining Livingbridge, Lydia worked at LaSalle Investment Man… Read full bio
Daria Litvinova
Partner, Head of Investor Relations, Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Daria Litvinova, is Head of Investor Relations and Partner at Vauban Infrastructure Partners. She holds a substantial experience in Finance, Asset Management & Client Relationship Management across several markets in Europe. Daria has joined Vaub… Read full bio
Carmela Mendoza
Senior Reporter, PEI
Carmela Mendoza is a senior reporter for Private Equity International based in London. She first joined PEI in Hong Kong in 2015 and covered Asia. A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, she previously worked for a digital agency in Singapore focu… Read full bio
Eleanor Miller
Principal, Investor Solutions Group, Actis
Eleanor works on the Investor Solutions Group team at Actis and is based in London. Eleanor is an Energy Infrastructure Product Specialist by training and currently works across Actis’ product suite, focusing on product specialism, project management… Read full bio
Danai Musandu
VP Investor Relations, HPE Growth
Danai Musandu is the Vice President Investor Relations at HPE Growth. In her role, she leads and supports the public and investor relations function. Her work entails fundraising and strategic communication. She has 7 years’ experience in private equ… Read full bio
Priya Nair
Senior Director, abrdn
Priya is a Senior Director and part of the abrdn Infrastructure team focused on Infrastructure investments with ESG principles integrated across all stages of the fund lifecycle.
Sarah Odds
Head of Client Services, ATLAS Infrastructure
Sarah has 15 years of experience in the financial industry and is a Principal in the London office. Sarah is Head of Client Services globally and is part of the Investor Relations team. Prior to joining ATLAS in July 2022, Sarah was most recently Hea… Read full bio
Patrick Raffard
Partner, Head of Business Development, Rivage Investment
Patrick joined Rivage Investment in 2016 as the Head of Business Development. Patrick started his career as an interest rate swaps trader for BNP and Commerz Financial Products. He moved to a marketing position, in charge of sales of derivative produ… Read full bio
Corinne Schreiber
Principal, Investor Relations, Pantheon
Corinne is a Principal in Pantheon’s European Investor Relations team, focusing on the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. Before joining Pantheon, Corinne spent six years at BlueBay Asset Management covering German, Austrian and French institutional… Read full bio
Ellinor Schrewelius
Director, Investor Relations, Verdane
As Investor Relations Director, Ellinor works with the world's most respected institutional investors on behalf of Verdane, the European specialist growth investor. Ellinor covers investor relations, ESG reporting, fundraising, co-investments and bus… Read full bio
Alexandra Simkin
Head of Client Services, Park Square Capital
Alexandra Simkin is Head of Client Services at Park Square Capital, LLP. Prior to joining Park Square in 2013, Alexandra worked in the Investor Relations team at Taconic Capital Partners in London. Alexandra graduated from the University of Leeds wit… Read full bio
Merary Soto-Saunders
Global Head of Diversity, Equity ＆ Inclusion, CVC Capital Partners
Merary is responsible for driving initiatives and policies that will make CVC and its portfolio companies more diverse and inclusive, and providing all employees the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Merary drives CVC’s DE&I strategy a… Read full bio
Philippe Taillardat
Head of Investor Relations, RIVE Private Investment
Philippe joined RIVE Private Investment in December 2022 as head of investor relations. Philippe is an accomplished investment professional with over 30 years of relevant experience in real assets, including infrastructure, and project and asset fina… Read full bio
Claudia Urquiola
Head of Marketing & Communications, Nauta Capital
Claudia Urquiola is Nauta Capital’s Head of Marketing & Communications. Based in London, Claudia oversees the marketing and communications strategy and supports in investor relations and fundraising initiatives. Alongside her team, Claudia manage… Read full bio
Vidya Verlkumar
Head of Marketing ＆ Communications, IK Partners
Vidya Verlkumar leads Marketing and Communications for IK Partners, the European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Based in the firm’s London headquarters, she established a new marketing fun… Read full bio