In conversation with Deepika Gupta Padhi, Head Investor
Relations at PNB Housing Finance. She has been recently
recognised as one of the “India’s top 100 women in
Finance 2019. She started her professional journey 16
years ago with SPA Capital. Since then she has worked
with reputed companies like Radico Khaitan, Cairn India
and Aurobindo Pharma, where she looked after Investor
Relations, Treasury, Fund Raising, MIS etc. We would like
to understand the role of an Investor Relations from her
and How to become one.
1. Describe your work and work profile in a very simple manner?
I head the Investor Relations for PNB Housing Finance
which is the 5th largest housing finance company in India.
PNB Housing Finance is a listed Company and its equity
shares are traded in the National and Bombay stock
exchanges and are also a part of global indexes. As a
result, the Company is continuously monitored by large
Institutional Investors like Mutual funds, Foreign
Institutional Investors, Sovereign Funds, Research
Analysts and other constituencies.
Investor relations is a strategic function that publicly
disseminates correct, accurate and reliable information about the Company, namely
financial results, business performance, and future strategy, communicates with various
financial market participants and ensures regulatory compliances that are met by the
Company. This ultimately contributes to achieving fair valuation to the Company’s
securities.
Investor Relations is two-way communication between the management
and the financial market participants.
2. Can you share your Daily Routine with us?
My daily routine includes:
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•
Start my day with reading news, getting ready for work.
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•
Once I am in office, I clear all my mails, read research
report on the Company/peer/sector. It is imperative to be
aware about the current and upcoming issues related to
the regulations, sector, peers etc. that can impact the
organization.
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•
Have calls and meetings with investors, research analysts etc. to answer their queries,
provide update about the Company, discuss about the sector etc.
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•
Prepare and participate in the roadshows, investor conferences, hub visits by various
market participants as a part of the annual IR plan
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•
Quarterly update to the market on the financial results, business performance and
future strategy and hence work on all the communication documents viz press
releases, presentations, earnings call etc.
3. How did you reach this stage in your career?
I completed my MBA in 2002 and then joined SPA Capital
Services Ltd, managing investments of Small and Medium
Enterprises, I worked there for around 2 years. After that, I
joined Radico Khaitan in their treasury department and
worked there for 3.5 years. Later, I worked for Cairn India
in Investor Relations and Treasury for 8 years before I
moved to Aurobindo Pharma, where I headed Investor
Relations for one year and then moved to PNB Housing
Finance in 2016. I am currently with PNB Housing Finance.
I have worked with different sectors and that gives me a
perspective of viewing things in various ways.
4. What skills should a candidate possess if he wants to take up a
profession similar to yours?
Finance background helps in a better understanding of the
Company. Though it isn’t necessary, an MBA or a CA fits
well for this role. It is beneficial to have good oral and
written communication skills and
presentation skills. Be open to learning as
continuous interactions with the internal functions is a
must in this role. Build the habit of reading and make
sure to read the newspaper every day.
5. What are the Pros & Cons of your profession?
Pros :
The job involves interaction with financial market
participants and hence expands the thought process. This
role gives a bird’s eye view into the organization and also
helps in contributing to the company’s strategy building by
conveying the external perspective to the management.
Cons :
It is a round the clock job where any
information/news can lead to a reaction from the market
and queries from the market participants. Hence, one has to be available and updated round the clock. The job also involves travel and hence one
should be prepared to spend time out of their home.
6. What is the best way to bag a job similar to yours?
First, focus on completing your studies and then try to get into a listed Company in the
Investor Relations team or IR service providers. Investor Relations is picking up in India as
many large and mid-size companies have their own IR department. Generally, the IR
department is a small function in Companies with 2 to 3 members.
7. What advice would you give to the freshers who are willing to
venture into this line?
Besides finance, focus on other subjects too, because when you
get into this field you will be expected to know and talk about
all the functions of the Company and the sector. Brush up your
interpersonal and communication skills. Start building your
knowledge by reading, understanding the company’s annual
report, working on PPTs, etc.
Final Notes
“The views & opinions expressed in the article are that of the author. The blog contains the
opinions of the author and doesn’t reflect the opinions of any organizations with which the
author may be associated. The graphics are for illustrations purpose only we do not mean
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