ANDREW MILLS

Andrew Mills is one of the most experienced Investor Relations specialists in the UK. He has successfully managed the function for three FTSE 100 companies in different sectors as a direct report to their CEOs over an 18-year period. He is now well-established as a specialist IR interim executive, as well as consultant, in the mid-capitalisation area of the market.

Andrew’s early career was spent in equity stockbroking in two leading City firms. He established himself as someone institutional investors could rely on for solid advice and value-adding investment recommendations as an Extel-ranked equity analyst. He specialised in researching the media, advertising and employment sectors and was also heavily involved in some major corporate finance and Mergers and Acquisitions activity.

Andrew has constantly demonstrated how IR can be used to improve market sentiment towards a company as a result of engaging with shareholders and other investors. He has frequently been innovative in his approach; for example, he was a pioneer in the development of IR websites and capital market days and has set up a number of IR functions from scratch. He prepares carefully considered IR strategies and programmes for Boards in order to achieve the desired outcome for the company.

Andrew has the ability to build very strong working relationships, both within and around the company and has an extensive City network. He is highly practical in his approach, whether it be preparing for results, drafting an annual report or targeting likely institutional interest, and can be relied upon to deliver on his objectives. He is one of the relatively few IROs trusted for their ability and credibility to represent their company individually at investment conferences, on overseas roadshows and in 'one on one' meetings with top institutions such as Fidelity and Blackrock. He is adept at keeping internal and external expectations in line and at keeping top management closely in touch with market views along with any areas of potential concern.

Throughout his career, Andrew has been heavily involved in major corporate restructuring activity including acquisitions, disposals, demergers and listings. As an interim executive he has been increasingly in demand to assist companies when major changes are underway in the shareholder base due to IPO or majority owner sell-down. He understands the importance of investor relations within the context of the company's engagement with wider stakeholder audiences and is accomplished in ensuring an integrated approach. He also has significant experience in working with other corporate advisers including investment bankers, corporate brokers, lawyers and financial PR firms.

Andrew has served as the Chairman of the Investor Relations Society, Europe’s major trade body for IR, and also has six years of public company Board experience as a Non-Executive Director. 

Email: andrew.mills@hydrastrategy.co.uk