The IR Lead Principal works closely with ELT / SLT to promote the company's financial and operating performance to the capital markets. This role involves preparing executives for quarterly earnings calls, conducting detailed analysis of sector peers, and developing investor relations reports. The IR Lead Principal also coordinates various IR activities, maintains relationships with sell-side analysts & buy-side investors, and provides competitive intelligence to executives. Additionally, the role requires a deep understanding of financial modeling, emerging forces in healthcare, and the broader competitive & regulatory healthcare environment. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree, 10+ years of experience in key financial roles, superior financial and investment analysis skills, and the ability to work quickly and effectively across diverse business units and functional areas.
Role Summary- Works closely with ELT/SLT to promote the Company's financial and operating performance and business growth prospects to the capital markets; acts credibly as the external financial spokesperson to the financial community
- Provides competitive intel to executives to address issues that arise from the investor community or board of directors. Appropriately cascades intelligence to ensure consistency in messaging
- Prepares Chairman/CEO and CFO for quarterly earnings calls by developing appropriate, engaging messages, talking points and Q&A responses, in support of our business strategy and financial performance. Broadly cascades talking points to appropriate business partners
- Conducts a detailed analysis of the sector peer group and develops a periodic Investor Relations report inclusive of stock performance, stock evaluation and competitor performance, share ownership trends and a summary of analyst views on the company and competitors. Recommends appropriate management actions resulting from these detailed analyses
- Staffs internal communication professionals on handling ongoing external communication relative to earnings releases and continuing messages regarding strategy, execution and performance
- Coordinates specifics for a variety of IR activities that provides the SVP of IR and other senior leaders exposure to the investment community e.g. sell-side conferences, investor road shows, and office visits with prominent buy side investors and key sell side analysts. Develops messages and speaking points, to ensure a broader discussion, regarding: strategy, Cigna's diversified portfolio of businesses, the impact of healthcare and other legislative reforms, operating results and outlook, as well as the balance sheet and capital deployment capabilities. Actively participates in the meetings and articulates trends and competitor data
- Maintains and further develops relationships with both sell-side & buy-side, responding to information requests and influencing reports & forecasts. Plays a critical role of managing Cigna's relationship with key analysts who have considerable impact/influence on the investor community
- Builds extensive understanding of the competitive environment in healthcare and supports the education of the Street on Cigna's strategic position and capabilities to drive sustainable & profitable growth
- Works closely with Cigna's State & Federal Government Affairs teams, as well as broader Public Affairs workgroup, to prepare more detailed messaging on the complexities of healthcare and other legislative reforms, the potential outcomes of multiple scenarios and time frames. Builds the messaging to educate the street on current proposals, Cigna's position and the potential impact to our strategy and financial performance. Analyzes financial results of our key competitors versus Cigna utilizing company disclosures and analyst reports and models. Reviews competitor results to ensure consistency in reporting approaches with peer groups
- Provides input to analysts who publish reports/theses/abstracts for buying decisions
- Responsible for explaining Cigna's evolved strategy as a global health company focusing on improving the health, well-being and sense of security for the people we serve
- Plays critical role in supporting strategic direction, content creation, and logistical management of Investor Day
- Responsible for having working knowledge and ability to effectively explain all of Cigna's businesses
Qualifications- Superior financial/investment analysis skills, oral/written communication, and presentation abilities
- Clear and thorough understanding of financial modeling used by financial and investment professionals to analyze/project an organization's overall effectiveness and financial performance and to develop a stock valuation based on assessment of financial and operational information
- Understanding of the healthcare legislative/political and competitive environment
- Demonstrated leadership as well as the ability to challenge and influence the leadership team while setting and executing investor relations strategy and focus around business goals
- Able to function as an industry expert, constantly gathering & disseminating industry knowledge to support the development of new IR programs and initiatives that will promote Cigna's leadership in the industry
- Ability to establish strong rapport & credibility quickly in a new organization
- Ability to network and build relationships both inside and outside the company
- Flexible with the ability to know when to shift direction and when to be persistent
- High energy, results & execution-oriented competitive leader who is capable of quickly taking control
- Bachelors degree required
- 10+ years of experience in key financial roles with excellent performance history
- Comfortable conversing with 3rd party industry experts about strategic/operational/financial issues
- Aptitude to engage in high level conceptual/financial discussions, often times requiring the ability to perform mental analysis in real-time to be responsive to investor community inquiries
- Effective in upward communications with executive leadership (CEO, CFO, Business Presidents, etc.)
- Willingness to work in a small team environment and handle both critical and mundane tasks, as well as work extra hours beyond the normal workday when necessary
- Ability & willingness to travel a few times a quarter to investor conferences and non-deal roadshows, as well as to the Bloomfield, CT office for earnings call prep
If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.
For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 177,400 - 295,600 USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.
This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus and long term incentive plan.
At The Cigna Group, you'll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you'll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k), company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year, paid holidays, and leaves of absence. For more details on our employee benefits programs, click here.
