Yvette Lokker, president and CEO of CIRI for the last 10 years, has announced she will step down from her role to pursue other opportunities.
Lokker joined CIRI in 2008 as director of communications and professional development and stepped up to run the Canadian IR association five years later. She began her career as an IRO at MDS.
‘Yvette is a consummate professional who has left an impressive legacy on the Canadian investor relations profession and, after a highly successful career at CIRI, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors,’ says Adam Borgatti, board chair at the association, in a statement.
‘A formal search process for Yvette’s successor is under way and we will work together to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.’
During her time as CEO, Lokker launched the Investor Relations Certification Program, a professional certification for Canadian IR officers. She also focused on establishing best practices, boosting collaboration across CIRI chapters and increasing engagement with regulators.
‘Tremendous privilege’
‘It has been a tremendous privilege to support the IR profession and I have been fortunate to have the support of many incredible, dedicated IROs and service providers,’ Lokker adds.
‘I remain passionate about investor relations and the value it brings to organizations and wish CIRI continued success.’
Lokker will stay on as president and CEO at the organization until the middle of July, says the statement, a period that includes next week’s CIRI annual conference. After that, Lokker will become co-chair alongside Nathalie Megann, a former CIRI chair, until mid-August.
‘Together, they will ensure members continue to receive the exceptional service and member benefits they are accustomed to,’ the statement says. ‘Nathalie will remain in her role if necessary following Yvette’s departure until CIRI’s new CEO is in place.’
Speaking to IR Magazine, Lokker says: 'For anyone who has done investor relations, you know what an amazing profession it is. Someone I know describes it as a position of privilege given its proximity to the C-suite and access to information.
'Leading CIRI is also a position of privilege. I can’t thank our members enough for trusting me to do what’s right and for giving me their support over the years. If you are a member, past member, sponsor or donor – THANK YOU! I could not have done it without you and the CIRI team, past and present.'
