Episode 36: Deb Wasser - IR with a Difference: Etsy's Approach to Investor Relations

How does a global consumer brand like Etsy manage investor relations? And what does it take to lead IR successfully? In this episode of Enquire, the Investor Relations podcast, we sit down with Deb Wasser, VP of Investor Relations and ESG Engagement at Etsy, to uncover the secrets of a successful IR career. 

The Secrets to Success in Modern Investor Relations 

Throughout Deb’s journey in investor relations, she has taken on roles both on the consultancy side and in-house, switching between the two and picking up expertise and insights from both sides. She shares her unique experiences in this episode, and we hear her perspective on the most important traits to have in modern IR. As a former NIRI board member, we also learn about her work in the wider investor relations community. 

As the conversation explores Deb's experiences at Etsy, we hear about its innovative approach to IR and how it adapted to the challenges of a post-pandemic market. Deb also outlines how ESG ties into her role and why Etsy made the bold decision to make corporate social responsibility a core KPI.  

In This Episode: 

• Deb takes us through her career and how she started in IR  
• Why mutual trust between management in IR is the secret to success in IR  
• How has IR changed since she began her career? 
• An introduction to Etsy and Deb’s role 
• What has been behind Etsy’s successful IR programme? 
• Why Etsy continued the video earnings calls after the pandemic 
• How Etsy’s IR team measures success  
• Where ESG fits into Deb’s role in IR  
• Etsy’s unique approach to measuring ESG performance  
• Deb explains her previous experience as a NIRI board member  
• How Etsy is embracing tech trends in IR   
• Advice for entry-level IR  

Quotes: 

“We're a B2C business, and we are often in the news for good and for bad. And so you have to have really tight comms.” 

“Most investor relations executives are good at many things. It’s a diverse bunch of skills that are critical for success.” 

“Having mutual trust is the secret to success in IR, whether as a consultant or in-house. If you don't have it, it's not going to work.”

Resources:  

• Connect with Deb Wasser