TopGun^® Press

TopGun Executives – Investor Relations & Development – Global Media & Telecommunications

June 3rd, 2025 by TopGun Press

Brendan Wood International is the world leader providing “stock demand” intelligence to clients. The firm’s unique Intel supports investors, the C-Suites of public companies and broker dealers who trade securities. In supporting public companies seeking to develop their shareholder bases, we enjoy the privilege of working closely with many of the best Marketing Executives in the capital markets worldwide. Professionals in this field are generally referred to as investor relations officers, which title does not do full justice to TopGuns, who are actually a breed of brilliant and tireless marketers, who attract and retain shareholders not only of the most popular companies in the world but also of the most challenged turnaround stories. BWI’s TopGun designation recognizes both.

TopGuns are chosen exclusively, independently and objectively in +/- 2000 personal consultations with professional investors worldwide. There is no other way the designation can be obtained.

We would be remiss not single out the common attribute of TopGun Investor Marketers. Namely, their common decision to work for companies they personally believe in. Since the core objective of the role is to build investor conviction, the best of the best investor facing executives make sure that they themselves embody the conviction that they seek to inculcate in the investor mindset. We would be equally remiss not to mention that TopGuns are equally trusted by their own managements and shareholders alike. Many TopGuns are also tasked with Corporate Development and Treasury mandates. Whether or not TopGuns are tasked with dual mandates, TopGun investor facing professionals are nonetheless closer to their managements than their peers in the field. TopGuns understand the Strategy of their firms and impart that to investors masterfully, if not with authority. It is implicit, that TopGuns work with senior managements who value investors and view them as owners. Many public company boards and managements remain at a distance from investors. Some pragmatic managements feel, “if we build it they will come”, this view overlooks the vital role that investor relations executives play in creating a fertile ground of investor confidence. As a result, effective managements can deprive themselves of the conviction that their communication with investors would engender. Making the CEO and Senior Management transparent and amenable to investors is a vital ambassadorial role which TopGuns influence greatly. A great many boards are unknown to the investors who elected them. This is another gap that TopGun marketers judiciously close. TopGun rated boards lead the Brendan Wood Index of 1400 companies. The top 2% of companies based upon investor demand seat, well recognized, TopGun boards. Mantra Integrity, Conviction, Leadership.

(Below are Verbatim Quotes from Institutional Investors)

Global Telecommunications:

Brady Connor – Verizon Communications

“Verizon’s head of IR, Brady Connor, understands the company operations very well. When you ask a question, it’s probably better to ask Brady than the CFO or CEO. You will get more information from Brady.”

“Verizon’s IR, Brady, can steer the conversation as if you’re talking to the CEO. He knows the company inside and out, is fully aware of the strategy, and is involved in many of the discussions. He also understands the M&A angle and is very easygoing.”

Jud Henry – T-Mobile US

“T-Mobile from a disclosure perspective discloses a lot and they give us a lot of detail. The IR team communicates well. Jud Henry is one of the best in the industry.”

“T-Mobile’s IR team is very strong. They know the company and the space incredibly well.”

Paul Carpino – Rogers Communications

“The IR team at Rogers is doing an amazing job. They are organizing events and reaching out with clear messaging.”

“I have nothing but good things to say about Rogers’ head of IR, Paul Carpino. He does a great job and communicates well.”

Global Broadcasting/Cable:

Marci Ryvicker – Comcast

“Comcast’s IR Marci Ryvicker stays on top of the street, letting you know when you are very far off of consensus. They do a great job of communicating with the street.”

“Comcast has a phenomenal IR team and transparency. They give us so many numbers and great visibility. They do a really good job there.”

Global Entertainment:

Spencer Wang – Netflix Inc.

“Netflix’s IR, Spencer Wang is great. He gives good visibility ahead and answers the relevant questions.”

“Netflix’s IR and CFO have done a good job communicating the story. They gives us enough numbers, including revenue, margin and projections, and they tend to beat them too.”

Carlos Gomez – Walt Disney Co.

“Disney’s IR Carlos Gomez is very proactive. He actually reaches out to us.”

“Disney has a good IR team. They don’t have as much freedom but they do well with what they’re given.”

Source: Brendan Wood International TopGun Index

Brendan Wood International (BWI), formed in 1970, originates performance investigation programs in the capital markets, including 2000+ live consultations with its network of investment professionals overseeing +/- $60 trillion invested in the +/- 1400 big cap companies on the BWI Index. The investment quality ratings and verbatim commentary are used by investors as measurements of investor demand. Corporate issuers use the findings for investor development purposes. The firm’s partners have formally presented at 1000+ C level strategy meetings and corporate off-sites in fifty cities. Brendan Wood founded the exclusive TopGun Club, a performance based recognition institution.

Disclaimer:

We wish to emphasize that all reports, evaluations and assessments contained herein, are based on information obtained by us in our research/investigations. Most of the factual information has been obtained by us from third parties, investment professionals, on whose responses we have relied in good faith, independent verification by Brendan Wood International being, under the circumstances, impossible. Wherever possible Brendan Wood International avoids subjective judgement and opinions. However, any such inferences are based on our years of experience and on information obtained by us in the course of our research. While we believe that you will find our reports to be an invaluable tool in formulating your own strategies and judgments, the foregoing should be borne in mind. This report is not meant as investment advice and should not be interpreted as advising on the value of a company’s securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling any company’s securities or any other conclusion relating to investment/divestiture of a company’s securities. Finally, this report is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any company’s securities.