15 December 2015
Dubai - The Middle East Investor Relations Society (MEIRS) has appointed Alex MacDonald-Vitale, who has headed regional IR at HSBC Middle East for the past five years, as its new Chairman for the region. Alex replaces Oliver Schutzmann, who has been Chairman since 2014.Oliver will remain active with MEIRS as Board Member.

Speaking of his appointment, Clemence Piot, General Manager, MEIRS, said:"The role of Investor Relations (IR) has become increasingly important in driving economic growth for the region and weare pleased to welcome Alex as the new Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society. The appointment comes at a crucial time, as we work to help further develop the IR profession and evolution of the region's capital markets and its economy."

MEIRS, an independent and non-profit organisation, aims to enhance the reputation of the Middle East's capital markets through upholding international best practice across the investor relations ("IR") profession. Working alongside and supporting regional stock exchanges and regulators, MEIRS seeks to improve the efficiency of Middle East capital markets and is the only organization providing accreditation for the IR profession in the region.

Alex has been working with HSBC in Dubai since 2010, heading the Bank's investor relations department for the MENA region. Prior to that, he worked with HSBC's associate SABB, where he established the first bank Investor Relations function in Saudi Arabia. Alex has worked closely with MEIRS since 2010, leading on the Regulatory Development Committee and other initiatives.

"I am honoured to be taking a leadership role in MEIRS, and to continue supporting members and stakeholders in upholding best practice in corporate governance and IR across the Middle East. I look forward to further developing MEIRS' regional footprint, providing a dynamic platform to support and enable our membership to meet the rapidly evolving demands of regulation and market practice." said MacDonald-Vitale, Chairman, MEIRS.

About the Middle East Investor Relations Society
The Middle East Investor Relations Society (MEIRS) is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Investor Relations profession and industry standards. Our mission is to enhance the reputation, efficiency and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets. 

We are committed to fostering increased dialogue among our members and encourage them to share and adopt best practice techniques within the field of IR. In partnership with stock exchanges, regulators and other market participants, the Society supports companies through its professional development, certification and membership programme as well as its community network and chapter organisation. 

For more information relating to events, membership, education, training, sponsorship or media opportunities please contact:
Clemence Piot
General Manager, Middle East Investor Relations Society
cpiot@me-irsociety.com 
+971561364661

All information is also published on www.me-irsociety.com     

About Investor Relations
The National Investor Relations Institute defines IR as "a strategic management responsibility that integrates finance, communication, marketing and regulatory rules, and compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company and the financial community, which ultimately contributes to a company's securities achieving fair valuation". The increase in importance of IR roles has been attributed to continuing globalization of financial markets and the further complexity this adds to regulations and legalities. IR roles have been linked to having a significant effect on attracting investment and reducing a company's cost of capital.

© Press Release 2015