Data defines new shape of the IRO.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: INVESTOR RELATIONS

A survey by the National Investor Relations Institute and Korn/Ferry International is drawing a new picture about the compensation, background and influence of Fortune 500 investor relations officers across the U.S.

Key findings from the IRO study's respondents are:

* At least four out of five IROs surveyed report to the CFO or the CEO.

* Almost half of respondents (43 percent) have responsibilities other than investor relations--including financial media relations, corporate communications and financial analysis.

* Fifty-five percent of respondents earn an annual base salary of more than $200,000, and 43 percent receive an annual cash bonus of more than $100,000. The largest segment (57 percent) said they have a target annual cash bonus of 26 to 50 percent.

* Approximately three-quarters of the respondents also receive stock options and or restricted stock/units as the equity portion of their compensation. Other widespread benefits include deferred compensation plans (53 percent) and medical...