In this episode of Enquire, Clara Melia speaks with Brian Lantz, Vice President of Investor Relations and Communications at Ferguson Enterprises and previously Fortune Brands Innovations. He is also the founder of Clarity Financial Communications. With over 40 years of commercial, financial, and IR experience across major corporate transformations, Brian brings deep operational and strategic expertise on how companies navigate high-stakes market changes.

A central focus of the discussion is the strategic role of IR during IPOs, spin-offs, and carve-outs. Drawing from his experience leading Hanesbrands’ spin-off from Sara Lee Corporation, Brian breaks down why appointing IR late in the IPO process is a critical mistake. He outlines why IR must be embedded from day one to shape a holistic equity story, educate leadership on setting realistic guidance, and help management learn to wear “two hats”, balancing operational leadership with communicating a compelling investment case.