The Canadian Investor Relations Institute has named Tom Enright to the position of president and CEO effective immediately, CIRI announced Thursday.

Enright will provide strategic leadership and direction to the organization in advancing the stature and credibility of the investor relations profession and the professional development of CIRI’s members, CIRI said in a release.

Enright recently retired from the position of President and CEO of CNW Group, a global leader in news and information distribution services. He was with CNW Group for 14 years and led that organization through a major expansion of electronic communication services for public companies Prior to joining CNW, Enright spent 15 years with the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Enright has been an active member and long time supporter of CIRI. In 2008, Tom was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in investor relations by IR Magazine. He is also the recipient of an Arbor Award from the University of Toronto and the first Honorary Chair of the University of Toronto at Scarborough, Mentorship Program.

“We are very pleased to have Tom Enright join CIRI. He is a highly respected opinion leader in the Canadian business community with a track record of leadership and innovation,” said Sharon Mathers, chairwoman of the national board of directors of CIRI.

Enright takes over the leadership of CIRI from Ian Bacque, who has resigned to pursue other opportunities.

CIRI is a professional, not-for-profit association of executives responsible for communication between public corporations, investors and the financial community.

IE