How do they track company results vs. industry, assess and gather market share information, and monitor industry trends and economic data? How do they create and dissect peer analyst reports, even gather news coverage and other sources of information that depict the financial market’s overall views?  Are there common characteristics and practices that define a successful Competitive Intelligence program?  How can your program be more effective and efficient, while generating strategic value for your company? 

 

Panelists: 

	Michael Ciarmoli Director, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey   Mike joined the Capital Goods Equity Research Team at SunTrust in 2016 as a Director covering companies in the Aerospace and Defense sector. He has more than nine years of experience as a senior research analyst, most recently serving as an Executive Director at KeyBanc, with prior experience at Boenning & Scattergood and Emerging Growth Equities.   Mike received his MBA from Drexel University, and completed his undergraduate degree in Finance at Villanova University.
	Oona McCullough Director of Investor Relations, Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN)   Oona joined URBN in 2010 as Director of Investor Relations, where she is responsible for overseeing the Investor Relations function. Most recently, corporate communications has been added to her role. In this capacity, Oona manages external and internal communications for URBN.   Oona has nearly 20 years of experience in capital markets research and strategy. Her experience has enhanced the company’s ability to effectively communicate to shareholders and the investment community. Prior to URBN, she was a Vice President at BlackRock, Inc., where she performed equity research on the consumer sector, focusing on the specialty retail industry. Oona holds a B.A. from Wellesley College and a MBA from NYU Stern School of Business
	Christiane Pelz VP, Investor Relations at Five Below   Christiane has a wide breadth of experience in the finance arena: Investor relations, investment banking (mergers & acquisitions, IPOs), private banking, venture capital, private equity, business development/strategy. Prior to joining Five Below in August 2016, she held investor relations and risk management positions at Shutterfly and Safeway.    Christiane has worked internationally in banking and holds dual passports in the US and EU.  She holds an MBA in Finance and a master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania/Wharton School.