Q4 appoints Lewis Black as CEO & founder Darrell Heaps as Chairman
Q4 has announced a strategic reshaping of its executive leadership, appointing Lewis Black as Chief Executive Officer and transitioning founder Darrell Heaps to the role of Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer.
Lewis Black joins Q4 with extensive experience across the technology, software, communications and finance sectors, having previously held senior leadership roles with SolarWinds, Actian, Vonage's Nexmo division, Citrix and AT&T. Black's career spans over twenty years, with a background in driving operational transformation and growth at software companies.
Darrell Heaps, who founded Q4 and served as CEO since its inception, will now focus on long-term strategy, product development and innovation, particularly in areas involving artificial intelligence, as well as strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. Heaps emphasised the strategic intent behind the leadership transition.
This evolution represents the natural next step in Q4's growth journey. As we scale, the future requires both visionary leadership and operational excellence. This structure allows me to dedicate my energy to what I am most passionate about: AI innovation, strategy and partnerships. Lewis brings the operational expertise to ensure we execute at the highest level. I am more confident than ever in Q4's future and the opportunities ahead for our customers, partners and employees.
Lewis Black commented on his appointment, stating his focus will be on operational execution and maintaining service consistency for clients and partners.
I am honored to build on the incredible foundation Darrell and the Q4 team have created. Q4 is uniquely positioned to lead investor relations into the future through its AI-powered IR Ops platform, unmatched client base and strong culture. My focus will be on disciplined execution, enhancing operational capabilities, and ensuring we deliver consistently for customers and partners. Together with Darrell, I am confident we will continue to build on the company's momentum.
Industry recognition
Q4 has reported significant business growth and recent product milestones. The company has introduced Q, which it describes as the first IRO Agent, offering real-time AI-powered insights and automation to investor relations officers. The company claims to have achieved over 50% growth in bookings and more than 150% growth in annual recurring revenue from AI platform sales, attributed to its portfolio of AI-enabled products.
Recent product launches and enhancements have led to industry recognition. Q4 received three honours at the 2025 American Business Awards: the Gold Stevie Award for best "New Product: Financial Services," the Silver Stevie Award for best "New Technology: AI Solution – Financial," and the People's Choice Stevie Award for "Favourite New Product: Financial Services." In addition, Q4 has been acknowledged for customer service through the Best in Biz Awards and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.
The company reports that its AI-powered solutions have delivered tangible returns to client organisations, including a reported 212% return on investment and an annual time saving of up to 1,100 hours for investor relations teams.
Board perspective
Mark Haller, Managing Director at Sumeru Equity Partners and a member of Q4's Board of Directors, commented on the executive transition and Q4's position in the marketplace.
Q4 has consistently redefined investor relations by anticipating the future needs of issuers and investors. This leadership evolution positions the company to fully capitalize on its generative AI breakthroughs and extend its position as a category leader in AI-driven investor relations. We look forward to partnering with Lewis and Darrell in this exciting next chapter.
Platform and client base
Q4 reports that it provides services to more than 2,600 public companies globally, including over half of the S&P 500. The firm's IR Ops platform supports a range of functions, from IR website management and earnings events to customer relationship management, market surveillance and AI-driven applications such as Q and the AI Earnings Co-Pilot, aimed at automating and summarising financial results.
According to the company, Q4 helps investor relations teams by offering real-time insights, automation and strategic support, with its platform intended to streamline workflows and facilitate decision-making.
