YouGov turns to former CEO Shakespeare as Hatch departs immediately

YouGov PLC on Tuesday said it delivered ‘modest’ half-year growth, as the research and data analytics firm announced Chief Executive Officer Steve Hatch will step down immediately.

The London-based research and data analytics company said Stephan Shakespeare, currently non-executive chair, will take on the role of interim CEO.

Hatch stepped down by mutual agreement, YouGov said.

‘The board will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO. Stephan previously held the position of CEO for over 10 years until July 2023 and is taking on the role on an interim basis to ensure continued execution of the strategic plan, support an orderly transition and allow adequate time to recruit the right candidate for the CEO position,’ YouGov added.

Deborah Davis has been made interim non-executive chair.

For the financial half-year ended January 31, YouGov announced ‘modest growth on an underlying basis’.

It added: ‘Our Data Products division has returned to low-single-digit growth on an underlying basis, owing to stable renewal rates and good performance within our media agencies sector. Our Research division also saw low-single-digit growth on an underlying basis during the period, as continued momentum in the technology sector and strong growth with academic institutions was offset by declines in government spending during elections and sustained weakness in the gaming sector.’

YouGov expects modest year-on-year revenue growth on a reported basis over the course of the second-half.

The company will release its half-year results on March 31.

YouGov shares rose 0.3% to 363.00 pence each on Tuesday morning in London.

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