Global education publisher Pearson appoints Andy Bird as CEO


08/24/2020

Andy Bird will be replacing current CEO, John Fallon, and will assume the role from October 19, 2020.



On Monday, Pearson, a global education publisher, stated, it has appointed Andy Bird, as its new CEO.
 
Bird is a media veteran who ran the international arm of The Walt Disney Company. He will commence his job from October 19; Pearson’s current CEO, John Fallon will continue in his role until that date, following which he will step down from the board and remain as an adviser until the end of 2020.
 
In recent years, Pearson, a British company, has slashed thousands of jobs and has undergone restructuring following rapid moves to digital sales, which in turn has sparked several profit warnings.
 
However, it is one of the few big companies to have retained its dividend payout to shareholders, despite the battering of the COVID-19 pandemic and has managed to turn a disadvantage to its advantage thanks to rapid acceleration to digital learning as schools and colleges remain shut.
 
Currently, Bird is a non-executive director. He was appointed no the board on May 1, 2020.
“Because of (Bird’s) experience and skills, he is extremely well placed to continue the transformation of Pearson, leading it to a new era of growth and enhancing value for all our shareholders,” said Chairman Sidney Taurel.



References:
reuters.com