Directorate Change

YouGov, the international research and data analytics group, today announces the following changes to the composition of the Board of Directors:

The Board and Steve Hatch have mutually agreed that he will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Stephan Shakespeare, currently non-executive Chair of the Board and co-founder of YouGov, will be appointed as CEO on an interim basis, with immediate effect. 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.

To maintain YouGov's high standards of corporate governance and the Board's oversight and scrutiny of strategy and growth plans, Deborah Davis is appointed as non-executive Chair of the Board on an interim basis. Deborah joined YouGov's Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee in June 2024. Deborah is a Chartered Director (CDir) and an experienced Non-Executive Director with a track record across FTSE, AIM, and private equity boards. As former Chair of the listed plc Diaceutics, she has extensive board expertise in fintech, financial services, technology and social enterprises including the Institute of Directors.

Andrea Newman, Non-Executive Director, is appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Andrea has been a member of the Board and Remuneration Committee since 2017.

It is also planned that a new independent Non-Executive Director (NED) will be appointed in due course, and this search will commence later in FY25.

The Board will provide updates in respect of the CEO and NED recruitment processes in due course.

Stephan Shakespeare, CEO, commented: "On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Steve Hatch for his commitment and support over the past 18 months, especially during a challenging time for the Company. Steve played a crucial role in building and leading a strong leadership team and ensuring a smooth integration of the CPS acquisition. The Board and YouGov team wish him every success in his future endeavours. I look forward to returning to the role of CEO on an interim basis and to working with the broader leadership team as we execute against YouGov's strategy to drive growth in the medium term."

Steve Hatch commented: "My sincere thanks to all at YouGov for their hard work and inspiration over the last 18 months. It is the right time for a change and I wish Stephan, the Board and all at YouGov the very best for the future."

Deborah Davis, Chair of the Board, commented: "I'm honoured to lead the Board through this transitional period and will focus on maintaining my strong relationship with Stephan and driving strategic alignment between the Board and the executive team. My priority will be to continue to foster collaboration and ensure decisions create lasting value for all stakeholders."

YouGov /Research Reality