Informa Launches Search for New Chairman

Informa, a FTSE 100 events group, is initiating a search for its next chairman to succeed John Rishton. The company, with a market capitalization of around £11.3 billion, is working with headhunters to find a suitable replacement.

Background on John Rishton

John Rishton, a former chairman of the Rolls-Royce Group, joined Informa’s board in September 2016 and took over as chairman almost five years later. He is expected to step down in 2027, after serving as director for nearly 11 years.

Informa’s Recent Growth

Informa has a large data division that is responsible for a significant portion of its recent growth. The company’s assets previously included historic maritime news and analysis service, which claims to be the world’s longest-running business newspaper.

CEO’s Recent Move

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the company’s chief executive, had moved his residence to Dubai to reflect the company’s rapid growth prospects in the Gulf region. This move, combined with the ongoing search for a new chairman, makes it increasingly likely that the chief executive will extend his current 12-year term by at least another two years.

Current Developments

The search for a new chairman is being conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates, according to city sources. Informa declined to comment on the search for Mr Rishton’s successor. Shares in Informa closed at 885.2p on Monday.