Kantar names new CEO

Jansen (pictured) is currently the chief executive of global schools group Cognita, a role he has held for the past six years.

Before joining Cognita, Jansen was chief executive of the Automobile Association (AA), leading the company’s stock market floatation in 2014.

He started his career at Procter & Gamble, and holds board positions at British Gas and British Airways.

Jansen’s appointment follows the resignation of Alexis Nasard as chief executive of Kantar in April after four months in the post, with the company saying both sides mutually decided he was not the right “long-term fit”.

Nasard joined Kantar on 30th December 2020, replacing Eric Salama, who departed Kantar in February 2020 following WPP’s sale of 60% of the company to private equity firm Bain Capital in December 2019.

Adam Crozier, chairman of Kantar, said: “Chris’ track record of building great companies, as well as his entrepreneurial and competitive spirit, further strengthens the leadership team we have been building over the past 18 months.

“Chris is a highly people-centric leader who understands the importance a strong culture plays in delivering outstanding results.”

Jansen said: “I am really looking forward to working very closely with the Kantar team. We have an exciting future ahead, as we continue to embrace advanced analytics and the latest technology in order to better serve our clients.”