Appointments

The CEO of YouGov plc has left the company with immediate effect after its share price more than halved during his 18 months in charge.

The international research and data analytics group said it had agreed to part ways with Steve Hatch, a former Meta executive who took the role in 2023 as Stephan Shakespeare moved up to non-executive chair following a decade in the position.

Shakespeare co-founded the online research data and analytics technology group with Nadhim Zahawi – who would go on to become Chancellor and Conservative Party chairman – in 2000.

He has now taken up the role of CEO again on an interim basis while the company, which is headquartered and listed in London, begins the search for a successor.

Deborah Davis, who joined the board last year, has been appointed as non-executive chair on an interim basis. 

In 2023 YouGov raised £51.2m in a new share placing after agreeing a £300m acquisition.

Further acquisitions followed in January 2024 in the form of US firm KnowledgeHound then, in a €315m deal, the consumer panel services of GfK GmbH.

As its share price slipped, YouGov acquired generative AI company Yabble later in the year.

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Its share price has dropped from around 950p when Hatch took over as CEO to around 360p today. The company’s market cap stands around £420m.

“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,” said Shakespeare.

“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.”

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.”

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