Future plc has unveiled a boardroom reshuffle alongside full-year results that show the specialist media group’s revenue and EBITDA dropping slightly.
The FTSE-listed owner of titles spanning tech, gaming, homes and lifestyle said chair Richard Huntingford will step down after the annual general meeting in February 2026, ending an eight-year stint leading the board.
Huntingford joined in December 2017 and became chair two months later, steering the business through rapid international expansion and a shift towards data-led digital publishing.
He will be replaced by Mark Brooker (pictured, main image), currently a senior independent non-executive director, who has more than three decades of experience across capital markets and platform businesses, with senior executive roles at Betfair and Trainline, and has sat on Future’s board since October 2020.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our thanks to Richard for his leadership over the past eight years,” said chief executive Kevin Li Ying.
“Richard has brought a wealth of knowledge, oversight and dedication to the group.
“I’m delighted that Mark will take on the role of chair. His knowledge of the business, and data and platform businesses more widely, will be of real value.”
Huntingford added: “Future is a fantastic business, filled with talented teams across the organisation.
“I have greatly enjoyed my role as chair, supporting the leadership team as they have shaped the group to best position it for the next chapter of its story.
“Mark will bring a depth of expertise and experience as chair, and I am confident the group will deliver long-term value for stakeholders.”
The announcements were made as the London-based company published its annual results.
Revenue fell 6% year-on-year to £739.2 million, while adjusted EBITDA slipped 7% to £223.4m and adjusted operating profit dropped 8% to £205.4m.
Despite lower profits, adjusted diluted earnings per share edged down just 1% to 123p, helped by ongoing share buybacks.
Future returned £99.5m to shareholders during the year, almost all through repurchases, and said it is stepping that up again, as the dividend has been increased fivefold to 17p and a new £30m buyback has been launched.
Operating profit fell 9% to £121.9m and profit before tax slipped 11% to £91.9m.
On the results, Li Ying said: “I am pleased to report a resilient performance in line with expectations, delivered against a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Future expects modest organic revenue growth in FY26 with a stable adjusted EBITDA margin of around 30%.
Medium-term, it is targeting sustainable revenue growth of 2-4% and cash conversion around 95%.