Revolving door: Kantar’s third boss in 18 months is BT CEO’s bro
Kantar has tapped the brother of BT’s chief executive as its new boss, marking yet another leadership change at the media giant following its takeover by Bain Capital.
The market research group today said Chris Jansen, brother of BT’s Philip Jansen, will take the reins from 1 November.
The appointment comes less than 18 months after Bain, the US private equity firm that bought a controlling stake in Kantar from WPP for $4bn in 2019, abruptly ousted long-serving chief executive Eric Salama.
He was replaced by former Heineken executive Alexis Nasard, who took over in January.
But Nasard left Kantar after less than four months in the role. One source said the board had decided he would not be a good “long-term fit”.
The mantle will now pass to Jansen, who currently serves as chief executive of international private schools group Cognita.
Jansen, who has a background in fast-moving consumer goods marketing, has a track record of leading private equity-owned businesses.
Prior to Cognita he led the AA to a stock market flotation in 2014 and has held leadership roles and board positions at British Airways and British Gas.
Adam Crozier, Kantar chairman and deputy chief executive, 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. As we continue on our transformation journey at Kantar, and build on our recent business momentum, Chris’ leadership will be instrumental in fulfilling the ambition that we have for Kantar.”
The appointment comes ahead of the expected closure of Kantar’s takeover of US rival Numerator in a deal understood to be worth around $1.4bn.
The merger reflects efforts by Kantar’s new private equity owners to expand the technology side of its business.