A search process for his successor will be initiated by the Board and led by UBM’s Chairman, Dame Helen Alexander. David will remain as UBM’s CEO while this search takes place as part of an orderly transition.
David joined UBM as CEO in 2005 and has led the transformation of UBM from a broad media conglomerate focused primarily on the UK and the US into an events and communications business with a significant proportion of its business in emerging markets.
Dame Helen Alexander, Chairman of UBM plc, said: “David has led the remarkable transformation of UBM into a focused, international events-led marketing communications business during a time of huge change in the media industry. He has successfully laid the foundations for UBM’s next phase of development.
David remains in charge and we are working closely together to ensure a good handover when the time comes.”
David Levin, CEO of UBM plc, said: “I have really enjoyed leading the transformation of UBM’s business over the past eight years, together with a great group of colleagues. During this time UBM has completed more than 100 acquisitions and more than a dozen disposals, and we have returned more than £900m of cash to shareholders. UBM’s two main businesses, Events and PR Newswire, offer significant opportunities for growth, both organic and by acquisition. UBM has built its businesses in the emerging markets of China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the ASEAN region while strengthening its largest position in the USA. This has been underpinned by a profound shift in UBM’s culture.
I feel that it is the right time to look for my next challenge. I look forward to the future and, in the meantime, it is business as usual.”
