Aegis Names New Chairman

In the UK John Napier, the former CEO of market research agency AGB, will join Synovate parent Aegis as Non-Executive Chairman from mid-July, when he replaces Colin Sharman who is retiring after nearly nine years in the role.

Napier joins from the Royal & SunAlliance Group, where he has been Chairman since 2003. He has previously been Executive Chairman and then Chairman of the water utility Kelda, Chairman of cash and carry group Booker, and CEO of the recruitment group Hays. During the 1980s, he worked for AGB, before the firm was sold and the UK portion bought by Taylor Nelson (later to become TNS) - Nielsen bought the remaining share which it renamed AGB Nielsen Media Research.

'After a thorough search, we are delighted to have recruited John. In him, we have found someone with considerable board experience at the highest levels,' said Sharman. 'He is a proven chairman who has delivered to shareholders, and brings international business skills and familiarity with marketing services.'

Sharman added that he is proud that the firm has grown nearly four-fold under his tenure, and he is standing down from the Board knowing that shareholders' interests are in safe hands.

Aegis recently fended off a fifth attempt from French financier Vincent Bolloré to gain two seats on its Board. Earlier in the month Bolloré announced that he is unlikely to make a sixth attempt this year.

Web site: www.aegisplc.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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