Nielsen to Reduce Headcount to Early 2022 Levels

Following last month's news that Nielsen is restructuring its business into three global units, and the departure of five of the firm's senior managers, the company has confirmed it is reducing total headcount to 'roughly in line with where it was a year ago'.

In October, Nielsen was sold to a private equity consortium in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $16 billion. At the end of December, online publication AdAge confirmed that Nielsen would be splitting into three units - Nielsen Audience Measurement, Nielsen Analytics and Gracenote, and that as a result several senior execs would be leaving. A Nielsen spokesperson has since told Television News Daily that after the restructuring, total headcount will be reduced in an effort to prioritize investments in the company's panel, product quality, and technical innovation.

Earlier this week, Inside Radio magazine reported that scores of layoffs are planned at Nielsen, as part of a 'sweeping reduction' in staffing levels. Those included are SVP of Audio Customer Solutions Bill Rose, who spent a combined 42 years at Nielsen and Arbitron; Bruce Supovitz, SVP, Sales Director of National Audio Services with a combined 27 years at the two companies; and SVP, Sales Director, Western Region David Chipman, who will leave after 22 years. Last month, it was reported that Nielsen Audio MD Brad Kelly would be leaving the firm as part of the company's 'executive shake-up', and it has since been confirmed that Catherine Herkovic, EVP/MD of Local Television, will add the Audio division to her list of responsibilities, leading Nielsen's North America Audio and Local TV business.

According to several sources, the layoffs will affect hundreds of people across all departments, although the actual number of affected employees is not known. In a memo to employees obtained by Inside Radio, Nielsen CEO David Kenny, described the move as a 'painful business decision'.

Web site: www.nielsen.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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