Kantar CEO Alexis Nasard Steps Down

Kantar Chief Executive Alexis Nasard has stepped down after just four months in the role. Deputy CEO Ian Griffiths will lead the company until a new appointment is made.

Nasard (pictured) took up the position on 30th December, following the departure of former CEO Eric Salama, who left after WPP sold a 60% stake in Kantar to private equity firm Bain Capital. Nasard has nearly 30 years' experience in the FMCG and retail sectors, and before joining was CEO of footwear manufacturer Bata Group, having earlier spent six years at Heineken, latterly as President of Western Europe Business and Global CMO; and seventeen years in a variety of marketing and general management roles at Procter & Gamble.

According to Sky News, senior Kantar executives were informed of Nasard's departure yesterday afternoon. In a statement, Kantar said he had decided to step down after a period of discussion with the Board, having concluded that 'the nature of the Kantar role is not the long-term fit he and the Board had anticipated'. Kantar Chairman Adam Crozier added: 'I thank Alexis for the positive contribution he made to Kantar. The company has made a strong start to 2021'. Last week Kantar agreed to acquire Chicago-based consumer and market intelligence company Numerator for $1.5 billion.

Web site: www.kantar.com .