Informa PLC, the FTSE-100 listed events and data group, has officially commenced the process to find a new chairman, marking a significant shift in its boardroom leadership. Sky News has learned that the company, which owns the historic Lloyd's List maritime publication, is working with headhunters to identify a successor for John Rishton.
The Search for Leadership
The hunt for a new chairman is being handled by the executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates. John Rishton, a former chief executive of Rolls-Royce Group, joined the Informa board in September 2016 and assumed the role of chairman in 2021. According to sources close to the process, he is expected to step down in 2027, which would mark nearly 11 years of service as a director of the company.
Strategic Context and Growth
This leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for Informa, which boasts a market capitalisation of approximately £11.3 billion. The company, known for major events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and World of Concrete, has seen substantial recent growth driven by its large data division. Its portfolio includes the iconic Lloyd's List, reputed to be the world's longest-running business newspaper.
In a related strategic move, it emerged earlier this year that the company's group chief executive, Lord Stephen Carter, had relocated his residency to Dubai. This shift underscores Informa's focus on capitalising on rapid growth prospects in the Gulf region. The dual developments of the chairman search and the CEO's relocation make it highly probable that Lord Carter will extend his current tenure, which has already lasted 12 years, by at least a further two years.
Market Reaction and Future Outlook
Informa declined to comment on the search for Mr Rishton's successor. On the day the news emerged, Monday 22 December 2025, shares in the company closed at 885.2p. The initiation of this succession plan highlights the company's focus on long-term corporate governance as it continues to expand its global footprint in both the events and business intelligence sectors.
