REG - Hays PLC - CEO Appointment

HaysAnnouncement

24/08/2023 07:15

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RNS Number : 2678K  Hays PLC  24 August 2023

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL

LEI code:  213800QC8AWD4BO8TH08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
          24 August 2023

Hays plc

CEO appointment

Hays plc ("Hays" or the "Company"), the leading global specialist recruitment
company, today announces the appointment of Dirk Hahn as Chief Executive
Officer ("CEO") with effect from 1 September 2023. This follows the
announcement on 23 February 2023 that the Company had commenced a process to
identify a successor to Alistair Cox.

The appointment follows a  thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection
process led by the Nomination Committee of the Board, considering both
internal and external candidates.

Dirk is a long-standing member of the Hays Executive Board and is currently MD
of Hays Germany and CEMEA (Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa), where
he oversees around 5,500 employees. Having been with the Company for over 20
years, Dirk led the expansion of Hays' German business, which has grown to
become the Company's largest business representing over 30% of Group net fees.
During his tenure Dirk has held roles including CEO of Hays' GSCN (German
speaking countries and Nordics) where he doubled profits, and Group Head of
Strategy, as well as other senior positions internationally. In his early
career at Hays, Dirk ran the Information Technology and Engineering sectors
within Hays in Germany.

Andrew Martin, Chair, commented:

"I am delighted to announce Dirk's appointment as Hays' next CEO. He was the
standout candidate during our search process and brings extensive experience
across the group, demonstrating exceptional leadership in international roles
and building our German business into the success it is today. Dirk's
strategic approach and deep internal and external relationships will enable
Hays to continue executing on its growth plans, and I look forward to working
closely with him in his new role.

I would also like to thank Alistair for his leadership of the Company over the
past 16 years. During his tenure he has developed Hays into a global business
with offices in 33 countries, with a leading position in many of those
markets. The Company is well set for the next stage of its development, and I
wish him all the best for the future."

Alistair Cox, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Hays for the past 16 years and I
am extremely proud of what has been achieved, with our teams creating a global
leader in the recruitment sector and with significant further growth
potential. Having worked with Dirk throughout my tenure, he has been an
integral member of the senior leadership team and has a deep understanding of
the business, and I am confident he will make every success of the role."

 

Dirk Hahn, CEO designate, commented:

"It is a privilege to be appointed CEO of Hays, having been with the Company
for most of my career. Hays is a fantastic business with a leading global
footprint, deep sector expertise and a talented management team across the
group. It is an exciting time for the Company, which is well positioned for
continued growth in key markets and disciplines, and I look forward to
building on these strong foundations going forward."

Alistair Cox will step down as CEO and from the Board on  31 August 2023, and
will be available to Dirk and the business to ensure an orderly transition
until his notice period ends on 23 August 2024. Dirk Hahn will join the Board
on 1 September 2023.

Notes:

 

1.   There is no further information in respect of Dirk Hahn which would
require disclosure under Listing Rule 9.6.13.

 

2.   Dirk Hahn's remuneration arrangements have been set in accordance with
the Directors' Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM
and is also consistent with the Policy to be presented to shareholders at the
2023 AGM.   Dirk's remuneration package will comprise a salary of £620,000,
a pension in line with the rate applying to the majority of the workforce, of
4% of salary, an annual bonus opportunity of 150% of salary and a Performance
Share Plan award for 2023 of 200% of salary.   The Remuneration Policy will
be set out in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

 

3.   The information required to be disclosed under section 430(2B) of the
Companies Act 2006 in relation to Alistair Cox will be available on the
Company's website in due course.  Consistent with his contractual terms and
the Remuneration Policy, Alistair will be paid salary, pension and benefits in
the normal way until the expiry of his 12-month notice period on 23 August
2024.  As a good leaver Alistair will earn a pro rata FY24 bonus in relation
to the period worked in the business during the year, will retain his
outstanding deferred bonus awards and will retain a pro rata entitlement to
outstanding PSP awards, all subject to the relevant conditions. Alistair will
be bound by the post-cessation shareholding requirements in the Remuneration
Policy, requiring him to retain Hays shares for a minimum of 24 months
following his departure from the business.

 

 

For further information please contact:

Hays plc:

David Phillips      Head of Investor Relations     +44 (0) 333 010
7122

FGS Global:

Guy Lamming / Anjali Unnikrishnan at: hays@fgsglobal.com

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