BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, announced that James “Jim” Peck, former Chief Executive Officer of global information and insights company TransUnion, will become CEO of NielsenIQ upon completion of the proposed sale of the Nielsen Global Connect business to Advent. Nielsen Holdings plc announced the sale of Nielsen Global Connect to Advent on November 1, and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. As previously announced, Nielsen Global Connect will be renamed NielsenIQ in early 2021.
David Rawlinson, CEO of Nielsen Global Connect, will continue to lead the company until the transaction closes and then will become a member of the board of directors of the newly separate and independent NielsenIQ. Peck will also join the NielsenIQ board.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the new NielsenIQ in the next phase of the company’s growth story,” said Peck. “The company has empowered global CPGs with trusted data, solutions and analytics for decades and continues to innovate to deliver sharper, smarter insights to its customers and partners. I’m excited to work with David, the talented leadership team and our partners at Advent to build on the company’s many successes and position NielsenIQ for the future.”
“I am humbled by my time at Nielsen Global Connect and the incredible associates who have taught me so much. I took over as CEO to separate the company from Nielsen Media, jumpstart its turnaround and work with the Nielsen Board to find the right path to independence. We are happy with the results of this effort, including delivering a third quarter where we achieved double-digit EBITDA growth and the strongest margins in years, while releasing a new brand and earning an investment from a top-tier firm like Advent. I am thrilled to lead the company through this transition and to complete the process by placing it into the hands of a renowned, world-class leader like Jim Peck after the proposed transaction closes,” said Rawlinson.
“I believe that Jim’s extensive leadership experience, track record of success and commitment to growth will propel NielsenIQ to success as an independent company. His depth of knowledge in the data and analytics space and proven ability to execute against a long-term strategy will allow the company to accelerate its ongoing business transformation and drive sustained growth,” continued Rawlinson.
As the CEO of TransUnion, Peck created a blueprint for success, leading the company’s transformation into a market leader in innovation, driven by organic growth programs, tech re-platforming and more than 15 strategic transactions. During his tenure, TransUnion outperformed the market and increased in enterprise value from approximately $3 billion in 2012 to more than $16 billion in 2019. Earlier this year, Advent announced a partnership with Peck to acquire businesses with growth potential in the data, analytics and information services space.
Rawlinson joined Nielsen Global Connect after an eight-year tenure with W.W. Grainger, Inc., where he served for four years as the President of its Global Online Business. While President at Grainger, his digitally-focused, global e-commerce unit grew double digits every year and won multiple national awards for workplace culture. He remains on the Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE:NLSN) board of directors. Before his corporate career, Rawlinson served as a White House Fellow and in appointed positions for the George W. Bush and Obama Administrations. In the Bush Administration, Rawlinson was a leader of the outgoing transition. In the Obama Administration, he served as Senior Advisor for Economic Policy at the White House National Economic Council. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Citadel, a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s in Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
Peck retired as the CEO of TransUnion in May 2019 and recently ended his role as board member and advisor. He joined TransUnion in 2012 when it was owned by Advent and Goldman Sachs. As CEO, he led the company’s successful IPO in 2015. Prior to TransUnion, Peck oversaw growth at LexisNexis while serving as CEO of Risk Solutions from 2004 to 2012. Peck also served as SVP and Chief Product Officer of LexisNexis from 2001 to 2004. Peck serves on the Board of Directors of Sun Life, CCC Information Services, an Advent portfolio company, and Neoway. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and an M.B.A. from The Ohio State University.
About Advent International
Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 350 private equity transactions in 41 countries, and as of September 30, 2020, had $66.2 billion in assets under management. With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 200 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology. After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies.
For more information, visit www.adventinternational.com or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international.
