YouGov appoints permanent chair, Davis steps down
By Josh White
Date: Wednesday 18 Feb 2026
(Sharecast News) - YouGov announced on Wednesday that Deborah Davis had stepped down as chair and from the board with immediate effect, with Ian Griffiths appointed as permanent chair.
The AIM-traded research specialist said Davis joined the board in June 2024 and was appointed interim chair in February last year.
It said she had led the board during a period of leadership transition and supported the executive team as the business refocused on its strategic priorities.
"It has been a privilege to serve on the Board and as chair on an interim basis," Davis said.
Griffiths joined the board in September and would assume the role of chair with immediate effect.
YouGov said he would take over as chair of the nomination committee and remain a member of the audit and risk committee and the remuneration committee.
He is currently a non-executive director at BBC Commercial and an independent non-executive director at Stanley Gibbons Baldwins.
Griffiths previously served as deputy chief executive and chief financial officer of Kantar between 2020 and 2022, and before that was chief financial officer and chief operating officer of ITV for more than 10 years, having earlier been chief financial officer of EMAP.
"Deborah has played an important role on the board offering invaluable guidance during a period of significant change," Griffiths said.
"We thank her for her unwavering dedication as she stepped in as interim chair last year, helping to stabilise the business.
"It is clear that [founder and chief executive] Stephan [Shakespeare] has created a unique business and I very much look forward to partnering with him and the team in helping return this business to growth and delivering value for our shareholders."
At 0930 GMT, shares in YouGov were up 0.96% at 206.5p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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