Mike Eastwood appointed
CFO
TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2020 /CNW/ -- Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE:
TRI) today announced that Steve
Hasker has been appointed president and chief executive
officer, succeeding Jim Smith, the
current president and chief executive officer.
As part of his new role, Hasker has also been appointed to the
Thomson Reuters Board of Directors, with Smith stepping down as a
director.
The company also announced that Mike
Eastwood, senior vice president and head of corporate
finance, will succeed Stephane Bello
as current chief financial officer.
These appointments and organizational changes will be effective
March 15.
The announcement was made as the company reported it had met or
exceeded its annual earnings guidance for the eighth consecutive
year, achieving 4% organic revenue growth. The company also today
announced its 27th consecutive year of dividend
increases as part of its fourth-quarter and full-year 2019
results.
"This is the right time to pass the baton to the next generation
of leadership, given the continued success of our business and the
spin-off of our market data and trading operations," said Smith.
"The organization is on its firmest footing in years. The
foundation has been laid for continued success and Steve is
the right leader to take us forward. His deep expertise in
data, business information, technology and professional services is
just what we need to capitalize on the many opportunities the
future holds. I am confident handing over the reins and happy to
welcome him."
Smith will become chairman of the Thomson Reuters Foundation,
which focuses on media freedom, inclusive economies and access to
justice around the world. He will also provide transitional support
to the new CEO into 2021.
Hasker started his career with PwC, where he qualified as a
chartered accountant. He then received an MBA and master's degree
in international affairs from Columbia
University before spending more than a decade with McKinsey
as a partner in the global media, information and technology
practice.
Hasker went on to serve as global president and chief operating
officer of Nielsen before joining TPG - a global alternative asset
firm - first as CEO of its portfolio company, CAA Global, and then
as senior adviser to TPG Capital. He grew up in Australia and during his career he has lived
and worked across North America,
Europe and Asia. He has spent the last 25 years based in
the United States.
"Thomson Reuters is an impressive company that I have respected
for a long time, so I could not be more excited to join the team.
Building on this excellent foundation – a world-class business and
a culture of deep expertise and integrity – we have a great
opportunity to lead with customers as technology transforms working
life. Job one for me is to get on the ground and spend plenty of
time with our customers and employees," said Hasker.
Current CFO Stephane Bello will
become vice chairman of Thomson Reuters with responsibility for
overseeing its investment in Refinitiv, which is expected
to be sold to London Stock Exchange Group plc in the second
half of the year. In his new role, Bello will
oversee strategy, commercial excellence and business
development and support the CFO transition into 2021.
Eastwood has worked at Thomson Reuters for more than two
decades, operating as senior vice president and head of corporate
finance since 2016. He has played an integral role in creating the
"new" Thomson Reuters following the company's sale of a majority
interest in Refinitiv in 2018. Eastwood was formerly chief
operating officer of Thomson Reuters Latin America, CFO of the
Intellectual Property & Science business (which was sold in
2016) and has also held several senior roles within the finance
organization.
David Thomson, chairman of the
Thomson Reuters board of directors said, "We are deeply grateful
for Jim's service and long career with Thomson Reuters. Jim and
Stephane have led the recent transformation which has positioned
the company to realize its potential into the future. I am pleased
they will continue to assist with the transition. The succession
process has been both deliberate and collaborative. Steve Hasker is known for being innovative, with
immense integrity, intellect and people skills. Mike is an
operator with solid judgment and experience. Our future remains in
fine hands under Steve, his seasoned executives and a group
of dedicated professionals on the broader team."
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information
services. Our products include highly specialized
information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting
and compliance professionals combined with the world's most global
news service – Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters,
visit tr.com and for the latest world
news, reuters.com.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking,
including Mr. Smith's, Mr. Hasker's and Mr. Thomson's comments.
While the company believes that it has a reasonable basis for
making forward-looking statements in this news release, they are
not a guarantee of future performance or outcomes and there is no
assurance that events described in any forward-looking statement
will materialize. Forward-looking statements are subject to a
number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause
actual results or events to differ materially from current
expectations, including other factors discussed in materials that
Thomson Reuters from time to time files with, or furnishes to, the
Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission. Many of these risks, uncertainties and
assumptions are beyond our company's control and the effects of
them can be difficult to predict. You are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect
expectations only as of the date of this news release. Except as
may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements.
CONTACTS
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MEDIA
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INVESTORS
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David
Crundwell
Head of Corporate
Affairs
+44 79 0989
8605
david.crundwell@tr.com
|
Frank J.
Golden
Head of Investor
Relations
+1 646 223
5288
frank.golden@tr.com
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SOURCE Thomson Reuters