Feels like Nielsen just handed almost 30 years of experience to the competitor and paid for the privelige. That’s PE management.
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@128 I know Tony. She was mainly the face of international business for the past 15 years. Kantar Media has just rebranded to Fifty5Blue, and they have already taken some international markets from Nielsen. Since Elliott doesnot really care about international markets, it is possible they sell some markets to generate more cash to demonstrate fake revenue growth, and she would be the best person to handle it from the buyer side.
@128 tells everything about the arrogance and myopia of the US Media business. So far up your own a-s in what you thought was a monopoly. Deserved decline. (From an ex global Nielsen leader
I worked in the NY corp office for 2 decades with all the big wigs and never heard of Toni. Looking at her linkedin, appears she was very much a behind the scenes person/and global. Not diminishing her impact or role in the industry but fact is you can have the best mouse trap in the business but if you can't sell it to the market (agencies/media sellers), nobody really cares. So we'll see what she does at Kantar. I wouldn't expect their market share to change much.
Thereis a clear difference in how H.I.G. Capital (new owner of Kantar Media) and Elliott Investment Management (owner of Nielsen) approach their media businesses.
Kantar Media (H.I.G.) appears focused on growth. Launching new platforms, expanding internationally, and investing in analytics and technology. Recent leadership hires also suggest long term operational commitment. The goal seems to be building real value and scaling the business before any future exit and not just financial restructuring.
Nielsen (Elliott), on the other hand, seems more focused on "optimizing operations" for profitability, with limited product innovation. With IPO discussions in the background, the priority is to be maximizing returns and cash in rather than long term expansion.
This difference in direction may help explain why senior leaders like Toni chose to leave Nielsen and why Kantar Media brought her in to support its growth strategy.
Staying at Nielsen at this point is either "being the d-mbest person in the world" or "too close to retirement to wander around".
Happy for the talented individuals who are finding where to apply their talents!
One of the best leaders and talents in the company. We are very happy for her. She will be for sure replaced with another indian that knows absolutely nothing about the market
Nielsen has lost some amazing talent and great people! Anybody that hires them will be better off!
I am enjoying watching this sinking ship!
The PE firms have put Nielsen close to its end state. They are extracting the last drop of blood before they dump the near rotten leftovers in an overpriced IPO.
Yes, of course. Nielsen has become remarkably efficient at handing over its best talent to competitors — along with entire markets that they’re clearly delighted to inherit.