Sanoma Corporation, Stock Exchange Release, 31 October 2013 at 8:55 CET+1
Sanoma has appointed John Martin as new CEO of Sanoma Learning. He will succeed Sanoma Learning's current CEO Jacques Eijkens in the first quarter of 2014.
"Under the leadership of Jacques Eijkens Sanoma Learning has developed very positively into one of the most advanced and profitable learning companies in Europe," states Harri-Pekka Kaukonen, President and CEO of Sanoma. "Sanoma Learning is now entering a new phase of growth and development, which makes it the right time for Jacques to step down. I want to thank Jacques for his excellent contribution and results during his time as CEO of Learning."
The Learning business is in the midst of transformation. The company’s focus is to expand from publishing to providing solutions and services. Sanoma will also look to accelerate growth by consolidation. In addition, tutoring and emerging markets offer considerable future opportunities.
Harri-Pekka Kaukonen: "I am convinced that John Martin is the right man to take on the transformation and growth of Sanoma Learning. I wish him good luck in continuing Sanoma Learning's success story."
John Martin has been Chief Strategy & Digital Officer (CSDO) at Sanoma since 2011. He is a member of Sanoma's Executive Management Group. Before 2011, he enjoyed great success in a similar role at Sanoma Learning.
Within consumer media, Sanoma will establish a new unit, Sanoma Digital, to create critical mass for speeding up the growth of digital services and developing digital competences, as well as to accelerate the commercialisation of innovations. The launch of Sanoma Digital is a natural progression from John Martin's role as CSDO. The start-up phase and readying Sanoma Digital to deliver on its strategic growth objectives is expected to be finalized when he will step up as CEO of Sanoma Learning in 2014. A search for the new leader of Sanoma Digital is underway.
Once Jacques Eijkens has stepped down as CEO of Sanoma Learning and member of Sanoma's Executive Management Group, he will continue to work at Sanoma. He will support John Martin in implementing the transition of Sanoma Learning, focusing on developing and implementing the transformation roadmap in selected operating companies.
Additional information Sanoma’s Investor Relations, Martti Yrjö-Koskinen, tel. +358 40 684 4643 or ir@sanoma.com
For media inquiries Sanoma’s Group Communications, Robin Janszen, tel. +31 6 2293 2643 or communications@sanoma.com
For media inquiries in Finland Sanoma’s Group Communications, Hanna Johde, tel. +358 40 673 8977 or hanna.johde@sanoma.com
Sanoma.com
Get the world. Sanoma helps people access and understand the world. Sanoma is a front runner in consumer media and learning in Europe. We employ around 10,000 professionals in more than 10 countries. In 2012, the Group’s net sales totalled EUR 2.4 billion. Sanoma’s share is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
