Mitch Barns To Be Nielsen’s Next CEO, David Calhoun To Assume Role Of Executive Chairman

New CEO

NIELSEN HOLDINGS N.V. TODAY announced that effective JAN. 1st, 2014, DWIGHT M. (“MITCH”) BARNS will succeed DAVID L. CALHOUN as CEO, reporting to the Board of Directors. BARNS is a 28-year marketing veteran who has spent the last 16 years at NIELSEN.

CALHOUN will become Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, at which time NIELSEN’s current Chairman of the Board, JAMES M. KILTS, will step down as Chairman but will remain a Board Member.

“NIELSEN is successfully implementing its global strategy, and the time is right to name the next leader to take the company to its next phase of growth,” said CALHOUN. “MITCH’s strong track record at the helm of a number of key NIELSEN business units around the world –- combined with his vision and commitment to our strategic plan –- puts the company on solid footing for continued global expansion and value creation,” he added. “I will continue to remain invested in MITCH’s success in my new role.”

"I am honored by this opportunity to serve NIELSEN as its CEO, and I am thankful for the Board’s vote of confidence," said BARNS. “Throughout my 16 years at this company, I’ve been privileged to work side-by-side with talented leaders and associates in NIELSEN businesses across the world. I look forward to continuing our work together to anticipate client needs with ongoing innovation and expand our footprint in developing markets, while consistently delivering growth and enhancing shareholder value," he added.

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