The Board of Pearson plc announced the appointment of Omar Abbosh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective early 2024. Omar Abbosh will succeed Andy Bird, who has decided to retire as CEO of Pearson. Omar Abbosh is a highly regarded global leader with over 30 years of experience in enterprise technology driving substantial growth, strategy and transformation for leading multinational companies.

He has a deep understanding of the dynamic business and technology landscape having helped to shape and execute successful strategies in a world of disruption. Omar is President of Microsoft's Industry Solutions business with direct responsibility for driving sales, service and solutions across Microsoft's largest global customers. He leads industry and technical business units including strategy, engineering, partnering and sales teams that shape product road maps and strategic campaigns across industries.

Prior to Microsoft, he spent three decades at Accenture in numerous senior leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and ultimately as Chief Executive of the global Communications, Technology and Media business. Omar also serves as a member of the Board of Zuora Inc, a NYSE listed, enterprise SaaS company.