YouGov Appoints Ian Griffiths as Permanent Chair

February 18, 2026 – Market research firm YouGov Plc has named Ian Griffiths as its permanent chair, succeeding Deborah Davis, who had been serving in the role on an interim basis since February 2025. The appointment was announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Leadership Transition

Deborah Davis stepped down as Chair and from the Board with immediate effect, having joined the Board in June 2024. She initially took on the Chair role on an interim basis in February 2025, providing leadership during a period of strategic refocus for the company. YouGov expressed its appreciation for her contributions during this transition period .

Ian Griffiths’ Background and Experience

Ian Griffiths joined the YouGov Board in September 2025 and will likewise chair the Nomination Committee. He will continue to be a member of both the Audit & Risk Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

Griffiths brings extensive experience to the role, currently serving as a Non-Executive Director for BBC Commercial Ltd and an Independent Non-Executive Director for Stanley Gibbons Baldwins Ltd. Previously, he held the positions of Deputy CEO and CFO at Kantar from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he was CFO and COO of ITV plc for over a decade, and also served as CFO of EMAP plc.

Industry Reaction

Belinda Richards, Senior Independent Director, stated, “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Deborah for her exceptional leadership and commitment to the Company. Ian has already demonstrated the value he brings to the Board through his industry knowledge and wealth of experience and I am confident that he will continue to deliver this in his enhanced role as Chair.”

Deborah Davis commented, “It has been a privilege to serve on the Board and as Chair on an interim basis. I have greatly valued working with Stephan and the wider Board and wish the Company every success for the future.”