DIRK HAHN APPOINTED AS CEO

Hays plc ("Hays" or the "Company"), the leading global specialist recruitment company, today announces the appointment of Dirk Hahn as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with effect from 1 September 2023. This follows the announcement on 23 February 2023 that the Company had commenced a process to identify a successor to Alistair Cox.

The appointment follows a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process led by the Nomination Committee of the Board, considering both internal and external candidates.
Dirk is a long-standing member of the Hays Executive Board and is currently MD of Hays Germany and CEMEA (Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa), where he oversees around 5,500 employees. Having been with the Company for over 20 years, Dirk led the expansion of Hays' German business, which has grown to become the Company's largest business representing over 30% of Group net fees. During his tenure Dirk has held roles including CEO of Hays' GSCN (German speaking countries and Nordics) where he doubled profits, and Group Head of Strategy, as well as other senior positions internationally. In his early career at Hays, Dirk ran the Information Technology and Engineering sectors within Hays in Germany.

Andrew Martin, Chair, commented:

"I am delighted to announce Dirk's appointment as Hays' next CEO. He was the standout candidate during our search process and brings extensive experience across the group, demonstrating exceptional leadership in international roles and building our German business into the success it is today. Dirk's strategic approach and deep internal and external relationships will enable Hays to continue executing on its growth plans, and I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.

I would also like to thank Alistair for his leadership of the Company over the past 16 years. During his tenure he has developed Hays into a global business with offices in 33 countries, with a leading position in many of those markets. The Company is well set for the next stage of its development, and I wish him all the best for the future."

Alistair Cox, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Hays for the past 16 years and I am extremely proud of what has been achieved, with our teams creating a global leader in the recruitment sector and with significant further growth potential. Having worked with Dirk throughout my tenure, he has been an integral member of the senior leadership team and has a deep understanding of the business, and I am confident he will make every success of the role." 

Dirk Hahn, CEO designate, commented:

"It is a privilege to be appointed CEO of Hays, having been with the Company for most of my career. Hays is a fantastic business with a leading global footprint, deep sector expertise and a talented management team across the group. It is an exciting time for the Company, which is well positioned for continued growth in key markets and disciplines, and I look forward to building on these strong foundations going forward."

Alistair Cox will step down as CEO and from the Board on  31 August 2023, and will be available to Dirk and the business to ensure an orderly transition until his notice period ends on 23 August 2024. Dirk Hahn will join the Board on 1 September 2023.

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Hays plc (the "Group") is the world’s leading specialist in workforce solutions and recruitment, such as RPO and MSP. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK, Germany and Australia and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As at 31 December 2022, the Group employed over 13,000 staff operating from 255 offices in 33 countries. For the year ended 30 June 2022:

 

– the Group reported net fees of £1,189.4 million and operating profit of £210.1 million;
– the Group placed around 83,750 candidates into permanent jobs and around 250,000 people into temporary roles;
– 16% of Group net fees were generated in Australia & New Zealand, 26% in Germany, 22% in United Kingdom & Ireland and 36% in Rest of World (RoW);
– the temporary placement business represented 55% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 45% of net fees;
– Technology is the Group’s largest division, with 26% of net fees, while Accountancy & Finance (14%) and Construction & Property (11%), are the next largest
– Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, the UK and the USA