Nielsen has named an insider, Karthik Rao, as its new CEO. David Kenny, the CEO since 2018, will be promoted to executive chairman. Rao, a 23-year veteran, has been the CEO of Nielsen's audience measurement unit since early 2023. Prior to that, he spent three years as Nielsen's Chief Operating Officer, where he was in charge of spearheading a global product-driven technological transformation.
"Nielsen has been my home for most of my career, and I could not be more excited for this new opportunity," said Rao.
"I am fortunate to work alongside the best in the business, around the world, as we address unprecedented times of transition in our business. Together with our talented employees, I look forward to positioning Nielsen for the next century and beyond."
Earlier in his career, he worked as Chief Product and technology Officer for Nielsen Global Media, where he led the International Media product and technology teams, according to Economic times.
He was also the CEO of Nielsen Portfolio, where he was in charge of the completely independent sector, which includes Nielsen Entertainment, Nielsen Gracenote, Nielsen Brandbank, and Nielsen Telecom in all global markets.
He was in charge of Gracenote's acquisition and integration by Nielsen, which included building the company's management team, aligning its strategy, and driving growth in key markets and segments.
He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Loyola University in Chennai and an MBA from Illinois State University.
In March of last year, the company agreed to go private in a $10.06 billion deal with private equity firms led by Elliot Investment Management and Brookfield Asset Management.