Nielsen Builds Out Management Teams With Two Strategic Hires

Today Nielsen Holdings plc announced two significant hires that support Nielsen's plan to create two separate publicly traded companies later in the year.

David Rawlinson

David Rawlinson, President of the Global Online Business at Grainger, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen's Global Connect business. Linda Zukauckas will join the company as Chief Financial Officer. Both will join effective February 3, 2020.

The 43-year-old Rawlinson joins from Grainger, which is the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions. He has significant experience running a digital business-to-business company, as well as a strong international background and a track record of driving growth. He will become the CEO of the newly created public company—currently referred to as Nielsen Global Connect—at the time of the separation. Rawlinson is also currently a member of Nielsen's Board of Directors.

Linda Zukauckas

58-year-old Linda Zukauckas has been with American Express since 2011, most recently serving as the Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Financial Officer. At the time of the separation, Linda will remain as Chief Financial Officer of Nielsen's Global Media business.

"Both David and Linda bring a wealth of relevant and valuable experience to Nielsen. Both will have a great deal of impact on the current company and will have significant roles in the new companies moving forward. We are very excited that they have agreed to join us at this dynamic time for Nielsen," said David Kenny, Chief Executive Officer for Nielsen. 

According to an SEC filing, Rawlinson’s annual base salary will be $900,000 and will increase to $1,000,000 effective January 1, 2021.   Zukauckas’s annual base salary will be $800,000. Her incentive opportunity under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plan is set at $900,000.