Snapchat chair joins Pearson board

Michael Lynton, chairman of messaging app Snapchat, and a former chair and c.e.o. of Sony Entertainment, has been appointed to the Pearson board of directors. 

Lynton will be an independent non-executive director for the company from 1st February 2018.

Harvard-educated, Lynton's previous career has included senior leadership roles at Penguin, Walt Disney and Time Warner. He held his role at Sony Entertainment from 2012 to 2017, joining Snapchat earlier this year. He is also currently a non-executive director on the board of asset manager Ares Management.

Pearson chairman Sidney Taurel said: “Pearson is going to be the winner in digital education.  That requires great people as well as great products. The Pearson Board and leadership already has strong digital talent and expertise, and Michael’s appointment augments that perfectly.  His experience and perspective will further strengthen Pearson and drive our transformation to be a more focused, simpler digital learning company."

Lynton said: “Education is the next frontier in the digital revolution and Pearson is uniquely well placed to lead the way.  I’m impressed by the major investment in the products of the future and the creation of a single, global learning platform.  Most importantly, Pearson has strong leadership and a clear vision - I’m excited to be joining the team.”