Directorate change
Summary by AI BETAClose X
10 March 2026
Next 15 Group plc
(“Next 15” or the “Group” or the “Company”)
Appointment of Chair Designate
Next 15 Group plc, the data-led growth consultancy, today announces that, following a comprehensive selection process, Mark Astaire has been appointed as Chair Designate. After serving nine years on the Board, the last five years of which as Chair of the Group, Penny Ladkin-Brand will not be standing for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) in July 2026.
Mark Astaire, who joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director of the Company in February 2025, will succeed Penny as Chair at Next 15’s AGM allowing time for an orderly and well managed transition.
Mark brings significant expertise and capital markets experience to the Board, having previously held senior leadership positions in investment banking, including Chairman of Corporate Broking at Barclays and Head of Corporate Broking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and a member of the Takeover Panel. He is also a Non-Executive director at Cavendish Financial plc, a member of the Sky News Board, a member of the University of Liverpool Management School Advisory Board, and a trustee of the Holburne Museum in Bath. The Board is confident that Mark is very well positioned to lead the Board through the Company’s next phase of development.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark Astaire said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of Next 15 at a transformational time for the company. Under the new management team, the Group has already made significant progress in simplifying the business and defining a clear strategic direction. I look forward to working closely with the team and my fellow Board members to drive the Company’s success in the years ahead for the benefit of all stakeholders."
Sam Knights, CEO said "We are thrilled that Mark Astaire will be assuming the role of Chair later this year. Having worked closely together for the last 7 months, his significant experience has already proven invaluable as we have acted decisively to clarify, simplify and strengthen our business. I look forward to working with him and the wider Board on the next chapter.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I'd like to extend our sincere thanks to Penny for her leadership, intellect, dedication, and stewardship. During her tenure, Penny has made a remarkable contribution to the Group, including supporting the executive team, and guiding the Company through periods of significant change."
Penny Ladkin-Brand, Chair of Next 15 said "Next 15 is a strong business at a pivotal stage of its development. It has been a privilege to Chair the Group over the last five years and serve as a Non-Executive Director for nine years, and firmly believe the Group will go from strength to strength in the coming years."
For further information contact:
Next 15 Group plc (via MHP)
Sam Knights, Chief Executive Officer
Mickey Kalifa, Chief Financial Officer
Deutsche Numis (Nomad & Joint Broker)
Mark Lander, Hugo Rubinstein
+44 (0)20 7260 1000
Berenberg (Joint Broker)
Ben Wright, Mark Whitmore, Richard Andrews
+44 (0)20 3207 7800
MHP (Investor Relations)
Oliver Hughes, Eleni Menikou, Veronica Farah
Next15@mhpgroup.com
+44 (0)7701 308 818
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260310133579/en/
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