CEO departure and succession plan

Summary by AI ^BETAClose X

Hays plc announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Dirk Hahn, is stepping down with immediate effect for personal reasons after 28 years with the company. Mark Dearnley, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent successor commences, supported by external consultants. The company stated that remuneration arrangements for Mr. Hahn will be consistent with the Remuneration Policy approved by shareholders and full details will be disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report for FY26.

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Hays PLC

27 February 2026

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Hays plc

CEO departure and succession plan

27 February 2026

Hays plc ('Hays' or the 'Company') today announces that the Company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dirk Hahn, is stepping down as CEO and as a Director with immediate effect for personal reasons.

Mark Dearnley, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, will become interim Chief Executive Officer until a permanent successor is in place.

Michael Findlay, as Non-Executive Chair, will work closely with Mark and the Hays Executive Leadership Team to ensure continuity and progress on the Group's strategic and commercial priorities.

A recruitment process to identify a permanent successor will begin immediately, led by the Nomination Committee with the support of external consultants.

Michael Findlay, Chair said:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Dirk for his significant contribution to Hays over the last 28 years. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, notably in building our German business and resetting Hays' strategy. On behalf of all Hays colleagues, I wish him every success in the future.

We are grateful to Mark for agreeing to step in as Interim CEO. Mark is an accomplished business leader and is well-placed to lead the Company as we continue to execute on our strategic and operational priorities"

Dirk Hahn, outgoing CEO, said:

"It has been a great honour to be part of Hays for the past 28 years and a privilege to lead the business in recent years. Thank you to the many remarkable colleagues I have worked with over the years. Hays is a great company with a bright and exciting future ahead of it"

There is no further information required to be disclosed in accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.8(R).

Notes:

1. In accordance with section 430(2B) Companies Act 2006, a statement concerning particulars of remuneration payments for Dirk Hahn will be published on the Company's website.

2. All remuneration arrangements will be consistent with the Remuneration Policy as approved by shareholders at the 2023 AGM. Full details will be disclosed in the Directors' Remuneration Report for FY26.

For further information please contact:

Hays plc

Rachel Ford	General Counsel & Company Secretary	+44 (0) 333 010 2682
Kean Marden	Head of Investor Relations & M&A	+44 (0) 333 010 7092

FGS Global

Guy Lamming

hays@fgsglobal.com

Anjali Unnikrishnan

Richard Crowley

LEI: 213800QC8AWD4BO8TH08

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