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Informa
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Informa
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Informa plc is a British publishing, business intelligence, and exhibitions group with headquarters in London, England. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. It has offices in 42 countries and around 14,000 employees. Informa owns numerous brands including Fan Expo, VidCon, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, CRC Press, Routledge, and Taylor & Francis.

Key Information

History

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1998 to 2013

[edit]

Informa itself was created in 1998 by the merger of IBC Group plc (formerly International Business Communications) and LLP Group plc (publisher of Lloyd's List).[3] Since then Informa has expanded considerably, including a 2003 purchase of PJB publisher PJB, 2004 merger with the publishing company Taylor & Francis and a 2005 acquisition of IIR Holdings, a human capital development company, for £768 million.[4][5] In October 2006, the company was approached by Springer Science and Business Media in a takeover bid,[6] but in early November the Informa board rejected the 630p per share offer as too low.[7]

In early 2007, chairman Richard Hooper announced his retirement in May and, after consulting with major shareholders, the company moved chief executive Peter Rigby to chairman, and managing director David Gilbertson to Rigby's former post. Informa explained Rigby's move by the need to maintain management stability, although it generated some controversy because it did not follow the advice of the UK's Combined Code on Corporate Governance.[4][8]

On 8 June 2008, The Sunday Telegraph revealed that United Business Media (UBM) had proposed a merger with Informa to create a media group worth over £3 billion.[9] The talks were confirmed by Informa in a press release that same day, but described as "preliminary".[10][11] Previously on 13 May The Times had reported that the Carlyle Group and Apax Partners were considering bidding for the company.[12] On 17 June talks with UBM ended because of the rapid rise in Informa's stock price after the public disclosure of the potential merger.[13] On 26 June a private equity consortium consisting of Providence Equity Partners, the Carlyle Group and Hellman & Friedman proposed a takeover bid offering 506 pence per share.[14]

In May 2009 the company announced that it would restructure its business to be incorporated in Jersey but tax resident in Switzerland.[15]

The discontinued domain Informaworld provided subscribers with more than half a million journal articles and 13,000 e-books from all its imprints.[16] In June 2011 the journals and e-books transferred to a new website, Taylor & Francis Online. Abstracting and indexing databases and bibliographic databases were to move from Informaworld to Taylor & Francis Online at a later date.[17]

In July 2013, the company announced that Peter Rigby would retire at the end of 2013 to be replaced as CEO by Stephen Carter.[18] Also in 2013, Informa acquired the Canadian company Hobby Star Marketing, who ran the Fan Expo Canada and Toronto Comicon comic book conventions. Informa has since acquired other conventions and placed them under the auspices of their Fan Expo HQ brand, including Dallas Comic Con and MegaCon.[19][20][21]

In December 2013, Informa acquired the assets of Elsevier Business Intelligence (EBI) from Reed Elsevier. The EBI business unit includes such publications as The Pink Sheet, The Gray Sheet, IN VIVO, Start-Up, and the Strategic Transactions database along with a series of notable conferences. The EBI assets combined with Scrip, Datamonitor and several other publications formed the newly created Pharma Intelligence division of Informa Business Information.[22]

2014 to present

[edit]

In January 2014, Carter became CEO of Informa plc.[23] In September 2017, Informa announced that it would be acquiring Dove Medical Press.[24]

In January 2018, Informa announced its intent to acquire UBM plc as part of its strategy to expand in North America and Asia.[25][26][27] The transaction was completed in June 2018.[28]

In 2019, Informa sold the former UBM Life Sciences to MJH Associates.[29] Later in 2019, Informa traded it Agriculture Intelligence unit to IHS Markit in exchange for most of IHS Markit's Technology, Media and Telecoms division.[30] Also in 2019, Informa sold the former Penton design & engineering, manufacturing, energy, buildings, and commercial vehicle divisions, and the former UBM Automotive, to Endeavor Business Media.[31]

In February 2020, Informa launched Omdia by consolidating its portfolio of market analyst companies, Ovum Ltd, Heavy Reading, Tractica, and the majority of IHS Markit's technology, media and telecommunications research business, into a unified brand. The combined research offering includes more than 400 analysts and consultants covering 150 technology markets. Collectively, Omdia issues over 3,000 research reports annually.[32]

In February 2022, Informa sold its Informa Pharma Intelligence unit to investment fund, Warburg Pincus for $2.6 billion.[33]

Previous logo

It also sold Lloyd's List and EPFR to Montagu Private Equity in 2022.[34]

In March 2023, in a cash and shares deal, Informa acquired the Irish Tarsus Group from Charterhouse Capital Partners for a reported GBP 790m.[35][36][37]

In January 2024, Informa announced that it would merge the digital business of Informa Tech with TechTarget. The resulting company would keep the TechTarget name with Informa holding 57% stake and the existing TechTarget shareholders holding 43% stake in the merged TechTarget.[38][39] The merger was completed with the business became Informa TechTarget in December 2024.[40]

In June 2024, Informa closed two UK-based titles: Digital TV Europe and Television Business International.[41]

In July 2024, the company reached a deal to acquire media and events company Ascential for approximately £1.2 billion.[42] The transaction was completed in October 2024.[43]

Operations

[edit]

Informa is organized into five operating divisions: Informa Connect, Informa Festivals, Informa Markets, Informa TechTarget, and Taylor & Francis. The company also has a Global Support division.[44]

In June 2021, John Rishton was appointed as chairman, replacing Derek Mapp.[45]

Brands

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Informa owns numerous brands including:[46][47][48][49][50]

Informa Connect

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Informa Festivals

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Informa Markets

[edit]

Informa TechTarget

[edit]

Taylor & Francis

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Informa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Informa PLC is a leading international (B2B) information services company headquartered in , , specializing in , digital services, intelligence, advisory services, , and media to connect professionals and communities with specialized knowledge. Founded in 1998 through the merger of IBC Group plc and Publishing, Informa has grown into a FTSE 100-listed on the , employing over 14,000 people worldwide and generating £3.55 billion in revenue in 2024. Its core purpose is to champion specialists by enabling them to learn more, know more, and do more through innovative platforms that foster knowledge exchange across dozens of markets. The company's origins trace back to 1998, when it was formed through the merger of IBC Group plc's event and information operations with Publishing's business publishing, followed by a pivotal merger with academic publisher that significantly expanded its scholarly offerings. Over the years, Informa has pursued strategic acquisitions, including TechTarget in 2024 to bolster its digital services and Ascential's events portfolio, enhancing its position in high-growth sectors like , healthcare, and maritime. These moves have solidified its reputation as a global leader in B2B ecosystems, with a focus on through initiatives like the FasterForward program aimed at reducing environmental impact. As restructured in 2025, Informa operates through three primary segments: B2B Markets, which includes Informa Markets for exhibitions and trade shows, Informa Connect for conferences, and Informa Festivals for experience-led events; B2B Digital Services, encompassing intelligence and advisory via platforms like Informa TechTarget; and Academic Markets, led by Taylor & Francis, which publishes journals, books, and research services for scholarly communities. In 2024, these segments drove an 11.6% revenue growth, with notable contributions from live events recovering post-pandemic and digital subscriptions expanding access to expert insights. In the first 10 months of 2025, Informa reported 6.6% underlying revenue growth, reaffirming guidance for the year and expecting 5%+ annual growth through 2028. The company maintains a strong emphasis on innovation, delivering hybrid event formats and data-driven solutions to over 500,000 customers annually. With operations spanning more than 30 countries, Informa derives 49% of its revenue from , 23% from , and significant shares from (13%) and the rest of the world (15%), supported by key offices in hubs like New York, , , and . This global footprint enables it to host major events such as the JCK Jewelry Show and Arab Health, while its academic division supports researchers in over 100 countries through peer-reviewed content. As of November 2025, Informa continues to prioritize and ESG commitments, positioning itself for sustained growth in the evolving .

Overview

Company Profile

Informa was formed in December 1998 through the merger of IBC Group plc and LLP Group plc. Headquartered in , , at 5 Howick Place, the company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the . With approximately 14,000 employees, Informa maintains a global operational footprint across over 30 countries. As a multinational enterprise, it specializes in connecting specialists with knowledge through , international events, exhibitions, digital services, and solutions that enable professionals to learn, understand, and act more effectively. Informa structures its operations across five primary divisions, each focusing on distinct aspects of knowledge dissemination and professional networking. leads in , delivering research and learning resources in science, , , , and social sciences. Informa Markets facilitates connections via live and on-demand events and digital platforms in over 12 specialist sectors. Informa Connect offers content-led events, online communities, and partnering opportunities for professionals in targeted industries. Informa Festivals provides immersive, experience-driven events emphasizing content, networking, and engagement across key markets. Informa TechTarget supports B2B sectors with , content, and lead-generation services for enterprise buyers and sellers. Among its prominent brands are Fan Expo for pop culture events, for digital creators, Cannes Lions for creative marketing, and publishing imprints and .

Financial Performance

Informa PLC reported total revenue of £3,553.1 million for the 2024, marking an 11.4% increase from £3,189.6 million in 2023. The company's profit attributable to equity holders reached £366.4 million in 2024, reflecting improved statutory performance amid ongoing operational efficiencies. As a constituent of the , Informa trades under the symbol INF.L on the London Stock Exchange. Its stood at approximately £12.0 billion as of November 2025, underscoring its position as a leading global provider. Stock performance has shown resilience, with a 17% year-to-date return in 2025 following a modest 3.28% gain in , driven by steady demand in core segments. Revenue growth has accelerated post-2020, rising from £1,660.8 million amid the to £3,553.1 million in 2024, with compound annual growth exceeding 20% during the recovery period. The events sector, particularly Informa Markets, faced severe disruptions in 2020 due to global lockdowns but achieved full recovery by 2023, contributing to underlying growth of 11.6% in 2024 through resumed in-person exhibitions and biennial events. The publishing division, led by , provided a stable revenue base of £698.2 million in 2024 (approximately 20% of total), bolstered by academic journals and AI partnerships. In contrast, the events segment, including Informa Markets (£1,723 million, 47% of total), acted as the primary growth driver with 14.2% year-over-year expansion, highlighting its cyclical yet high-margin potential compared to the more consistent publishing operations.
YearTotal Revenue (£ million)Underlying Growth (%)Key Notes
20201,660.8N/ACOVID-19 impact on events
20211,798.76.1Initial recovery
20222,262.031.4Strong rebound in events
20233,189.630.4Full sector normalization
20243,553.111.6Sustained double-digit growth

History

1998–2013

Informa was established in December 1998 through the merger of IBC Group plc, a provider of and conferences, and , which specialized in legal and regulatory publishing including . From its inception, Informa's growth strategy centered on to expand its footprint in professional publishing, academic resources, and events, particularly in sectors like business information, scientific content, and conferences. This approach allowed the company to integrate complementary businesses, enhancing its offerings in knowledge dissemination and networking events across international markets. In 2003, Informa acquired PJB Publications, a specialist in scientific and pharmaceutical publishing, bolstering its portfolio in life sciences and medical information services. The following year, in May 2004, Informa merged with Group plc, a prominent publisher of academic books and journals, in a deal valued at approximately £1.1 billion, where Taylor & Francis shareholders received 17 Informa shares for every 10 held. This merger significantly strengthened Informa's academic and scholarly publishing capabilities. In 2007, Informa acquired Datamonitor, a leading market intelligence provider, for £502 million, enhancing its business information and data analytics capabilities. A major expansion occurred in July 2005 when Informa acquired IIR Holdings Ltd for £768 million (US$1.4 billion) in cash, incorporating IIR's extensive training programs and conference operations into its events division. Later, in 2013, Informa purchased Hobby Star Marketing, the organizer of , marking its entry into comic and pop culture conventions. During this period, leadership was guided by , who served as chairman in 2007 and played a key role in steering the company's acquisition-driven expansion. Rigby retired as chief executive at the end of , paving the way for Stephen Carter to assume the role in 2014.

2014–present

In January 2014, Stephen A. Carter was appointed as chief executive officer of Informa, succeeding Peter Rigby, with a mandate to accelerate growth through digital transformation and integration across the company's portfolios. Under Carter's leadership, Informa launched its Growth Acceleration Plan in 2014, emphasizing the development of digital services alongside traditional events and intelligence offerings to enhance customer engagement and revenue diversification. In 2016, as part of this strategy, Informa acquired Penton Information Services for £1.2 billion (US$1.56 billion), significantly expanding its US presence in exhibitions and professional information services, and entered the FTSE 100 Index, reflecting its growth to one of the UK's largest listed companies. Informa pursued significant expansion in the events sector through key acquisitions. In June 2018, the company completed its acquisition of for approximately £3.9 billion, integrating UBM's global exhibitions portfolio to strengthen Informa's position as a leading B2B events organizer. This was followed by the £790 million acquisition of Tarsus Group in March 2023, which added prominent international events in emerging markets to Informa's lineup. In October 2024, Informa acquired plc for £1.2 billion, incorporating data-driven events such as Money20/20 and the to bolster its intelligence and experiential capabilities. Most recently, in December 2024, Informa merged with TechTarget, Inc., creating Informa TechTarget as a dedicated technology media and intelligence entity focused on B2B digital solutions. To refine its portfolio, Informa executed strategic divestitures during this period. In February 2022, it sold Pharma Intelligence to for $2.6 billion (£1.9 billion), allowing reallocation of capital toward core B2B markets. Later in 2022, Informa divested its Maritime Intelligence business, including , to Montagu for £385 million in August, completing a broader initiative. Informa navigated global challenges, including the , by adapting its events business to hybrid formats and prioritizing recovery post-restrictions. The company reported strong rebound in live events attendance and revenue by 2022, with full recovery evident in upgraded financial guidance for subsequent years. In response to shifting media landscapes, Informa closed Digital TV Europe and Television Business International in June 2024, ending operations for these legacy TV industry publications after decades of service. Leadership changes included the transition to as non-executive chairman in June 2021, succeeding Derek Mapp, to guide ongoing strategic evolution.

Divisions

Taylor & Francis

, Informa's academic publishing division, was formed through a merger with Informa in May 2004, which created a combined entity valued at approximately £1.1 billion and positioned it as a cornerstone of the company's scholarly research operations. This integration has since established as Informa's largest division in terms of revenue stability, driven by recurring digital subscriptions that accounted for 80% of its £698.2 million in revenue for 2024, marking a 14.5% underlying growth from the previous year and reflecting consistent trading performance amid broader market fluctuations. The division's portfolio encompasses over 2,700 peer-reviewed journals and more than 8,000 new books annually, spanning , social sciences, , , , and , with a backlist exceeding 180,000 titles. Key imprints include , which specializes in and social sciences, and , focused on (STEM) fields, enabling comprehensive coverage of academic disciplines through high-quality, cross-disciplinary outputs such as 145,000 new articles published on the Online platform in 2024. processes are rigorous, involving initial editorial screening followed by anonymous refereeing by at least two independent experts, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 25% for submissions, and incorporating AI-driven tools to enhance efficiency in reviewer identification and assessment. Taylor & Francis emphasizes models to broaden research accessibility, including hybrid Open Select options across over 2,000 journals, fully imprints like Cogent OA (launched in 2013), and transformative read-and-publish agreements with 45 consortia covering around 1,000 institutions worldwide. These initiatives support equitable dissemination without paywalls for select content, aligning with funder mandates and promoting global collaboration. The division fosters academic partnerships with over 700 learned societies, professional associations, and institutes, co-publishing journals and books to leverage shared expertise and resources. In contributing to Informa's broader , utilizes its extensive publication data for analytics on trends, powering AI-enhanced insights and digital hubs like the Devices Zone, while data access partnerships with AI firms generated over $75 million in non-recurring revenue in , enabling predictive modeling of scholarly developments and informing strategic decisions across the group.

Informa Markets

Informa Markets is the division of Informa PLC responsible for organizing large-scale (B2B) exhibitions and trade shows that facilitate networking, , and across various sectors. It operates around 500 live events annually, connecting buyers, sellers, and industry professionals in specialist markets such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, , , , , and . These events serve as transaction-led platforms where participants engage in face-to-face interactions to drive business growth, with a focus on generating qualified leads and fostering innovation in B2B ecosystems. Prominent brands under Informa Markets include JCK, a leading jewelry that brings together retailers, designers, and manufacturers to showcase trends and conduct deals; MD&M (Medical Design & Manufacturing), which highlights advancements in medical devices and components for healthcare professionals; and Arab Health, the Middle East's largest healthcare exhibition attracting over 50,000 visitors to explore medical equipment, services, and innovations. These brands exemplify Informa Markets' strategy of creating targeted marketplaces that enhance connections and business opportunities in high-growth industries. The division has experienced significant expansion through strategic acquisitions, notably the 2018 purchase of , which added approximately 350 exhibitions and strengthened presence in key regions like and the , contributing to revenue growth of over 35% in the following year. The 2023 acquisition of Tarsus Group for $940 million further bolstered its portfolio with over 160 B2B event brands, particularly enhancing reach in emerging markets such as , , and through events focused on specialist sectors like and consumer goods. These moves have diversified Informa Markets' offerings and accelerated entry into high-potential geographies. In response to the , Informa Markets pivoted to digital hybrid models, integrating virtual platforms with in-person events to maintain connectivity and revenue streams. Examples include the launch of online marketplaces like MAGIC Digital, which complemented physical fashion shows by enabling remote product discovery and transactions, alongside investments in training programs for digital event management to support over 4,000 colleagues. This adaptation has sustained business continuity and positioned the division for long-term resilience in a post-pandemic landscape.

Informa Connect

Informa Connect is a division of Informa PLC that specializes in delivering content-led live and on-demand events, training programs, and specialist digital content to professionals across various industries. It organizes approximately 500 live events annually, including and webinars, alongside custom training initiatives focused on knowledge dissemination and . Key sectors served include pharmaceuticals and life sciences, , and , with examples such as the SuperReturn International for professionals, Money20/20 for leaders, and CPHI events for the pharma . The division emphasizes thought through expert-led sessions and specialist content that drive industry insights, while fostering networking opportunities to connect professionals for collaboration and growth. courses are a core offering, with accredited programs such as the Certificate in Business & Strategies and the Certificate in IT , which provide practical skills in , , and management practices. These initiatives aim to equip participants with actionable expertise, often through a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. Informa Connect integrates AI-driven personalization into its event formats to enhance user experiences, utilizing technologies for , attendee , and insights that tailor recommendations and interactions. This includes AI applications in virtual platforms for customized session suggestions and post-event content delivery, supporting broader innovations like partnerships for AI-powered . Such features contribute to higher and streams from access, exceeding $75 million group-wide in 2024. With operations spanning over 30 countries and serving customers in more than 150 nations, Informa Connect maintains regional hubs in (including , , and ), (such as the , , and ), and the (primarily the and ). This global footprint enables localized event delivery while leveraging a centralized expertise network, with accounting for 49% to 71% of divisional revenue depending on the segment.

Informa Festivals

Informa Festivals operates as Informa's division dedicated to consumer-facing entertainment events in pop culture and creative industries, curating immersive experiences that connect fans, creators, and innovators. Its core portfolio includes Fan Expo, a series of conventions celebrating comics, gaming, and sci-fi; VidCon, the premier gathering for online video creators and their audiences; and Cannes Lions, the International Festival of Creativity honoring advertising and marketing innovation. These events emphasize interactive programming such as panels, autograph sessions, cosplay contests, and creator meet-and-greets to build direct connections between attendees and their favorite content. The division evolved through strategic acquisitions, beginning with the 2013 purchase of Hobby Star Marketing, the organizer of , which laid the foundation for expanding into multimedia pop culture festivals. Subsequent deals in 2024 integrated from and Cannes Lions via the acquisition of , transforming Informa Festivals into a global platform blending entertainment with . This growth has shifted focus toward hybrid formats, combining in-person gatherings with virtual streaming and communities to broaden , especially post-pandemic. Merchandise sales, including exclusive apparel, collectibles, and artist prints, further enhance attendee immersion and provide revenue streams tied to fan passions. Collectively, these festivals draw millions of attendees annually, with the Fan Expo portfolio alone attracting nearly 1 million fans across North American events. hosted 85,000 participants globally in 2023, while Lions continues to set records for creative industry engagement, underscoring their scale in uniting diverse audiences. Culturally, they amplify pop culture trends, foster inclusive communities, and drive conversations on digital creativity, influencing everything from gaming innovations to advertising narratives.

Informa TechTarget

Informa TechTarget was formed through the strategic combination of TechTarget, Inc. with Informa PLC's digital businesses, announced in January 2024 and completed on December 2, 2024. This merger established Informa TechTarget as a Nasdaq-listed entity (ticker: TTGT), with Informa holding a 57% stake, creating a leading global platform in B2B data and for the sector. The division focuses on delivering content, research, and services tailored to IT professionals and vendors, serving a permissioned audience of over 50 million. The division's core offerings include a network of more than 220 highly targeted online properties, encompassing websites, newsletters, and editorial channels that provide in-depth coverage of topics. These resources deliver original content, expert analysis, and community engagement tools to inform and influence buyers and sellers. A flagship tool is Priority Engine, an intent-based platform that identifies high-value accounts, prioritizes leads using first-party data, and enables personalized engagement for tech vendors to accelerate sales pipelines. Additional capabilities include the Informa TechTarget Portal, which integrates modular solutions for go-to-market teams to access tailored in-market audiences. Informa TechTarget emphasizes trends and innovations in key IT areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, offering research-driven insights to support strategic decision-making. For instance, its content explores AI-powered threat detection in cybersecurity, multi-cloud security challenges, and the integration of AI in enterprise infrastructure. This focus positions the division as a vital resource for B2B audiences navigating complex technology landscapes, with specialized coverage extending to networking, storage, and collaboration tools. Post-merger, Informa TechTarget benefits from synergies with other Informa divisions, facilitating cross-selling of tech insights through shared data platforms like IIRIS and integrated customer resources. These collaborations enhance market reach and product diversification, such as combining digital intelligence with event-based offerings from Informa Markets and Informa Connect to drive comprehensive B2B growth. The integration supports expanded opportunities, including $20 million in incremental benefits from across the broader Informa customer base.

Leadership

Executive Team

Stephen A. Carter has served as Group Chief Executive of Informa PLC since December 2013. With a background in media and telecommunications, Carter previously held senior roles at , including President and Managing Director for EMEA and Global Enterprise, and served as Chief Executive of from 2003 to 2009. Under his leadership, Informa has pursued initiatives, including the development of data-driven B2B digital services and strategic acquisitions such as in 2024 to enhance content-led experiences. Gareth Wright serves as Group Finance Director (CFO), having joined Informa in 2009 and assuming the role in 2015 after progressing through positions including Deputy Finance Director. Prior to Informa, Wright was Finance Director at National Express Group PLC (now Mobico) from 2001 to 2009, bringing extensive experience in and from Coopers & Lybrand. In the post-2020 recovery period, Wright has overseen financial strategies that supported revenue growth from GBP 2.9 billion in 2020 to GBP 3.6 billion in 2024, emphasizing resilient subscriptions and event resumption. Patrick Martell has been Group since November 2014. With prior experience as Group CEO of St Ives PLC from 2009 to 2014, Martell possesses deep expertise in B2B markets, , and . He also assumed the role of Chief Executive of Informa Markets in 2023, contributing to the division's recovery by facilitating the safe return of in-person events post-2020, which drove over 20% revenue growth in the first half of 2025. Informa's executive compensation structure is designed to align with shareholder value through performance-linked elements and share ownership requirements. Base salaries are reviewed annually against market benchmarks to reflect experience and contributions, while the Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) offers up to 200% of salary for the CEO (150% for others), with at least 75% tied to financial metrics like revenue and adjusted operating profit, and the remainder to non-financial goals. The Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) provides awards up to 400% of salary for the CEO from 2025, vesting over three years based on metrics including relative total shareholder return (TSR), cash conversion, and ESG targets, followed by a two-year holding period; executives must maintain shareholdings worth 400% of salary (CEO) or 275% (others) post-vesting. This framework, updated in the 2025-2027 policy, emphasizes long-term growth and sustainability, building on post-2020 adjustments to support recovery and value creation. Recent changes to the executive team include the appointment of Penny Ladkin-Brand as Chief Executive of in May 2024, adding expertise in to the C-suite. In 2025, Informa reorganized its structure to integrate the acquisition, creating Informa Festivals under existing leadership without new group-level C-suite appointments tied directly to the merger.

Board of Directors

The of Informa PLC is responsible for the , , and strategic oversight of the company, meeting regularly to review performance, approve major initiatives, and ensure alignment with shareholder interests. As of December 31, 2024, the Board comprises 11 members, including three executive directors and eight non-executive directors, with 70% of non-executive directors classified as independent (excluding the Chairman). John Rishton has served as Chairman since June 2021, having joined the Board as a in September 2016; he brings extensive financial and commercial expertise from prior roles, including of Rolls-Royce Group PLC (2011–2015) and of Unilever PLC. The Board's composition reflects a balance of skills in media, , , and international markets, with expertise relevant to Informa's and sectors drawn from members' backgrounds in , , and B2B operations. Diversity is a key aspect, with 45.5% women (five out of 11 members) and 9.1% from minority ethnic backgrounds, exceeding UK Listing Rules requirements for gender balance and ethnic representation. The Board operates through three main committees to support its oversight functions. The Nomination Committee, chaired by John Rishton, focuses on Board composition, succession planning, and diversity; in 2024, it facilitated the appointments of Maria Kyriacou in July and Catherine Levene in November, meeting three times. The Audit Committee, led by Gill Whitehead, oversees financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management, including reviews of acquisitions such as Ascential and TechTarget, and met four times in 2024. The Remuneration Committee, chaired by Louise Smalley since January 2022, designs executive compensation policies aligned with performance; it approved the 2025–2027 remuneration policy in 2024. Informa's governance framework emphasizes ethics, risk management, and compliance. The Board enforces a Code of Conduct requiring ethical and lawful behavior, supported by mandatory training and a whistleblowing mechanism known as Speak Up. Risk oversight is integrated through the Audit and Risk Committees, addressing principal risks such as cyber threats, AI governance, and climate change in line with Financial Reporting Council guidance. Compliance efforts include monitoring regulatory adherence, anti-bribery measures, data privacy, and preparations for frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Sustainability and Responsibility

Environmental Initiatives

Informa has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across its operations and products by 2030 or earlier, aligning with science-based targets approved by the (SBTi). The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2017 baseline and relevant Scope 3 emissions by 20% over the same period. As of 2024, Informa reported an 83% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2017 (excluding acquisitions), with total Scope 1 and 2 emissions at 2,284 tCO2e and Scope 3 at 684,000 tCO2e, primarily from events, , and digital products. To support these goals, Informa became a certified CarbonNeutral® Company in 2021 and maintains carbon neutrality certifications for its business operations and publications. In its events division, Informa implements sustainable practices through the Sustainable Event Fundamentals framework, which accredited 431 events in 2024, emphasizing reduction, energy efficiency, and emissions . The company pursues zero- policies at trade shows, including the Better Stands program that assessed over 45,000 exhibition stands for reusability and recyclability, achieving a 55% increase in implementation from 2023. Additionally, 88% of events in 2024 were powered by , and Informa has accelerated hybrid and virtual event formats since 2020 to minimize travel-related emissions, with examples like the Conference offering virtual options to reduce attendee transport and accommodation impacts. These initiatives integrate across divisions such as Informa Markets to promote green event standards. For publishing, Informa, particularly through , adopts a digital-first approach to lessen environmental impact, with 89% of journal titles eliminating polywrap by 2024 and increasing use of print-on-demand to cut waste. The company partners for eco-friendly sourcing and has certified its publications as CarbonNeutral®, supporting a shift toward electronic formats that reduce the of and distribution. This includes linking over 47,000 journal articles and 2,940 books to the in 2024, promoting content that advances environmental awareness. Informa publishes annual sustainability reports under its FasterForward ESG framework, detailing progress on environmental metrics including Scope 1-3 emissions, waste diversion, and energy use, with third-party assurance from . These reports, aligned with (GRI) standards and on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), earned Informa an A rating from CDP in 2024 and a 76/100 environmental score from , highlighting transparent tracking of its .

Social and Governance Practices

Informa's commitment to diversity and inclusion is embodied in its AllInforma program, which fosters an inclusive workplace through employee resource groups such as the Balance network focused on , with over 300 members organizing events like celebrations, and the Nations network supporting ethnic minorities and . The company reported 61% female representation in all management roles and 39% in its Leadership Group in 2024, alongside initiatives like the DEI Fundamentals training rolled out to 294 events to promote balanced representation. Additionally, the Illuminate Employee Resource Group at , part of Informa, supports disability diversity by celebrating and enabling accessibility. In , Informa supports through targeted initiatives, including the annual Walk the World event, which in 2024 involved 6,985 participants across 67 walks in 25 countries and raised £276,000 for local charities, contributing to a cumulative total exceeding £1.7 million over nine years. The company allocated £12.5 million in 2024—equivalent to 1.25% of profit before tax—to community causes, such as for underrepresented talent via the LIONS Scholarship at Lions, which provides fully funded places for young creatives aged 30 and under from diverse backgrounds. Informa also partners on STEM through events like the annual STEM Education Conference, connecting educators and students to innovative programs, and initiatives like free workshops for researchers in low-income countries. Informa upholds ethical practices through its global Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, which prohibits all forms of bribery and requires compliance with applicable laws, including monitoring and auditing commercial activities to prevent corruption. On data privacy, the company ensures GDPR compliance across its intelligence services via dedicated privacy clauses and a centralized Notice outlining , use, and protection practices for . For and inclusion, Informa enhances in online platforms, with earning certifications for accessible content that reached 42,600 people through programs in 2024, including free publication access for low-income countries. The company addresses AI through training programs like the AI & Programme offered by Informa Connect, which covers ethical considerations, , and responsible AI deployment to mitigate biases and ensure inclusivity. The provides oversight for these social and practices as part of its .

References

  1. https://www.informa.com/globalassets/documents/investor-relations/2025/2024-informa-annual-report.pdf
  2. https://www.forbes.com/companies/informa/
  3. https://www.informa.com/
  4. https://www.informa.com/globalassets/documents/investor-relations/2025/informa-2025-10-month-trading-update.pdf
  5. https://www.informa.com/investors/shareholder-centre/corporate-transactions/
  6. https://www.informa.com/about-us/
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