Uzielli (pictured) will join Kantar in June and was most recently group chief financial officer at global schools’ group Cognita.

Uzielli has also worked as chief financial officer at London Heathrow Airport, finance director for British Gas and British Gas service at Centrica Group, and has held roles at Ebiquity and British Airways.

Griffiths will stay in post until June to help ensure a smooth transition to Uzielli. Griffiths is leaving Kantar to take up a role as senior advisor with Bain Capital, Kantar’s majority shareholder.

Chris Jansen, chief executive at Kantar, said: “Michael brings with him a wealth of experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and front-line operational execution.

“He has an excellent reputation for helping leadership teams deliver growth, and for shareholders to maximise value. As we focus on growing and developing our organisation, I know he will be a great asset to Kantar and will add further momentum to our business.”

Jansen continued: “Since the majority acquisition by Bain Capital, Ian’s leadership as deputy chief executive and chief financial officer helped the company to navigate unprecedented times during Covid-19.

“Ian led our efforts to operate as an independent company, outside of WPP, building a quality new team of experts across the group functions. We now have very strong foundations upon which we will accelerate our growth in 2022, and I wish Ian all the very best for the future.”