What's Ahead for Nielsen

Today is the beginning of a new era at Nielsen.  We have announced the completion of our strategic review. And we’ve determined that separating our Global Connect and Global Media businesses into two independent, publicly traded companies will really position both businesses for long-term success.

At Nielsen, our unbiased data creates a fair playing field for our clients worldwide. Since joining the company last fall, I’ve met with countless global clients and stakeholders. The takeaway from these conversations has been consistent:  Data is fundamental to the future. Clients use Nielsen data to help them make decisions all day, every day.  By creating two standalone companies, Global Connect and Global Media, we believe that each will be better able to grow, invest and adapt to meet the needs of the changing marketplace. 

Global Connect's data and insights provide an essential foundation that makes markets possible in the rapidly evolving world of commerce. Modern consumers have access to more choices via more channels than ever before. Only Nielsen offers a truly complete picture of this complex and changing marketplace—an accounting that clients trust as the basis of their most important decisions. Only with Nielsen’s set of guiding truths do businesses have the tools to create new opportunities. 

Global Media is the arbiter of truth in the world of media. Its unbiased, reliable data makes the entire industry possible by creating the indispensable, data-driven foundation that allows markets to function. As the source of shared understanding, we define the playing field of opportunity. We enable companies and advertisers to grow and succeed by uncovering and communicating the truth, free from bias or fear. As the industry navigates its greatest period of upheaval since the advent of television, the business of media depends on Nielsen to determine what's commanding attention today and what will resonate tomorrow.

Why now?  Never has there been a time when truth has been more sought after, yet so hard to find. Each of these businesses is transforming and leaning into a world where data is more valuable than ever, and clients are searching for innovative ways to grow their businesses. Nielsen Global Connect and Nielsen Global Media each have unique strategic priorities and they are fundamentally different businesses. This move will allow each business to adapt and invest with the speed and precision necessary for that business.  It will really unlock the value of each.  

Nearly a year ago, when I joined the company, I wrote that the best years of Nielsen are in the future. Today, I am truly excited for the future of Nielsen Global Connect AND Nielsen Global Media. We’ve made so much progress over the last 11 months. I look forward to being able to unlock new opportunities and increase velocity in service of our clients. As an integral source of truth and trust in an increasingly distrustful world, our role is only growing more important and our work is just getting started.