Nielsen's Calhoun to Join Private Equity Group

After nine years as Nielsen's CEO, David Calhoun is to join The Blackstone Group, one of six private equity firms that purchased the research giant in 2006.

Last month, Nielsen announced it would be promoting Mitch Barns to the role of Chief Executive Officer from January 1st 2014, replacing Calhoun (pictured) who will take on the role of Executive Chairman.

Calhoun joined Nielsen in 2006, shortly after the company was acquired by a consortium of private equity investors including Blackstone - it returned to the public market in 2011. According to a regulatory filing, on joining Nielsen Calhoun received a signing bonus and other cash payments exceeding $43m, and his total annual compensation for 2012 was valued at $13.93m. Before Nielsen, he worked for General Electric for 26 years, in a number of senior roles.

He now joins private investment and advisory firm Blackstone as Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Portfolio Operations, overseeing a team of 21 professionals within the portfolio operations group, and serving as a member of the firm's Management and Executive Committees.

Blackstone co-founder Stephen Schwarzman comments: 'We are delighted to be able to work more closely with Dave Calhoun, as he joins our team at Blackstone. He is one of the most talented CEOs we have ever worked with. We are excited to have him help guide our portfolio company operations as well as the strategic development of Blackstone itself.'

In addition to his position as Executive Chairman of Nielsen and his new role at Blackstone, Calhoun will continue to sit on the Boards of The Boeing Company and Caterpillar.

Web site: www.blackstone.com .