Board Changes at TNS

Taylor Nelson Sofres has today announced a number of changes to the composition of its board.

Firstly, Rémy Sautter has been appointed as a non-executive director, with effect from 12 November. He is currently Chairman of Channel 5, the UK television company and Chief Executive and Chairman of RTL Radio, a leading French media business. He is also a non-executive director of PartnerRe inc, a NYSE-listed global reinsurance company.

Deputy Chairman Nick Hodges, who has been a non-executive director since 1997, will retire from the board on 31 December 2002 and will be replaced as senior independent director by Rob Rowley, who joined the board in September 2002. Jacques-Henri David, who joined the board as a non-executive director in 1998, will step down on 31 January 2003.

In addition, the chairmanship of each of the board committees has been reviewed and the following changes will take effect from 2 January 2003. Neil Cross, currently Chairman of the Nomination Committee, will become Chairman of the Audit Committee. Rob Rowley will take the position of Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Stephan Buck, currently Chairman of the Audit Committee, will take over as Chairman of the Nomination Committee.

Commenting on these moves, Tony Cowling, Chairman of Taylor Nelson Sofres, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Rémy to the board. His extensive experience in international media and with French business and financial institutions will be of great value to us, as we continue to develop and grow the company. At the same time, we thank both Nick Hodges and Jacques-Henri David for the invaluable contributions they have made to the group's development over the past five years.'

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.