Richardson Promoted to Global CFO at Fifty5Blue

Media measurement group Fifty5Blue has promoted Giles Richardson to Global Chief Financial Officer, replacing Rainer Fuchs. Richardson had served as interim CFO prior to Fuchs' appointment in September last year.

Fifty5Blue was known as Kantar Media until a rebrand announced in February this year - this followed Kantar's sale of the division to London-based alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital, for around $1 billion. Fifty5Blue specializes in media consumption, including audience measurement, consumer insight and advertising intelligence, and operates in more than 80 countries.

Richardson (pictured) joined Kantar Media in 2012 as CFO of the Audience Measurement division, and is a Chartered Accountant by training. He began his career in corporate finance functions at BDO and Baker Tilly, and joined TNS in 2003 as a Senior Financial Analyst. TNS was acquired by Kantar owner WPP in 2008. Richardson's experience includes leading both domestic and international finance teams and working on M&A transactions on both the buy and sell sides.

'I am delighted to partner with Giles on the next phase of Fifty5Blue's growth,' says Patrick Béhar, Global CEO of Fifty5Blue. 'Giles has led the Finance organisation in various capacities and is the best choice to drive our Finance team as we continue our journey as a standalone company under H.I.G. Capital ownership, and invest ambitiously in our future.'

Rchardson himself says the company is investing in 'new capabilities and innovation that will keep [it] at the heart of the media ecosystem', and comments, 'I greatly appreciate the confidence Patrick and the Board have shown in me to take on this role as Fifty5Blue enters its next phase of growth.'

Web site: www.fifty5blue.com .