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John Fallon
Born
John Joseph Fallon

August 1962 (age 61)
EducationUniversity of Hull
OccupationBusiness executive
TitleCEO, Pearson plc
Term2013-2020[1]
PredecessorMarjorie Scardino
Children2 daughters

John Joseph Fallon (born August 1962) is a British businessman. He was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Pearson plc from 2013, succeeding Marjorie Scardino, until 2020. Pearson is one of the world's largest education brands.

Early life

John Joseph Fallon was born in August 1962.[2][3] He graduated from the University of Hull in 1983, with a bachelor's degree in economics, politics and sociology.[4]

Career

Fallon started his career as a researcher for Labour politician John Prescott in 1988.[5] He was the director of corporate affairs at Powergen, now known as E.ON UK, from 1992 to 1997.[3]

He became the director of communications of Pearson in 1997.[3] He was on the board of directors of Interactive Data Corporation from 2000 to 2007.[4] In 2010, he became the international education chief executive.[5] He has been the CEO of Pearson since 2013, replacing Marjorie Scardino.[5] In 2013, he decided to close the adult education unit in the UK, Pearson in Practice, which provided apprenticeships to put adults back to work, as it was unprofitable.[6] Fallon undertook a significant restructuring during his tenure at the head of Pearson.[7]

Fallon announced plans to retire in 2020 after a successor had been appointed.[1] Andy Bird was selected as the new CEO, he took over on 19 October.[needs update][8] Fallon remains an advisor to Pearson.

Personal life

Fallon is married and has two daughters.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Calatayud, Adria (18 December 2019). "Pearson CEO to Retire and company will sell remaining Penguin Random House stake". MarketWatch. Archived from the original on 27 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
  2. ^ "Pearson PLC". Companies House. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  3. ^ a b c MediaGuardian 100 2013: 23. John Fallon, The Guardian, 1 September 2013
  4. ^ a b John Fallon, Bloomberg Business
  5. ^ a b c d James Ashton (15 November 2013). "Pearson's John Fallon: Swapping textbooks for tablets, the boss with a new school of thought". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 March 2014.
  6. ^ Gideon Spanier (7 January 2013). "John Fallon takes Pearson helm and axes adult education". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  7. ^ Wan, Tony (18 December 2019). "Pearson CEO John Fallon to Retire in 2020". EdSurge. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  8. ^ Pfeiffer, Thomas; Seal, Thomas (24 August 2020). "Pearson Names Ex-Disney Executive as CEO, Ending Long Search". www.msn.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
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