Pearson PLC on Tuesday said it has recruited the head of Microsoft Corp’s Industry Solutions business to be its new chief executive officer, starting early next year.

Omar Abbosh will replace Andy Bird, who leaves after just three years in the hot seat at the London-based publisher of education materials. Bird, who spent 14 years at Walt Disney Co, joined the Pearson board as an independent non-executive director in May 2020 and moved to CEO in August of that year.

‘It has been an enormous privilege to lead Pearson through a period of significant change over the last three years,’ Bird said. ‘The business is now firmly established as a digital-first learning company, with technology driving significant growth.’

As president of Microsoft’s Industry Solutions business, Abbosh is responsible for sales and service for the US software maker’s largest global customers. Prior to Microsoft, he worked for Accenture, including as chief strategy officer and as chief executive of the consultancy’s global Communications, Technology & Media business.

Pearson ‘is at an exciting stage of its growth journey in markets that are increasingly digital,’ Abbosh said. ‘I look forward to building on the strategic growth opportunities, along with the leadership team, placing Pearson in the vanguard of lifelong learning.’

Pearson shares were down 5.2% to 838.20 pence early Wednesday in London.

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