Next 15 appoints Mark Astaire as new chair.


Next 15 Group said on Tuesday that it has appointed Mark Astaire as chair designate following a comprehensive selection process, with the current chair Penny Ladkin-Brand set to step down at the company’s annual general meeting in July after nine years on the board.

  • Next 15 Group
  • 10 March 2026 11:54:06
Next 15 Group

Source: Sharecast

The AIM-traded data-led growth consultancy said Astaire, who joined the board as a non-executive director in February last year, would succeed Ladkin-Brand as chair at the AGM, allowing time for an orderly transition.

It said Astaire would bring extensive capital markets experience, having previously held senior leadership roles in investment banking including chairman of corporate broking at Barclays and head of corporate broking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

He also served as a member of the Takeover Panel.

In addition to his role at Next 15, Astaire is a non-executive director at Cavendish Financial, a member of the Sky News board, a member of the University of Liverpool Management School advisory board, and a trustee of the Holburne Museum in Bath.

“I am delighted to be taking on the role of chair of Next 15 at a transformational time for the company,” Astaire said.

“Under the new management team, the group has already made significant progress in simplifying the business and defining a clear strategic direction.

“I look forward to working closely with the team and my fellow board members to drive the company’s success in the years ahead for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Chief executive Sam Knights said the company was “thrilled” that Mark Astaire would be assuming the role of chair later in the year.

“Having worked closely together for the last seven months, his significant experience has already proven invaluable as we have acted decisively to clarify, simplify and strengthen our business.

“I look forward to working with him and the wider board on the next chapter.

At 1126 GMT, shares in Next 15 Group were up 2.27% at 279.7p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.


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