Informa CEO Relocates to UAE

Informa's CEO Moves to UAE as Company Quadruples in Size

Informa, the global business-to-business information group, has seen its top management relocate internationally in recent years. This shift coincides with the company's remarkable growth, which has seen it quadruple in size over the past decade. Lord Stephen Carter, Informa's CEO, has recently moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for business reasons, following in the footsteps of other senior managers who have relocated to New York and Boston.

Lord Carter's move to the UAE may bring tax advantages, although the extent of these benefits remains unclear. This relocation comes after he stepped down from the House of Lords due to residency requirements. The trend of international relocation among Informa's top management is not isolated. Patrick Martell, the group's Chief Operating Officer, has moved to New York, while the head of the Techtarget unit has settled in Boston. Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, has also chosen to live overseas, residing in Australia.

Informa's international expansion is reflected in its revenue streams. The UK now accounts for less than 5% of its total revenues, indicating a significant shift towards international markets. Lord Carter, previously a top Labour adviser and head of Ofcom, has overseen this growth. His 2022 remuneration of £5.5 million underscores his role in driving the company's success, up from £4.2 million in 2021.

Lord Carter's move to the UAE is part of a broader trend of international relocation among UK business leaders, with over 4,400 directors leaving the country since Labour came to power, partly due to changes in tax rules. As Informa continues to grow and diversify its revenue streams, the international relocation of its top management is likely to remain a significant trend.