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Hays Names Digital Transformation Specialist Mark Dearnley as Permanent CEO

Story Highlights
  • Hays has appointed Mark Dearnley as permanent CEO, elevating him from interim chief after his role as chief digital and technology officer.
  • The board’s unanimous choice underscores a strategy focused on digital transformation and resilience amid industry change and macroeconomic uncertainty.
  • Looking for the best stocks to buy? Follow the recommendations of top-performing analysts.
Hays Names Digital Transformation Specialist Mark Dearnley as Permanent CEO

Meet Samuel – Your Personal Investing Prophet

An update from Hays plc ( (GB:HAS) ) is now available.

Hays plc has confirmed the permanent appointment of Mark Dearnley as chief executive officer with immediate effect, following his tenure as interim CEO since February 2026 and his prior role as chief digital and technology officer. The board highlighted his extensive background in digital transformation at organisations including Inchcape, HM Revenue & Customs and Vodafone, saying his expertise will be critical as Hays navigates industry upheaval and macroeconomic uncertainty, while Dearnley signalled continuity and ambition by stressing the company’s strong culture and growth potential.

Chair Michael Findlay said the board’s unanimous decision followed a comprehensive internal and external search, underscoring confidence in Dearnley’s ability to lead the next phase of Hays’ development. The appointment signals a strategic emphasis on technology-driven transformation and client-centric innovation, positioning Hays to strengthen its competitive edge in global recruitment and to adapt its operations and services to evolving market demands.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £33.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on HAS Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, HAS is a Neutral.

The score is held back primarily by weak technicals (below all major moving averages with negative MACD) and very stretched valuation (P/E 748.65). Financial performance is mixed—loss-making and declining revenue, but improving free cash flow—providing partial support.

To see Spark’s full report on HAS stock, click here.

More about Hays plc

Hays plc is a professional recruitment and workforce solutions firm, operating globally across multiple industries. The company focuses on connecting employers with skilled professionals and has been increasingly emphasising digital and technology-led services to support clients in a changing labour market.

Average Trading Volume: 5,409,053

Technical Sentiment Signal: Sell

Current Market Cap: £479.5M

For detailed information about HAS stock, go to TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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