YouGov CEO Steve Hatch resigns amid investor pressure

In early 2023, Steve Hatch assumed the role of chief executive at YouGov, a popular London-based research firm specializing in political polling. However, his tenure has been marred by substantial criticism and discontent from investors, particularly an activist shareholder group known as Gatemore Capital. As of January 31, 2025, YouGov's share prices plummeted by more than 50%, prompting concerns about the company's financial health and strategic direction. Gatemore Capital, controlling a 1.3% stake in the business, formally requested Hatch's resignation after evaluating the company's poor share performance. Their insistence on urgent action led to a series of board meetings discussing the leadership and restructuring options to revitalize the firm's approach to strategic growth. Following this pressure, Hatch announced his departure, effective immediately, stating that he believed it was time for a change to benefit the company moving forward. In his absence, current chairman Stephan Shakespeare has stepped in as interim CEO, vowing to work with the leadership team toward developing a fresh strategy for improved performance. The company plans to initiate a search for a permanent successor shortly after Hatch's exit. Despite recent acquisitions and modest growth reported by YouGov, activist shareholders have called for comprehensive strategic reviews and have even mused about possible sales to address the significant gap between the company's intrinsic value and its declining stock performance. The company transitioned to a focus on cost savings of £20 million, with a commitment to secure 70% of these savings in the current fiscal year, indicating an effort to bolster financial stability in light of recent upheaval.