How Pearson’s New CFO Will Drive Enterprise-Focused Growth

Pearson has appointed Simon Robson as its new Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Sally Johnson, who held the position for more than two decades.

Simon will officially take on the role at the beginning of May 2026, following a coordinated transition period with Sally.

Sally has spent nearly 26 years at Pearson and has played a pivotal role in the company’s approach to capital allocation and the strengthening of its financial performance.

Simon’s background in financial leadership began in 1997 at Sky, where he held a number of senior finance and strategy positions, including CFO of Sky Deutschland, Deputy Group CFO and Group CFO.

Omar Abbosh, Chief Executive Officer of Pearson, says: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to Pearson. He brings deep financial expertise, strong leadership experience and a proven track record from a large, global business. 

“I am confident that he will be a great addition to the executive team and will support the continued delivery of our strategy.”

Continuing enterprise-focused growth

Simon’s appointment follows Pearson’s successful growth in 2025, where the brand saw a 4% increase in underlying sales.

The brand has emphasised its progress with enterprise-focused solutions and AI-enabled products such as study tools for student engagement. 

In addition, it has secured eight major partnerships, including a new collaboration with Salesforce, with Pearson acting as the exclusive provider of Salesforce Certification Exams.

Pearson has reported a confident outlook for the new calendar year, focusing on revenue growth and further investments in AI-driven learning.

As the global AI education market continues to grow from $7bn in 2025, companies are looking to invest and implement AI tools into their products. As AI becomes more commonplace in education, Pearson has continued to implement AI into its new learning systems.

Omar adds: "We delivered on our goals in 2025, making significant progress in scaling AI across our products and services and building tangible momentum in our enterprise offering. 

“Through our unique competitive positioning, we look to the future with confidence as we meet the growing and urgent need among enterprises and learners to adapt to an AI-enabled world."

As the global AI education market continues to grow from $7bn in 2025, companies are looking to invest and implement AI tools into their products. As AI becomes more commonplace in education, Pearson has continued to implement AI into its new learning systems.

Omar adds: "We delivered on our goals in 2025, making significant progress in scaling AI across our products and services and building tangible momentum in our enterprise offering. 

“Through our unique competitive positioning, we look to the future with confidence as we meet the growing and urgent need among enterprises and learners to adapt to an AI-enabled world."

Extensive financial experience

Much of this growth to date has been delivered by Sally and her team. The outgoing CFO originally joined Pearson in 2000 and held several finance and operation roles throughout the business, both at the corporate level and within business units.

With extensive experience in commercial and strategic finance, she oversaw the company’s business and financial operations, investor relations and acquisitions, notably Pearson’s acquisition of eDynamic Learning in 2025.

Sally says: “It has been a privilege to spend nearly 26 years at Pearson and to serve as CFO over the past six years. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to colleagues across the business for their support and partnership.

“I will remain fully focused on delivering our priorities and ensuring a smooth handover to Simon.”

In addition to her role at Pearson, she acted as Non-Executive Director for Rentokil Initial plc and Chair of its Audit Committee. Sally was also a Trustee for the Pearson Pension Plan from 2012 to 2018.

Discussing Sally’s transition away from the company, Omar says: “I would like to congratulate Sally on her new opportunity and thank her for the outstanding contribution to Pearson over many years. 

We are very grateful for her leadership as CFO, especially the critical role she has played in strengthening the company and positioning it for the future.”