Hays plc announced the appointment of Dirk Hahn as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") with effect from 1 September 2023. This follows the announcement on 23 February 2023 that the Company had commenced a process to identify a successor to Alistair Cox. The appointment follows a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process led by the Nomination Committee of the Board, considering both internal and external candidates.

Dirk is a long-standing member of the Hays Executive Board and is currently MD of Hays Germany and CEMEA (Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa), where he oversees around 5,500 employees. Having been with the Company for over 20 years, Dirk led the expansion of Hays' German business, which has grown to become the Company's largest business representing over 30% of Group net fees. During his tenure Dirk has held roles including CEO of Hays' GSCN (German speaking countries and Nordics) where he doubled profits, and Group Head of Strategy, as well as other senior positions internationally.

In his early career at Hays, Dirk ran the Information Technology and Engineering sectors within Hays in Germany. Alistair Cox will step down as CEO and from the Board on 31 August 2023, and will be available to Dirk and the business to ensure an orderly transition until his notice period ends on 23 August 2024. Dirk Hahn will join the Board on 1 September 2023.