Pearson Stock Price, News & Analysis

Pearson (PSON.L) has released new research highlighting how AI and automation are reshaping technology industry roles. The study predicts that by 2029, tech workers could save approximately one day per week through technology augmentation and automation.

The research analyzed five high-value tech positions in the US, finding potential weekly time savings ranging from 5.8 to 8.8 hours through effective use of technology, particularly LLM chatbots and Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Key findings include:

• Computer Network Architects: 8.8 hours saved weekly
• Computer Programmers: 7.7 hours saved
• Computer System Analysts: 7.6 hours saved
• Computer System Engineers: 6 hours saved
• Systems Software Developers: 5.8 hours saved

Pearson recommends employers adopt a 'role redesign' strategy to utilize this saved time for upskilling employees, focusing on more strategic and innovative tasks rather than replacing existing workforce.

Pearson (PSO) has released its 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report, based on responses from 24,000 IT professionals globally. The report highlights significant career and organizational benefits of IT certifications in the age of AI.

Key findings show that 82% of certified professionals gained confidence to pursue new opportunities, 63% received or anticipated promotions, and 32% received salary increases, with 31% of raises exceeding 20%. Organizations benefit through improved work quality (79%), enhanced innovation (76%), and increased productivity (70%).

The report reveals a dramatic surge in AI-related certifications, with candidates pursuing AI and machine learning certifications more than doubling from 17% in 2022 to 35% in 2024. Additionally, 69% of employers have initiated or increased AI investments, while 84% of candidates plan to pursue another IT certification within 12 months.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's leading learning company, has unveiled a new brand identity focused on lifelong learning. The rebranding initiative emphasizes learning as a fundamental human need essential for personal growth and progress.

The company's brand evolution is based on research showing that skill improvement correlates with increased happiness and sense of purpose. Chief Marketing Officer Ginny Cartwright Ziegler highlighted that the new brand celebrates learners' curiosity, resilience, and ambition.

CEO Omar Abbosh emphasized that the rebranding goes beyond visual elements, representing a strategic step in redefining Pearson's identity and commitment to helping people achieve their learning goals. The initiative aims to drive sustained value creation and improve service delivery to learners, educators, and partners globally.

Pearson (PSO) has announced an expansion of Chief Technology Officer Dave Treat's role to lead the company's digital and technology operation, effective April 7, 2025. This appointment comes as current Chief Information Officer Marykay Wells departs on April 4.

Treat, who joined Pearson nine months ago, will maintain his CTO position and continue reporting to CEO Omar Abbosh. He has been instrumental in establishing the company's AI Center of Enablement and oversees the Research & Development and Ventures teams. With nearly 30 years of experience in technology innovation, Treat holds over 100 patents in distributed ledger technology, digital identity, and confidential computing.

The appointment aims to leverage Pearson's technology foundation to scale AI offerings, strengthen innovation, and enhance cross-business unit collaboration. Under Wells' leadership, Pearson underwent a significant print-to-digital transformation and implemented generative AI solutions to improve efficiency and customer experience.

Pearson (PSO) has launched its Pearson Skilling Partner program, transforming its network of 4,600+ authorized Pearson VUE test centers across 178 countries into comprehensive learning and certification hubs. The initiative aims to address the global skills gap, particularly as AI and technology reshape industries.

The program leverages Pearson VUE's position as a global certification leader, which administers nearly 21 million exams annually. According to Pearson's 'Lost in Transition' report, inefficient career transitions and learning gaps cost the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion annually.

The new program offers over 60 IT certification courses, access to the Pearson Skilling Suite, and a Training Marketplace featuring 2,000+ courses. Authorized test centers and skilling providers can apply for participation starting March 31, 2025.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) has appointed Arden Hoffman as an independent Non-Executive Director, effective June 1, 2025. Hoffman, currently Chief People Officer at General Motors since 2023, brings extensive expertise in workforce and talent development in the AI era.

Hoffman's background includes leadership roles as Chief People Officer at Cruise and Global Head of Human Resources at Dropbox, along with senior HR positions at Google and Goldman Sachs. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a bachelor's degree in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley.

Pearson Chair Omid Kordestani highlighted Hoffman's experience in leading high-performing teams in tech-driven businesses and her expertise in workforce development as valuable assets for Pearson's strategic execution.

Pearson (PSO) has appointed Sharon Hague as the new President of English Language Learning (ELL) division and UK CEO, effective March 3, 2025. Hague, a 25-year Pearson veteran, succeeds Gio Giovannelli, who is departing to pursue other opportunities.

Previously serving as Managing Director of Pearson School Qualifications and School Assessments, Hague has demonstrated success in expanding international reach, driving digital transformation, and achieving consistent sales and margin growth. In her new role, she will report to CEO Omar Abbosh and lead the ELL business expansion in key international markets, focusing on AI-powered products and services.

Hague, an Oxford graduate and former educator with 8 years of teaching experience, is an elected representative on the Council of the UK Publishing Association and has previously chaired the Joint Council for Qualifications.

Pearson (PSO) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced an expanded collaboration to deliver AI-powered learning solutions globally. The partnership aims to enhance learning experiences through cloud and AI tools, addressing the $1.1 trillion annual cost of inefficient career transitions and learning gaps in the U.S. economy.

Building on their 13-year relationship, AWS will serve as Pearson's strategic AI and cloud provider, focusing on improving higher education products. The collaboration includes:

• Increased use of AWS cloud infrastructure and Amazon Bedrock for enhanced learning experiences
• AI-powered lesson generation and assessments
• Expansion of AWS certification delivery through Pearson VUE
• Development of transformative learning solutions in clinical assessments, enterprise learning, and English Language Learning

The partnership leverages AWS's global scale and AI capabilities to create personalized, accessible learning experiences, supporting Pearson's commitment to accelerate AI integration across its products and strengthen its enterprise learning market presence.

Pearson (PSO) reported strong 2024 financial results with 3% underlying group sales growth and adjusted operating profit of £600m, up 10% with margin expansion to 16.9%. The company achieved free cash flow of £490m with 117% conversion rate.

Key highlights include a 6% increase in full-year dividend to 24.0p and announcement of a new £350m share buyback program. The company formed a strategic partnership with AWS to enhance learning products with cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities.

Business segment performance showed varied results: Assessment & Qualifications up 3%, English Language Learning up 8%, Workforce Skills up 6%, Higher Education up 1%, while Virtual Schools decreased 1%. The company maintains its medium-term guidance for mid-single digit underlying sales growth CAGR and sustained margin improvement averaging 40 basis points annually.