UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of September
2026
PEARSON plc
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation
of registrant's name into English)
80 Strand
London, England WC2R 0RL
44-20-7010-2000
(Address
of principal executive office)
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual
reports
under
cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form
20-F
X
Form 40-F
Indicate
by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the
information
contained
in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to
the
Commission
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934
Yes
No X
Pearson Announces Three New Non-Executive Directors
LONDON - 23 September 2026 - Pearson
(FTSE: PSON.L), the
world’s lifelong learning company, today announces the
appointments of Michael Barkin and Vivek Sharma as independent
Non-Executive Directors, along with Alex Svensson as a
Non-Executive Director. All three will join the Pearson Board of
Directors, with effect from 1 October 2026.
Omid Kordestani, Pearson Chair, said: "I'm pleased to welcome Michael, Vivek, and Alex
to the Pearson Board as we grow the business to support learners
and educators during this transformational era. Our new Directors
complement a strong and talented Board, bringing deep financial
experience along with strong expertise in AI and emerging
technologies. Additionally, Alex’s appointment also
recognises our longstanding and collaborative relationship with
Cevian. All will offer significant and valuable contributions to
Pearson’s strategy in the years
ahead.”
Michael Barkin serves as President and board director of Clear
Secure, Inc., the secure identity company providing frictionless
experiences across travel and digital applications, primarily in
the United States. He will transition into an advisory role at
CLEAR in October. Prior to CLEAR, Michael served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer at Vail Resorts, where he
also led strategy and development. He also served as a Principal at
KRG Capital Partners and worked at Bain Capital Partners and Bain
& Company. Michael is the Board Chair of Evolve Vacation Rental
Network, Inc.
Vivek Sharma is the CEO and co-founder of Quantelix,
which is commercialising quantum technology-enabled biosensing in a
handheld device. Previously, he
was CEO and co-founder of InStride, an enterprise skilling and
education-technology company. Vivek also held leadership roles at
The Walt Disney Company and Yahoo, having previously worked at
McKinsey. He currently serves on the boards of JetBlue Airways,
Coforge, and Kaiser Permanente. He is a member of Caltech's
Information Science and Technology Advisory Council and an adjunct
professor of data science at the University of Southern
California.
Alex Svensson is a Partner at Cevian Capital. Since joining in
2014, he has played a leading role in investments across a range of
sectors and geographies. Alex has worked closely with Pearson for
six years, during which time Cevian has become Pearson’s
largest shareholder. His appointment is subject to a relationship
agreement between Pearson and Cevian. He brings strong knowledge of
the business along with deep expertise in corporate strategy,
capital allocation and governance. Alex served on the
Shareholders’ Nomination Board of Tieto Corporation, the
leading Nordic software and technology company. Alex will also join
Pearson’s Nomination and Governance Committee, with effect
from 1 October 2026.
Michael Barkin said: “Pearson sits at the centre of how people
learn, build skills, and adapt in a changing world, and I'm
honoured to join the Board at such a pivotal moment. I look forward
to working with the Pearson team to support its growth and
continued transformation, and the strong governance that underpins
durable, long-term value.”
Vivek Sharma said: “As an
innovator, entrepreneur, and educator, I’ve seen the
important role learning plays as the driving force behind our
changing world. In my conversations with Pearson leaders over many
months, it’s become clear that I very much want to lend my
expertise in transformative technology and education to help
Pearson shape the future of learning.”
Alex Svensson said: “Cevian has strong conviction in
Pearson’s leadership, strategy, and value potential. Joining
the Board marks a continuation of our constructive engagement with
the company over six years. I am pleased to bring my experience in global investing
and capital markets to Pearson’s Board and look
forward to working closely with my fellow Directors and management
to deliver on Pearson’s strategy and significant long-term
value potential.”
There is no further information to be declared in accordance with
UKLR 6.4.8.
---ENDS---
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life
they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning
opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s
why our Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and
enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We
are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers
with digital learning and assessment experiences, verified skills
and credentials. For us, learning isn’t just what we do.
It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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PEARSON
plc
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Date: 23
September 2026
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By: /s/
CHRISTIE WOLSTENCROFT
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Christie
Wolstencroft
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Senior
Assistant Company Secretary
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