Karthik Rao Appointed CEO of Nielsen Holdings

Karthik Rao’s appointment brings over two decades of experience to drive innovation and lead Nielsen into its next phase of growth.

Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE: NLSN), the global leader in audience measurement, data, and analytics, appointed Karthik Rao its chief executive officer (CEO). Rao brings over two decades of experience at the company, where he has held pivotal roles across the company's global operations. Before assuming the CEO position, Rao served as the CEO of Nielsen's Audience Measurement business starting in early 2023, driving innovation and adapting to industry disruptions. Rao's journey with Nielsen began in the late 1990s, where he held roles in Expanded Verticals, Digital Enablement, and Media Analytics. His international experience includes serving as head of Nielsen China, one of the company's fastest-growing global markets. Rao has been instrumental in overseeing a global, product-driven technology transformation, steering Nielsen towards innovative solutions in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Previously, he led independent divisions, including Nielsen Entertainment, Gracenote, Brandbank, and Telecom businesses across international markets. His leadership during the acquisition and integration of Gracenote stood out as he built its management team, aligned strategic objectives, and fueled growth in key markets.

Rao is a transformative leader with digital transformation, data analytics, and strategic implementation expertise. His ability to lead complex initiatives and drive operational excellence has earned him recognition within the industry. Throughout his career, Rao has collaborated, adapted, and made data-driven decisions, aligning Nielsen with the changing demands of the media and advertising sectors.

Before joining Nielsen, Rao worked as an account executive at Ogilvy & Mather in India, where he gained foundational experience in marketing and advertising. His early career shaped his strategic mindset and client-focused approach, which he carried into his work at Nielsen. Rao holds a degree in Economics from Loyola University in Chennai and an MBA from Illinois State University.

Outside his professional responsibilities, Rao is passionate about mentoring young leaders and supporting initiatives promoting education and community development. His leadership philosophy is based on the belief that business success leads to a positive and inclusive organisational culture, where people are empowered to grow and contribute to the company's overall mission.

Beyond Rao's strategic achievements, he passionately advocates cultivating a strong corporate culture prioritising diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning. He believes that empowering employees to think creatively and collaborate across teams is crucial for fostering innovation and sustaining long-term success.