School's finally out for long-time RM boss David Brooks

After 25 years at edtech supplier, RM CEO informs board he wishes to change careers

Long-time RM CEO David Brooks has tendered his resignation -a quarter of a century after joining the edtech outfit as a graduate.

Beginning his RM career in 1996, Brooks' 25-year stint includes a spell looking after the London-listed outfit's Building Schools for the Future programme. He was promoted to the CEO role in 2013.

Brooks has informed the board that he wishes to seek a career change and has tendered his resignation, to take effect from 31 March 2021, the £200m-revenue firm announced this morning.

A formal process to identify a successor has been initiated.

Brooks' resignation came as RM confirmed that - after a tough, COVID-hit first-half - trading conditions "started to improve" following the partial reopening of schools and colleges in June. The return of all pupils in September has given it greater clarity over its performance for its year to 30 November.

Consequently, all three of its divisions - including its badly hit tech arm RM Education - will be profitable in the current financial year, RM anticipates.

"After more than 25 years' service with RM, and the past seven years as CEO, the Board appreciates that David wishes to take his career in a different direction," said RM chairman John Poulter.

"During the period between now and March, the company will continue to have the benefit of his full engagement with the business, supported by a strong executive team, and particularly focused on the measures taken to overcome the disruption caused by Covid-19, and the progress of major capital projects."