Andy Bird CBE (born 3 January 1964)[1] is a British executive. He was chairman of Walt Disney International until 2018. Bird was the CEO of Pearson plc from October 2020 until his retirement on January 8, 2024.
Early life
editBird was born and raised in Warrington, England and was educated at King's School, Macclesfield.[1][2] In 1985, Bird gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English language and literature at Newcastle University.
Career
editBird first started his career in broadcasting as one of Timmy Mallett's helpers on Manchester's Piccadilly Radio. He produced the breakfast show.[3] He later moved to London working for Richard Branson's Virgin Broadcasting, working on their music television channel Music Box and satellite radio station 'Radio Radio'.[3] Next was British Satellite Broadcasting's The Power Station channel.[2]
In 1990, Bird and Chris Evans formed company Big and Good that made programmes for TVam.
Bird joined Time Warner in 1994 as senior vice president and general manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Limited. In 2000, he became president of TBS International and was responsible for all TBS broadcasting outside of the United States.[3]
Disney
editIn 2004, Bird joined The Walt Disney Company and has since overseen the acquisition of Hungama TV in India and investment in India's UTV. He also localizes content and has reorganized Disney's international structure and leadership ranks.[3]
Bird was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to UK media and entertainment.[4][5]
Pearson
editBird was selected as CEO of Pearson plc to replace the retiring John Fallon and had been with the company since October 2020. He retired in January 2024.[6]
Personal life
editBird is married and has two sons.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Nimmo, Jamie (6 March 2022). "Interview: Andy Bird looks to remix Pearson's fortunes". The Sunday Times.
- ^ a b "Andy Bird: Mister Mouse of Warrington". The Independent. 19 December 2005. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
- ^ a b c d "Corporate profiles - Andy Bird". Disney Corporate. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 14 May 2008.
- ^ "No. 60173". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 June 2012. p. 23.
- ^ "Queen's birthday honours list 2012: Diplomatic". The Guardian. 15 June 2012.
- ^ Shabong, Yadarisa; Matthews, Eva (20 September 2023). "Pearson names Microsoft executive Abbosh CEO as Bird retires". Reuters. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
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