Pearson Appoints Dave Treat as Chief Technology Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Pearson has appointed Dave Treat as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective immediately. Dave will report directly to CEO Omar Abbosh and will collaborate closely with the Chief Product and Chief Information Officers to drive technological innovation and architecture at Pearson.

Dave joins Pearson with 27 years of expertise in technology and strategic business transformation, having held senior roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and UBS Investment Bank. At Accenture, he led the Innovation Incubation Group and other key technology initiatives.

CEO Omar Abbosh highlighted Dave's expertise in AI and innovation, viewing his appointment as critical for Pearson's future technology efforts. Dave's background in education and his extensive experience in emerging technologies such as Generative AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing position him well to advance Pearson's mission in the learning space.

Dave will be based in Connecticut, USA.

Positive

• Dave Treat's appointment as CTO brings significant expertise in AI and emerging technologies to Pearson.
• Dave's previous leadership roles at Accenture, including his focus on innovation incubation, strengthen Pearson's technological capabilities.
• The collaboration between Dave and Pearson’s executive team is expected to enhance the company's tech-driven strategic initiatives.

Negative

• The departure of Dave Treat from Accenture may raise concerns about continuity and leadership gaps at his previous employer.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s lifelong learning company, is announcing the appointment of Dave Treat as Chief Technology Officer, effective today. Dave will report to CEO Omar Abbosh. Working in close partnership with Pearson’s Chief Product and Chief Information Officers, he will lead technology innovation and architecture across the company. This includes enhancing the company’s presence in the AI and tech community, driving strategic technology partnerships, and engaging with emerging technology and ed tech start-ups.

Dave Treat (Photo: Business Wire)

Dave brings 27 years of expertise and industry leadership in technology, financial services, and strategic business transformation. He joins Pearson from Accenture where he most recently served as a Senior Managing Director. There he led Accenture’s Innovation Incubation Group, focused on helping clients implement new technologies like Generative AI, Digital Identity, Spatial Computing, Blockchain, Web 3, and Quantum Computing. Dave also served in other Accenture leadership roles including as Global Technology Lead for Capital Markets, Co-chair of the New York Fintech Innovation Lab, Global Technology Incubation Lead and Global Blockchain Practice Lead. Prior to Accenture, Dave was a Director at Deloitte and an Executive Director at UBS Investment Bank, working across technology innovation and transformation in both roles.

Omar Abbosh, Pearson CEO said: “Dave is an established expert and leader in the technology community. With AI moving at breathtaking speed, his experience will help us seize the growing opportunity in the learning space. As we increase the intensity of our technology efforts, Dave will be a critical member of the team working to ensure we lead on innovation for our customers.”

Dave Treat said: “Coming from a family of educators and with my own background in education, I'm excited to combine my love of learning with my expertise in the tech space. Human experience is defined by how we learn, what we know, and how we apply knowledge. Now, it’s all up for reinvention. I’ve dedicated my career to the development and application of innovative technologies and I'm looking forward to doing that in service of education and learning.”

Dave helped to found and has served on several technology and industry boards including the Linux Hyperledger Foundation, Linux Open Wallet Foundation, Digital Dollar Project, and the Global Business Blockchain Council. Dave is an active member of the World Economic Forum, lending his knowledge in areas such as blockchain, digital identity, digital currency, and digital trust. He also holds more than 100 patents.

Dave earned a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan and a degree in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He will be based in Connecticut, USA.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 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 in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240702354271/en/

Media:

US – dan.nelson@pearson.com

UK – laura.ewart@pearson.com

Source: Pearson

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Technology Officer of Pearson?

Dave Treat has been appointed as the new Chief Technology Officer of Pearson.

What experience does Dave Treat bring to Pearson as CTO?

Dave Treat brings 27 years of expertise in technology and strategic business transformation, including senior roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and UBS Investment Bank.

What will Dave Treat focus on as Pearson's CTO?

Dave Treat will lead technology innovation and architecture at Pearson, enhancing the company's presence in the AI and tech community and driving strategic technology partnerships.

How will Dave Treat’s appointment impact Pearson?

Dave Treat's extensive experience in AI and emerging technologies is expected to enhance Pearson's technology-driven strategic initiatives, positioning the company as a leader in the learning space.

Where will Dave Treat be based as CTO of Pearson?

Dave Treat will be based in Connecticut, USA.