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Comscore hunts CEO as Bryan Wiener departs over ‘irreconcilable differences’ on turnaround plan

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By Jennifer Faull | Deputy Editor

April 1, 2019 | 3 min read

Comscore chief executive Bryan Wiener has departed the company after less than a year over what he called “irreconcilable differences.” The measurement firm’s president Sarah Hofstetter has also left over “differences with the board over how to execute the company’s strategy.”

Bryan Weiner

Comscore chief Bryan Wiener departs

The company confirmed that Dale Fuller would replace Wiener as interim CEO as it begins the hunt for a replacement. However, it will not fill Hofstetter’s role.

Wiener joined Comscore from Dentsu-owned 360i, where he was executive chairman, last April following a number of failed attempts to replace former chief Gian Fulgoni.

At the time of his appointment, the company had just released its first annual report in three years following an internal investigation which unearthed improper accounting practices. It revealed losses amounting to $281.4m in 2017.

However, Wiener’s turnaround plan was not backed by the board.

“This afternoon, I resigned as CEO and board member of Comscore,” said Wiener in a statement.

“I have been very fortunate to lead Comscore during a period of significant change and to be part of such a talented team turning around the company strategically, financially and reputationally. I ultimately chose to leave as the board and I had irreconcilable differences over how to execute the company’s strategy.”

Hofstetter added: “Given Bryan had differences with the board over how to execute the company’s strategy, and the two of us were aligned on the plan, I have made the decision to resign. It has been a privilege to be part of Comscore and to work with so many talented professionals who have been the driving force behind the company’s transformation.”

Board chairman Brent Rosenthal said Dale Fuller, the interim CEO, would now work “more closely” with its employees and board to “optimize our operations and accelerate our path to profitability.”

Fuller added: “We are uniquely positioned to become the modern currency in an evolving media ecosystem based on our unique data assets, differentiated data analytics and strong brand equity. I look forward to working with our talented team to advance our mission of helping grow businesses in the cross-platform era.”

Amid the exits, Comscore has made a number of changes to its board. Former GroupM chief executive Irwin Gotlieb, Social Finance chief marketing officer Joanne Bradford and former chief executive and president of GfK MRI Kathi Love have all joined “to credentialize our strategy, improve our customer traction, accelerate our growth and drive long-term shareholder value.”

“Each of these executives has demonstrated entrepreneurial talent and enjoys a proven track record of success within our industry,” said Rosenthal.

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