Coram is currently CFO of Penguin Random House. Prior to the creation of the business in 2013, he was CFO of Penguin for five years, and worked in a number of other finance leadership roles for Pearson since joining the company in 2002.
Coram will join Pearson as CFO designate on July 1st, and succeed Robin Freestone as CFO on August 1st, when he will also replace Robin on the Pearson board as an executive director. Pearson announced on October 24th 2014 that Robin Freestone would stand down before the end of 2015.
John Fallon said: “I’m delighted to welcome Coram to this role, whom we chose from a range of outstanding external and internal candidates.
“He has proved himself to be highly effective both in his ten years working directly for Pearson in a range of finance roles, and at Penguin Random House through a significant company integration and a period of industry change.
“Robin, Coram and I are all committed to ensuring that this is a smooth and effective transition, enabling Coram to build on the great work that Robin has done for Pearson over the last ten years.”
Coram Williams said: “It is a real privilege to return to the world’s leading education company as CFO.
“Pearson is a special company, blending market leading products with a wider social purpose and outstanding culture. As the firm becomes more focused on education services and digital tools that lead to better outcomes, we have a significant opportunity to grow our business and reshape our operations, while also helping our customers and learners to manage that transition.”
Glen Moreno said: “Coram has a strong track record at both Pearson and Penguin Random House, and is held in high regard by the Pearson board and management team.
“I am confident he will become a trusted and valued partner to our shareholders and other stakeholders as we continue to build Pearson for long term growth.”
About Coram Williams
Coram Williams, 41, is currently chief financial officer of Penguin Random House, and was formerly CFO of the Penguin Group. He was appointed to that position in April 2008, after working as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis for Pearson since September 2005.
Coram was previously Finance and Operations Director for Pearson Education’s English Language Teaching business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (ELT EMA), responsible for the finances of two UK divisions, four operating companies, and two regional offices across that area.
During this time, he also served as Interim President of Pearson Education Italia. Prior to this, his first role in Pearson PLC was Financial Strategy and Planning Manager for Pearson Education UK.
Coram began his professional career at Autocar, a British motoring magazine, as a news reporter and road tester. He then joined Arthur Andersen; this move led to positions of increasing responsibility for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting and Arthur Andersen Worldwide.
A graduate of Christ Church, Oxford, Coram also holds an MBA from London Business School.
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