Pearson ahead as City awaits shake-up

Pearson ahead as City awaits shake-up

Shares in Pearson, the media group that owns the Financial Times, jumped 10p to 670p in early trading yesterday as the City braced itself for sweeping boardroom changes at the publishing and television empire. The company is expected to clarify the succession question today as Frank Barlow, the company's 65-year-old chief executive, is approaching retirement. Greg Dyke, head of Pearson's television interests has emerged as a favourite in the City to take the top job. It will also announce a new finance director, with John Makinson, managing director of the FT, replacing James Joll. Pearson's shares closed up 7p at 667p.