Pearson Taps Dreamworks CTO for Board of Directors

It’s no secret that Pearson wants to dive deeper into technology-based solutions in the education space and reduce its reliance on print. Pearson’s latest appointment to its board of directors confirms that mission and indicates an ongoing commitment to technology development. Lincoln Wallen, CTO of Dreamworks Animation, will join Pearson’s board as an independent, non-executive director, starting on January 1, 2016.

Pearson chairman Glen Moreno said in a press release that, “Lincoln is a renowned leader in his field who brings with him huge levels of expertise and experience. His appointment further strengthens our digital and technology capabilities.”

Wallen added in the same press release that, “Technology has fundamentally revolutionized the animation and gaming industries, like many others, but education has yet to harness its full potential.”

Wallen may also help Pearson rethink its strategy in the education space -- a strategy that was called into question recently after Pearson’s share price dipped 5.6% on November 12^th. This decrease came after CEO John Fallon indicated that Pearson would not likely see the same 7% growth it had over the last decade. Shares had already experienced declines a few weeks earlier when the publisher revealed to investors that it would not meet anticipated profits for the third quarter.

It will be interesting to see if Wallen’s appointment can make an impact on Pearson’s current struggles.