IWG announces leadership restructuring

International Workplace Group (IWG) has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team, appointing a new CEO, an executive chair, and a deputy chair.

Mark Dixon

Mark Dixon, the founder and current CEO, will transition to the role of executive chair. Dixon founded IWG in 1989 and has since built it into a global leader in flexible workspace, operating in over 120 countries with brands like Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature. In his new capacity, he will continue to provide strategic guidance to the Board and advise the CEO.

Christian Schmitz has been appointed as the new CEO. Schmitz joined IWG last year as CTO and later became global head of all Regions. During his tenure, he has played a key role in accelerating operational execution, improving performance, and advancing the company's strategic goals. Schmitz brings extensive international leadership experience, including a background as a partner at McKinsey & Company and a director at KKR Capstone, where he led complex transformation programs and served as CEO of Selecta, a European food technology and workplace services business.

Douglas Sutherland, who currently serves as non-executive chair, will become deputy chair. In this role, Sutherland will leverage his extensive experience and knowledge of the company to oversee the Board's effectiveness and operations during this leadership transition.

Mark Dixon said: " The business continues to perform in line with expectations and we are in a period of enormous opportunity for IWG. As demand for flexible workspaces continues to grow worldwide, the business is exceptionally well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. Christian is an exceptional leader with a strong track record of driving transformation and performance. Since joining IWG, he has made a significant impact, bringing deep insight into our business and a clear focus on execution. He is ideally positioned to lead IWG through its next phase of growth."

Christian Schmitz added: "I have been hugely impressed by my experience at IWG, its people and the strength of the business. The growth opportunity ahead of us is enormous: demand for flexible workspace is accelerating in every market, and IWG is exceptionally well-positioned to capture it. I am energised by the scale of what we can achieve, and I look forward to working with IWG's teams around the world to seize this momentum and drive our most ambitious phase of growth yet."