Hays CEO steps down as first half net fees fall 9%

The United Kingdom-based recruitment specialist Hays plc has announced the immediate departure of Chief Executive Officer Dirk Hahn, who is stepping down for personal reasons. The company confirmed on Friday that Mark Dearnley, currently serving as the chief digital and technology officer, will assume the role of CEO on an interim basis. This leadership change coincides with a challenging financial update, as the group reported a 9% decline in like-for-like net fees for the first half of the year. Operating profit before exceptional items fell to 20.1 million pounds ($27.07 million), compared to 25.5 million pounds in the prior-year period. Hays, which focuses on white-collar placements in sectors such as technology, finance, and engineering, attributed the performance dip to a combination of macroeconomic and political uncertainty. These conditions have dampened client demand and slowed permanent recruitment, as employers increasingly delay hiring decisions and candidates remain hesitant to transition between roles.