Mike Danson

Mike’s Biography

Mike Danson is a serial entrepreneur, media proprietor, philanthropist and data guru. He is the founder and CEO of London-listed GlobalData PLC, a data analytics and consultancy business with a market value of over £1.4 billion and employing over 3,600 people globally.

Danson began his career as a management consultant but in 1990 turned his attention to the world of data. Using funds from four credit cards, he set up Datamonitor, a subscription-based business intelligence company. Datamonitor grew quickly as Danson bought out smaller companies, broadening coverage and increasing global reach and in November 2000 the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2007 Datamonitor was sold to Informa for £502 million, just months before the global financial crash, reinforcing Mike’s reputation as a shrewd deal-maker.

Michael went on to found GlobalData in 2008, re-purchasing parts of Datamonitor in 2015.

Mike’s other business interests include ownership of The New Statesman, the left-of-centre political magazine; Spear’s Publishing; and Press Gazette. He is also the owner... Mike Danson is a serial entrepreneur, media proprietor, philanthropist and data guru. He is the founder and CEO of London-listed GlobalData PLC, a data analytics and consultancy business with a market value of over £1.4 billion and employing over 3,600 people globally.

Danson began his career as a management consultant but in 1990 turned his attention to the world of data. Using funds from four credit cards, he set up Datamonitor, a subscription-based business intelligence company. Datamonitor grew quickly as Danson bought out smaller companies, broadening coverage and increasing global reach and in November 2000 the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2007 Datamonitor was sold to Informa for £502 million, just months before the global financial crash, reinforcing Mike’s reputation as a shrewd deal-maker.

Michael went on to found GlobalData in 2008, re-purchasing parts of Datamonitor in 2015.

Mike’s other business interests include ownership of The New Statesman, the left-of-centre political magazine; Spear’s Publishing; and Press Gazette. He is also the owner of Wigan Athletic Football Club, and co-owner of Wigan Warriors, a professional rugby league club and part of the Super League.

In 2010 Mike set up The Danson Foundation with an initial donation of £10 million. The Foundation is run by Helen Danson, Mike’s wife, and focuses on education and mental health. In 2012 the Foundation gifted £1.5 million to Danson’s Alma Mater, St Anne’s College, Oxford to provide undergraduate bursaries. It also organises internships for St Anne’s students at companies that Mike owns, or is associated with.

Mike grew up near Wigan in North West England, the grandson of miners. After completing his secondary education at Bolton Grammar School Mike went on to study at St Anne’s College, University of Oxford from where he graduated with an MA in Law. more less

Mike’s Newsfeed

GlobalData sustains growth through second half

“Over the last year, GlobalData has continued to execute on its growth optimisation plan and provide its global customer base with mission-critical insights and analysis,” said chief executive officer Mike Danson.

Mike’s Background

GlobalData PLC

Founder & CEO

2008 - Present

London, UK

GlobalData is one of the top data and analytics companies in the world, providing expert analysis and unique data to 4,000 of the world’s largest companies across an array of sectors.

Datamonitor PLC

Founder

1990 - 2007

London, UK

Founded in 1989 by Mike Danson, Datamonitor was a global market intelligence and data analysis company serving over 6,000 clients. It was bought by Informa in 2007 for £502 million. In 2015, Danson acquired key parts of the Datamonitor business from Informa for £25 million.

Other Business Interests

Wigan Athletic FC

Owner

Jun 2023 - Present

Wigan, UK

Wigan Athletic FC is an English football club based in Greater Manchester. Founded in 1932, they have a rich history marked by promotions and cup victories, notably winning the FA Cup in 2013. They currently compete in the EFL League One. Wigan-born Mike Danson bought the club in June 2023.

Wigan Warriors Rugby Club

Co-Owner

2021 - Present

Wigan, UK

The Wigan Warriors are one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby league clubs in the UK, and the most successful club in the history of world rugby league.

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Philanthropy

The Danson Foundation

Founder

2010 - Present

Established by the Danson Family in 2010, The Danson Foundation is a grant-making organisation that supports charities working in education and mental health, both in the UK and abroad. The Foundation also provides access to Mike Danson’s network and resources, organising internships and mentoring for university students at companies with which Mike has an association.