Nancy McKinstry, the trailblazing CEO of Wolters Kluwer, has announced her retirement effective February 2026, bringing to a close her remarkable 22-year tenure marked by transformation and success. McKinstry, the longest-serving female CEO of any Dutch publicly traded company, has been pivotal in steering the firm from its origins as a traditional publishing house to its current status as a digital information powerhouse, with the company’s market capitalization increasing more than tenfold during her leadership.
Under her stewardship, Wolters Kluwer reported revenues reaching €5.9 billion for the year 2024, reflecting her significant influence and successful strategies. The decision to resign, she noted, is strategic timing, allowing her successor, Stacey Caywood, currently the head of Wolters Kluwer Health, to guide the company forward. McKinstry expressed her gratitude, stating, “I think it’s time for me to retire and I’m leaving Wolters Kluwer in great shape.”
Stacey Caywood, who has been with the company since 1992, is poised to take over leadership at the upcoming general shareholders' meeting. With extensive experience in various leadership roles within the organization, including her current position since 2020, Caywood is well-prepared to build on the foundation laid by McKinstry.
Throughout her career, particularly since becoming CEO on September 1, 2003, McKinstry has led substantial changes at Wolters Kluwer, shifting its focus from printed publications to software-driven solutions, with digital revenue now representing 90% of the company’s total income. This transformation has not only broadened the company’s market presence but also improved its financial health significantly; from 30% digital revenue just two decades ago, this growth is commendable.
McKinstry often spoke about problem-solving as a core aspect of her leadership philosophy, once stating, “I believe every problem can be solved.” This mindset has been instrumental as she faced numerous challenges at the outset—when she took the helm, Wolters Kluwer was considered the ‘ugly duckling’ of Dutch publishing. Under her directive, the portfolio was streamlined, divesting over €1 billion worth of revenues and investing similarly in new acquisitions to refocus the corporation.
The changes she initiated were characterized by her mantra of innovation, committing 8% to 10% of revenue back to product development, ensuring the company remained competitive and relevant. McKinstry's emphasis on innovation and talent attraction not only transformed product lines but also revamped the organizational culture at Wolters Kluwer. The shift to more collaborative work environments and the adoption of agile methodologies allowed teams across various disciplines to integrate more effectively.
Known for her discipline and work ethic, McKinstry's early mornings were devoted to reviewing meetings and scanning major publications within the industry. Her presence was not just commanding but also approachable; she encouraged open dialogues within the company, allowing for transparency and inclusivity. Her leadership style reflects clarity and motivation, as she advised, “A good boss is clear, motivating, and respects people.”
On diversity, McKinstry has led efforts to create inclusive teams reflecting gender equality and cultural representation within the company. She stated, “The most diverse teams were the most creative and innovative” during interviews, and this commitment resulted in performance improvements across multiple business dimensions.
Reflecting on her personal life, McKinstry resides primarily in the Netherlands, balancing her role as CEO with personal commitments to charity, particularly focusing on hunger initiatives and educational funding. Despite her busy schedule, she takes time for family and activities like yoga and hiking, demonstrating a commitment to holistic well-being.
Following her retirement, Wolters Kluwer will need to adjust to her absence. Analysts and investors have expressed mixed reactions to her impending departure, with the company’s shares dropping by nearly 9% following the announcement, reflecting investor sensitivity to leadership changes. McKinstry's presence is viewed as intrinsically linked to the company's success.
Wolters Kluwer's recent financial highlights from 2024 show revenues increasing by 6% and significant net profit growth, promising stability as McKinstry passes the torch. Investors, acknowledging McKinstry’s legacy, continue to watch how Caywood will implement her leadership ethos and maintain the company’s forward momentum.
Stacey Caywood’s upcoming leadership positions the company for phases of growth, innovation, and continued success, echoing McKinstry’s dedication to evolve the company even beyond its current standing. The groundwork is solid, but as McKinstry's 22 years draw to a close, the effects of her influence will resonate within the organization long after her retirement.