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In the UK,strategic insight agency Opinium has named ten more staff members as equity partners,as it aims for eventual 50% employee ownership. More
Kantar has announced a partnership with attention-based media quality measurement specialist Adelaide, enriching the outputs from the former's LIFT and LIFT+ products. More
In Louisville, Colorado, experience management and enterprise feedback tech firm Alchemer has launched a full service MR team, Alchemer Research Solutions, led by recently-appointed VP Brian Henley, which it says will help its clients quickly expand and scale their research capabilities. More
Kantar has promoted Simon Atherley to head up its yearling marketing effectiveness practice, alongside Kantar Insights UK MD Dom Boyd. More
Kantar Media has promoted Rachel Macey to serve as Managing Director, TGI & Insight, UK and Ireland, replacing Sarah Sanderson who is stepping down. The firm has also promoted Trevor Vagg to Director, Insight, leading Kantar Media's Insight and Sport teams. More
British firm STRAT7 Jigsaw has promoted Sarah McKee to the role of Managing Director, taking over the day-to-day running of the business from founders Ann Morgan and Sue Van Meeteren, who will move to focus on key accounts and improving collaboration between Jigsaw and other STRAT7 Group companies. More
In the US, Dylan Mabin is leaving out of home (OOH) audience measurement body Geopath, after sixteen years with the organisation and three as its President. He will stay until a replacement has been recruited and onboarded. More
UK-based brand and communications research agency The Nursery has appointed former 2CV exec Rob Hartley as Head of Social Research. More
Kantar, has appointed James Lavell in the new role of Chief Commercial Officer for its Profiles Division - the group's Centre of Expertise for panel management as well as home to its portfolio of custom research services. More
Berlin-based experience research software platform Brainstork is entering the UK market, and has hired Ben Leet as UK Partnership Lead on a freelance or 'fractional' basis. More
Purchase transaction insights firm Behaviorally has partnered with China-based eCommerce giant Alibaba to offer the former's pack testing products on the latter's TMIC (Tmall Innovation Center) platform, allowing users to assess the impact of packaging design and eCommerce visuals in the country. More
Ipsos has reported continued solid growth in the first quarter of the year, with revenue up 4.5% in organic terms, to EUR 557.5m. The EMEA and Asia Pacific regions led the way with revenue up more than 9% in each case (organic) while the Americas saw a 3.2% decline. More
UK insight agency Simpson Carpenter has appointed Alexander Holmes as Senior Research Director with expertise in Automotive, Digital Entertainment and Tech, while Martyn Turze joins as Research Director heading up a new specialist sector, Sports. More
Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of legendary ad agency Ogilvy UK, has joined creative effectiveness platform DAIVID in the capacity of Strategic Advisor. More
DIY online survey pioneer SurveyMonkey has promoted Priya Gill to Global Head of Marketing, leading its marketing strategy and execution across all markets. More
First party data specialist TestSet has launched in the European market, backed by recently-launched research and data sector investment firm ACKWEST Group. Leading the region from London as MD is Colin Turner-Kerr, joined by Dina Patel as Director of Operations. More
Panel company Intra Research has appointed Helle Raun Oddershede as its new CEO, taking over from Marina Moshenska who moves into the role of Chief Operating Officer. More
Insights technology and panel provider Toluna has appointed Lucia Moir as Chief Operations Officer and promoted Priyanka Sarkar to Chief Research Officer. More
AI-based consumer research platform Bounce Insights has brought in Aaron Peck as Regional Commercial Director, North America, as it expands into the US. The company has also added Ian Kiernan to its board as Non-Executive Director. More
New York- and Austin, Texas-based b2b restech company Emporia Research has secured $4.7m in a seed round of funding, to expand its platform's capabilities. This will include further investment in AI, engineering, sales and data partnerships. More
British online audience measurement body UKOM has appointed 25-year Nielsen exec Sarah Miller as its Technical Consultant. More
Customer insights firm DMR has announced the appointment of nine new staff, having completed a successful first institutional funding round at the end of 2023. More
Manchester-based startup North AI has secured £280,000 grant funding from the UK's Innovation Agency, and a further £300,000 in a round led by SFC Capital. The firm provides an AI-powered predictive insights platform for the media and entertainment industry. More
In New York, UX research ops specialist Rally has raised $8.8m in funding, to help promote it to a wider audience and further develop its technology. More
London-based researcher High Tech Dev has rebranded as HTAIR, reflecting a significant change in its mission and vision (focused around AI); and has appointed Nigel Woodliffe as Chief Customer Success Officer. More
In the UK, MR industry veterans and Firefish execs Jem Fawcus and Richard Owen have launched a new company, QualifyAI, with a mission 'to automate qualitative research without stripping it of its humanity'. The partners say this is possible for the first time thanks to AI. More
US-based international data collection and research tech company Sago has launched a formal specialist Health offering, building on longstanding expertise in the sector and fronted by EVP of Healthcare Shannon Childs. More
Manchester, UK-based product intelligence platform Vypr has appointed Glenn Porter as Chief Commercial Officer. More
Ipsos has announced senior role extensions for five employees in its qualitative division Ipsos UU, in India, as it gears up for product launches and 'ambitious growth targets'. The five are Sapna Parmar, Neha Dutta, Shelly Jain, Geetika Singh and Ashwini Sirsikar. More
In New Jersey, USA, healthcare reputation management and patient feedback solutions firm rater8 has closed a Series A round of funding, for use in expanding its market reach to medical practices and hospitals of all types and sizes, and growing its team. More
In the US, the 'Joint Industry Committee' (JIC) formed in January 2023 to provide more rapid accreditation of ad currency providers than the MRC has awarded full certification to Comscore and VideoAmp, but delayed a final decision on iSpot until June. More
Technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group has announced the launch of a new AI software research practice, via its software insights division Ventana Research. The launch complements that of the Group's Enterprise AI Advisory business, launched in January. More
Consumer information and credit reporting company TransUnion has partnered with researcher MRI-Simmons, promising clients 'improved actionability across the addressable marketing ecosystem'. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) as issued a joint statement with the 'JIC' set up at the beginning of last year by OpenAP, the Video Advertising Bureau and a group of TV broadcasters - to clarify the distinct roles and approaches of the two bodies. More
Eponymous online survey firm SurveyMonkey has promoted Jing Huang to VP, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Katie Miserany to SVP and Chief Communications Officer, and Craik Pyke to VP, Infrastructure and Security Engineering. The firm now boasts gender equality at both the C-Suite and VP levels. More
In London, Havas Media Network UK has joined cross-media measurement initiative Origin, completing the representation of the global marcoms networks within the programme. There are now 51 funding stakeholders in total including advertisers, media owners and advertising agencies. More
Australian owned agency TKW Research Group has launched a new call centre in Suva, Fiji, promising 'CATI-quality data at online survey prices'. More
Insights and experience tech company PG Forsta has appointed Mike Thompson as Chief Analytics Officer, and says he will drive the development of new AI-driven capabilities and products, following the company's commitment to invest $500 million in the area over five years. More
In the US, Comscore has been granted accreditation by the Media Rating Council (MRC) for the Total Household Rating and Average Audience estimates in both its national and local TV Time Based Grid reports. The award means Comscore is currently the only company accredited for its local TV measurement. More
Mishcon de Reya (MDR Group), a business services group with a focus on legal advice, has launched a market insights and analytics business called MDRi, providing strategic advisory services to businesses worldwide. Simon Tye will lead the new division as Chief Executive Officer. More
US firm Decision Analyst has promoted Bonnie Janzen to President, taking over the role from founder Jerry W. Thomas, who continues to serve as CEO More
This month sees the launch in London of a new agency, Wren Insight, focused on customer closeness and led by qual researchers Jude Terry and Hannah Beech. More
Market Research charity the MRBA has three days to run on its 2024 auction. Bidding for two tickets to Taylor Swift's sold-out Eras tour (Wembley Stadium concert, August) currently stands at £1,500, but those with more modest budgets can bid for bottles, days / meals out and other items. More
Birmingham, UK-based qual insights platform Voxpopme has a new CEO. Andy Barraclough is a co-founder of the firm and until now served as its CTO. He succeeds Lonnie Mayne, who moves to the role of Chairman of the Board. More
Former ORC and Join the Dots / InSites Consulting exec Edward Wheeler has joined BVA BDRC as Head of Business Development. More
Consumer and B2B research agency 2CV has promoted Sabine Cronick to the role of CEO of UK/EU, and James Redden to CEO of US and APAC. More
In the UK, Samsung's advertising division has become the first CTV backer of Origin, the ISBA's cross-media measurement programme. More
Attention measurement specialist Amplified Intelligence has teamed up with photo sharing app Snapchat and media agency OMD to assess how audiences engage with Snapchat's augmented reality (AR) Lenses. More
In West Palm Beach, Florida, MR industry veterans Hugh Davis and Keith Price have launched ACKWEST Group, a holding company which will focus on buying and developing emerging tech-driven enterprises in the consumer insights and marketing services sector. More
Former Dynata Chief Gary Laben has joined retail and consumer goods analytics and inventory optimisation firm Trax, as CEO. More
UK television and video ad currency provider Barb has announced a major upgrade to its CFlight cross-media campaign reporting service. The tool now promises advertisers and agencies comprehensive campaign performance data against fourteen key traded audience groups. More
In Toronto, Canada, survey software firm Q-Fi Solutions has been acquired by co-founder and CTO Rafael Mangra, who is relaunching the company with a range of branded solutions. Mangra was previously a minority shareholder while the majority of shares were owned by The Logit Group. More
In London, Verve has announced the promotion of its former Joint Head of Insight Richard Preedy to the newly created role of Executive Director and Head of Artificial Intelligence. The firm is 'relaunching' itself to emphasize its focus on 'three intelligences': Artificial, Human and Cultural. More
Australia's Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is to expand its regional audience surveys, conducted by Xtra Insights, to include more markets this year, while for the first time CATI surveys will be supplemented by the launch of online survey sampling in eight markets. More
In the US, consumer insights firm C+R Research has partnered with Nexxt Intelligence to offer clients 'deeper and more insightful responses' from survey participants using AI. More
UK audience measurement authority Barb has promoted Caroline Baxter to Chief Operating Officer, with a remit to work alongside CEO Justin Sampson on driving the organisation's move towards cross-device measurement and total campaign performance reporting. More
EMEA communications firm Instinctif Partners Group has appointed Julian Walker as CEO; having recently added Jim Donaldson as Non-Executive Chair, and Dr Matilda Andersson as MD of its subsidiary, British-based insight firm Truth. More
NIQ, the consumer intelligence company previously part of Nielsen and now combined with GfK, has launched a Global Media Division, which it says is 'designed to enhance the value advertisers derive from their marketing efforts' - and has appointed Lana Busignani to lead it. More
Rakuten Insight Global has announced the integration of Singpass, Singapore's national digital identity, as part of its proprietary panel verification process. More
Ipsos has launched InnoExplorer, which uses generative and analytical AI to help clients accelerate innovation cycles 'from months to days' and improve success rates. More
Leap day - also apparently known as Rare Disease Day - sees the launch of a new insights company, PatientSight, operating a subscription based platform connecting life science organizations with survey findings for rare disease patients, analyzed and displayed in dashboards. More
Brand tracking specialist Tracksuit has raised $13.5m in Series A funding, which it will use for its official launch in the US and UK markets, and to expand its research and platform capabilities. More
In the US, former Ipsos execs Dana Keilman and Nicole Munsey have launched Morning Light Strategy, which will provide insights and strategic guidance for clients looking to drive growth in the 50+ market. More
Marcoms group Stagwell has reported full year 2023 revenue of $2.53bn, down 6% year on year, and adjusted EBITDA of $360m, down 20%. However the company reports strong new business, good growth in EMEA and for its Marketing Cloud suite, and is forecasting a return to growth in 2024. More
London-based Humankind Research, which specialises in research for positive social impact, is adding a team offering standalone quantitative projects, and has hired Laura Moore and Amy Watson to lead it as Head of Quant and Quant Research Director, respectively. More
Insights platform mTab has secured $15 million in growth credit financing, from Kayne Anderson Growth Capital, with which to accelerate its global expansion, add customers in new industries and continue enhancing its technology. More
In the US, Allison Wilt and Steve Ingledew have launched ContextualY, a specialist B2B research agency whose four founding Principals between them boast more than a hundred years of experience supporting technology clients and stakeholders. More
In Antwerp, Belgium, design-tech company iVisual has launched AI-based branding and packaging intelligence technology which it says will 'transform the way companies develop branding and packaging'. The new firm has appointed Julie Dumoulin as its CEO. More
WPP has reported preliminary results for the full year 2023, with revenue (less pass-through costs) of £11.86bn, up 0.9% on a like-for-like basis, and operating profit down more than 60% to £531m. More
Ipsos has reported organic, constant currency revenue growth of 8.8% for the fourth quarter of 2023, and 3% for the full year, with operating profit stable at an all-time high of 13.1%. More
Longtime Ipsos exec and current Global Head of Audience Measurement Liz Landy is to leave the company at the end of this month. Daniel Wong-Chi-Man will step up to Lead the Audience Measurement Service Line globally, while Ipsos iris leader James Oates will add responsibility for the business in the UK. More
In San Francisco, consumer insights, marketing strategy and training firm Ignite 360 has announced that founder and Chairman Rob Volpe will resume his role as CEO from next week, as current Chief Lisa Osborne leaves for an insights leadership role at a healthcare nonprofit. More
Packaging, NPD and shopper specialist PRS IN VIVO has appointed Richard Bordenave as global Chief Behavioral Officer. More
In the US, broadcasting and publishing network Nexstar Media Group has appointed Stacey Lynn Schulman as its first EVP, Platform Marketing and Intelligence. More
Kantar has announced a partnership with computer vision and attention measurement specialist Realeyes, integrating the latter's Verify identity recognition software into the former's anti-fraud software QubedAI. More
succeet, one of the world's largest MR trade shows and the biggest in the DACH region, is to move from its traditional October slot to February, with 'succeet24/25' due to finish a year from today. The organisers say the move is in response to requests from long-standing exhibitors and associations. More
In the UK, audience measurement body Barb has awarded the contract for a new piece of research, the CFlight Landscape Study, to insights consultancy BVA BDRC. The work will help barb to estimate TV audience size and profile for various platforms and to understand the dynamics of household VOD consumption. More
Australian market research technology platform Glow is developing its sustainability metric the Social Responsibility Score (SRS) as a standardized, cross-industry initiative and says it is currently being integrated into the offerings of Kantar, PwC Australia and other research and advisory businesses. More
Canada-based sister firms Rival Technologies and Reach3 Insights have appointed Kristine Steuart as Chairperson and two new members for the Board, Ipsos veteran Gary Bennewies and serial entrepreneur Brian Craig. Meanwhile Paula Catoira, who in a previous employment was Steuart's Chief of Staff, is promoted to CMO. More
Ipsos has appointed Ziad Issa as the new Media CEO in the MENA region, succeeding Elie Aoun who has decided to step down after 32 years at the company. More
Consumer data giant Circana has announced changes to its commercial organisation including the appointment of former CPG sector President Jeremy Allen as Chief Commercial Officer. Tim Bush, currently President, General Merchandise, will retire by the end of the year after two decades at Circana and NPD. More
Nielsen is suing rival TV audience measurement firm VideoAmp for alleged infringement of two recently-issued patents concerned with the correction of viewing data skewed by 'phantom' or 'zombie' viewing. More
Food, facilities and hospitality services provider Sodexo has announced the global launch of an Accelerator Programme with categories for entrepreneurs in data analytics and customer experience. More
Former Ugam Solutions and Discuss exec Vinay Raj Rao has launched BioBrain, a platform which claims to 'seamlessly connect the entire research ecosystem' for improved efficiency and deeper insights. More
MR operations company OpinionRoute has announced three senior appointments: Kayla Cousineau has been promoted to COO, Mary Herzak hired as SVP, Growth, and Richard Ratcliff promoted to the new role of Chief Trust Officer. More
Agile and automated market research platform Zappi has appointed Nataly Kelly as Chief Marketing Officer and promoted Babita Earle from EVP of Global Enterprise Partnerships to International MD. The firm also recently hired Melissa Clucas as CFO. More
Automated in-home product testing platform Highlight has announced changes to its leadership team, with the appointments of Priyanka Carr as COO and President, and Deirdre Norris as VP of Product. More
French audience metrics company Médiamétrie has announced that its UK subsidiary TAPE Consultancy will be rebranded to operate as part of Glance, its international division. More
Australia-based insights and data business Pureprofile has announced revenue up 8% to $AUD 24m for the half year ended 31st December, and EBITDA of $AUD 2.4m, up 6% or 21% on a like-for-like basis. More
Manchester-based kids, parents and family specialist The Insights Family has secured a £5.6m investment, with which to continue and accelerate its rapid global growth. More
Software business Enghouse Systems has combined features from its Nebu and Survox products and rebranded them as Enghouse Insights. More
London-based ad measurement and impact optimisation firm DAIVID has promoted its EMEA MD Barney Worfolk-Smith to the role of Chief Growth Officer. More
Chicago-based full service custom qual and quant firm C+R Research has appointed Erin Barber as President and Chief Client Officer, and Paul Metz as CEO. Former President and CEO Robbin Jaklin has retired after 36 years at the company. More
In the US, healthcare MR firm Klein & Partners has announced a strategic alliance with recently-formed brand optimization and corporate strategy specialist thinqinsights. Their stated long-term goal is to merge the two organizations. More
Mainz, Germany-based consumer insights and research tech firm Horizon has partnered with London's Bolt Insight, promising to provide clients with 'dynamic, conversational and behavior-driven consumer data in the pre-market phase'. More
MR and analytics group YouGov has promoted Tom Fisher to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), aiming to deepen its relationships with blue-chip clients. More
London-based Firefish Group has rebranded its quant and data analytics business the numbers lab as 'Firefish Data', reflecting its evolution into an agency delivering 'fully connected, integrated and agile human insights consulting, driven by AI, connected data and new technologies'. More
Insights tech and panel provider Toluna has promoted Scott Axcell, formerly Head of Marketing for North America, to Chief Marketing Officer. He also joins the executive leadership team. More
Shanghai-based fieldwork and research services provider Holden Healthcare has welcomed a partner in Korea to its Asia Physician Panel Alliance (APPA). Seoul agency Nownfuture joins existing partners Seed Planning in Japan and The Owl Consulting Company in Taiwan. More
WPP is examining a possible sale of its remaining stake in Kantar, according to sources quoted by Bloomberg. More
Community-centered CX and insights firm Alida has a new CEO: Efrem Ainsley is promoted from COO to succeed Ross Wainwright, who recently stepped down from the role. More
Audience data and omniscreen measurement tech firm SambaTV has announced a partnership with independent cross-media dataset HyphaMetrics, combining data from the former's opted-in devices and the latter's panel. More
Real-time brand tracking and campaign evaluation firm Delineate has appointed former Publicis Sapient exec James Betteley ('JB') as its new Chief Technology Officer. Former CTO James Stewart transitions to a newly created Chief Operating Officer role. More
European data collection firm Norstat has completed its integration of UK company Panelbase, which assumes the Norstat name as of today. More
Kantar Media may be up for sale in 2024 for 'as much as £1bn', according to reports on Sky News. More
New York-based consumer insights firm Buzzback has launched a new qualitative research platform called Studio, aiming to make custom qual a 'dynamic, agile and easy experience' without sacrificing quality. More
US-based insights firm Echo MR has rebranded as '10K Humans', a name it says reflects 'the incredible community of individuals who make us who we are', rather than simply products and services. A number of new solutions have also been added to the portfolio. More
The Insights Family, which provides intelligence focused on kids, parents and families, has relocated its Manchester headquarters to a larger space in the city centre, and has launched in the Republic of Ireland - described as its first 'Tier 2' market. More
Multicultural marketing agency Sensis has launched a specialist transportation division, SensisConnect, with a focus on public engagement / consultation and optimising communications. More
Insights group Human8 has announced a change of leadership at its cultural and creative consultancy Space Doctors. Co-founder and MD Fiona McNae will leave the company at the end of this year, after 22 years, to be replaced by Gareth Lewis and Cato Hunt. More
At fast food chain McDonald's, former VP Global Insights and Analytics Michelle Gansle has been promoted to Chief Data and Analytics Officer. More
Consumer data and analytics firm NIQ has announced the launch of NIQ Labs, an innovation center which it says will 'harness the collective power of top-tier talent and capabilities acquired through strategic M&As'. More
DRNO's News Editor of seventeen years Mel Crowther passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Mel has been a wonderful colleague and the driving force in making this publication what it is today, as well as a well-loved figure in the industry, and I'm sorry I know her loss will come as a shock to a lot of you. More
In Chicago, fast-growing agency QualSights has appointed Tod Johnson and Karyn Schoenbart to its Board of Directors. More
UK-based pharma researcher Purdie Pascoe has launched a US office and appointed Sabera Hyderally as Head of MedTech. More
New York-based CPG industry customer insight platform Yogi has announced a $10m Series A round of funding, with which to accelerate growth including product development and the expansion of client support. More
Consumer research platform GWI has appointed former OAG tech leader Nick Dearden as CTO, based in its UK headquarters in London. More
Marcoms group Stagwell, the owner of the Harris Poll and Harris X brands as well as Maru Group, has announced European expansion plans with the launch of a 'global hub' office in London next month, and the promotion of James Townsend to serve as its first CEO of EMEA. More
Veteran UK commercial broadcaster ITV has created a new team, The ITV Insights Group, bringing together its experts in market and media research, analytics and data science. The team will be led by Neil Mortensen, previously Director of Audiences. More
'In The Moment' emotive analytics firm Blue Yonder Research has been granted a patent in the US, UK and Europe for its Clickscape technology, which links measured emotions to specific moments in real time. More
Ipsos has appointed Eleni Nicholas as Chief Client Officer, with seats on the firm's Executive Committee and Group Management Committee. More
UK ad currency provider Barb has awarded three contracts for audience measurement services: MetaBroadcast retains the metadata contract and adds the provision of interim overnight programme logs, while Clearcast will provide interim overnight commercial spot logs. More
Insights technology and panel provider Toluna has confirmed key leadership positions including regional Managing Directors, following its summer acquisition of MetrixLab. More
The Board of Washington, DC-based opinion researcher American Directions Research Group (ADRG) has appointed Kevin M. Kelly as its new Chief Executive, effective immediately. More
In Vancouver, BC, Canada AI-based engagement and survey platform ThoughtExchange has secured $13.5m in equity financing, with which to expand its operations and footprint. More
We are 25! On 29th Nov 1998 the first job ad appeared on mrweb.com. We're celebrating with the relaunch of our directories, under a new brand and with an ambitious new approach; and with Thank You's to our regular advertisers and some special offers for new ones. More
Kantar Australia has promoted Mark Kennedy and Colin MacArthur to the joint role of Managing Partner, Consulting, replacing Dennis Wong who is leaving the company after fifteen years to pursue his own freelance consulting business. More
Consumer insights platform Getwizer has appointed veteran media and entertainment researcher Bruce Friend as its new CEO, replacing Gilad Gans who has held the role for the last three years. More
In the US, full-service data collection and fraud prevention solutions firm Rep Data has appointed Karen Gardner as Chief Financial Officer, while Riley Croft joins as Vice President of Sales. More
Consumer testing platform Stickybeak, which recruits respondents for testing and research through social media platforms, has partnered with online sample marketplace PureSpectrum to ensure clients can reach 'any consumer niche anywhere in the world'. More
Jude Olinger, CEO of US research firm the Olinger Group has announced that after three decades he will step down from his role to 'pursue a new opportunity' outside the MR industry. Michael Vasquez, who joined in 2022 as EVP of Client Solutions, is taking over the CEO role. More
US-based agency Kepler has incorporated YouGov's Profiles and BrandIndex solutions into its service, to provide clients with market intelligence on a range of categories, for use in media planning and buying decisions. More
UK-based cross-party thinktank Demos has merged with non-profit Engage Britain, which focused on policy-making and research spanning citizens assemblies, community conversations, and democratic tech tools such as Pol.is. The Engage Britain brand has now ceased to operate. More
British-based reputation specialist Echo Research has partnered with UAE-based branding and creative comms consultancy All About Brands to provide on the ground support to its clients based in the region, supported by its existing teams in both the UK and USA. More
Manchester, UK-based full-service pharmaceutical insight agency Blueprint Partnership has been re-named 'Beyond Blue'. More
Healthcare industry insights provider Real Chemistry is expanding its European presence, with the addition of four new leaders and the opening of a second UK office, in Manchester, early next year. More
Media and entertainment giant NBCU has made EVP of Measurement and Impact Kelly Abcarian redundant, according to a report in industry publication Ad Age. Chief Data Officer John Lee takes over her previous responsibilities relating to measurement and research. More
Ben Marks, the founder and former CEO of London-based youth insight and panel business YouthSight, has set up a new MR agency called Electrify Research, aiming to improve understanding of home-owner decisions on heat pumps, EVs, rooftop solar and other green home options. More
US-based family entertainment and dining group CEC Entertainment has hired Mark Kupferman as Chief Insights and Marketing Officer for its flagship brand, Chuck E. Cheese and its virtual kitchen brands. He also takes overall responsibility for all insights and research. More
Toluna has confirmed its senior team following the June acquisition of MetrixLab. The firm's Chief Sales, Research, Technology and Financial Officers will remain in role while former MetrixLab Global HR Director Hans Verhulst becomes Chief People Officer and Jolique Weelink Chief Insight Officer. More
In Canada, online community platform Recollective has hired long-time tech sector sales exec Costa Constantakis as Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for driving returns while developing and executing strategies to support the firm's next phase of growth. More
European data collection group Norstat has handed over management of its research panel in the Republic of Ireland to its newly acquired UK subsidiary Panelbase. More
Consumer data giant Circana has announced an agreement to give clients of marketing tech company The Trade Desk access to its Media Lift solution, providing authenticated audience targeting and multi-retailer measurement. More
Marcoms group Stagwell, which owns the Harris Poll and Harris X brands as well as Maru Group, has announced a revenue decline of 7% to $618m, for the third quarter of 2023. It has also announced the acquisition of social media marketing solutions provider Movers and Shakers LLC, for c.$15m in cash. More
Vilnius, Lithuania-based consumer data platform provider Syno International has promoted Mantas Stirbys to serve as its Chief Operating Officer. More
In the US, former TNS and Lynx Research Consulting exec Chris Hauck has launched a new agency, SCORE Metrics, which aims to improve on traditional NPS methods by setting responses in a competitive context. More
UK-based Ascential, the information and analytics company once known as EMAP, has announced it will sell its digital commerce and consumer research units for around £1.4bn, so as to focus on its events business. More
US research firm SMARI has moved into a new location in the First Internet Bank Building in Downtown Fishers, Indiana. The company is returning to office-based work after a few years 'completely virtual'. More
In Australia, official television audience measurement body OzTAM has responded to Foxtel's launch last week of its own ad currency service, saying it 'poses the risk of confusion in the market' and that 'the industry has clearly stated that it wants one service to measure Total TV'. More
Ipsos has reported third quarter revenue of EUR 588m, representing organic growth of 4.3% and restoring year-to-date organic growth after shrinkage in the first half. All the group's global regions shared in the Q3 growth, with EMEA leading the way. More
London-based consultancy Thinks Insight & Strategy has reshaped its leadership structure with co-fonder Ben Shimson stepping into the CEO role; and promoted Richenda Devereux to Operations Partner. More
Kantar has announced a 'broad expansion' of AI capabilities within its brand strategy and creative development portfolio. They include Link subscriptions, to help stretch ad testing budgets; celebrity recognition in Link AI testing; predictive eye tracking; big data for threat detection; and help with 'sonic branding'. More
Toluna has promoted Dixit Chanana to the role of MD for India, including MetrixLab India and with full responsibility for the development of the Indian business of both brands. More
Divested government policy and comms advisory business Kantar Public will be rebranding globally as 'Verian' from November. More
UK TV audience measurement and ad currency body Barb has issued an invitation to tender for its Establishment Survey and panel recruitment contract. The panel will be expanded next year to include 7,000 homes. More
Today sees the launch of Ipsos RISE, which combines the group's corporate reputation and public affairs expertise with AI to provide 'a ground-breaking platform for modern brand, risk and reputation management'. More
Streaming service Netflix has made ad measurement a 'top priority', and will build on a recent partnership with Nielsen in the US to offer similar capabilities to partners in other countries, according to co-CEO Greg Peters. More
AI-based insights solution Yabble is to enter the European market, and has appointed Ben Leet as Head of Sales, Europe. The firm is headquartered in New Zealand. More
Nielsen has launched its ONE Content cross-media measurement solution in a first country, Denmark, with plans to roll out around the world over the coming months. Sister product Neilsen ONE Ads is already available in twenty markets. More
Neighborhood networking service Nextdoor has launched new solutions to help users measure and optimize ad performance, both on- and off-line. More
Research tech firm SightX has moved its VP Global Commercialization Daryl Maloney McCall to focus on regional growth in Europe and APAC, as its offering and client base in these regions expands. More
British, tech-based insights and data firm Delineate is moving its headquarters to Ceredigion, on the west coast of Wales, and says it will build its team there to some 50 employees. More
dentsu has announced agreements with seven media partners who will use the global marcoms group's own proprietary system for ad buying and placement. The system taps subsidiary firm Merkle's Merkury database and M1 audience profiles, and gets its audience estimates from VideoAmp. More
In the UK, STRAT7-owned cultural insight and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA has appointed Elliot Pigram as its new Global MD. Pigram will take the reins on 1st January next year from founder and CEO Andy Crysell, who will move to the position of non-executive Chair. More
Needham, Massachusetts-based in4mation insights (i4i) has promoted John Nicholson to be its first Chief Technology Officer. The firm offers marketing performance measurement and optimization solutions with a focus on Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM). More
New Jersey-based research and education publishing company Wiley has announced that its President and CEO Brian Napack is stepping down from the roles, to be replaced immediately as Chief Exec on an interim basis by Matthew Kissner, who has taken the interim role once before. More
In New York, healthcare research veterans Jerry Arbittier and Chris Lee have launched Fusion Healthcare Fielding, offering 'full service fielding solutions' for the sector. More
In Los Angeles, brain decoding software platform Arctop has announced a $10m Series A funding round, which it will use to accelerate the commercialization of its tech translating brain activity into real-time information for third party applications. More
Ipsos has announced the acquisition from InMoment of the New Vehicle Customer Study (NVCS), described as the largest and longest-running syndicated automotive program in North America. More
Rewards and payment solutions provider Virtual Incentives has appointed former Ipsos, Kantar and Nielsen exec Frank Kelly as Market Research Practice Lead, based in Boston, Massachusetts. More
Adelaide, Australia-based omnichannel attention measurement company Amplified Intelligence has partnered with AI firm Chalice Custom Algorithms to combine its attention data with smart bidding technology. More
Research platform Fastuna has announced the departure of its MD of five years Maria Soroka, and the appointment of Ipsos veteran Rimantas (Rimas) Remontas to replace her. More
In Manchester, UK, product intelligence platform Vypr has promoted its CFO Chris Williams to CEO. He replaces founder Ben Davies, who the firm says will maintain a key role in the leadership team as it looks to scale up. More
Kantar Media has signed an agreement with Romanian industry TV measurement body ARMA, to continue providing broadcast TV ratings to the market until the end of 2027. More
Insights consultancy Verve and full service agency Basis have formed a global partnership to develop an initiative called 'CoLab' - to address the 'growing respondent quality problem'. More
Boutique agency Intuit Research has partnered with Kantar's Profiles division to launch a syndicated survey called Media DOTS (Media Data on Target Segments), tracking the profile, mindset, media habits and product consumption of the general population (aged 12 to 64) in Hong Kong. More
Panels and behavioral data specialist Netquest has appointed Jordi Guix as Client Solutions Director, signalling 'a new era of strategic growth and innovation', according to the firm. More
In France, former Cint COO JD Deitch has launched Passaggio, a company helping insight and analytics firms among others to achieve operational excellence. More
London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy continues to grow its team with eleven hires in the last quarter. Nick Downes rejoins as Research Director while Ella Jenkins and Chloe Juliette join in AD roles, and Alex Beard as Senior Client Lead. The firm has also promoted eleven. More
Global insights consultancy Human8 has announced that co-founder Kristof De Wulf is to step down from the CEO role, with Camille Nicita taking over from next Monday. Katherine Ephlin, currently North America Head of Operations, will replace Nicita as MD North America. More
Barcelona-based qual fieldwork specialist Q2Q Global has appointed MR industry veteran Tim Kunkel as Vice President of Client Solutions, based in New York state. More
ScotCen, the Scottish branch of the UK's centre for independent social research NatCen, has retained Holyrood's Scottish Health Survey contract for the 2024 to 2026 waves. More
US-based research logistics company Communications for Research (CFR) has been renamed Qlarity Access. More
In Sorbiers, France, former QualWorld and SODA International employee Karolina Jasek has launched Conwalia, a full service boutique MR agency focused on on the health and wellness sector. More
Texas-based data collection firm Veridata Insights has officially opened an office in Bulgaria, where it has employed remote team members for some time. More
Human insight business One Minute to Midnight has launched a dedicated global quantitative unit called 'One Minute to Midnight & Counting'. More
Ipsos North America has launched an industry-wide initiative called 'The Path', a forum for insights and analytics leaders to share details about their careers and advice to inspire the 'next generation of professionals'. More
Canada-headquartered opinion researcher the Angus Reid Group has appointed long-time Toluna exec Patricia Chapin-Bayley as President, United States. She is based in New York. More
Full service research agency mindline has appointed five former execs from consultancy Happy Thinking People, for its new Berlin-based qual unit mindline explore. More
Kantar Australia has promoted Allan Breiland and Sharon Hilton to serve as Joint Heads of Media Effectiveness. They replace Straford Rodrigues, who is leaving the business at the end of September after more than fourteen years in Australia, the US, the UK and Singapore. More
The UK's TV audience measurement body Barb has upgraded its API to include non-linear viewing on broadcaster video-on-demand (BVOD); subscription video-on-demand (SVOD); video sharing services and viewing on PCs, tablets and smartphones. More
In New York, former Medefield and Dynata exec Brendan Egan has set up a healthcare fieldwork and sampling firm called Brightside Research Solutions, with targets including patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare B2B stakeholders. More
London-based charity the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has begun its search for a new Chief Executive Officer, following current CEO Guy Goodwin's announcement that he will be stepping down from his post next May. More
DIY online survey pioneer SurveyMonkey has appointed former Cloudflare and AWS exec Amit Prakash as Chief Marketing Officer. More
In Idaho, USA, a new proprietary healthcare MR panel has launched. Enos Answers is led by CEO Jason Freeman, former COO of SurveyHealthcare. More
US firm Infuse Reviews has launched out of stealth mode, offering an 'all-in-one' platform to help businesses manage their online reputation, gather customer feedback and enhance customer experiences. More
Long-time Nielsen exec Karthik Rao has been named as the company's new Chief Executive Officer, replacing David Kenny who moves to the role of Executive Chairman. More
First-party insights data company Dynata has appointed Brad Brockhaug for the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He is based in New York. More
Joint industry cross-media measurement programme Origin is partnering with media research specialist Differentology, to deliver its quarterly UK Media Landscape and Enumeration Survey. More
In the UK, healthcare insights company Research Partnership has promoted Andrew Stokes to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer. More
Ipsos has appointed former Bureau Veritas Director Caroline Ponsi Khider as Chief Communications and Brand Officer; and Dr Bonnie Bain as Global Head of Healthcare. Bain replaces Michael Spedding, who retires at the end of the year. More
Nielsen is planning to lay off 9% of its global workforce, in order to cut costs and 'realign revenue'. Employees received the news in a statement issued on Wednesday, and the cuts are expected to affect around 1,000 members of staff. More
Tugce Bulut and Oliver May, the co-founders of London-based mobile intelligence platform Streetbees, have left the business. The company is now led former Chief Commercial Officer, Vidisha Gaglani, and previous Chief Technology Officer Sean O'Connell. More
Insights-based consulting firm SKIM has opened an office in Paris, France - its fourth location in Europe and tenth worldwide. More
US-based analytics and advisory firm Escalent, formerly Market Strategies International-Morpace, has promoted Arundhati Mehrotra to the role of Executive Vice President of Global Delivery. She is based in India. More
Nielsen is to make the 'Big Data' element of its Nielsen ONE hybrid service 'available for measurement' this month. Although this has yet to gain accreditation, the MRC's George Ivie says he is not looking to block a move which appears to promise substantial benefits for smaller networks. More
MR and advisory company Savanta has announced the extension of its Business Tracker to France and Germany, promising a comprehensive view of business attitudes based on 1,000 interviews a month in each country. The Tracker currently runs in the UK. More
In France, qual healthcare fieldwork specialist QualWorld has launched a new venture called Experts Advice, focused on the recruitment of established healthcare subject-matter experts on behalf of clients including financial institutions and startups. More
The US market for insights and analytics has increased 14.3% in the past year to $71bn, after 16.6% growth last year, according to the 2023 Top 50 report by professional body the Insight Association. More
Leeds, UK-based consumer intelligence firm STRAT7 Researchbods has opened a business unit dedicated to ensuring the integrity of respondents taking part in online quant surveys. More
In the US Circana, the company formed from the merger of IRI and the NPD Group, has launched what it describes as its first 'guided survey solution'. Fast Feedback Guided Surveys taps the consumer insights platform of partner firm Zappi and targets 'small to midsize CPG brands'. More
London MR and CX firm Watermelon Research has spun out a technology-focused operations agency called Calico, billed as a 'one-stop shop' for the operational needs of other insight firms. More
Alchemer, the experience management and enterprise feedback tech company once known as SurveyGizmo, has appointed former Qualtrics and Oracle exec Brandon Hodges as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). More
In the UK, operations support MR business Omnisis has launched a brand called WeThink for its public opinion polling work. More
Melbourne-based Mobile Digital Insights CEO and founder James Fergusson is stepping down from his role, to take up the position of Chief Commercial Officer, while continuing as Chair of the company's Board. David Somers, former Head of Africa and COO, replaces Fergusson as CEO. More
TRA Labs, the ventures arm of Australian insights firm TRA, has partnered with innovation studio Previously Unavailable to launch Ideally, a platform promising 'fast, affordable and accessible customer insights to help bring great ideas to life'. More
Data, analytics, and insight consultancy MESH Experience has appointed media veteran Brian Jacobs as a Non-Executive Director focused on managing investor relations, as it looks to scale. More
Former MarketCast and Netflix researcher Zoë Friend has joined broadcaster NBCUniversal as EVP of Consumer Insights. More
UK radio measurement body RAJAR has announced that two people will fill the role of long-time Research Director Paul Kennedy, when he steps down after 22 years of service: John Carroll as Director of Research and Audiences, and Charles Lawrie as Research Operations Director. More
Automated physical product testing platform Highlight has raised $18m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to accelerate its product roadmap, expand its community of 'Highlighters', and grow its team. More
In the US, long-time industry exec AJ Keirans has launched a consulting and field services company called Good Human Partners (GHP). More
CX and insights firm Alida and insights platform Discuss have deepened their partnership to extend the former's qualitative research solutions, adding Discuss's moderator capabilities to Alida's managed service offering in its Video Discussions product. More
US market research firm SMARI has appointed former Research Now and Precision Sample Vice President Pat Goodnight as VP of Business Development, a step change for the 40-year-old company which had previously focused on referrals. More
Israel-based ad optimization company Nexxen has partnered with UK-based attention measurement platform Lumen Research, to deliver the latter's 'first' omnichannel solution to advertisers across CTV, online video and display. More
US research and training company Burke Inc. has promoted Tara Marotti to the role of company President, while John Thomas moves into her previous role as Chief Client Officer (CCO). More
Canadian polling, MR and strategy firm Leger has created three new geographical divisions: Western, Central and Eastern Canada. More
In the UK, a group of AI sector specialists are launching a qualitative research analysis chatbot called CoLoop, through which researchers can upload interviews, ask questions and receive referenced answers which instantly link back to verbatim and audio / video evidence. More
Ipsos India has promoted Neha Munshi to the role of Country Lead, Ipsos Digital, with immediate effect. She joined the company as a Research Executive as recently as 2017. More
In the UK, long-time Illuminas exec Julian Adams has launched an agency called De Novo Research, which will aim to 'understand people through the summation of their experiences'. More
In the US, nonpartisan public opinion polling, MR and analytics firm Noble Predictive Insights has appointed election analysis specialist David Byler as Chief of Research. More
UK-based healthcare insights company Research Partnership has appointed Sue Wild as President, US Pharma, while Tom Donnelly joins as a Director in the US MedTech division. Both will be based in the firm's Fort Washington, PA offices. More
In the US, four former execs of new product advisory service Top Box Associates have launched a research agency called Innovate Wisely, focused on new product development. More
UK insight agency Walnut UNLIMITED has named Jane Rudling as its new Managing Director, succeeding Chris Bland. The firm has also appointed two Research Directors - Vanessa Henry to lead its shopper proposition, and Raluca Usery in the Qualitative team. More
Australia-based global data and insights organisation Pureprofile has reported a 23% rise in full year revenue to $43.7m - with revenue for the ANZ market up 16% to $26.9m and for rest of the world up 35% to $16.8m. More
Australia-based research agency Mobile Digital Insights (MDI) has hired former Behaviorally exec Inna Merenkova as Managing Director for Europe, charged with building a standalone MDI Europe business. She is based in London. More
Ipsos has announced results for the second quarter of 2023, returning to very modest organic revenue growth thanks to a strong performance in emerging markets. The group says its business is 'returning to a more usual pattern' after Covid and is on course for a good year. More
Online survey specialist SurveyMonkey is expanding its Dublin office, as it lays out plans to invest in artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. The moves follow its recent acquisition by a consortium led by insights sector investment firm Symphony Technology Group (STG). More
First-party data company Dynata has appointed former SSI MD Mark Lepine to lead its APAC business. He is based in Hong Kong. More
Sweden-based eye tracking tech firm Tobii has announced results for the second quarter of the year, with organic revenue growth of 5% to SEK 185m ($US 17.8m), but EBIT still negative and little changed at SEK -48m (-50m a year earlier). More
Nielsen has announced a multi-year renewal of its agreement to license Comcast's return path data for its de-duplicated audience measurement solution Nielsen One. The new deal also broadens usage to include local TV measurement across all the 94 media markets the two companies share. More
Total UK marketing budgets appear to be rising again, according to the IPA's quarterly Bellwether Report, but the authors say the rise is driven by record investment in short-term focused sales promotion activity. Views of MR budgets were little changed with slightly more respondents (2.9%) reporting decline than growth. More
UK-based strategic insight and customer analytics group STRAT7 has announced a number of key promotions to support its FY2024 growth strategy and serve global clients: including the promotion of Peter Kneale, currently Group MD of STRAT7 Incite, to a group level role, Strategy Director, STRAT7. More
Rewards and payment solutions specialist Virtual Incentives has partnered with panel management software company Sample Ninja, promising 'effortless' delivery of payouts to panels and communities. More
London-based mobility intelligence company Huq Industries has raised £4m in equity funding, which will fuel its expansion into new international markets and further development of its Huq Signals platform. More
Asia Pacific-based reputation and policy management specialist Sandpiper Group has launched a Research & Insights company, focused on supporting communications and public affairs practitioners and led by Craig Young as interim Managing Director. More
Next15's data, MR and advisory company Savanta has expanded to Mexico, where it has appointed recent JD Power exec Erika Alfaro as a Director. The firm has also hired Casey Ford, Carolyn Beschner and Jiachen (Jackie) Zhang as Research Analysts in the USA. More
Leeds, UK-based consumer intelligence firm STRAT7 Researchbods has opened an office in New York, its first in the US. Former Echo-MR exec Steve Becker joins to help expand the firm's US operations. More
Toronto, Canada-based Dig Insights has appointed former GutCheck CRO Jessica ('Jess') Gaedeke as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).| More
GfK has entered into an agreement to sell its European Consumer Panel (CP) business to YouGov, as part of its deal to merge with NielsenIQ (NIQ). Terms of the CP sale have not been disclosed. More
In London, Kantar has hired former eBay / Amazon exec Bérengère Chaintreau-Fuchs for the newly created role of Global Panel Director in its Profiles division. More
In London, marketing group MSQ has appointed long-time Kantar exec Eleanor Lloyd-Malcolm as co-Managing Director of its data-driven consultancy, Freemavens. More
UK-based marcoms group UNLIMITED has launched a division called Unlimited B2B, bringing together the specialist strengths of its comms and marketing agencies Nelson Bostock and TMW Business, to helps clients improve conversion through every stage of the buying journey. More
Business support body the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the launch of an Insights Unit, bringing together its existing research portfolio and aiming to develop 'a broader range of polling and analysis services'. More
TV ad industry tech platform FreeWheel has partnered with ad research and tech firm MediaScience to launch The Viewer Experience (VX) Lab, which will conduct research to help advertising buyers and sellers understand the impact of ads on viewer experience and performance. More
In Australia, professional membership body The Research Society has announced that Julie Regan is retiring from her position as QPR Manager and Managing Editor of the industry body's publication, Research News Live. After nearly twenty years with the organisation, her final day will be July 5th. More
In Singapore, Kantar has hired long-time Nielsen exec Kartikeya (Kartik) Varma for the dual role of Head of Creative and Media, Singapore, and Head of Media, APAC. More
US broadcaster Fox Corporation has appointed long-time FOX Sports executive Mike Mulvihill, as President, Insights and Analytics, a new role overseeing the research, analytics and strategic planning teams across FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment and Tubi. More
In the UK, statistics and data professional membership body The Royal Statistical Society has appointed Dr Sarah Cumbers, currently the Evidence and Insights Director at Lloyd's Register Foundation, as its new Chief Executive from September. More
Ghent, Belgium-based insight consultancy Human8 has announced the appointment of eleven new partners - it now has 36 worldwide. Meanwhile the founders / co-founders of three companies it previously acquired - Join The Dots, Columinate and Direction First - are stepping down. More
In London, citizen engagement platform Commonplace has received an investment of £2.1m from investors led by transatlantic VC firm Beringea, and will use the funds for continued expansion including growth of its client base. More
MrWeb has partnered with insight sector organisation GreenBook, publisher of the GRIT Report and the GreenBook Directory, and organiser of IIEX events, to further expand the reach and appeal of its job board, currently in its 25th year. WIRe (Women in Research) and ESOMAR are already partners. More
Havas Media Network (HMN) has rolled out its CSA consumer behavior specialist business across its global network, promising clients improved understanding of customer data and higher ROI through analytics and machine learning solutions. More
Consumer insight consultancy BVA BDRC has promoted Lucy Watts, James Myring and James Bland to MD roles, overseeing the Financial and B2B, Media, and 'On the Move' divisions, respectively. The firm has also promoted Richard Stevenson and Kiran Kuttappa-Gold to its Board. More
Portugal-based media measurement platform Mediaprobe (previously known as MindProber) has appointed former Kynetec exec AJ Johnson as Chief Operating Officer, based in London. More
UK commercial radio industry body Radiocentre has re-appointed Donna Burns - this time as Head of Insight - after a four-year break from the organisation. More
In India, analytics and insights company Course5 Intelligence has raised a further $53m in funding, which will be added to a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) 'war chest' of around $80m. More
Local marketing solutions company Rio SEO, which is in the process of integrating with MR software firm Forsta, has launched the Local Experience (LX) Platform, an integrated suite of local marketing and customer experience solutions. More
In the US, long-time MR sector exec Andrew Postell and his wife Lisa have launched a company called The Qual Recruiter, specializing in providing both B2B and consumer respondents for qualitative research studies. More
Tokyo's GMO Research has partnered with playtesting and games user research platform PlaytestCloud, to offer online user testing services for mobile games on GMO's ASIA Cloud Panel. More
In the US, linguist Fernando Castro has launched a company called New England Language Services, to help market research agencies and strategy consultancies interview and understand multicultural audiences for the brands they serve. More
Nigeria-based MR and strategy firm Pierrine Consulting has officially opened offices in Kenya and Ghana, to support clients in the East and West African regions. More
Kantar has launched an ad creative testing solution called LINK+, built on its LINK normative advertising database and integrating the firm's ad testing capabilities into one solution, with results available in as little as six hours. More
Portugal-based consumer neuroscience platform MindProber has been renamed Mediaprobe, reflecting what it says are breakthroughs in 'next-gen measurement' across all media. More
In Australia, industry body Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) is to launch its audience measurement system 'Radio 360' tomorrow, 6th June, with the release of the third GfK metropolitan radio survey of the year. More
Research software and solutions firm Forsta has announced a partnership with automated insight-gathering and sample management platform Cint, to fight survey fraud and improve data quality and security for the MR industry. More
UK broadcasting group ITV has launched a free measurement consultancy for its advertisers, called Geo-X, providing tools for them to run 'geo experiments' to prove the effectiveness of their campaigns. More
Canada-based holding company Rival Group has promoted Jennifer Reid to the position of co-CEO, alongside her brother Andrew Reid. More
Ghent, Belgium-based consumer insight provider Human8, until recently known as InSites Consulting, has partnered with Japan-based SevenSeas Marketing Research, to help the latter develop communities for its clients in Japan. More
TV audience rating body BARC India has appointed former Nielsen exec Dolly Jha as Chief of Product and Research. More
In the UK, Aspect Viewing Facilities is returning to the centre of Manchester with the opening of a new facility next month. The company has run just one facility, in Stockport, for the past two years but says the 'time is right' for a city centre presence again. More
US-based Groopit, which helps clients crowdsource insights from employees, has raised $3.5m in a seed funding round, which it will use for continued product innovation. More
In India, analytics and insights company Course5 Intelligence has raised $28m in a round of funding, which it will use to ramp up its investments in innovation and advanced AI technology including deep learning, computer vision, natural language and generative AI. More
Former Illuminas MD Frank Ma has launched a qualitative research business called One16 in Singapore, focusing on market / user exploratory studies, concept testing, post-launch tracking and UX research. More
Global trade association ESOMAR is to lose the services of CEO Parves Khan, who has announced she will leave at the end of June, and will focus on charitable and non-exec work before taking up a new as-yet unannounced role. She will also join a new ESOMAR AI Taskforce. More
Africa-based MR and strategy firm Pierrine Consulting has launched a Development Studies division in Lagos, Nigeria, to help clients understand the social, economic and political dynamics that shape communities and impact development outcomes. More
Ghent, Belgium-based behavioural research specialist EyeSee has promoted Joris De Bruyne to the position of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding founder Olivier Tilleuil who has moved to a Board position. More
US research and training company Burke Inc. has promoted Ken Strunk to the role of COO, responsible for all research operations, ensuring the talent and resources across the organization are aligned to match client and business needs. More
Nielsen has said it will phase out the last paper diaries for radio listening by 2025, replacing them with mobile diaries allowing data collection via mobile phones, tablets and laptops. More
Media group NBCUniversal has extended its partnerships with measurement firms Comscore and InnovidXP, allowing advertisers to transact in local markets using the former's data, and analyse impact in more depth via the latter. More
Andrew Edwards has announced his resignation as Chair of data and insights provider Pureprofile, effective immediately, and will be replaced by five-time company-founder and pioneering NASDAQ woman CEO Linda Jenkinson. More
Media and entertainment giant Warner Bros. Discovery has announced new measurement and attribution partnerships with 605, ABCS Insights, DISQO, EDO, LoopMe and Pilotyly, to demonstrate the impact of ad campaigns across its portfolio. More
MR sector digital services provider Bilendi & respondi has appointed Tim Corrigan to lead a new sales team, based in a new office in the north of England. More
In New York, consumer insights specialist MRI-Simmons has received continuing Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its consumer study, including the Doublebase USA study and MEMRI analytics tool; and a new accreditation for its Insights Platform. More
SurveyMonkey parent Momentive has reported a GAAP loss of $23.8m in its first quarter, improving on a loss of $35.0m in the same period last year. Revenue was up 2% to $118.8m, from $116.9m in 2022 Q1. More
In the US, AI-based employee experience (EX) platform Simpplr has raised $70m in a Series D round of funding, which will be invested in company growth and platform expansion. More
In the UK, data collection provider Prevision Research has launched an omnibus service called Trade Tracker, offering access to data on tradespeople such as builders, decorators, electricians, plumbers, handymen and roofers. More
Kantar has launched an 'always-on' brand performance tracker called BrandNow, delivering daily benchmarks and short-term forecasts for 25 product and service categories. The solution is initially available for tracking US and UK markets. More
US-based panel and sample firm Full Circle Research has hired long-time Dynata exec Gabe Dworet as its first Chief Revenue Officer. More
Munich-based UX software crowdtesting firm Testbirds has received an undisclosed seven-figure amount of revenue-based loan investment from Round2 Capital, and will use the money to expand its customer base. More
Digital media measurement and verification firm Integral Ad Science (IAS) has partnered with attention measurement platform Lumen Research, to provide clients with an improved way to track which ad impressions have captured attention and are likely to lead to a business result. More
Ipsos exec Tasneem Ali has joined the group's AI-enabled social media intelligence business Ipsos Synthesio as its Head in the UK. More
In the US, AI-powered B2B insights agency NewtonX has appointed tech industry exec Tim Bruno as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). More
Australia-based consumer data company Pureprofile has expanded its research panel through a partnership with AsiaPacific shopping rewards and payments platform ShopBack. Shoppers can earn cashback by completing surveys. More
In San Francisco, AI-powered MR platform AiFlow has raised an undisclosed amount of private equity funding, which it will use to bolster technology currently being piloted by three large-cap private equity firms. More
In London, research and strategy consultancy MTM has appointed Jonathan Stone as Director and Head of its Technology & Telco practice; Becky Ferguson as Director and Head of the Media & Advertising practice; and Michael Thompson for the newly created role of Head of UX Research. More
UK-based consumer intelligence platform QuMind has appointed Ian Ralph as Head of Research, with responsibility for building a Centre of Excellence for MR and insight techniques. More
Following the news that it filed for bankruptcy in February, US-based ad tech and data company Big Village has sold its Insights and Agency business units to holding company Bright Mountain Media for approximately $20m. More
In the US, Nielsen says it will not be participating in the 'JIC' formed by a number of broadcasters earlier this year to certify audience measurement providers, unless the new body addresses concerns in areas including methodology, missing platforms, Nielsen IP, and the JIC's relationship to the MRC. More
Ipsos has reported a 2.9% drop in Q1 revenues to EUR 532m, with organic decline of 2.8%. The firm had said when presenting its 2022 annual results that it anticipated a 'tougher first quarter'. The total is still 26% up on the figure for Q1 2019, pre-Covid, and Ipsos says it expects annual growth of c.5%. More
Consumer insight provider Human8, until recently known as InSites Consulting, has expanded its services to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, where Senior Business Director Kurt Thompson will lead activies from Dubai, UAE. More
In New York, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has reinstated accreditation for Nielsen's National Television Audience Measurement (TAM) service, which it suspended in September 2021. The move comes just in time for the start of the 2023-24 upfront ad planning and buying season. More
Paris-based social media-sampled insights firm Episto has opened an office in London, and appointed former Nielsen and Lucid employee Julie Tebeka to lead it. More
MR and analytics company FactWorks has promoted Anchal Chhabra to the role of co-Chief Executive Officer at its office in San Francisco. She will work alongside current CEO and company owner Axel Bichler. More
YouGov has appointed Meta Platforms exec Steve Hatch as Chief Executive Officer from 1st August. He will take over from co-founder Stephan Shakespeare, who will become Non-Executive Chair, replacing Roger Parry. More
Apollo Intelligence, which provides data and insights to the healthcare and life science industries, has appointed Kelley Schudy as Chief Global Commercial Officer, while Chris Mars joins as EVP of Sales for its InCrowd subsidiary. More
Kantar Media has been commissioned by the Association of Philippine Broadcasters (KBP) to conduct a series of radio surveys which will serve as the country's currency for radio audience measurement. More
New York-based market intelligence platform Native AI has raised $3.5m in a seed funding round, to expand its services helping brands to digitally clone their target customers into test groups, ask them questions and instantly get actionable recommendations. More
Kantar has announced a new growth strategy for the APAC region; launched a tailored platform in China; and plans to quadruple the size of its Indian panel. More
Ipsos is planning to add two new members to its Board of Directors - Àngels Martín Muñoz, currently General Manager for Olympics at Atos; and Florence Parly, former Minister of the French Army. Their appointment is subject to a vote at the firm's AGM on 15th May. More
Ben Leet has stepped down as CEO of UK-based insights and data firm Delineate, with former CEO and company founder James 'JT' Turner resuming the role. More
Netherlands-based agencies Blauw and USP are among the customers of MR software supplier Nebu affected by a security breach which may involve data on around two million residents of the country, according to press reports. More
Data science and real-world testing provider HeadSpin has announced a strategic investment from Atlassian Ventures. Funds will drive its development of tools for DevOps teams, as well as 'synthetic observability' features, promising clients faster time to market and better product quality. More
In the US, Ipsos has partnered with video feedback platform Discuss to enhance its offering in live virtual feedback and fast online qual, among other areas. More
In Australia, survey platform Conjointly is offering an AUD 20k research grant, open to researchers from any field who are interested in applying market research techniques to the problem of AI safety. The grant is open to both individuals and teams. More
Market and customer research company Vision One has launched an Advanced Research Unit (ARU), staffed by neuromarketing and insight specialists. The new team will focus on understanding the conscious and unconscious decisions and motivations driving consumer purchasing behaviour. More
UK audience measurement body UKOM has extended its endorsement of Ipsos' iris solution to 2027, following what the global agency describes as a 'series of successes'. In addition, Ipsos has added online video data insights to the iris platform. More
Two former senior execs of marketing and MR consultancy System1, former CEO Stefan Barden and ex-CFO James Geddes, are calling for board changes including the retirement of Rupert Howell as Chairman and NED, and the moving of founder John Kearon into an NED role. More
British Out-Of-Home (OOH) measurement body Route has issued an invitation for partners to design a measurement system for out-of-home advertising on posters and screens across Great Britain. More
Global insight and data membership organisation ESOMAR has elected Ray Poynter as its 2023-2024 Council President, replacing Kristin Luck of ScaleHouse, who has completed her two-year term. More
Consumer and B2B agency 2CV has promoted Karine Pepin to SVP and Head of Quant, and Amy Spencer to SVP and Head of Qual. The pair are based in San Francisco, and now jointly lead the firm's US offices. More
Consumer insight provider InSites Consulting has changed its name to Human8, defining itself as a 'human-driven consultancy, connecting brands with people and culture to drive positive change'. More
Canadian polling, MR and strategy provider Leger has launched a research-driven digital performance agency called Leger DGTL, integrating its performance measurement agency Ressac in the process. More
Armenian product testing and validation platform Prelaunch.com has secured $1.5 million in seed funding, and says it will use the funds to expand in the US and elsewhere, and to develop its product. More
Online panel provider Intra Research has expanded into eighteen new territories, bringing the total number of European countries it covers to 34. More
Bidding is open now for the annual auction run by UK industry charity the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA). The event will run until 9pm on Thursday 23rd March. More
In the US, recently merged consumer data and insights firms Information Resources Inc. (IRI) and The NPD Group have named the combined company 'Circana', which CEO Kirk Perry says conveys the business's 360-degree, full-circle understanding of the consumer and market. More
Global agency Ipsos has appointed Richie Jones as its new Chief Client Officer in the UK. More
Qual data collection software firm itracks has partnered with Lumivero, the developers of qual data analysis software NVivo, aimed at streamlining the qual research process and bringing the two parts more seamlessly together. More
Panel management platform Sample Ninja has announced a partnership with Research Defender, aiming to further improve their capabilities in fraud detection. More
In New York, former Qualtrics exec Kimberly Bastoni has joined consumer insights tech firm Suzy as its first Chief Revenue Officer. More
China-based fieldwork and research agency Holden Healthcare has established a partnership alliance called the Asia Physician Panel Association (APPA), aiming to enhance physician panel access across APAC, inclusive of difficult to access markets. More
Jon Priest, SPA co-founder and former CEO of Future Thinking, has joined the Board of full service social and market research agency IFF Research, in the role of Non-Executive Chair. More
US-based International data collection and research tech company Schlesinger Group has been re-branded as 'Sago', which Executive Chairman Steve Schlesinger says is not merely a name change, but also a commitment to an 'inspiring new chapter' in optimizing the firm's offerings. More
NielsenIQ, the consumer intelligence business which split away from its Media wing two years ago this month and is now combining with GfK, has rebranded as NIQ. Accompanying this, the firm says it is undergoing 'a significant transformation' and is committed to providing the 'Full View' of global consumers. More
MrWeb's RAIDAR real-time ranking of top companies operating in analytics, insight and data is now fully operational, and you'll see financial results, CEO changes and other items from tonight's Daily Research News reflected in tomorrow's top 40. More
Savanta has promoted Danielle Rodriguez to Chief Commercial Officer and Mark Martins to Chief Services Officer, both with seats on the firm's global Board and both retaining existing roles and responsibilities in addition. More
In Toronto, Canada, opinion researcher the Angus Reid Group has appointed Andrew Grenville as Executive Vice President of Research. More
UK television audience measurement body Barb has appointed Khaled Serafy as its first Head of Data Science, charged with reviewing, verifying and developing the organisation's complex methods and models. More
Verve, which focuses on culture, communities and 'smart digital research', has launched a 'hub' in Melbourne, Australia and appointed Christina Tonkes to lead it as Senior Director. Meanwhile Mirjam Grari joins the team in Sydney. More
Toronto, Canada-based custom MR provider Research Strategy Group (RSG) has appointed former MRS and AURA Chairman and veteran client-side researcher Danny Russell as its first Non-Executive Director, helping MDs Anne Coulter and Jim Peterson grow the business. More
Real-time consumer feedback platform OnePulse has secured a £420k follow-on round of funding, adding to previous investments of £1.5m in 2021 and £2.1m last year. The latest funds will be used to expand the firm's teams in the UK and US, and build on its existing international client base. More
'Data creation' platform Walr has appointed former Savanta EVP Peter Flower as Chief Operating Officer, while Tariq Badar joins as Chief Financial Officer. Meanwhile co-founder Patrick Fraser is stepping back from the day-to-day running of the firm, but will remain a Non-Executive Director. More
Tim Urmston, the founder and President of US-based qualitative insights and innovation consultancy SEEK Company, is to retire at the end of March, when Courtney PeGan will take over the role. More
Non-profit organization Women In Research (WIRe) has appointed four members to its 2023 Advisory Board - Jo Brockhurst, Shazia Ginai, Damon Jones and Cherie Leonard. More
US research and training company Burke, Inc. has promoted Mike Webster for the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer, after more than 28 years with the business. More
BVA BDRC subsidiary Alligator Digital has named Paul Russell Managing Director. He is already MD of sister company Perspective Research Services. More
Ipsos and IAB Australia have announced that the new Ipsos iris digital audience measurement currency will be launched in early March, following its official endorsement by the association's Board and Measurement Council. More
Panel management platform Sample Ninja and sample marketplace Zamplia are teaming up to provide users with a unified platform for conducting market research More
Communities specialist InSites Consulting has announced an expansion of its Executive Committee and the appointment of a first Chief Growth Officer - Managing Partner Tom De Ruyck. More
Consumer and sensory research agency MMR Research Worldwide has announced the opening of a facility in Wokingham, Berkshire, designed to help FMCG firms improve their pack and product experience. More
SurveyMonkey parent Momentive has reported revenue up 8% to $480.9m for full year 2022. The rise is the net effect of rapid growth in the 'sales-assisted' segment - up 27% to $181.3m - while self-serve business remained flat at $299.6m. However the firm says it will also cut 14% of its workforce. More
In Stockholm, audience measurement body MMS (Mediamätning / Skandinavien AB) has announced the expansion of its 'total measurement' cross-media ad currency service, operated by Nielsen. More
MR consultancy Reach3 Insights has teamed up with The Keller Advisory Group on a new solution offering marketers early-stage consumer feedback on the potential impact of experiential brand activations. More
Ipsos has reported 2022 annual revenue up 12% to EUR 2.4 bn, representing organic growth of 5.6%. In the final quarter of the year, the business grew by 8.8%, including nearly 4% organic growth. More
Danish broadcasters DR, Bauer Media, Danske Medier and Radio 4 have renewed their agreement with Kantar for the measurement of radio audiences in the country, until at least 2028. More
In the US, data collection company Rep Data has promoted Ryan Rothe to the role of Chief Revenue Officer, to lead revenue-generating activities including new business development, client relations, marketing, and RevOps. More
Netherlands-based full-service agency MWM2 has appointed former GfK and Nielsen exec Andy Hut as Managing Director, replacing Govert van den Bos who will now focus on growing the MWM2 group. The Group also includes PR agency Hibou, Crowdtech and Innervoice. More
In Bangkok, qual research and cultural insights specialist FUEL Research & Consulting has been renamed FUEL Asia, reflecting its growing presence and workload across the continent. More
In the US, three former execs of Hall & Partners and Basis Health - Nicola Harte, Scott Kressner and Soumya Roy - have opened a healthcare-focused insights business called Integro. More
In the US, experience platform Discuss has appointed former Pollfish CFO Jeff Tagliabue as Chief Financial Officer. More
In the UK, The Insights Family has hired Voxpopme co-founder Tom Williams as Chief Growth Officer, while moving Clive Maudsley to the role of COO. Founder Nick Richardson moves to Chief Strategy Officer, following the appointment of Rachel Bardill to lead the Marketing and Partnerships team. More
In the US, Kristin Masoud has returned to online community specialist C Space as Vice President, Managing Director of its Health division. She replaces Corey Schwartz, who had held the role for the past nine years. More
British tabloid newspaper The Sun has made its consumer insight tool 'Sun Polls' available as a commercial service for brands and educational institutions. More
London-based immersive product shopping platform Situ Live has raised £1m in an investment round, which it will use to further develop its technology and increase sales and marketing activity. More
Portuguese consumer neuroscience-based media research platform MindProber has appointed former Oracle Moat Product Head Irina Dzyubinsky as Chief Product Officer. More
London-based strategic insight consultancy Firefish has appointed Richard Owen as Group Head of Innovation, with a seat on its Board. More
In the US, Nielsen has announced it is to market Edison Research's 'Share of Ear' and 'Podcast Metrics' services to ad agencies. More
Enterprise tech company Syncfusion has added its business data analysis tool Bold BI to the SurveyMonkey App Directory, enabling users to import data from SurveyMonkey to create, customize and share business dashboards. More
In London, agencies See Research and Sherbert Research have partnered to combine See's global MR operations with Sherbert's specialism in kids, youth and family research. More
In the US, Ipsos has named long-time company exec Lindsay Franke as President and Service Line Cluster Lead for North America. More
Australian market research technology platform Glow has opened an office in the US, where Chrissy Brogan has been hired for the newly created role of Director of Market Development. The firm has also made appointments and promotions at its headquarters. More
In the UK two former employees of qual firm The Sound, James McLintock and Stuart Knapman, have founded a network called the Future Studio, comprising nine independent insight, strategy and innovation specialists who are already working with agencies and clients in the UK, US and LATAM. More
UK-based sampling agency Sample Answers has promoted Martin Cawley to the role of Managing Director, and relocated its offices to St Albans in Hertfordshire. More
Behavioural science research and consulting agency PRS IN VIVO, in collaboration with sister agency BVA BDRC, is expanding its services in the APAC region, through the opening of a new office in Australia. More
Australia-based consumer data firm Pureprofile has announced revenue up 21% to $AUD 12.8m for the quarter ended 31st December, the second of its fiscal year 2023. More
Manchester, UK-based mobile device data firm RealityMine has announced a formal partnership with a long-time collaborator, panel recruitment and data sourcing specialist Amplify MR, offering clients global private community and panel access. More
BARB, the UK's television audience measurement body, has awarded its panel expansion recruitment contract to Ipsos, which will grow the nationally representative panel of households from 5,150 to 7,000 homes. More
New York-based Cypris, a market intelligence platform built for R&D and innovation teams, has raised $4m in a Series A round of funding, which it will invest in AI applications designed to help decrease 'time to insights' for users, and to create new opportunities for innovation discovery. More
Portugal-based media research platform MindProber has appointed former Formula E media exec Sebastian Tiffert as Vice President of Client Development, charged with driving its expansion in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. He is based in London. More
In the UK, consumer insight consultancy BVA BDRC has appointed Matt Costin as Chief Executive Officer, replacing co-founder Cris Tarrant who takes the position of Chairman. Meanwhile Caroline Ahmed has been named Chief Commercial Officer. More
In the US, behavioral science and MR consultancy Protobrand has appointed former employee Pal Marton Afzelius to Chief Executive Officer, taking over from founder and Chairman Anders Bengtsson. More
US-based MR industry change management consultancy Cambiar has appointed Kahren Kersten as an Equity Partner, thereby expanding its offer to include UX, design and innovation agencies and functions. More
UK market research budgets continued to contract during the final three months of last year, according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report. Total marketing budgets grew during the period however, despite expectations that the economy had entered a recession. More
Branding Science Group has promoted Jo Gryniewicz to the role of President of the company in the US. More
As of today, you can filter MrWeb's recently-launched real-time ranking of top companies providing MR, insights, data and analytics activities, to include just one type (eg Full Service) or one headquarters country. Another ten firms have been assessed and added, making it a top 40. More
Following last month's news that Nielsen is restructuring its business into three global units, and the departure of five of the firm's senior managers, the company has confirmed it is reducing total headcount to 'roughly in line with where it was a year ago'. More
US media ratings consortium OpenAP and TV ad trade group the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) have teamed up with a group of TV broadcasters to form a joint industry committee (JIC) and create a certification process for emerging cross-platform measurement solutions. More
Kantar has appointed Cheong Tai Leung as Chief Executive Officer of its Insights Asia Pacific business. She is based in Singapore and takes over from Wayne Levings, who will now focus exclusively on his role as Kantar's Chief Client Officer. More
UK-based healthcare insights company Research Partnership has appointed Gareth Phillips as its new CEO, as co-founding Directors Mary Assimakopoulos and Mark Jeffery step back from the day-to-day operation of the business. They remain on the senior team as advisors. More
The ARF's Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement has appointed former GroupM and MediaPost journalist and marketer Tameka Kee as Deputy Managing Director. More
Ipsos has announced two appointments to its global Executive Committee: Valerie Vezinhet as Chief People Officer and Michel Guidi as Chief Operating Officer. More
More than two years after first announcing its Nielsen One cross-platform measurement solution, and a year after the start of 'Alpha' testing, Nielsen says it is ready for a full launch of the first elements next week. More
A judge in Amsterdam has ruled that ESOMAR's election misconduct allegations against its former CEO found 'no support in the facts whatsoever', and the organisation has written to members to say as much. More
Ad measurement, planning and optimization platform VideoAmp has announced a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to measure cross-screen campaigns across the latter's portfolio of news and entertainment brands. Following a test with Omnicom, the service will offer a transaction currency for ads. More
That's it for another year from DRNO - our next issue will be for January 3rd 2023. Our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas to all those of you celebrating it, a Happy New Year to all readers, and a big Thank You as ever for your support and feedback in 2022. More
Today we're launching RAIDAR. Like an industry top 30 companies list, but instead of publishing it once a year, we'll update it every day based on yesterday's DRNO stories and other company data; show our workings; include companies never before considered; and allow sorting by a long list of criteria. More
Nielsen is restructuring its business into three global business units, according to online publication AdAge: Nielsen Audience Measurement, Nielsen Analytics and Gracenote. Current COO Karthik Rao will become CEO of the first of these. More
Toronto-based physician insights and engagement platform KeyOps has raised CAD $4m in a seed round of funding, which it will use to fuel expansion in the US, while growing its physician network across North America. More
Kantar has launched a team called Global Connected Data Solutions, within its audience network Profiles division, to help advertisers maximise the value of their first-party data. More
Automated consumer insights platform Zappi has raised $170m in growth capital, which it will use to expand data sets across new markets, verticals and categories; power its platform innovation with emerging technologies; and continue expanding its team globally. More
In the US, Marketing Systems Group (MSG), which provides tech, services and information solutions customized for the survey, sensory and MR sector, has promoted Srinath Sankar to the role of company President. More
Melbourne, Australia-based in-the-moment researcher Mobile Digital Insights (MDI) has opened a new office in Kenya, and has appointed Agnes Odongo as Research Consultant East Africa. More
SurveyMonkey and GetFeedback parent Momentive has brought in Rich Sullivan as CFO, overseeing all aspects of its finance function. More
In the US, full service shopper behavior specialist Alter Agents has appointed Heather O'Shea as Chief Research Officer, and Casey Willard as Chief Analytics Officer, while promoting Eddie Francis to the role of Chief Operating Officer. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has given both its new Sustainability Research Award and this year's Liz Nelson Grand Prix Award to The Behavioural Architects and New South Wales Department of Planning & Environment, for work which resulted in an increase in tree planting in Sydney. More
Insights and CX platform DISQO has appointed Scott Henderson, a Salesforce veteran of more than twenty years, as its new Chief Financial Officer. More
Long-time Kantar CFO Olivier Lefranc has joined automated insight-gathering and sample management platform Cint, as Chief Financial Officer, based in Paris. More
Next15's data, MR and advisory group Savanta has merged four previously acquired companies - ComRes, MSI, YouthSight and MindSpark - under the Savanta brand name. More
Insight firm MetrixLab has opened an office in the Philippines, and has appointed Bernadette Verde as Senior Client Director, based in it. More
Continuing our month-long focus on Data Visualization Sandro Kaulartz, Chief Innovation and Product Development Officer at Ipsos Social Intelligence, talks to MrWeb's Nick Thomas about Topic Modelling, data hybridization and the democratization of data science. Available to read or watch. More
Kids, teens, parents and family market intelligence provider The Insights Family has appointed Clive Maudsley as Managing Director, replacing Will Pearce, who had held the position for less than a year. Meanwhile founder Nick Richardson is stepping down from as CEO to focus on specific areas. More
Ipsos has appointed former GfK/Nielsen exec Istvan Hajnal to lead its new dedicated Audience Measurement Data team, in the Netherlands. More
Global online communities specialist InSites Consulting has appointed Els De Paepe as Chief People Officer (CPO). She succeeds former Join the Dots CEO Quentin Ashby, who has moved to the role of Global Head of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). More
Netherlands-based full service agency DVJ Insights has opened an office in Helsingborg, Sweden, servicing global and local clients in the Nordic region and led by Client Consultants Pontus Egnér and Henrik Dieden. More
Chicago-based QualSights has raised $7.7m in Series A funding, earmarked for recruitment, expansion of sales and marketing functions, and investment in R&D. The Board of the rapidly-growing company now includes Mitch Barns and Gian Fulgoni. More
In Australia, former Kantar and Hall & Partners exec Steven Howlett has joined independent marketing and communications agency Bastion as MD of its Bastion Insights division, based in Melbourne. More
Consumer sensory insights specialist MMR Research has opened a new 'ASEAN sensory hub' facility in the Pasir Panjang area of Singapore. More
In New Orleans, full-service data collection firm Rep Data has announced the closing of a $6.25m Series A round of funding, and says it will continue the rapid expansion of its team. More
In the US, the audit committee of the Media Rating Council (MRC) has voted to continue its suspension of Nielsen's National TV Ratings service, but says that reinstatement could occur 'relatively soon' following 'significant progress' by the company on most issues. More
US-based company Vizit, which captures consumers' interactions with online commercial imagery to generate models of their visual preferences, has raised $10m in a Series A round of funding. More
Ed Keller, co-founder of consumer conversation specialist Keller Fay Group, is joining non-profit MR educational institute the MRII (Market Research Institute International) as Executive Director, effective from Monday (November 14th). More
International data collection and research tech company Schlesinger Group has hired former Kantar Americas CEO Reed Cundiff as Chief Executive Officer, following Steve Schlesinger's move into the role of Executive Chairman. Meanwhile Isaac Rogers becomes company President. More
In Australia, research and brand strategy consultancy Pollinate has launched a Sustainability division, to help organisations understand society's expectations in the area, and adjust business goals to meet shifting demand. More
Insights provider MetrixLab says it is trialling a methodology allowing respondents to answer survey questionnaires using voice recordings. More
Australian omnichannel attention measurement company Amplified Intelligence has expanded to the US, opening an office in New York and hiring former Unruly exec Alex Khan for the newly created role of EVP Global Partnerships. More
Online community specialist C Space has appointed Iraisa Jones as Global Chief People Officer (CPO), replacing Phil Burgess who has left after eleven years to start a new venture. More
SurveyMonkey owner Momentive has reported a net loss of $20.3m during the third quarter, down from $22.9m a year earlier, while revenue rose 6% to $121.4m. More
In Australia, research and brand strategy consultancy Pollinate has opened new offices in two state capitals, Brisbane and Adelaide. More
In the US, Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School has integrated iMotions' biosensor research platform to launch an on-campus human behavior lab called X-Lab, which is dedicated to advancing academic research and integrating it into the school's curriculum. More
ESOMAR has announced the election of Nikki Lavoie as its 2023-2024 Council President, replacing Kristin Luck who has completed her two-year term and will now serve an additional two years in an ex-officio capacity. MindSpark founder Lavoie is currently Council Vice President. More
MR and customer and employee experience tech firm Forsta has partnered with CX data specialist GemSeek to launch predictive net promoter scores (pNPS), through which clients can access predictions about 'silent customers' who don't respond to surveys or submit feedback. More
Kantar has hired Barbara Yacuzzi as Chief Financial Officer, Americas, while for North America, Paul Evers has been named Chief Client Officer; Henry Tam, EVP Sales; David Boyd COO; and James Potter, Chief Brand Solutions Officer. More
Manchester, UK-based consumer insights business Vypr has raised an additional £3.4m, which it will use to scale its product intelligence platform and consumer app, and invest in its commercial and product teams. More
Neuro-Insight Chief Executive Shazia Ginai is moving on from the role next month to become Chief Growth Officer at fast-expanding research platform Catalyx More
Dynata has appointed a new Chief Executive: former Dodge Data and Analytics head Mike Petrullo replaces longstanding leader Gary S. Laben. More
Australian broadcast industry body Commercial Radio & Audio will introduce a new hybrid audience measurement system for its GfK metropolitan radio surveys, from March next year, and describes it as 'the most significant investment and change to [radio measurement] in Australia since ratings began'. More
Ipsos has reported a 14.3% increase in reported third quarter revenue, to EUR 601.5m from EUR 526.3m a year earlier. Organic revenue growth was 5.3%, while 8.0% resulted from currency effects. More
Mobile phone data firm RealityMine and app-based data firm Qrious Insight have partnered, to offer behavioural custom panel building and community management along with behavioural targeted surveys for brands and their agencies. More
Australia-based consumer data company Pureprofile has announced record revenue of $12m (up 17%) and EBITDA of $1.0m for the quarter ending September 30th - despite a decision to shutter its Pure.amplify Media business in the UK. More
Digital Technology Advisory Group (DTAG), the former Cello Health unit recently sold to a private equity firm, has announced an investment in brand sustainability insights specialist Citizen Good Consulting. More
London-based strategic insight consultancy Rainmakers CSI has announced new hires including Megan Bateman as a Consultant, and Diellza Osmanaj and Sonny Dewhurst as Associate Consultants; and has promoted George Randell and Chris Tough to Senior Consultant roles. More
SurveyMonkey owner Momentive Global Inc has been approached regarding a possible sale and is discussing its options with advisors, according to Bloomberg. More
SurveyMonkey parent company Momentive has made 11% of its workforce redundant, as part of what it calls a restructuring plan to improve operating margins and improve efficiency. More
The shareholders of northern European research firms RAIT, Dive and Intra have agreed to move the companies under a new holding company called STATCO. Ownership and branding of the individual businesses will remain unchanged. More
London-based in-product research platform Ribbon has raised £2.6m in a seed round of funding, for use in continuing to build out its technology and grow its team. More
US-based Notably, which helps teams collect, analyze and share qualitative research, has raised $1.5m in an investment round. Funds will boost engineering, machine learning capabilities and overall company growth. More
UK television audience measurement body BARB is looking for suppliers to recruit for an expanded panel. Submissions are due by 7th November 2022, with work beginning in January. More
New York-based Revelio Labs has raised $15m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to expand its offering for corporate HR and strategy. More
Canadian polling, MR and strategy firm Leger has acquired a minority stake in Cube, which specializes in user experience (UX) and consumer neuroscience. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
Kantar has appointed Steve Silvers to lead its newly combined Creative & Media Solutions business, with responsibility for growth strategy and product innovation for the division. He is based in the US. More
London-based design research agency The Big Picture (TBP) has promoted Chris Aukett and Laura Pereira to serve as Joint Managing Directors. Former MD John Cassidy becomes company Chairman. More
Google has announced that its Surveys and Surveys 360 solutions will no longer be available after November 1st, as it believes in their current form they are no longer the best way to help businesses of all sizes run custom market research. More
Kantar's TGI consumer data team has partnered with location intelligence company Adsquare to help brands build targeted, cookieless and ID-free localised ad campaigns in Great Britain and France. More
In the US, consumer research and strategy consultancy Bastion Insights has appointed long-time Hall & Partners' exec Joanna Fanuele as Chief Executive Officer. She replaces outgoing CEO Chris Hubble, who founded the agency in 2009. More
Stockholm, Sweden-based brand tracking and consumer science specialist Nepa has announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Ann-Christine Fick, has resigned for 'personal reasons'. Fick will remain at the company until December, and a search for her replacement has commenced. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA has opened an office in Los Angeles, headed by recently appointed David Stewart. The firm has also hired Hina Hussain as Head of Agency in New York, and Radha Patel as a Director in Singapore. More
London-based mobile research and sample specialist On Device Research has appointed M:Metrics co-founder Seamus McAteer as an independent Director, to help build the business in North America and advise on overall product and corporate strategy. More
In the US, HR analytics dashboard Employee Cycle has closed a $2.5m seed round of financing, which it will use to support the development and launch of its Employee Data Platform (EDP), and to hire for its sales, marketing and engineering departments. More
Hong Kong-based DOOH (digital out-of-home) performance marketing automatization tool Displayforce has raised EUR 500k in a pre-seed round of financing, which it will use to expand further into Europe and enhance its sales and marketing. More
Long-time Kantar group CEO Eric Salama has been appointed as Global Chair of recently divested unit Kantar Public. More
Ipsos has appointed 24-year company veteran Jean-Michel Mabon in the role of Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, responsible for overseeing buys in connection with a growth plan the group announced in June. More
In San Francisco, user experience (UX) research firm AnswerLab has raised an undisclosed sum of funding from media, entertainment and comms investor Shamrock Capital. The investment will drive the continued growth and expansion of AnswerLab's service and team. More
Dublin, Ireland-based research agency Behaviour & Attitudes (B&A) has hired former RDSi director Davina O'Donoghue as a full-time Board Director. More
Indian-owned consumer insights company Hansa Research has partnered with experience management platform Qualtrics, to help organizations monitor their brand health performance and build their brands in the country. More
Automated insights platform Zappi has hired MRS Board Chair Sinéad Jefferies for a newly created role with a global remit, Senior Vice President of Customer Transformation. More
In the UK, full-service agency IFF Research has appointed Hilary Burkitt, Sarah Cheesbrough, Daniel Pearmain and Jagjit Dosanjh-Elton as Directors in its London office. Dosanjh-Elton has been named the company's first Chief Financial Officer. More
In Canada, spatial analytics platform Cognitive3D has raised $2.5m in a seed funding round, and says it will double headcount during the next eighteen months. More
Viewer engagement metrics firm TVision and attention measurement specialist Lumen Research have announced a formal partnership promising cross-platform attention measurement for US and UK customers; with TVision developing a new UK-based, opt-in panel. More
Berlin-based, AI-powered brand tracking and consumer insights platform Latana has raised EUR 36 million in a Series B round of equity and debt financing. Funds will be used to scale Latana's marketing and sales operations, grow its consumer-facing product teams, and for R&D. More
Online survey and research services firm QuestionPro has expanded to Japan with the opening of a Tokyo office, and appointed MR veteran Satoshi Komatsuzaki to lead it as Country Director. More
US-based panel and sample firm Full Circle Research has appointed former Ipsos exec Alexandrine de Montera to its leadership team as Chief Product Officer. More
Analytics and insight company MESH Experience has announced the launch of a global center of best practice, to be known as MESHtopia, and led by Global MD Dana DiGregorio and Data Quality Manager Martin Daniel. More
In London, B2B marketing specialist alan. has announced the launch of a research division called Integrated Intelligence, which it says aims 'to fundamentally change how B2B marketers understand their industries'. Josh Cohen and Emilie Pirson will lead the new unit. More
London-based full service consumer and B2B MR agency Sapio Research is moving to its fourth new home in just six years, this time in Borough, near London Bridge. More
Melbourne, Australia-based specialist market research employment agency Flow Recruitment has expanded to Sydney, where it has appointed Amanda Cotesworth as Associate Director. More
Fieldwork recruiting services provider Field Scope International has opened an office in South Africa, its second base on the continent. More
Kantar has announced unaudited results for the first half of 2022, with 'gross revenue' up 5% (at constant currency rates) to $1.832bn and adjusted EBITDA up 6% to $310m. Unadjusted, revenue was down 1.8% to $1.566bn, while one-off events contributed to an operating loss of $88m. More
Nielsen has written to clients to inform them that the set-top box and Smart TV 'big data', to be added into its National TV reporting next month, will not yet be used for transaction / ad currency purposes as previously planned, due to the need to address 'variability' and 'stability' issues. More
In the US, movie theater ad network National CineMedia (NCM) has announced a deal with real-time TV measurement company iSpot, using the latter's ad catalog and verification of ad plays for 40m US Smart TVs to calculate and report on incremental reach from NCM ads over linear TV. More
Gary Bennewies, CEO of Ipsos Canada, has announced his retirement after nearly four decades with the company. From September 1st Cynthia Pachovski, President, Market Strategy and Understanding (MSU) for Canada, will replace Bennewies on an interim basis while a new CEO is selected. More
Emerging markets business and point-of-interest (POI) data provider dataPlor has announced plans to extend its coverage from 100 to 150 countries by the end of 2022. More
Explo, an analytics solution for visualizing and sharing data with customers across any platform, has raised $12m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to accelerate the development of its product roadmap. More
New York-based ad agency XenoPsi and London-based behavioral science-led marketing agency Astroten have launched the Consumer Behavior Lab (CBL), promising to improve the effectiveness of clients' marketing messages and the channels where they are placed. More
US-based direct marketing company Publishers Clearing House (PCH) has launched a platform called PCH Consumer Insight, which offers access to market feedback and intelligence on new products, packaging, pricing and marketing messages. More
India-based Ugam is to take the name of its parent company Merkle, which acquired the data and analytics company in 2019. The Ugam brand will be retired. More
Agriculture and animal health specialist Kynetec has promoted Colin Siren to the role of Chief Operating Officer for Animal Health. He replaces Jeff Gaidos, who is taking a step back from the business, but will continue on a part-time consultancy basis. More
In the UK, fast fashion retailer Primark has hired former Tesco brand leader Michelle McEttrick for the newly created role of Chief Customer Officer, with overall responsibility for marketing and customer communications, customer insight, and sustainability strategy. She will join on 19th September. More
Germany and US-based MR tech provider quantilope has moved its London office to a larger space, following a one third growth in its UK-based headcount during the past six months. More
YouGov has promoted Laura Robbie, previously MD Australia, to the role of CEO of the Asia Pacific region, replacing Julien Chevignon who becomes CEO for Western Europe. More
A group of five consultancies have come together to launch an initiative called Diversity Unlimited, aiming to encourage corporates to buy research, analytics and insight solutions from diverse-owned businesses. More
US-based automated employee experience and customer experience platform Aisera has raised $90m in a Series D round of funding, which it will use to accelerate expansion and its global growth and go-to-market strategy.` More
In the UK, long-time healthcare sector researcher Hannah Osborn has launched an agency called Pure Healthcare Strategy, providing clients with bespoke life sciences marketing intelligence and strategic advice. More
London-based entertainment research and consulting firm Ampere Analysis has opened its first international office, in Culver City, Los Angeles; and appointed a team of four there, led by Executive Director Guy Bisson. More
Almost two thirds (64%) of MR and social research agencies across Europe participating in trade body federation EFAMRO's 'Moodindicator' survey believe research revenues will increase in the next year. More
Online research, data and analytics tech firm YouGov has expanded in Latin America with the opening of an office in Mexico City, serving the research needs of brands and agencies in the region and providing operational support for the firm's work across the Americas. More
Australian insight consultancy Fiftyfive5 has appointed former Kadence MD Phil Steggals as Head of Consulting for the APAC region. He is based in Singapore. More
In the US, Deckchair Data founders Chris Robson and Scott Laing have joined customer centricity specialist Gongos as Senior Directors, Data Sciences, as their business is merged into the Gongos group. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
Bulgaria-based online panels provider JTN has opened an office in Denmark, to be run by Business Development Director Maria Lassen Pedersen, supported by Helle Raun Oddershede who has been named Business Development Manager. More
In India, strategy consulting firm Oncofocus Solutions has spun off its primary market research unit into a separate business within the group, called decodeMR. More
Research software firm Forsta and local marketing platform Rio SEO, which are both owned by Press Ganey, are combining. Both will continue to serve current clients under their existing brands, while Forsta has welcomed all Rio SEO employees to its sales, ops, product and engineering teams. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Out of home audience measurement body Geopath has partnered with in-store audio advertising network Stingray, to measure retail-based, digital audio out-of-home (AOOH) advertising impressions in the US. More
In the US, online sampling technology firm InnovateMR has hired Ross Green as its first Chief Financial Officer. More
Enterprise insights platform Stravito has partnered with search-based survey analysis specialist KnowledgeHound, to help clients centralize all insights and survey data in a single platform. More
Kantar has launched a fast-turnaround solution called Brand Equity Evaluation, to help users quickly answer questions about brand equity strength in a competitive environment, and how to improve it. More
New York-based language and tech solutions provider TransPerfect has opened a 300-seat contact center in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. More
Nielsen has announced the launch of the methodology it will use to give media buyers reach metrics for YouTube comparable to those provided for linear TV. The measurement spans computer, mobile and connected TV devices. More
Consumer data company Pureprofile has issued a business update for the period ended 30th June 2022, with full year revenue up 39% to $AUD 41.7m, and EBITDA up 28% to $AUD 4.0m. More
Ipsos has reported second quarter revenue of EUR 574.0m, representing organic growth of 2.1% (reported growth 8.9%). After exceptional results in Q1, the group cited global events and the end of Covid measurement contracts - as well as strong comparatives from Q2 2021 - for the lower figures. More
Global association ESOMAR has released its annual ranking of the Global Top 50 Insights Companies, with an ever broader definition of the term giving an unfamiliar look to parts of the list. More
Retail data and research firms dunnhumby and VST (Virtual Store Trials) have teamed up to launch 'Planogram Publisher', which promises to make retailer Tesco's planogram data accessible to CPG brands. More
John Musgrove, currently Head of Insights and Research at broadcaster Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has been appointed in the new role of Head of Research for industry body Commercial Radio Australia. More
Data and research tech solutions company Schlesinger Group has partnered with CX and insights software and advisory services company Maru, to launch 'Quantitative Insights Communities', giving its clients access to qual, quant and advanced research methodologies in one platform. More
UK TV audience measurement body BARB has hired former InSites Consulting exec Matt Laycock for a newly created position, Audiences Director. He joins on 26th September. More
New York-based language and tech solutions provider TransPerfect has opened an office in Bologna - its third in Italy, adding to the company's existing presence in Milan and Rome. More
Insight group STRAT7 has announced organic growth of 30% for the financial year just ended; along with 5 appointments. Among them, former Bonamy Finch MD Paul Carney becomes a Partner in the Consultancy practice, with former Head of Advanced Analytics Paul Jackson filling his previous role. More
AdTech and data company ENGINE has been re-named Big Village in the US, continental Europe and Australia. The rebrand does not include ENGINE Group UK, which was acquired by Next 15 earlier this year. More
In the UK, customer experience marketing agency Gekko has partnered with behavioural insight specialist CloudArmy to offer a neuroscience research service helping brands understand customer thinking. More
In the US, cultural intelligence company Collage Group has raised $25m in an inaugural round of growth capital, which it will use for investments in sales and marketing, and for continued development of its data science and technology platform. More
Ipsos has launched a user experience (UX) facility called the Ipsos Experience Lab in the Franklin Center in downtown Chicago, providing space for focus groups, interviews, device tests and simulations. More
British-based automated speech recognition platform Speechmatics has raised $62m in a Series B round of funding which it will use to support expansion across the US and Asia-Pacific, and to improve infrastructure - particularly the capacity of it data centre. More
In the US, the Market Research Council has appointed MESH Experience founder Fiona Blades as this year's President. More
US-based conjoint analysis and MaxDiff tools provider Sawtooth Software has hired former Boxclever Consulting exec Dean Tindall as Director of Client Services, Europe, based in its newly created Manchester, UK office. More
London-based insight consultancy Basis has announced record results, with annual revenue up 20% to £27.4m for the year ended March 2022. More
In the UK two former executives of research firm Trinity McQueen, Chris Handford and Daniel Eddy, have launched a new full-service product consultancy, Waveform Insight Studio. More
Mobile-based Indonesian consumer insights platform Populix has won a further US$7.7m in a Series A round of financing, for use in continuing to optimize its existing products and to release new services. More
UK-based data collection firm RONIN International has added an office in Lancaster, serving as a desk research, CATI and digital recruitment hub. With space for around thirty people, the location is part of the offices of RONIN's parent, digital marketer Rippleffect Group. More
Melbourne-based Mobile Digital Insights (MDI) has announced 'exponential' growth over the last twelve months, hiring Christine Laurenssen as Business Director Africa, David Somers as COO, Hellen Sillis as Global Head of Qual, Sam Stelitano as CFO and Sarah Gill-Kildea as Insights Director. More
In Los Angeles, insights, strategy and design agency Hypothesis has promoted Maria Vallis to the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jeff Seltzer, who will join founder Maria Stark as an Executive Board Member. More
Paris-based MR data and tech firm Bilendi has expanded to the Netherlands with the opening of an office in Amsterdam, appointing Luigi Casula as Country Manager. The company has also created a new Dutch panel with more than 30,000 members. More
In New York, media services agency Horizon Media is testing Comscore's local TV measurement solution as an alternate currency for 2023 planning and buying. The firm currently uses Nielsen. More
Kantar has launched a cross-category search prediction tool called Emerging Trends; added a suite of products and enhancements to its creative testing portfolio on Kantar Marketplace; and opened the iLab innovation centre. More
In Canada, research tech firm Potloc has raised CAD$35m in a Series B round comprising new equity funding and debt financing. The investment will be used to accelerate go-to-market strategy in North America and Europe, including recruitment of 120 more staff in Montreal, New York and Paris. More
Tokyo-based MR sample provider GMO Research is expanding to North America with the opening of a subsidiary in New York City, headed up by Christa Arite. More
British research tech company Walr has appointed former System1 Research exec Ben Walton as its first Chief Commercial Officer. More
London-based rapid research firm Bolt Insight has received £1.275m investment from B2B tech venture capital company 212, to be used for development of new products, staff recruitment in its research and commercial teams, and expansion into new markets. More
Independent British-based insight consultancy Trinity McQueen has announced sales of £7.4m in the year ending March 2022; some ten per cent up on the pre-pandemic figure (year ending March 2020). More
In the US, AI-powered conversation intelligence provider Invoca has raised $83m in a Series F round of equity financing, at a valuation of $1.1 billion. The firm will use the funds to expand internationally and pursue acquisitions. More
First-party data platform Dynata has appointed former employee Arun Kumar as Vice President, Southeast Asia and India, leading the business and teams across the region. More
Kantar has hired long-time Merkle exec Will Bordelon as Chief Executive Officer of its Insights business in the Americas. He will join on July 11th. More
In the UK, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) says it will officially launch its Centre for Children and Families - first announced more than a year ago - on Monday 27th June. More
Matt Britton started digital research platform Suzy in 2018, named it after a favourite song, worked with other non-researchers to build it, and got to $25 million annual recurring revenue 'faster than Salesforce and Qualtrics'. An interview with MrWeb's Nick Thomas - available as video or in print. More
Ipsos has unveiled a four-year plan to accelerate growth and shareholder value. This will include the group spending between EUR 100m and EUR 200m per year on 'smart acquisitions', while doubling its investments in data analytics, technology and 'knowledge panels'. More
UK-based agency group UNLIMITED and ad agency group Pablo have jointly won a £22m Cabinet Office contract, which will combine the former's Human Understanding Lab with the latter's creative expertise, to help deliver public service communications. More
London-based voice analysis technology firm Phebi has partnered with Toronto-based insights tech firm Ignite Connexion, which will provide Phebi with marketing, sales, implementation and customer support services across Canada. More
Kantar has announced an industry-wide cross-media planning initiative for Brazil, bringing together representatives from the country's media groups and platforms to help design an upgraded measurement solution. Kantar then plans to launch the solution before the end of the year. More
Product testing platform Maze has raised $40m in a Series B round of funding, for use in developing new solutions, including further investment in its new participant management solution Reach. More
New York-based language and tech solutions provider TransPerfect has opened a contact center in El Paso, Texas, which will act as the hub for the firm's Connect division. More
In Paris, Ipsos has appointed Dan Lévy as Group Chief Financial Officer, from June 10th, replacing Laurence Stoclet who has been with the business for nearly 24 years. More
UK TV audience measurement body BARB has hired Caroline Baxter for the newly created role of Research Operations Director, and will recruit an Audiences Director to work with her. The creation of these two roles follows the resignation of Research Director Simon Bolus. More
Insights and research agency TRA and industry body ThinkTV are partnering to provide insights for New Zealand-based marketers, about the country's favourite TV ads. More
Digital research firm MetrixLab has opened its first office on the African continent, in Johannesburg, South Africa, appointing Nanzala Mwaura as Managing Director and Rentia Kraucamp as Research Director. More
UK-based customer insights and communities platform developer Researchbods has appointed fourteen new team members since the beginning of April, including Chris Manko as Head of Engineering. The firm has also made nine internal promotions. More
In Australia, outdoor ad platform Wrappr has partnered with Nielsen to launch LIFT, a campaign measurement and attribution platform offering full-funnel attribution for ads on its sites, powered by an opt-in mobile location database. More
In the US, MR tech firm GroupSolver has raised $2.5m in a new funding round, which it will use to continue to expand its survey platform and accelerate its go-to-market strategy. More
Swiss/German in-store and omnichannel customer experience analysis specialist ISC-CX is opening an office in Brazil, to support LatAm businesses and brands. More
Kantar has announced unaudited results for the first quarter of calendar 2022, including pro forma, currency-adjusted gross revenue up 6% to $911m, and adjusted EBITDA of $144m, up 16% from a year earlier and almost twice the pre-Covid Q1 2019 figure. More
In Australia, communications consultancy SenateSHJ has acquired Di Marzio Research, whose Director Paul Di Marzio joins the acquiring firm as Head of Research, based in Melbourne and leading a new practice, SenateSHJ Insights. More
In Dubai the Advertising Business Group, a non-profit organisation advocating for responsible advertising and communication in the MENA region, has appointed Ipsos as its partner for its ad currency UAE Cross Media Measurement project. More
Touchstone Research has made five recent appointments: Patricia Lopez and Michelle Richard as Senior Qualitative Analysts, Jack Keelan and Erik Erwin as Senior Project Directors, and Michael Kozloski as a Senior Quantitative Analyst. More
Automated insight-gathering and sample management platform Cint has announced further leadership changes following its December acquisition of Lucid. CFO Joakim Andersson and COO Andy Ellis are stepping down, replaced respectively by Britta Mittler (interim) and Jake Wolff. More
In Australia, consumer data giant NielsenIQ is to offer clients access to 'one of the biggest receipt panels in Australia', promising new understanding of 'the most important retail consumer group - the omnishopper'. More
Text analytics software firm Relative Insight has added ESOMAR President and WIRe founder Kristin Luck to its Advisory Board and former Cint leader Richard Thornton to its Board of Directors. More
In the UK, full-service agency BMG Research has opened an office in the London Bridge-based News UK Building, having closed its previous London base during the pandemic due to working from home. More
Ipsos has appointed Mark Polyak as its President of Analytics in North America, with a key role in integrating 'multisource, real-time, data-driven and actionable insights' into the group's core operations. He was previously Ipsos' Chief Analytics and Data Officer in Public Affairs. More
In the US, out of home (OOH) audience measurement body Geopath has given acting President Dylan Mabin the role permanently. More
Lang.ai, which helps CX teams draw insights from conversations, has raised $10.5m in a Series A round of funding. The money will help improve software to understand what each customer is saying at any point in their buying journey, and correlate this data with their purchase history. More
Oxfordshire, UK-based brand, NPD, category and shopper consultancy Touchstone Shoppercentric is moving all its staff to a four-day working week - with full-time salary - from 6th June. More
Nielsen has announced the end of its 45-day 'go-shop' period, in which the Board has investigated the potential for alternatives to its recently-announced acquisition by a consortium of private investors; and says no proposals have been submitted. More
Tel Aviv, Israel-based in-store intelligence and personalization specialist Nexite has Raised $67m in a Series C round of funding, which brings the company's total funding to $100m. More
Independent social and market research agency IFF Research has made two dozen promotions - equivalent to 20% of its team - following 18% revenue growth in 2021-2. More
US-based consumer panel firm Full Circle has appointed long-time TNS researcher Jamie Stehlin as its newest Business Unit Leader, to establish an office in Ohio. More
In the US, branded payments specialist Blackhawk Network has integrated its incentives and rewards platform Rybbon with the services of MR developer Q ONE Tech, to provide customized multi-country reward experiences for panel members while improving engagement. More
US-based Measured, which helps brands identify media's incremental contribution to business outcomes, has raised $21m in a new round of investment. The firm plans to use the funds to support further innovation, as user-level tracking restrictions increase. More
Consumer insights provider Toluna has expanded to Thailand, where it has hired former Nielsen exec Chumphol (Marc) Sivawettakul as Business Development Director, Southeast Asia. He is based in Bangkok. More
UK-based customer insights and communities platform developer Researchbods has launched a dedicated creative division called 'Studio', which will work with all teams across the business to enhance its creative offering. More
Online sample marketplace PureSpectrum has acquired programmatic sampling technology assets from Dalia Research, for use in further expanding its PureSpectrum Marketplace. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In Australia, culture, community panels and smart digital insight specialist Verve has appointed Rikki Pearce as Managing Director and Head of its new 'Global Advanced Quant and Analytics' practice. More
New York City-based B2B marketing research agency Adience has opened an office in London, where it has appointed James Keeling as Vice President. More
Sho Pogoni has returned to Auckland, NZ-based customer intelligence agency Perceptive as Data Science Team Lead, tasked with providing data science as a supplementary service for other teams (CX and Research), and as a standalone service for bespoke client projects. More
Nielsen has reported first quarter revenue of $877m - a rise of 1.6%, but with organic real-terms growth of 3.4%. Adjusted EBITDA fell around 4% to $372m. More
UK-based consumer and sensory research agency PPL Insights and France-based consumer and shopper research specialist Strategir have formed a joint venture, to provide a broad range of research services linking all elements of the consumer journey. More
In London, online sample marketplace PureSpectrum has appointed long-time Kantar Profiles exec Andy Cayton as Executive Vice President, tasked with developing and implementing solutions for clients across the firm's product suite. More
The WindAcre Partnership LLC, now comfortably the largest Nielsen shareholder with 27.3%, says the share price could triple in the next three years and will host a webcast tomorrow arguing for a rejection of the Consortium bid. Meanwhile reports suggest the ratings firm could regain its MRC accreditation soon. More
In London, all-in-one research operations platform Ayda has appointed former Cint exec Richard Thornton as Chairman and Advisor, following a successful investment round. More
US-based customer experience (CX) specialist Zendesk has reportedly appointed an advisor to explore a potential sale, just two months after rejecting a takeover bid from a private equity company. More
London-based insights agency Opinium has hired music economist Chris Carey to lead its newly launched Music, Media and Entertainment division. More
US-based customer experience solutions provider VHT has taken the name of its Mindful suite of solutions, claiming this 'aligns it with its philosophy of how enterprise brands should treat people'. More
Ipsos has reported 12.3% first quarter organic revenue growth and a 17.5% reported increase to EUR 547.8m. The firm says it is planning an 'exciting range' of potential acquisitions in key sectors and territories, especially in the USA. More
In Manchester, UK, corporate reputation specialist Steve Leigh has opened a research, measurement and evaluation consultancy called Sensu. The firm promises to help clients understand their audience; track reputation, profile and influence; and improve the quality of communications. More
Consumer intel giant NielsenIQ has made an undisclosed amount of investment in mobile consumer rewards app Fetch Rewards, whose thirteen million monthly US active users have submitted more than two billion receipts. The deal allows NielsenIQ to enhance its Omnishopper panel. More
Ipsos has opened an offshore Data Services Centre in Mumbai, to handle offshore production work initially for North America, and later for other global markets. Haribabu Rajendran takes the reins as Managing Director. More
Measure Protocol, a blockchain-based marketplace for consumer behavioural data, has raised an undisclosed amount of funding, which it will use to further develop its technology and ramp up its marketing and sales efforts. More
Online sample marketplace PureSpectrum has appointed long-time industry exec Ron Franscella as Executive Vice President, tasked with developing and implementing new client solutions across the firm's product suite. More
US insight communities firm Fuel Cycle has integrated with customer insights platform UserTesting to help users to reach and manage networks of their own customers. More
London-based predictive visual analytics platform Dragonfly AI has raised £3m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to target growth across Europe and North America, scale up its sales engine, and invest in product development and R&D. More
London-based MR data visualization and PowerPoint automation specialist Indico Labs has announced a $350k seed round of investment led by Michael Halberstam, the former Chairman of data collection group ISA. The funding will be used to accelerate the development of key product features. More
In San Francisco, self-service product analytics specialist Kubit has raised $18m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to accelerate company growth. More
Digital user experience insights specialist UserZoom has received an unspecified amount of strategic growth funding from investment firm Thoma Bravo, the owner of CX management firm Medallia. The funding values UserZoom at $800m. More
Behavioural science consultancy The Behavioural Architects (TBA) has hired 29 new members of staff across its global offices - twelve in China, seven in Australia, and ten in the UK. More
In the US, Ipsos has appointed former Kantar exec Whitney Krause James as a President of the US organization, leading several lines of business. She joins on April 4th and will be based in New York. More
In London, programme audience analyst TAPE Consultancy has promoted Beatrice Rossmanith to the role of Managing Director, as existing MDs Paul Youngbluth and John Peek prepare to leave the company in the summer. More
British video-based insight company Vox Pops International has become employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). More
Text analytics platform Relative Insight has secured a £5m investment, for use in expanding its operations in the US and for new product development. More
India's Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has named IPG Mediabrands India CEO Shashi Sinha as President, succeeding Punit Goenka, MD & CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises. More
French digital experience monitoring company Kadiska has raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding and says it will open an office in Boston, USA, this month. More
In the UK, insights platform QuMind has promoted Alan Hargreaves to the role of Managing Director, with Board level responsibility for the entire operation and co-responsibility for innovation. More
Andy Cumming, co-founder of Curiosity Research and European MD at InSites Consulting, died of sudden heart failure at his home on 12th January. More
Ipsos has merged its business in Bolivia with MR and public opinion firm CIESMORI. More
Digital research specialist MetrixLab has appointed Ed Harrison as Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand. He replaces Vincent Blaney, who is returning to the UK in June to take up a position at the firm's London office. More
Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has announced the recruitment in Sydney of the first panel participants to wear electronic watch meters to capture their radio listening. This is part of the roll out of GfK Radio360, which moves the industry from paper-based surveys to the majority use of e-diaries. More
Shopper insight specialist Behaviorally has opened an office in New York, where it has appointed former InSites Consulting exec Jeff Haselum as Senior Vice President, leading the practice. More
Netherlands-based audience measurement specialist Beatgrid has emerged from stealth mode, adding to its Board of Directors former Nielsen Catalina Solutions CEO Matthew O'Grady and oOh! Media founder Brendon Cook. More
New York-based language and tech solutions provider TransPerfect has moved its Manchester, UK office to a larger facility, where it has created a number of new jobs across technology, media and project management. More
Nielsen's Board of Directors has opted 'not to proceed' with the unsolicited acquisition proposal reported last week from a private equity consortium, valuing the company at around $15bn. The decision follows major shareholder WindAcre's announcement that it would fight the deal. More
Ipsos has launched its self-service, end-to-end online market research platform Ipsos.Digital in fourteen markets in Asia. More
Kantar Public, the global group's evidence and advisory business for governments and the public sector, has appointed current WPP exec Kathryn Cooper in the new role of Global Head of Behavioural and Communications Advisory. More
In the US, research platform dscout has raised $70m in a Series C round of funding, for use in market expansion, continued technology and product development, and hiring initiatives. At the same time the firm has announced the appointment to its Board of former Lucid President Brett Schnittlich. More
Despite suspending its business in Ukraine, Kantar has decided to continue paying salaries to employees there until the end of the war. More
Private equity firm Arsenal Capital has merged Cello Health and four of its other firms to launch Lumanity, offering medical sector product development, market access and commercialization services. Former Cello Health Insight CEO Nicola Cowland becomes the new firm's Global President, Insight. More
New Zealand-based insights agency TRA Group (The Research Agency) has opened an office in Sydney, Australia, and is transferring Terri Hall to it in the role of Managing Partner. She takes up the post on 1st April, and reports to MD and founder Andrew Lewis. More
In the US, employee feedback management specialist WorkHound has raised $12m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to expand its headcount and product offerings, and grow its presence in additional markets. More
Nielsen's shares soared by around 30% to $22.85 yesterday, after it was reported in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that the firm is in talks to be acquired by a group of investors in a $15bn deal. More
In the US, mystery shopping agency A Closer Look has launched a specialist division covering the senior living sector. More
Nielsen is suing measurement and attribution specialist TVSquared, claiming that it infringed a patent entitled: 'Methods and Apparatus to Collect Distributed User Information for Media Impressions and Search Terms'. The ratings giant's claim includes lost profits. More
In New York, in-home product testing platform Highlight has raised $7m in a seed round of investment, including money from Momentive CEO Zander Lurie; Richard Thornton, former CEO of Cint; Tom Bernthal, CEO of Kelton; and Max Mullen, founder of Instacart. More
In the US, custom MR firm AMC Global has promoted seven employees, including Erin Russeck for the newly created role of Chief Research Officer. Kelly Jasper moves into Russeck's previous position, EVP of Corporate Strategy & Innovation. More
Barcelona-based feedback platform Typeform has received $135m in Series C funding, for continued expansion of its team, product development and extension of strategic partnerships. More
Harris Poll owner Stagwell Group has reported on a year of rapid growth, with a pro forma net revenue rise of 11.3% in Q4 of 2021 and 14.5% over the full 12 months. More
Dutch-based agency DVJ Insights has announced three more senior hires: Ashley Endenburg joins the management team as Finance Manager, Matthias Hallmann as Senior Business Partner in Germany, and James Robinson as Client Consultant in the UK. More
In the US, the head of TV advertising trade group the VAB has written to Nielsen CEO David Kenny 'seeking the immediate cessation' of the firm's new 'Big Data' monthly impact releases. Nielsen says the VAB does not represent the overall video marketplace and has not raised the questions with it previously. More
Community panels and smart digital research firm Verve is to open a Global Centre of Research Innovation in Sydney, Australia, and has appointed Dan Alexander-Head to lead it. More
US data collection and fieldwork services firm Opinions LTD has opened a CLT and viewing facility in Seattle, and appointed Nik Kocher to manage it. More
In New York, trend spotting agency sparks & honey is to launch two new practices: Youth Culture and Policy & Philanthropy, to be headed up respectively by newly promoted VP Hannah Hickman and SVP Robb Henzi. More
Momentive - formerly SurveyMonkey - has announced a $200m share repurchase program and plans for a renewed focus on delivering stockholder value. The firm has also promoted Priyanka (Pri) Carr from General Manager of its MR business, to COO. More
In Canada, customer intelligence specialist Alida has appointed Mary Kay Evans as Chief Marketing Officer, to drive the company's overall marketing strategy and partner with the exec team to steer the company's next phase of growth. More
In the US, sensory evaluation and consumer product research firm Curion Holdings has opened a Consumer Center in Natick, Massachusetts, to expand its innovation insights services in the New England area. More
MrWeb's special issue on 'Measuring Brains and Bodies' is launched today: viewing and downloading the 72-page pdf supplement is free: click the cover or the link below; or read on for the second part of Michelle Niedziela's article, which offers a guide to Best Practice in consumer neuroscience projects. More
Manchester, UK-based Acumen Fieldwork has launched a B2B and Social Research department, which will focus primarily on hard-to-reach groups - ranging from those who are disenfranchised from society to key decision-makers in named occupations. More
Shareholders of customer experience (CX) specialist Zendesk have this evening rejected the proposed acquisition of Momentive, parent of SurveyMonkey. Despite Momentive shareholders giving majority support, the acquisition agreement will now be ditched. More
Emotion analytics specialist Realeyes and media quality measurement agency Adelaide have partnered to help advertisers uncover the value of attention insights across both creative and media. More
Ipsos has reported a 16.8% increase in annual revenue to EUR 2.14bn for 2021, with overall organic growth of 17.9%. Perhaps more significantly, the figures represent impressive organic growth of 10.4% when compared with 2019. More
Continuing our focus on 'Measuring Brains and Bodies', HCD Research's Michelle Niedziela runs through the key techniques in 'neuro', with advice on where to use them. The second part of the article, looking at Best Practices, will appear in DRNO when the pdf special issue is published early next week. More
In the US, television conglomerate Discovery and Omnicom Media Group have commenced a trial exercise with Comscore and VideoAmp, aiming to offer new currencies to advertisers in the 2022-23 Upfront season. More
GfK CEO Peter Feld has decided not to seek an extension to his contract, and will leave the company on March 14th. CFO Lars Nordmark will step into the Chief Exec role on an interim basis, while COO Joshua Hubbert has been added to the Management Board. More
Auckland, NZ-based customer intelligence agency Perceptive is to open an office in the country's capital, Wellington, and has appointed former NielsenIQ manager Roman Konopka there as Research Director. More
Century City, CA-based research firm Screen Engine/ASI (SE/ASI) has hired former LRW Group exec Syed Hasan for the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer. More
Four insights companies - Ipsos, IVP Research Labs, Schlesinger Group and Shimmer Research - are partnering to provide live biometric monitoring and analysis for this year's Super Bowl. More
Automated insights platform Zappi has reported $50 million in sales in 2021, representing more than 30 percent growth in twelve months; and the hiring of more than 100 new employees during the year. More
Continuing our focus on 'Measuring Brains & Bodies', HCD's VP of Research & Innovation talks about a career in 'neuro' (with a rat allergy); quantifying the stress of bad audio on a Zoom call; whether any perfume can live up to one of those weird ads; and much more besides. Available to watch or read. More
Continuing our focus on 'Measuring Brains and Bodies', MindProber's Pedro Moreira looks at the company's use of electrodermal activity (EDA) to analyse the extraordinary success of the hit TV show. What worked best, and why? [Spoiler Alert: this makes reference to surprise scenes etc.] More
Data collection and research services company Schlesinger Group has appointed Troy Anderson as Chief Product & Technology Officer and Ellie Ahmadi as CMO; and promoted Rob Ramirez to Chief Client Officer and Sue Maldonado to Chief of Staff to the CEO. More
Texas-based data collection firm Veridata Insights has reported 150% year-over-year revenue growth and fifteen recent hires, having opened offices in Canada, Bulgaria, India and the UK. More
In the UK, East Anglia-based participant recruitment agencies Creative Medical Recruit (CMR) and Healthcare Fieldwork have merged to form a new company, MediVoice Recruit. The firm will offer recruitment for Human Factors and usability studies as well as general healthcare MR. More
Omnicom Health subsidiary Adelphi Research has promoted Ratna Wynn from EVP, Head of Research, Operations and Innovation to the position of President, US, overseeing all Stateside research, operations and finance. More
China-based data collection firm Holden Healthcare and Japanese healthcare researcher Seed Planning have announced a partnership enhancing physician panel access across hard-to-reach markets in the Asia Pacific region. More
New York-based full service agency Radius Global Market Research (Radius GMR) has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Star Mountain Capital. More
Online sampling technology firm InnovateMR has received an undisclosed amount of funding from private equity firm CIVC Partners and a 'significant investment' from Innovate founders Matt Dusig, Gregg Lavin, George Llorens and former President Michael Anderson, as well as from current shareholders. More
In Australia, customer research platform Dovetail has raised $63m in a Series A round of funding, for use in continuing to build its core platform and expanding its product portfolio. More
Wearable tech is everywhere, and offers great potential for collecting data, but how useful is it right now for answering specific research questions? Kathryn Ambroze, Manager of Behavioral and Marketing Sciences at HCD Research continues our month-long focus on 'Measuring Brains & Bodies'. More
US-based behavioral insights consultancy Behaviorally has launched a division called eFluence, to help brands drive sales at the digital shelf level, and influence the omnichannel shopper journey. Former Chief Commercial Officer Scott Brill will lead the new division as MD. More
UK-based research and data business Delineate has integrated Ipsos' survey data collection technology Askia into its own Proximity end-to-end platform, which connects brands with their consumers in real time. More
Florida-based data collection firm Global Survey has acquired a minority stake in Canadian artificial intelligence-based DIY MR platform Emozo Labs, for an undisclosed sum. More
UK-based kids and family market intelligence provider The Insights Family has expanded its services to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina and South Africa. More
In Oslo, Norway, the country's MOC audience measurement body has extended Nielsen's contract for radio measurement, which was due to expire in twelve months' time. More
In the US, knowledge management platform Bloomfire has appointed Ben Little as Chief Executive Officer, as Mark Hammer moves to an advisory role, for personal reasons. More
Fonto, the recently launched Australia-based consumer data business headed up by former Kantar and Nielsen leader Ben Dixon, has raised $6m in capital with which to accelerate its growth and expand its suite of services. More
Media and entertainment company WarnerMedia has selected Comscore, iSpot and VideoAmp as measurement partners, tasked with building a new suite of technologies to count viewers across linear, digital and connected television. More
Ipsos has brought together its existing UK advisory units into one practice, employing more than 50 specialists. Murat Demiral will lead the practice as Head of Advisory, and joins the UK Management Committee. More
Former Phoenix Marketing International President Marjette Stark has been named President of non-profit MR educational institute the MRII (Market Research Institute International), having served on its Board of Directors since 2015. More
This is the last edition of DRNO for 2021 - we'll be back on Tuesday 4th January. From all of us at MrWeb to all those of you celebrating it, a very Merry Christmas; and to all of you, thanks for reading this year and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2022. Here we look backwards and forwards briefly... More
Programmatic sampling and research tech firm Lucid, headquartered in the US, has announced a multi-year agreement with UK-based consumer research platform Attest. More
In New York, career development platform Ivy Exec has launched a dedicated B2B market research division called Ivy Insights. More
In the US, accreditation body the Media Rating Council (MRC) says it has commenced a new audit of Nielsen's Digital Ad Ratings (DAR) service, including for the first time the firm's measurement of mobile devices and connected TV (CTV). More
In the US, consumer insights platform DISQO has appointed long-time Walmart exec Yannis Pavlidis as Vice President of Data Science and Analytics. More
Saudi Arabian ad currency body MRC (Media Rating Company) has announced a schedule for the roll-out of its television and video audience measure, in partnership with Nielsen. More
Indian consumer insights provider Hansa Research Group is opening an office in Dhaka, Bangladesh. More
Forsta, the company formed through the merger of Confirmit, FocusVision and Dapresy, has announced a global partnership with London-based Phebi.AI, allowing clients to make use of Phebi's advanced voice analysis technology for qual and quant research on Forsta's end-to-end platform. More
In the US, marketers Shane George and Tom Cherrey have launched a platform called BrandTruth, which uses artificial intelligence and 'proven psychology' to help organisations understand their 'brand essence' and drive the brand development process. More
Kantar has been awarded a contract by the Azerbaijani television industry, to supply technology for the launch of a new TV audience measurement currency in the country. More
Swedish eye tracking developer Tobii has confirmed that Anand Srivatsa will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer from this Thursday, 9th December. He replaces co-founder Henrik Eskilsson, who announced his intention to step down in April. More
Australian market research technology platform Glow has received a seven-figure amount of financing from tech funding business Tractor Ventures, which it will use to further develop its products and platform and to accelerate its international expansion. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has given this year's Agency of the Year Award to London-based insight firm Opinium, which had previously been shortlisted eight times in nine years. More
In Edinburgh, Ipsos MORI has appointed Lisa Sutherland as Head of Behavioural Science in Public Affairs. More
Kantar has reported revenue of $2,681m for the first three quarters of 2021, up 11% at constant currency although still down 5% from 2019 figures; and EBITDA of $445m, up 52% on 2020 and 39% (organic growth 33%) versus the same period in 2019. More
In Toronto, Harris Poll owner Stagwell Group has brought together two units of its recently merged business MDC Partners to form a new agency, DonerNorth. The two are creative, digital and media experts UNION and shopper innovation and insights firm 6 Degrees. More
Former hotel sector marketer Daniel Diosi has launched an MR software firm called Market Sampler, offering a self-service tool which uses an AI-based programmatic survey delivery method to reach a potential global audience of more than 1.9 billion via over four million public web sites and mobile apps. More
The Stagwell Group, owner of the Harris and Harris Poll brands, has opened a regional headquarters in Singapore, where it has appointed Randy Duax as Managing Director, Asia Pacific. More
Crispin Beale, former Chime I&E CEO, has joined US-based Behaviorally in the newly created role of company President, overseeing all client service and business development efforts across Europe, Asia and North America. More
Nielsen is suing panel-based TV audience measurement firms HyphaMetrics and TVision, claiming separate patent infringements. More
UK audience currency body BARB has announced it will add viewing figures for SVoD (Streaming Video On Demand) and video-sharing platforms into its daily reporting, with the upgrade completed next Monday. More
Ian Forrester, former Insight Head at video tracking platform Unruly, has launched an AI-powered ad research platform called DAIVID, which automates ad testing by using facial coding, eye tracking and computer vision data to predict human attention levels and emotions. More
Greater Washington DC-based Full Circle Research has launched a Political division - in anticipation of 'an explosive 2022 election cycle' - and appointed Khary (KJ) Jones to lead it. More
US company Paradigm says it is on course to 'double its highest revenue year', having appointed four new members for its Go-To-Market team. AJ Keirans and Aaron Walton were hired earlier in the year, and are now joined by Matt Freitag and Adam Dietrich. More
Marketing and consumer insights platform Prodege has secured an undisclosed 'major' investment from private equity firm Great Hill Partners, for use in rapid organic expansion and for targeted acquisitions. More
In Manchester, UK, a new employee insight platform has launched. 'New Possible' promises a '360-degree solution' which helps clients understand their people and measures, assesses and benchmarks the culture of an organisation. SMEs are a particular target. More
Southeast Asian consumer research and analytics firm Milieu Insight has raised $5m in funding, for use in development of new products and geographical expansion. More
In Turkey, local industry committee TIAK has awarded Kantar a new contract to provide TV audience measurement in the country until at least 2027. More
Canada-based online sample and research technology specialist WiseWorks has been renamed Torfac, and has announced plans for 'extensive hiring and expansion' of its Technology and Development team, including more than 30 new positions. More
Consumer insights provider Toluna has promoted Susan Vidler to the newly created position of Global Chief Research Officer, leading the group's global research team and responsible for developing, defining and implementing best practices across the research function. More
In the UK, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and a consortium of partners have been awarded a £215m contract to evaluate a programme focused on promoting good early childhood development called 'A Better Start', financed by The National Lottery Community Fund. More
San Francisco-based UserTesting has launched an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 14.2 million shares, through which it plans to raise $227m. More
ESOMAR and Austria's insight association VMÖ have responded to a scandal involving skewed polls allegedly conducted for former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - stressing a policy of zero tolerance for unethical practices in an industry reliant on public trust. More
Analytics and data sharing companies continue to attract serious VC funding. This week in the US and Canada, A/B Testing firm MarketDial, data sharing / management firms Reltio and Yellowbrick Data, data exchange Trufan and CDP Treasure Data between them won in excess of $430m. More
In the US, Spanish-language media and content company Univision Communications Inc. is to use Comscore's data to provide its exclusive local audience currency for its new stations in the Orlando and Tampa, FL markets as well as in Washington, D.C. More
London-based full service agency IFF Research has launched an Energy & Environment team, providing insight to help inform environmental policy decisions and support sustainable business across the UK. Director Andrew Skone James will lead it. More
Gordon Heald, the social and political researcher who ran Gallup Poll in the UK from 1979-1994 and ORB International from 1994-2009, talked with popes and presidents, and came as near as anyone ever does to founding an MR dynasty, has died peacefully at his home aged 80. More
Community panels pioneer Verve is opening a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) next month in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has appointed Heather Tluczek and Meryl Dovey to lead it, as MD and Head of New Business Development respectively. More
European data collection provider Norstat has entered the Austrian market by opening an office in Vienna, to be headed up by Country Manager Matthias Höbarth. More
Australian insight consultancy Fiftyfive5 has made 33 new hires since July, boosting its teams in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore. They include Clare Bradshaw as COO and Helen Brocklehurst as NZ-based Head of CX. More
In the US, online sample specialist Full Circle Research has appointed industry veteran Thomas Pampinella as Director, Programming & IT, while adding a new office in Florida, the firm's ninth US city. More
In the USA, ad industry association the ANA has announced it will conduct a pilot test with Los Angeles-based VideoAmp, continuing its search for a privacy-compliant Cross-Media Measurement solution. More
Conversation analytics specialist Spiketrap has teamed up with mobile phone chat survey firm Rival Technologies to offer researchers 'deeper quantitative insights from qualitative datasets'. More
CX and research technology company Forsta is partnering with AI-powered insight platform Lumoa, whose software has been integrated with Forsta's to offer clients advanced AI-driven analytics. More
Eyetracking hardware and solutions firm Tobii has announced third quarter organic revenue growth of 26%, the acquisition of Belgian company Acapela Group, and the issue of SEK 250m ($US29.1m) worth of shares to help fund this and the earlier acquisition of Phasya. More
Online customer service and CX firm Zendesk is to acquire Momentive, parent of SurveyMonkey, in an all-share deal which values the DIY survey brand and its associated companies at around $4bn. More
Long-time Kantar exec Tim Wragg has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of brand insights analytics and consulting agency Hall & Partners, succeeding Vanella Jackson who moves to the role of company Chairperson. More
Global data collection and research services company Schlesinger has appointed former Maru/Blue MD Rob Berger as Executive Vice President, Global Quantitative Solutions. More
London-based human behaviour understanding and prediction specialist Humanising Autonomy has raised $11m in a Series A funding round, for use in product development, growth in new sectors and expansion into new markets in Asia, Europe and North America. More
Real-time market research platform Suzy has announced plans to add 40 new jobs over the next three years as it establishes a technology hub in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. More
Australia-based digital research platform Pureprofile has announced unaudited revenue of $10.2m for the first quarter of its new financial year, up 61% year on year; and EBITDA of $1.1m, up 29%. More
Ipsos has posted third quarter revenue of EUR 526.3m, up 12.3% versus Q3 2020 and 5.4% - or 8.5% in organic growth terms - compared with Q3 2019. The firm says profitability is 'in line with the objectives for the year announced in July', with a slight improvement predicted in operating margin. More
UK marketing budget growth is at its strongest in more than four years, according to the 2021 IPA Bellwether Report. Narrowly positive results for market research spend ended six years of downward movement for the sector. More
Research and analytics group YouGov has brought its recent Canadian sports research acquisition Charlton Insights under the main corporate brand. More
YouGov has reported revenue of £169.0m for the year to July 31st, up 18% in like-for-like terms and 11% reported. Reported pre-tax profit rose 24% to £18.9m, and adjusted operating profit rose 32% like-for-like (21% reported) to £31.2m. More
Toluna has appointed former Verint, Nielsen and Affinnova exec Kevin Daly in the new role of Chief Sales Officer. More
Cint has teamed up with audience profiling and targeting firm StatSocial to help clients target niche market research audiences, quickly and at scale. More
UK radio listening currency provider RAJAR has confirmed that after an eighteen month gap, new audience figures will be published on Thursday 28th October; with an enhanced set of methodologies including the first use of panellists and MediaCell technology. More
Video attention measurement and emotion analytics specialist Realeyes has appointed former Brand Networks CEO Dave Fall as Chief Product Officer. More
UK-based insights company MindMover Group has changed its name to QuMind, already the name of its fast-growing self-serve MR platform. More
London-based community panels specialist Verve is planning to open an office in Manchester, which will initially be led by founder and CEO Andrew Cooper, who has relocated to the north of England; and Joint Head of Insight Richard Preedy. The firm has also hired three new execs. More
Investment company Legion Partners Asset Management is calling for a potential sale of Momentive (previously known as SurveyMonkey) and is threatening a 'boardroom battle' if the company doesn't 'engage in a meaningful way', according to financial news source Bloomberg. More
Industry association ESOMAR and survey analysis software provider mTab have partnered to expand on the 'Insight250' awards, set up earlier this year to recognise MR industry 'leaders, visionaries and pioneers'. More
In the US, former Nielsen execs Tom Markert and Doug Pierce have launched a research and analytics company called TailWind Activation, offering real world and real-time feedback on television programming. More
Sweden's audience measurement body has extended and expanded the cross-media measurement services provided by Nielsen, which it has endorsed as the country's total measurement provider for TV and digital video from next April. More
China-based data collection company Holden Healthcare has partnered with US-based Arbittier Opinion Panel Systems (AOPS), strengthening the latter's physician data collection services in China and Asia. More
US-based mCube, which senses, captures and analyzes all types of movement data with a focus on the entertainment, sports, health and industrial sectors, has been renamed Movella. The change reflects the integration of two recent buys. More
Ipsos has announced that Nathalie Roos will no longer be taking over as CEO, following the emergence of 'deep discrepancies' in her discussions with Didier Truchot. Instead, Ipsos MORI CEO Ben Page will take the top job, from November 15th. More
In the UK, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has appointed Gillian Prior as Deputy Chief Executive. More
UK-based FlexMR has announced a 'Stakeholder Alignment programme', helping client companies to closely connect their insight and business teams, and to integrate research outputs into key internal working practices. More
Australia broadcaster Seven West Media has appointed former Nielsen Head of Research Solutions for APAC Craig Johnson as Head of Research and Insights, replacing Emelia Millward who is leaving the company and the country. More
Hamburg, Germany-based insights automation platform quantilope has appointed Joe Henriques as its new US President, leading its American Business Unit. More
Kantar has announced a partnership combining its TGI consumer data with insights from out-of-home (OOH) audience measurement business Route, to launch a new ad buying platform promising highly targeted campaigns. More
Programmatic research tech platform Lucid has appointed Eric Denker as Vice President heading up its Corporate Development and Strategy. More
Kantar has been selected by Origin, a joint industry initiative led by UK advertiser trade body ISBA, to supply a single source panel for cross-media measurement; adding to the recent launch of a 'Cross Media Performance' solution in Latin America, with Unilever among the early adopters. More
Nielsen has today announced an 'Impressions First Initiative', supporting what it calls an 'industry-wide move' to impressions-based buying and selling in local markets across the country. This will accompany the integration of broadband only homes (BBO) into its local metrics in January 2022. More
Canada-based holding company Reid Campbell Group (RCG), parent firm of Rival Technologies and Reach3 Insights, has rebranded as the Rival Group Inc. More
In the US, research and education publishing company Wiley has promoted Jay Flynn to Executive Vice President of its Wiley Research division. He replaces Judy Verses, who joined in 2015 and is leaving the organization for personal reasons. More
Digital Insights platform Heap has appointed Steve Love as CFO, joining recent C-Suite additions Sean Andrew - Chief Revenue Officer - and Chief Customer Officer Ahmed Quadri. More
TV audience rating body BARC India has appointed former Publicis CEO Nakul Chopra as Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Sunil Lulla, who left last month to pursue 'entrepreneurial ambitions'. More
CX and research tech company Forsta has appointed Brian Bhuta as Chief Product Officer, overseeing product development, leading innovation and evolving the architecture of the product suite. More
Reflecting the ever-increasing value placed on 'alternative data' by financial advisors and investors, Bloomberg is to make rich consumer purchase intent data for the US and China from Prosper Insights & Analytics available through its data marketplace. More
Research services and software company Schlesinger Group has announced the full integration of three of its acquisitions - Market Cube, 20|20 Research and Addison Research - under the Schlesinger Group brand. More
Kirsty Fuller, CEO of video intelligence platform Big Sofa Technologies, is stepping down from the role and will become a Non-Executive Director from next January. She will be succeeded by Sam Curtis, current Head of Client Partnerships and Business Development, in a planned transition. More
In the US, online communities and co-creation specialist KLC has appointed Dan Womack as company President. He will work alongside founder Kevin Lonnie, who will remain the company's CEO. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA has opened an office in Stockholm, Sweden, headed by Associate Director Sofie Brodén, who previously worked for brand development consultancy Grow as Manger Insight & Foresight. The firm has also made eighteen hires. More
New York-based multivariate ad creative testing specialist Marpipe has raised $8m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to build out its platform, double its team by the end of the year and triple it in 2022. More
Savanta has reported the addition of a dozen new members to its US and Canadian teams in the second quarter, including Chuck Woelfel as VP in Research, Insight and Consulting; Patrick Byck as Director of Operations; and Marc Matthews as Director of Research. More
Pierre Le Manh, Ipsos' CEO in North America, has left the company to pursue 'other opportunities', and been replaced by former Gartner exec Lorenzo Larini. More
In an open letter to the industry, Nielsen CEO David Kenny has responded to recent criticisms of the ratings giant's Covid era policies, but also conceded that the firm 'needs to move faster in advancing its measurement', was 'slow to explain' panel adjustments and generally 'hasn't been perfect'. More
Industry body Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has partnered with GfK to roll out a system called Radio360, which will move the industry from paper-based surveys to the majority use of e-diaries and the integration of live streaming data. More
UK-based research and data business Delineate has announced senior management changes, with founder James (JT) Turner moving from the CEO role to that of President; COO Ben Leet stepping up to CEO; and former employee Chris Bunyan returning as Product Director. More
In the US, recent Nielsen critic the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) has launched the Measurement Innovation Task Force, comprising a group of research, analytics and insights execs who it says will design and deliver best practices and standards for the national TV ad industry. More
UK-based consumer and sensory researcher MMR Group has opened an office in Amsterdam, where it has appointed former Flavors & Fragrances exec James Gater as Regional Head, Netherlands. More
In the US, work insights platform Fin has raised $20m in a Series A round of funding, for use in sales, marketing and R&D. The company has also appointed former Twilio exec Evan Cummack as Chief Executive Officer. More
In London, full-service agency IFF Research has made eleven new hires in the last quarter, including Catherine O'Driscoll who re-joined in June as Associate Director after eighteen months at charity GambleAware. More
Consumer and shopper insights agency PRS IN VIVO has appointed Nicole Duckworth as Managing Director in the UK and Clément Dargent as Managing Director in France, while promoting Olivier Bardin to the position of Head of Switzerland, VP Client Development. More
UK television marketing body Thinkbox has appointed Anthony Jones as Head of Research, replacing Oliver Robertson who has moved to a role at Amazon Advertising. More
Former dunnhumby CEO Guillaume Bacuvier has been hired as Global Chief Executive Officer of Kantar's consumer panel division Worldpanel. He succeeds Josep Montserrat, who takes on the role of Non-Executive Chairman. More
Research revenue for the Top 50 US-based insights and data analytics companies rose 4% to $48 billion in 2020, even as overall US GDP contracted 3.5% during the global Covid pandemic, according to the Insights Association's Top 50 Report. More
AI-driven 'knowledge-as-a-service' platform Lynk has extended its previous Series B round of funding with an investment from UBS's Investment Bank business division. The amount is undisclosed but brings total funding to date to $35m. More
Business-to-business research provider B2B International has promoted Tom Percival to the role of Managing Director, leading its London-based team. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has suspended accreditation of Nielsen's National TV ratings service, and also cancelled an agreed hiatus for support of the company's Local Market efforts. The changes will take effect in mid-September. More
US-based sample solutions provider InnovateMR has promoted Chief Research Officer Lisa Wilding-Brown to the role of CEO. Co-founders Matt Dusig, George Llorens and Gregg Lavin, along with company President Michael Anderson, move to the firm's Board of Directors. More
In Australia, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has appointed Ipsos as its preferred supplier for digital audience data for a three-year term, commencing in the second quarter of 2022. Nielsen previously held the contract for nearly a decade. More
In South Africa, full-service agency BMi Research has promoted Jenni-Ruth Coggin to Chief Executive Officer and Cindi Collett to Chief Operating Officer. More
First-party data and insights platform Dynata has appointed Dilip Nagaraja as Chief Technology Officer, driving the continued development of the firm's platform and automating the processing, access and distribution of its products. More
US-based customer experience (CX) specialist SeeLevel HX has partnered with Shop'n Chek Latin America to develop a new range of services. More
Consumer and fashion trend analysis and forecasting specialist WGSN has launched a Consumer Tech division, led by Silicon Valley-based Director Lisa Yong. More
Vienna, Austria-based marketing analytics platform Adverity has closed a $120 million Series D financing round. More
Nielsen has asked the Media Rating Council (MRC) to pause accreditation of its national TV rating service, after claims it had underreported data during the pandemic. If approved, Nielsen will operate without the MRC seal of approval in a 'hiatus' period which could last for up to six months. More
In the US, online qual research platform Aha! Insights Technology has announced an integration with Experience Management (XM) provider Qualtrics, augmenting its suite of strategic qual / quant activities and tools. More
London-based youth insight and panel business YouthSight has hired six researchers, plus two new members for its Project Management team. This includes the appointment of former Yonder Consulting/Ipsos MORI exec Ralph Robinson as Senior Research Manager. More
In the US, product assessment platform Statsig has raised $10.4m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to recruit for design, product, data science, sales and marketing. More
Momentive (formerly SurveyMonkey) has reported a 20% increase in second quarter revenue to $109.4m, from $90.9m a year earlier; with a 33% rise in Enterprise sales to $33.9m and self-service revenue up 15% to $75.5m. More
New York-based location data specialist GroundTruth has been granted Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its location, place and visitation data sets. More
From September, Nielsen will begin placing approximately 3,000 newly designed Portable People Meter (PPM) wearable audience measurement devices with a subset of its nearly 60,000 active PPM panelists, as part of plans to modernize its panels and improve panelist experience. More
Community panels pioneer Verve has appointed Tesco veteran Simon Taylor as a Research Director leading its grocery specialism, supporting key client the John Lewis Partnership; and has announced seven promotions. More
Manhattan, NY-based sampling, field management and data collection firm Gazelle Global has announced the retirement of one of its co-founders, Harriet Naidus, and the full acquisition of the company by the other, Anne Tancredi Brown. More
Fast-rising Manchester, UK-based researcher The Insights Family has announced a move to larger offices on the city's central King Street, and the opening of a satellite office in Mayfair, London, as well a roll-out in Poland and a number of hires. More
Aromyx, which has developed technology to digitize and quantify the information from sensory receptors in the human nose and tongue, has raised $10m in a Series A round. Funds will help increase capacity and automation capabilities, improve AI algorithms, and expand its lab and software teams. More
Tech-enabled MR and customer insights firm Maru Group has promoted two senior execs at its communities specialist Maru/Matchbox - Daniel Finder to the newly created role of President, Client Relationships; and Brent Snider to President, Chief Revenue Officer. More
Customer experience (CX) and research tech company Forsta has announced a partnership with CX and insights specialist Watermelon, to deliver CX expertise, methods and technology via Forsta's CX platform. More
London-based online specialist DigitalMR has been renamed DMR after expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities beyond 'digital' to include customer experience management, customer journey optimisation, alternative data for funds and other use cases. More
New York-based real-time MR software platform Suzy has closed a $50 million Series D funding round, more than doubling the total is has raised to date. More
In the US, Market Decisions Research (MDR) has promoted Patrick Madden to the role of President, after more than seventeen years with the business. He takes over from owner Curtis Mildner, who will take a new position as advisor to the management team. More
Scott Muller has returned to Australian media company Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) in the newly created role of Head of Content Insights. More
First-party data platform Dynata has hired former Verto Analytics CEO Pat Brennan as VP, Panel Development; while Nancy Brigham joins as VP, Research Science; John Talierco as Product Owner; and Naveen Goel as VP, India Operations. More
Continuing our focus on communities Dan Fleetwood, President, Research & Insights at QuestionPro, looks at how the firm's community management platform has helped battery giant Energizer gather rapid and regular feedback in a fragmented market where loyalty is low. More
UK market research budgets were revised down in the latest quarter, according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report - extending the negative trend seen since the third quarter of 2015. However, the latest MR budget reduction was the 'softest' in two years. More
Jerry Arbittier, co-founder of SurveyHealthcareGlobus (SHG), has set up a new consulting business called Arbittier Opinion Panel Systems (AOPS), supporting healthcare market research firms and panel operators. More
In New York, consumer insights platform Morning Consult has added seven former Kantar executives and three from Ipsos to its Commercial team. More
Sample marketplace PureSpectrum has added an Australian office, and appointed Anthony O'Brien to lead it as Vice President, ANZ. Daniel Soh also joins the firm in Singapore as Senior Account Director. More
Online communities specialist InSites Consulting has announced 10% revenue growth for the fiscal year 2020-2021, adding 'up to EUR 66m worldwide'. More
Netherlands-based group Effective Media & Marketing (EMM) has launched an FMCG-focused agency called ASK-Opinions, which will combine online panel research with shopper and purchase data from more than 1.5 million brand and category buyers. More
In the UK, insight industry language specialist Empower Translate has set up a new department focused on response data localisation needs. More
From our special issue published this week, KL Communications founder Kevin Lonnie talks about what's changed and what hasn't in twenty years running a communities business; about getting customers to solve clients' business problems; and getting space men to talk to each other. More
Our 2021 Online Communities supplement is published today. In this article, Richard Preedy from title sponsor Verve looks at the role the company's community panels have played in the customer-focused transformation of retailer John Lewis. More
Hamburg, Germany-based insights automation platform quantilope is expanding to the UK with the opening of an office in London. More
In Canada, online community platform Tribe has raised $7.5m in a seed round of funding, which it will use to hire across all departments, including product, engineering, customer success and marketing; and to continue building its technology. More
MR and healthcare-focused translation & language services company GlobaLexicon has increased its headcount to 120, while growing its revenue 45% in the first half of the year. The firm has also doubled the capacity of its Translation Operations Centre in Spain. More
Kantar has chosen a new Chief Executive - Chris Jansen, currently CEO of global schools group Cognita, starts in the role on 1st November. More
Twenty years to the day from its launch, North of England firm DJS Research has announced it is now an employee-owned business. More
Civic engagement tech provider Zencity has secured $30m in funds, which it says will allow it to 'double down' on product development and pursue its dream of 'allowing governments to 'run' on community input data'. More
Kantar has announced the formal integration of New Zealand's Colmar Brunton into its business, with the Colmar Brunton name to be phased out by the end of this year. All 121 staff in the country will join one of two new NZ divisions, Kantar or Kantar Public. More
Germany has *something* to cheer about tonight, anyway, as does the market research industry: the October face-to-face Munich event often regarded as the global industry's biggest is confirmed as back on, under its new brand of succeed21, and new owners. More
In New York, the ARF (Advertising Research Foundation) is teaming up with seven data and insights firm on a study intended to establish unbiased measures for defining digital device and account sharing and usage. More
Continuing our focus on insight communities, Verve's Joint Head of Research talks about setting up the world's largest community panel; the boom in exploratory digital qual; and why he's seeing research better represented in board meetings than ever before. Available in print or as a video podcast. More
CXM & insights platform provider Alida has secured a US$10m debt facility, which the firm says will fuel its 'aggressive growth strategy and ambitious roadmap'. More
Google's phasing out of third-party cookies is no longer imminent. After sending the marketing community into a frenzy with its decision 18 months ago to drop cookie support from Chrome, the firm this week put the deadline back to at least mid-2023, linking the move to pressure from UK regulators. More
Data-driven marketing tech company Zeta Global Holdings Corp. has announced a multi-year partnership with veteran business data firm Dun & Bradstreet to combine consumer and business data in a single private data cloud. More
US ad industry association the ANA is partnering with Comscore on a preliminary test as it seeks to develop a 'privacy-preserving cross-media measurement solution' for marketers. More
The UK government has asked Netflix, Amazon and other streaming services to disclose top-line viewing data for the shows they get from public service broadcasters the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. More
Digital research firm MetrixLab has expanded its DACH business with a new office in Frankfurt and four senior appointments, following what it calls 'years of growing demand from local and global clients' in the region. More
LA-based insights firm Echo MR has expanded its partnership with CXM and Insights platform Alida to Europe, just a few months after joining its partner network. More
San Francisco-based UserLeap, an AI-powered platform giving product development teams continuous and rapid qualitative user feedback, has raised $38m in a Series B funding round led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. More
US-based D3, known for its research in conflict regions and other challenging environments, has announced eight new hires, in line with 'the new research opportunities that have emerged this year'. More
Australia-based consulting business Fiftyfive5 says it has made 45 new hires in the last twelve months, 'across all geographies and levels', bringing its headcount to 147. More
Ipsos MORI has announced the launch of a Qualitative Research and Engagement Centre, bringing together its qual methods team, dialogue and engagement specialists and led by Director Michelle Mackie. The Centre will aim to 'bring the public voice into policy making'. More
In the UK, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is launching a Centre for Deliberative Research, which will officially open next Wednesday with an online event. More
Momentive (formerly known as SurveyMonkey) has promoted Justin Coulombe to the role of Chief Financial Officer. More
The directors of MR agency MM-Eye have launched a sustainability business change practice called The Say Do Company, promising to help clients drive profit through a combination of customer insight, business change management and sustainability expertise. More
In the US, healthcare sector MR platform Thrivable has closed a $1.7m round of funding, which it will use to expand its team across technology, research, data science, sales and marketing. More
Belgian companies One Inch Whale and Color Navigator have launched a joint venture, Research & Visual Nudging, which will combine insight techniques with the patented Color Navigator system to enhance services including predictive intelligence and neuromarketing. More
In the second article from our forthcoming special issue, Toluna's Director, Digital Solutions Jack Lee sets out why communities are an ideal way for a brand to get closer to its consumers; and how to make the most of what they can offer. More
As the insight world emerges from the shadow of Covid, 'only around 50% of formerly face to face activity will revert to type', says Verve's Andy Dexter, introducing a month of features focused on Online Communities, for our forthcoming special issue. More
Mark Inskip, the CEO of Kantar's UK and Ireland Media Division, has left the business to join staffing procurement firm Matrix SCM as Chief Executive Officer. He will be replaced on a temporary basis by EMEA MD Louise Ainsworth. More
In the US, data collection firm Rep Data has hired former Research Now ops exec Jeremy Antoniuk as Chief Operations Officer. More
Toluna has launched what it describes as 'the industry's first and only Enterprise Insights Subscription', giving clients 'limitless access' to its Toluna Start platform, expert personnel and insights from its global panel community. More
Kids, parents and family research specialist The Insights Family and US experiential youth marketing agency InspiredConsumer have partnered to produce research solutions for clients in the US. More
In the UK, commercial radio industry body Radiocentre has hired former Kinetic exec Tara Wilkinson for the newly created role of Head of Insight. More
Business-to-business research provider B2B International has promoted its London MD Matthew Powell to the role of Vice President and Executive Director, North America, leading its Los Angeles Office. More
Kantar's first quarter revenue was up 3% to $896m, with six of its seven divisions delivering growth. This includes double digit increases from the group's consumer and shopper behavior specialist Worldpanel, and public policy services provider Kantar Public. More
In the US, market research and analytics company GutCheck has appointed Dave Sibley as Chief Financial Officer, while promoting Jessica Gaedeke to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. More
Kym Frank has resigned as President of out of home (OOH) audience measurement body Geopath. According to Mediapost, her decision relates to complaints from Board members following the launch of several industry standards by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). More
Ad and innovation testing platform Zappi has appointed Melanie LoBue as Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, based in the US. More
Kantar Public, the global group's government and public sector practice, has hired research scientist Rhoune Ochako for a new role, Country Director of its Development Practice in Kenya. More
NY-based research firm KJT Group has promoted Michaela C. Gascon to be its new CEO and President, as founder Kenneth J. Tomaszewski steps back but retains his role as Chairman. More
Middle East and Africa-based full service agency 4SiGHT is to acquire an undisclosed stake in Dubai-based analytics and technology consultancy Anavizio, forming a partnership which will integrate market research and social media intelligence capabilities for 'holistic audience insights'. More
Ad and innovation testing platform Zappi has made three hires to support growth across the EMEA and APAC regions. The firm says its international sales team has doubled in size, and is planned to triple by the end of the year. More
Broadcaster Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has promoted staff for three new roles: John Musgrove to Head of Research and Measurement; Abi Wallis to Head of Sales Insights and Campaign Strategy; and Jasmine Beech to Client Insights and Effectiveness Director. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA has promoted Laura Warby to Head of Agency for London/Amsterdam; Hollie Jones to the same role in New York City; and Dave Power to Senior Director of the firm's Crowd Numbers quant team. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has promoted Susan Vidler to the role of European Chief Research Officer, from her most recent role as UK MD for Harris. The firm has also promoted Olivia Senneville to Executive Vice President, Finance. More
Kantar Public, the global group's government and public sector practice, has launched a data science platform and toolkit, 'PUBLIC Evidential', which promises advanced data blending and analytics to help 'build and enrich' the evidence base for public policy decisions. More
Britain's MRS has awarded the Gold Medal, its most prestigious honour, to former NOP MD Phyllis Macfarlane; and announced new fellows including research tech writer Tim Macer and two inspirational former Chairs of B2B research group BIG, Claire Labrum and Trevor Wilkinson. More
New York-based consumer emotion analytics platform Truthify has been granted a US patent for its 'emotion-optimized' advertising technology. More
Tokyo-based online specialist Macromill has launched a Life Science Business, which will conduct research and acquire biochemical data relating to healthcare, and use panels for human clinical trials concerning health promotion and disease prevention. More
US-based verbatim analysis specialist Ascribe has expanded in the EU, through the launch of a GDPR-compliant data centre in Germany. More
Northumberland, UK-based online research supplier Panelbase is opening an office in central London, where it has appointed Monica Kaur and James Ward to grow the business. More
In the US, Jamin Brazil and Bill Bloom have partnered to integrate their HubUX and FastFocus solutions, creating a DIY platform which they say will deliver 'fast, quality consumer insights'. More
In Australia, comms agency Think HQ has brought its research department in-house, and appointed recent recruit Pauline Ho to lead it, in the role of Strategy and Insights Manager. More
Global industry association ESOMAR has teamed up with NewMR, Confirmit and more than twenty other organisations for the next wave of its survey among buyers and users of insights, measuring how usage and purchasing patterns are evolving. More
In India, marcoms group Rediffusion Brand Solutions has launched a specialist consumer research and analysis division called Rediffusion Consumer Lab (Red Lab), offering market research, consumer understanding and trend spotting services. More
New Zealand-based specialist product development and sensory evaluation business Futurescape has been renamed Imagine Research. More
Indonesia-based consumer insights provider Populix has raised $1.2m in a pre-Series A round of funding, which it will use to roll out new products and expand its marketing efforts. More
Community specialists Tribes Research and Syno International have agreed a partnership whereby Tribes will migrate all its communities to Syno's platform. The latter includes a survey tool, data lake and research automation products. More
Eye tracker developer Tobii is preparing to spin off its Dynavox arm, which develops speech generating devices, eye trackers and eye gaze/eye-controlled devices for people with disabilities and special needs. Along with the spin-off, Group CEO Henrik Eskilsson says he intends to step down. More
Kantar has launched what it says is South Africa's biggest ever consumer panel, measuring the FMCG purchasing behaviour of more than 6,500 local households at launch. More
Kantar Chief Executive Alexis Nasard has stepped down after just four months in the role. Deputy CEO Ian Griffiths will lead the company until a new appointment is made. More
The recently merged business of research software firms Confirmit and FocusVision has a new name, Forsta. Both the original companies will continue to operate as usual while the organisation continues its integration plans and brand strategy roll out. More
Digital ad trade body IAB Australia has says it will not at this point endorse the methodology for Nielsen's new-look Digital Media Ratings. The measurement giant announced a 'soft-release' of the new system last week, for clients only. More
A rift in the Australian readership measurement industry which opened a dozen years ago appears to be healing this week, as media alliance Think News Brands shutters its publisher-funded 'EMMA' measurement platform and resumes support for long-time currency provider Roy Morgan. More
Ipsos has posted revenue of EUR 466.3m in the first quarter of 2021, up 8.8% from Q1 2020 and up 10.5% from Q1 2019. Like-for-like, the increase was 14.1%, driven by a very strong performance in EMEA. More
NBCUniversal has hired former Nielsen exec Kelly Abcarian as Executive Vice President, Measurement & Impact, tasked with pushing forward measurement solutions that reflect the 'all-screen future', while providing advertisers with new ad targeting opportunities. More
Insights and data firm Pureprofile has reported revenues up 25% to $7.1m in the first three months of 2021; and says it plans to launch new partnerships, plus panels in Europe and Asia. More
Immersive research firm Further&Further has added four new members of staff to its North American team, including former Synovate CFO Richard McQuarrie as Finance Director; and says it plans to double in size. More
In the US, online sample company PureSpectrum has raised $17m in a Series B round of funding, which it will use to continue building its team and to expand its product offering. More
In the UK, former Savanta and Charterhouse execs Julie Irwin and Kate Turner have launched a specialist financial and business services MR agency called Citrine Research, with expertise in new proposition development, comms testing and thought leadership. More
US and Canada-based recruitment specialist Rare Patient Voice (RPV) and patient-level data and insights provider Clinakos have announced a partnership. More
Long-time Cint executive Richard Thornton has departed from the company for some 'planned time off with the family'. More
Central European research firms Integral, Sinus and Opinion have merged to form ISO, described as 'a medium-sized group, owner-managed and independent'. More
In the US, data quality and anti-fraud software platform SampleChain has been renamed Research Defender. More
Digital research firm Alligator has teamed up with rural qual recruitment expert FieldMouse to launch a panel of farmers and farm workers, Opinion Harvester. More
Four research firms based in Cincinnati, Ohio - Burke, Inc., Directions Research, EMI Research Solutions and MarketVision Research - have combined to launch an internship program aimed at widening the talent pool for the sector. More
TV advertising trade group VAB has written to Nielsen CEO David Kenny asking the ratings giant to submit to an immediate audit of its practices, as a result of what it says are 'under-counting' of viewing and lack of 'maintenance' of Nielsen panel homes during the pandemic. More
New York-based enterprise-level employee and customer experience management (XM) company Questback has been renamed Tivian, and says it aims to 'reinvent the XM category'. More
In the US, full-service pharma market research and consultancy firm ThinkGen has appointed former GfK Healthcare exec Brian Hull as Chief Operating Officer. More
Online sample marketplace PureSpectrum has expanded to the Asia Pacific region, where it has appointed former Cint exec James Rogers as Managing Director. More
In the US, Comscore has promoted analytics leader Michael Vinson to the position of Chief Research Officer. More
In the US, online community software platform Vesta has partnered with applied consumer neuroscience company HCD Research, to create a suite of emotional and psychological research tools to capture non-conscious feelings. More
Kantar and Ipsos have been awarded contracts to deliver what they say is the 'world's first true cross-media total audience measurement solution', in the Netherlands. The contracts combine measurement of viewing, listening, browsing and reading in a single, integrated system. More
In London, the BBC's commercial subsidiary BBC Studios has hired Penny Brough for a newly created SVP role, leading the Brand Marketing and Audience Insight team. She takes up the position on 7th June. More
In the US, AI-based qualitative research provider Emozo Labs has partnered with data collection firm Global Survey to use artificial intelligence to better understand customers' conscious and unconscious responses. More
Melissa Baker has joined Ipsos as CEO for Public Affairs, Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA, based in Nairobi More
Recently merged Confirmit and FocusVision have appointed Christopher Nagy and Giles Whiting to their leadership team as Global President / CFO and COO, respectively. More
San Francisco-based iMAD Research has appointed former Greenfield, Toluna and SSI exec Andy Pfau as President. More
Ipsos MORI has launched what it says is the UK's 'largest and highest quality' online random probability panel, with more than 15,000 participants. The mix of online and off-line respondents promises 'total understanding of the UK public for businesses and organisations'. More
Trade association IAB Australia is to conduct an independent review into requirements for a digital audience measurement currency, to form the basis for a tender for online measurement services, published in May. More
In Germany, Smart News Fachverlag (SNFV), the publisher of market research portal marktforschung.de, and industry trade fair organiser succeet have partnered to create what they describe as a 'new powerhouse' for the insights industry. More
Insight consultancy Firefish Group has restructured its quantitative consultancy The Numbers Lab (TNL) with the promotion of two senior staff and the appointment of three new members of the team. More
In New York, consumer insights provider Feedback Loop has raised $14m in an add-on Series A round of funding, which it will use to accelerate product development and drive adoption of its platform. More
UK firm Central Fieldwork has launched a quantitative field division, led by former Watermelon Director Natalie Price. More
The Insight Climate Collective (ICC), a group calling on the industry to come together and play its part in tackling the environmental crisis, has appointed a Steering Committee to help put its strategy into action. More
Wearable insights tech firm Shimmer Research has partnered with mobile MR specialist IVP Research Labs and data collection firm Schlesinger Group, to launch an at-home biometric neuromarketing research service. More
Nielsen has moved Sandra Sims-Williams to the role of Chief Diversity Officer, taking over from CEO David Kenny, who has held both roles since February 2019. More
Trade association ESOMAR has named ScaleHouse Consulting founder Kristin Luck as President of its Council, replacing Joaquim Bretcha of Netquest who has completed his two-year term. MindSpark founder Nikki Lavoie is the new Vice President, and five of the remaining eight members are also women. More
London-based and family-focused insight and creative marketing agency Kids Industries (KI) has partnered with similar agencies in France, Germany and Spain to create a European industry network called The League. More
US-based TactileAI, a B2B consumer data analytics platform for the beauty care industry, has raised $1m in a seed round of funding, which it will use to hire software engineers and data scientists to build out its enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. More
In the UK, the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has appointed Tina Haux as Director and Gayle Munro as Deputy Director of its Centre for Children and Families. More
US-based geospatial data provider SafeGraph has raised $45m in a Series B round of funding, which it will use to offer new ways for customers to buy data, and to roll out its model in the UK in April. More
Former Kantar TNS East Africa CEO Aggrey Maposa died last Tuesday, after battling a long-term illness. More
Newly merged research tech businesses Confirmit and FocusVision have appointed three female staff to the leadership team: Qual Business MD Zhana Baleva, Chief People Officer Sara Cohen and Chief Legal Officer Rebecca Wright. More
Oxfordshire, UK-based brand, NPD, category and shopper consultancy Touchstone Shoppercentric has appointed Savanta veteran Ian Hext as Research Director. More
WPP has reported a 9.3% fall in revenue to £12bn in 2020 from £13.2bn the previous year, while turning a 2019 profit of £1.3bn into a 2020 loss of £2.3bn. Despite this, the group says it has cut debt to its lowest level in sixteen years. More
Pharmaceutical company GSK has become the Market Research Society's (MRS) first International Affiliate - a designation developed as a 'mark of research excellence and best practice'. More
UK-headquartered kids, parents and family panels firm The Insights People is expanding to Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea, surveying around 410 kids and around 205 parents of children in each country. More
In Melbourne, Kantar has promoted Jon Foged to the newly created role of Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Insights arm - he was previously CEO of the division in Australia. Jason Shoebridge, CEO of Kantar New Zealand, will leave the business in April. More
StreamPulse, the in-home division of Texas-based neuromarketing researcher MediaScience has teamed up with neurometric equipment manufacturer Shimmer to develop StreamPulse Neuro, a system for measuring consumers' emotional response in a natural viewing environment. More
Nielsen has completed the previously announced sale of its consumer intelligence business NielsenIQ (formerly Nielsen Global Connect) for $2.7bn to affiliates of Advent Interrnational, in partnership with former TransUnion CEO James 'Jim' Peck. More
In London, Kantar has hired former Neustar exec Ted Prince for a newly created role, Chief Product Officer, responsible for defining and delivering new offerings and real-time platforms. More
Online survey software provider QuestionPro has hired employee understanding specialist Sanja Licina as President of its Workforce Experience division, with overall responsibility for driving growth, product development and client satisfaction. More
Consumer insights platform DISQO and research tech provider Research Results have announced a managed services partnership, giving the latter's clients access to DISQO's consumer panel, while Research Results will support project design, coding and data processing. More
In Los Angeles, entertainment insights business MarketCast has appointed Regina Johnson as its first Chief Human Resources Officer. More
Charles Foster, CEO of Kantar's Insights division in the Middle East and Africa region, is retiring in April after 35 years in the research industry. He is succeeded by Adeola Tejumola, who has most recently been responsible for Kantar Insights units in West, East and Central Africa. More
Data from Kantar's Great Britain TGI consumer survey will now be updated and released on a monthly basis, in response to what the firm says are evolving demands for consumer insight. More
Ipsos has hired former New York Times insights exec Dan Wong-Chi-Man for a newly created role, Head of Global Marketing and Business Development. He will be based in London. More
Emotion analytics specialist Realeyes has received a US patent for the core technology of its flagship PreView product, described as a 'computer-implemented system and method for determining attentiveness of users'. More
Australian researcher Lewers has appointed Katie Altmann and Lisa Tropeano, and promoted company veteran Phil Guarisco to Partner. The firm says on the back of 'another year of strong growth' it will continued to both promote from within and hire new talent in 2021. More
UK industry charity the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA) is launching its annual fundraising auction on the International Day of Happiness on 20th March. This year's event will be known as the 'Donate a Smile' auction. More
Debbie Clifford, Chief Financial Officer of SurveyMonkey, is leaving to become CFO of her previous employer Autodesk. SurveyMonkey has already initiated a search to find her replacement, with CEO Zander Lurie taking over the role until one is named. More
In the UK, Blue Yonder Research has launched an R&D insight and product testing facility called Sense:Lab. More
Ipsos has reported Covid-hit full-year revenue of EUR 1.8bn, down 6.5% on a like-for-like basis, but managed organic growth of 1.4% in Q4 (vs Q4 2019). Negative currency effects dented reported figures for both periods. More
Nielsen has reported fourth quarter 2020 net income of $35m, compared to a loss of $109m in the prior year period. Revenue for the period fell just 1.1% to $1.67bn, while adjusted EBITDA was $560m, up 13.8%. For the full year, the company almost broke even, on revenues down 3.2%. More
Behavioural research specialist EyeSee has opened a new sales office in Singapore and an operations office in Mexico City, following a year of record growth in 2020. More
Manchester, UK-based consumer insights business Vypr has appointed Cint exec Richard Thornton to its board, following a £2.5m investment last month by YFM Equity Partners. More
Caroline Connolly has joined Kantar Public, the insights group's public policy evidence and advisory division, to take up the role of CEO, Development Practice, based in the Washington D.C. office. More
Oslo-headquartered data collection specialist Norstat has promoted Chief Operating Officer Erling Eriksen to CEO, replacing Knut Aasrud, who has decided to retire. More
In the US, Ipsos has appointed Christie Kawada as Head of Media Development and Audience Measurement. She takes over from Manny Flores, who moves to the position of Executive Vice President in the Client Organization. More
Shares in insight exchange and sample management platform Cint rose 30% to SEK 92.5 (EUR 9.2) per share from the original offer price of SEK 72 (EUR 7.2), after the firm placed its initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq Stockholm this morning. The listing values Cint at more than EUR 1bn. More
Next15's data and insights group Savanta has promoted four and hired three new employees as part of its expansion in the US. The promotees include thinqonline co-founder Mark Martins, who is now Americas EVP as well as Asia Pacific General Manager. More
Behavioural insights platform Veylinx, headquartered in Amsterdam, has raised $2m in a pre-Series A round of funding. The money will be used to expand its teams across Europe and the US, accelerate product development, and launch a new platform. More
In the US, automated customer feedback tool Opiniion has raised $3m in a financing round, for use in scaling up. The business covers multiple sectors but has a strong focus on real estate. More
Following its management buyout last month, French research and consulting firm BVA Group says it will reposition itself as an 'experience champion', and will take a more international and more 'participative' approach. More
In the US Kevin Kruper and Rocky Prozeller, former directors of British-based MR firm Incite, have launched a boutique insights consultancy called Old Salt. More
London-based survey platform Phebi has partnered with voice-enabled data capture specialist Analytical Factory, which will provide it with support services across the UK and other parts of Europe. Analytical Factory will also develop new apps based on Phebi's technology. More
SurveyMonkey has reported a 20% increase in total revenue to $101.0m for the fourth quarter, ended December 31st 2020. Full-year 2020 revenue was up 22% year-on-year to $375.6m. More
James David 'Dave' Power III, the founder and retired Chairman of automotive industry research specialist J.D. Power, died on January 23rd after a long-term illness. He was 89. More
The second of our new video podcasts is with Eugene Murphy of indeemo and includes discussion of mobile ethnography, the future of shopping, the impact of the pandemic on research methods and budgets, and the potential for qualitative in the post-Covid world. More
Ad and innovation testing platform Zappi has set up an Enterprise Team to help large organisations drive global business impact through insights. The new team is led by Babita Earle, with the title of EVP of Global Enterprise Customers and Partnerships. More
In the US, Paradigm Sample has appointed former SurveyMonkey exec Adam Jolley as EVP and General Manager for the Americas, and a member of the firm's Executive Leadership team. More
Mobile MR specialist IVP Research Labs has partnered with wearable insights tech firm Shimmer Research to launch a new biometrics solution, NeuroLynQ, using GSR and ECG readings to measure participant engagement and attention levels during in-person research. More
Australian insights consultancy Fiftyfive5 has brought in six new graduates in its Sydney office and one in Auckland. They are joined by Caelan Bistram who started as an intern last year. More
Programmatic sampling and research tech company Lucid has appointed Deborah Elam as its newest board member, with a remit to help the company prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion; and expand its impact on the New Orleans community. More
Today we kick off our video podcast series with a closer look at how luxury markets are faring in time of Covid, and the challenges of researching this sector. MrWeb's Nick Thomas talks to Lars Long, Chief Executive of Altiant. More
Healthcare data collection specialist SurveyHealthcareGlobus (SHG) has appointed former M3 and Medefield executive Dan Lockwood as EVP of its European division, based in London. More
From this week, Daily Research News will feature video interviews of around 20-25 minutes with leading figures in the insights and analytics world, giving you more depth on some of the stories in the news, and talking about themselves, their companies and their views. More
London-based health sector consultancy Branding Science has expanded to Berlin, Germany, where it has hired Anne-Sophie Lenoir to lead the new office. More
Online audience measurement body UKOM (UK Online Measurement) and Ipsos have announced the official launch of Ipsos iris, the new UK industry standard for online audience measurement. More
UK-based community panels specialist Verve has announced a 23% increase in revenues for the year ending 31st December 2020, to £8.1m. It has also hired Lucy Wetherhill, Claire Andrzejewski, Parker Mincey and six other new faces, and made eleven promotions. More
GfK has been commissioned by Asian media group Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) to develop a new measure of the state's local media consumption, combining survey data with digitally collected data in a single-source approach. More
Research and data firm Savanta has promoted Caroline Hawkings as UK Managing Director, and Barbara Gurhan to CFO, while CTO Bart Read also joins the Board. More
In Belgium, interim MR sector recruitment agency Insights Wizards has hired long-time insights exec Dirk Van Kemseke as its first Managing Director. More
Canadian data collection firm Delvinia has promoted Raj Manocha to the role of Chief Executive of its Methodify platform, which it has redesigned as an 'operating system for market research'. More
Dynata has expanded its loyalty panel in Asia Pacific, through partnerships with global hospitality group Accor, and Big Loyalty, a subsidiary of Air Asia. Further expansion is planned in the coming months in Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. More
Australia-based digital research platform Pureprofile has announced a record 26% increase in revenue for the quarter ending 31st December 2020. The total of $8.2m was driven by strong performance in all business units, and was 'well ahead of expectations', according to the firm. More
In the UK, Gail Balfour, co-founder of consumer research and brand consulting business Tangible Branding, has launched a new company called Research Human, promising to understand the consumer by 'connecting with the human'. More
Kantar has today announced it is investing to double the size of its 'Public Voice' panel, launched just under a year ago. The move will create 'the largest random sample panel in the UK', according to the firm. More
Online community specialist C Space has promoted Jessica DeVlieger to the role of Global Chief Executive, replacing Charles Trevail, who will continue to lead parent company Omnicom's Interbrand Group around the world. DeVlieger is based in Boston. More
In Los Angeles, entertainment insights business MarketCast has hired long-time Kelton Global exec Martin Eichholz for a newly created role, Corporate SVP and General Manager of its Technology and Games division. More
Shopper insights agency PRS IN VIVO USA has been renamed Behaviorally, following its sale to new majority shareholder Alcentra. More
In the UK, behavioural science specialist Chris Harvey has launched a new company called Activate Research, promising to help research agencies and end clients better understand, predict and change behaviour. More
London-based Opinium has hired former Hall & Partners exec Tom McEnery as Research Director, and made six further appointments. More
In the US, Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham has announced his retirement, effective with the Presidential transition this Wednesday; and has thanked Bureau staff for their 'extraordinary accomplishments, especially those related to the successful 2020 Census'. More
In the US, market intelligence platform Premise Data has raised $85m in a Series E round of funding, which it will use to expand its platform capabilities and global network. More
Automated ad and innovation testing platform Zappi has hired Alison Scott as Senior Director, Customer Transformation, and Mary Lou Barney as Vice President, Strategic Accounts. The firm has also promoted Patricia Montesdeoca, Michelle Wu and Zontziry Johnson. More
In Australia, the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has commissioned Ipsos to update its audience measurement system MOVE, to deliver a national model that covers all formats and environments, including Digital Out of Home (DOOH) signs. More
DIY research software firm SurveyMonkey has integrated with workflow management specialist ServiceNow, to allow enterprises to collect and react to feedback from issues such as employee onboarding, IT service requests, and online customer service. More
Online community provider InSites Consulting has partnered with Latin American-based qual and quant insights and consulting agency Provokers, expanding its offer in the region. More
In the UK, sandwich shop franchise Pret A Manger has hired Dan Burdett as Chief Customer & Growth Officer, responsible for setting the group's global direction across food innovation, coffee and packaging, brand and insight, sustainability, technical, quality and commercial growth. More
In the US, Polly MacIsaac has returned to online community specialist C Space as Chief Operating Officer, allowing Phil Burgess to relinquish his operations responsibilities and focus on his role as Chief People Officer. More
Financial data technology company SRAX has appointed angel investor and cryptocurrency analyst Lou Kerner as CEO of its BIGtoken subsidiary - a consumer-managed data marketplace. More
Basis Research, headquartered in London and with three offices in the US, has launched a social research practice, geared to helping clients shape public policy, communications and services. Former Kantar execs Darren Bhattachary and Dan Clay join to head up the new unit. More
Mumbai Police have arrested Partho Dasgupta, former CEO of India's Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), along with fourteen others, on charges of 'manipulating' the country's ratings data. More
A management team at full service division Kynetec b2 has bought the company from its parent, Kynetec Group, establishing it as an independent firm and changing its name to b2sense. More
UK-based research firm Field Scope International (FSI) has opened an office in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, serving increased demand for research in Sub-Saharan Africa. More
Chief Operating Officer Carla Lindemann has retired from Virgina Beach, US-based full service firm Issues & Answers after 32 years. The firm has also promoted Mohit Gour to EVP. More
DRNO is taking a break now until 4th January. It's been a strange old 12 months, but we're looking forward greatly to 2021. We wish those of you doing it a fantastic Christmas, and everyone a great New Year. More
The Stagwell Group, owner of the Harris and Harris Poll brands, has reached an agreement with marcoms group MDC Partners, to combine their companies and create a business they say aims for more than $3bn in revenue by 2025. More
Consumer insights platform DISQO has expanded its Marketing team with the addition of former Kantar exec Anne Hunter as VP of Product Marketing; David Grabert as VP of Brand & Communications; and Karin Odell as Head of Demand Generation. More
Australian Radio Network (ARN) has launched a neuroscience-based media research initiative, aiming to deliver a better understanding of consumer behaviour and provide new insights about audio. More
Communities specialists Verve and Potentiate have merged in the UK, as part of a global strategic partnership between the two firms. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
In the UK, software development company The Green Room has launched a digital market research company called The Green Room - Insights, focused on helping pharmaceutical companies conduct research with their stakeholders. More
Atlanta-based call tracking and marketing platform CallRail has received an additional $56m in funds from two of its existing investors. More
Kids, tweens and teens market intelligence specialist The Insights People has appointed four new team members and moved to a new 2,000 square foot office on Manchester's Portland Street. More
In the US, programmatic sample platform Lucid has promoted Stephanie Comardelle to the new role of Chief of Staff, tasked with helping develop corporate strategy, improve processes, and facilitate greater effectiveness across the organization. She will also lead the office of the CEO. More
Two Cello Health-owned sister agencies, B2B specialist Breaking Blue Research and consumer specialist 2CV Research, are to merge under the latter's brand name. More
In the US, continuous product research platform UserLeap has raised $16m in a Series A round of funding, for use in scaling the business. More
In London, mobile-based customer insights platform Streetbees has added $6.7m to its $40m Series B round of funding, which it says will provide its founders, early employees and angel investors with liquid assets. More
London-based qual-led insight and strategy specialist BritainThinks has been named 2020 Agency of the Year in this year's MRS Awards ceremony, conducted online last night. More
Online communities specialist InSites Consulting has brought its seven offices in Asia under its own name, retiring that of ABN Impact, which it acquired a year ago. More
Marketing analytics company DataTile has hired former Ipsos MediaCT Asia Pacific exec Steve Garton and former Telmar Communications MD Alex Maddox, as Senior Partners. More
CX and voice-of-the-customer software firm Alchemer has announced a partnership with UK-based Voxpopme, allowing the former's clients to capture customer-recorded video feedback. More
Michael Halberstam, Chairman of data collection group ISA, is to leave at the end of the year after nearly 40 years with the business. He told DRNO that he will be looking for a new 'MR/insights adventure' in the very near future. More
Former Nielsen Chief Executive Mitch Barns has joined the Board of automated ad and innovation testing platform Zappi. More
In the US, DIY research software firm SurveyMonkey has hired former Neustar and IBM exec Ken Ewell for the newly created role of Chief Customer Officer, charged with leading and expanding the firm's customer success, professional services and support teams. More
In London, Dennis Publishing has promoted Seema Hope to serve as its first Global Customer Insight Director. More
In London, British charity executive and former social worker Sir Stuart Etherington has been appointed Chair of Trustees for not-for-profit organisation NatCen Social Research. He will take up the role next February when Sir Robert Burgess retires at the end of his term in the post. More
Recently launched copywriting analysis tool Copytesting has changed its name to Wynter, effective immediately. The firm says it is evolving, and has 'enhanced its focus on helping B2B enterprises gather and use data for product messaging'. More
In London, retail scenario testing firm Virtual Store Trials (VST) has appointed long-time industry execs Helen Davis and Charlotte Kiddle as Account Directors, to lead partnerships with FMCG retailers and CPG brands. The company is also planning to open a US office next year. More
Swedish brand tracking and consumer science firm Nepa has reported its 'strongest operating profit ever', SEK 5.9m for the third quarter of calendar 2021, compared with a loss of SEK -13.9m a year earlier, on the back of reductions in personnel costs and other expenses. More
In New Zealand, global out-of-home media company JCDecaux has agreed to sell half its Calibre audience measurement solution to ANZ-based rival oOh!media. The firms say the move will 'cement Calibre's position as the industry-wide [OOH] audience measurement solution'. More
San Francisco, CA-based data visualization solutions firm Observable has formally launched with $10.5m in Series A funding. More
New Jersey-based MR and applied consumer neuroscience company HCD Research has launched a division focused on health and wellness research relating to the cannabis market. More
Nielsen is launching its own ID resolution system, which it says will support cross-media measurement in a cookieless world. More
UK-based brand communications and experience research agency The Nursery has become employee-owned, with rights transferred to a trust set up for the benefit of all staff. More
YouGov has acquired Turkish online-focused MR firm Wizsight for an undisclosed sum. The company will be renamed YouGov Turkey. More
Customer experience management (CXM) and insights platform Alida - previously known as Vision Critical - has announced a partnership with video insights provider Voxpopme. More
In the UK, food and drink sector research and support organisation Campden BRI has announced that current COO Pete Headridge will become Chief Executive on 1st January 2021, following the retirement of Chris Huscroft. More
Enterprise data exchange Harbr has raised $38.5m in Series A funding, and will use the money to scale up its team and accelerate onboarding of new customers. The firm doubled headcount in 2020 and says it plans to triple in 2021. More
Mobile app A/B testing service Taplytics has received an undisclosed amount of growth capital financing from CIBC Innovation Banking, for use in fuelling customer acquisition and growth plans across North America and Europe. More
In the UK, customer insights and communities platform developer STRAT7 ResearchBods has opened a Customer Success division, which will focus on delivering 'first-class' client experience and providing resources and support throughout the customer journey. More
UK-based video intelligence platform Big Sofa Technologies has secured an undisclosed 'seven-figure' amount of funding, which it will use to drive the continued development of its platform and to make hires in the UK and US. More
Consumer intelligence platform Toluna has appointed former Nielsen MD Bruce Haymes as Non-Executive Chairman of its Board of Directors. More
Panel provider Intra Research has appointed Marina Moshenska as its new CEO, with incumbent Kaspar Jänes moving to the Chairman's role. More
DIY survey pioneer SurveyMonkey has reported third quarter financial results for the period ended September 30th, with total revenue up 20% to $95.4m. More
UK-based branding and innovation agency Brand Potential has partnered with structural and sustainable design consultancy Touch to launch HALO, a joint venture focused on insight and innovation and promising to help clients with sustainable pack and product innovation. More
From the Data Visualization special issue published last week: Ipsos.Digital CEO Andrei Postoaca talks about the challenges involved in developing a DIY research platform for one of the world's biggest and best known insight groups. More
Innovation insights firm Clarivate has partnered with Brazilian healthcare data company Techtrials Pesquisa e Tecnologia Ltda (Techtrials), to give clients 'comprehensive real-world data' (RWD) on c.80% of the Brazilian population. More
Sample marketplace Lucid has partnered with digital identity resolution specialist Tapad to give users access to its Tapad Graph privacy-safe global cross-device solution. More
Glasgow, Scotland-based 'social intelligence' provider Talking Medicines has secured £1.1m in funding, to support the launch and roll-out of a new AI data platform which it says will 'translate what patients are saying into actionable pharma grade intelligence'. More
Former employees of GroupM and Comscore, Michael Bologna and Joanna Drews, have launched HyphaMetrics, which will use a proprietary panel of 5,000 homes to track viewing across devices. More
Digital MR products and solutions company Borderless Access has launched a sub-brand, BA Health, combining a range of technology and analytics-driven research capabilities for clients in healthcare, life-sciences and diagnostics, with a team strengthened by 24 recent appointments. More
Nielsen has announced revenues of $1,563m for the third quarter of 2020, down 3.3% year-on-year on a reported basis, and 3.0% at constant currency. Adjusted EBITDA was $501m, equivalent to a 6.1% rise at constant currency. More
Former Unilever and Kraft marketer Roger Jackson has launched SenseCheck, an online platform allowing b2b small businesses to give and receive anonymised, honest feedback about each other's marketing plans and campaigns. More
Consumer intelligence platform Toluna has secured a 'significant' round of financing, which it will use to fund planned global growth initiatives. More
Former ESOMAR President Dan Foreman has made an undisclosed amount of investment in retail tech provider Virtual Store Trials (VST), which offers AI solutions for shelf and pack testing, macro-space optimization, planogram visualization, and automated planogram builds. More
Our Data Visualization special issue is published today. Here, in his Introduction, Ipsos co-founder & CEO Didier Truchot talks about clients' need for clarity, AI's potential to change our industry, and why insight professionals should be confident about the future. More
In London, mobile-based customer insights firm Streetbees has raised $40m in a Series B round of funding, which it will use to accelerate development of its platform, and increase headcount from 100 to 230 during the next twelve months. More
Clear Channel Airports (CCA), the Americas-based airports business of advertising group Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings is rolling out a new audience impressions methodology, pioneered by independent OOH ad currency organisation Geopath. More
Martina Vojtkova has been promoted to Director of the Policy Research Centre at the UK's National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), replacing Nancy Kelley who left earlier this year to become CEO at Stonewall. More
In Los Angeles, full service MR firm Alter Agents has appointed five new members of staff, including Lauren DeWitt Thompson as Research Director; Ryan Palmer, Adrienne Scotti and Roxanne Benoun as Research Managers, and Taryn Akiyoshi as a Senior Research Analyst. More
Ipsos has posted revenue of EUR 468.6m in the third quarter of 2020, down 6.2% on a reported basis but just 3.3% on a like-for-like, constant currency basis despite the impact of the pandemic. The group says this reflects 'a renewed stability since June', with recovery month by month. More
Australian employee research firm Blue Provident is merging with its UK partner Feedback Works, and will take the British company's name. More
US and Canada-based recruitment specialist Rare Patient Voice (RPV) has partnered with voice response technology provider inVibe Labs, to launch a platform accessing the opinions of patients and caregivers. More
UK market research budgets experienced another 'marked decline' in the third quarter - the second sharpest since data collection for this category started in the final quarter of 2012 - according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report. More
Medallia's Senior Director of Product Management Vache Moroyan and his team are tasked with building dashboards that are a pleasure for research professionals to work with. Continuing our focus on Data Visualization - interview by Nick Thomas on September 22nd. More
US firm Escalent has appointed TrueSample co-founder Dyna Boen as Managing Director of the Consumer, Tech and Telecom divisions. She takes over the role from Paul Hartley, who has moved into the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Sales. More
In London, Kantar has appointed long-time Procter & Gamble exec Alexis Nasard as Chief Executive Officer, effective 30th December. He replaces Eric Salama, who left the business in February. More
In the UK, Omnicom Health subsidiary Adelphi Research has promoted Elizabeth Kehler to the role of Managing Director. She replaces Rachel Medcalf who has left after twenty years with the company. More
In Los Angeles, insights design and strategy agency Hypothesis has appointed former Millward Brown North America CEO Mary Ann Packo as a Senior Partner, leading client growth, research innovation and talent acquisition. More
Mobile survey software and analysis solutions provider Dooblo has received an undisclosed amount of funding from private equity firm Anacapa Partners, with participation from Trail Mark Partners. More
Manchester, UK-based market intelligence provider Kids Insights has expanded to Russia and China. More
Research software firm SurveyMonkey has extended its integration with Zoom, to improve virtual employee feedback experiences. The firm has also officially launched its GetFeedback customer experience (CX) solution. More
Continuing our focus on Data Visualization, the LivingLens co-founder talks in-depth with MrWeb's Nick Thomas about family influences; starting, financing, building and selling the business; the huge potential for video and the importance of good data viz. Video version also available. More
Heinrich Fischer, one of the founders of recently closed MR trade show Research & Results, has announced the launch of his new event 'succeet21', which will take place next April. More
The British Polling Council (BPC) has launched a guide to help journalists interpret and write up the findings of opinion polls. More
In the US, online publication the Investor's Business Daily and polling partner TIPP have launched the daily Presidential Tracking Poll, based on a survey of 800 to 1,000 individuals who are likely to vote, conducted over the prior five days. More
Continuing our focus on Data Visualization, Debbie Senior, Toluna's VP Product Automation, looks at the 'need for speed', and other factors driving changes in the way we process, share and display data. More
In the US, not-for-profit body the Radio Research Consortium (RRC), which provides audience estimate data to non-commercial radio stations, has renewed a multi-year agreement with Nielsen, licensing its syndicated products to hundreds of subscribers. More
B2B survey marketplace InsightzClub has expanded to Bangladesh, through a partnership with local data and artificial intelligence company ADA. More
US-based Service Management Group (SMG) has partnered with video insight platform Voxpopme, to offer a combination of video feedback and experience management data. More
In the US, software engineers Mitchell Catoen and David Ferris have launched a product called Phonic, allowing respondents to answer survey questions with their voice instead of their keyboard. More
Last year, research revenue for the Top 50 US-based market research and data analytics companies rose 4.8% to $14.8bn - comprising an almost equal split of domestic (50.2%) and international (49.8%) business - according to the latest annual Top 50 Report. More
Kantar has reversed the decision to close its Philippines Media Division, made just a month ago. Its key client, TV and new media network ABS-CBN, had been set to close down but has now signed a new TAM contract with the agency. More
US and Canada-based patient-focused recruitment specialist Rare Patient Voice (RPV) is expanding to Europe through a partnership with research software firm Q One Tech. More
New York-based 'agile' research platform Alpha has changed its name to Feedback Loop, effective immediately. More
Nielsen has announced that the headquarters for its Global Consumer Business will be in Chicago, from January 1st, 2021. More
Kantar is planning to cut around ten percent of its US staff due to the impact of the pandemic, according to online reports. More
Television measurement, attribution and analytics company 605 has signed an agreement with retail giant Walmart, to provide ad impact and audience analysis via its PLATF0RM solution. More
Market research and healthcare translation specialist GlobaLexicon has reported strong growth in the first half of the year, with revenue up 30% and 21 new hires. More
DIY research pioneer SurveyMonkey has teamed up with dashboard software giant Tableau and digital media company Axios to launch a hub for data relating to the forthcoming US Presidential election. More
European data collection company Norstat has hired Evelin Pae as MD for its Estonia business, replacing Kaspar Küünarpuu who has left the company. More
Customer insights firm Vision Critical has changed its name to Alida, and aims to disrupt the global customer experience (CX) industry, taking on the likes of Qualtrics and Medallia. More
UK television audience measurement body BARB has issued a refreshed invitation to tender, covering five research contracts, as it looks to keep pace with changes in television viewing including the ongoing development of SVOD services and the roll-out of 5G mobile networks. More
In the UK, the MRS (Market Research Society) has launched a new designation, 'International Affiliate', intended as a sign of research excellence and standards observance for research businesses and client side research teams operating outside the UK. More
YouGov has created two new senior roles - Global Sector Heads for Travel & Tourism, and Leisure & Entertainment - and has a new South African affiliate, MR agency KLA. More
UK professional body the MRS has noted a slight positive shift in the expectations of companies in the post-Covid world; and has downgraded its earlier call on the government to 'save the sector' to a more modest appeal for investment in infrastructure and innovation. More
London-based data company TeakOrigin has partnered with mobile intelligence platform Streetbees to launch a study to understand the link between nutritional value and consumption of fresh produce. More
UK-based full-service agency Market Measures has launched a Customer Experience (CX) practice called Market Measures 360CX, to be headed by CX specialist Tobin Sparrow. More
From an interview with Paul Twite, Toluna's MD EMEA and LatAm, looking at the company's recent big announcements - rebranding and the launch of Toluna Start. For the podcast, and a fuller write-up including more personal reflections and detail, see the forthcoming Data Viz supplement. More
YouGov has expanded in the Asia Pacific region through a partnership with Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam-based behavioural science specialist Decision Lab. More
Survey tech and data collection business Global Survey is transferring its headquarters to the US, with new offices in Orlando, Florida; and has appointed Maria Figueras as Senior Director for Client Development. More
Consumer intelligence platform Toluna has launched an end-to-end solution called 'Toluna Start', which will now form the core of its business. Users can access the firm's panel of more than 30 million members, uncover and share real-time insights to help fully understand the consumer journey. More
In the UK, full-service insight and strategy firm Davies Hickman Partners is relocating to larger offices in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, and aims to offer clients a wider range of thought leadership, new proposition development, and marketing communication research services. More
International data collection and research services provider Schlesinger Group has re-branded all its European businesses, to bring them in line with the group name. More
Data collection specialist Norstat has appointed Romain Barbet as Managing Director in its Paris office. He will replace Norstat France co-founder Marc-Antoine Jacoud, who is staying with the firm for the next couple of months to assist with the handover. More
In the UK, full service agency Vision One Research has relocated its northern office to Mann Island, which overlooks the Albert Dock, situated on Liverpool's historic waterfront. More
In the UK, medical fieldwork business Medicys has launched a division called MediLAB, which will provide linguistics and analysis services for both the company's fieldwork and non-fieldwork-based clients, across all sectors and countries. More
French audience measurement agency Médiamétrie has acquired the daily SVoD barometer, previously operated by NPA Conseil in partnership with Harris Interactive. More
In the UK, specialist MR recruiters Sarah Penny and Inger Christensen have launched 'Daughters of Sailors' a new firm offering insight agencies flexible in-house freelance support with their recruitment. More
Hall & Partners has teamed up with first-party data and insights platform Dynata, whose connected data capabilities and technology will power the ad and brand research specialist's data visualization and storytelling platform, The Hub. More
Kantar is shutting down its Philippines TV ratings service at the end of the year, following the closure of its biggest client, commercial television and new media network ABS-CBN. The move will result in Kantar having to lay off around 50 employees. More
Australian data intelligence company Potentiate and New Zealand-based longitudinal relationship analytics specialist MirrorWave have partnered, to provide a service which 'follows' customers, employees and partners over time. More
Sample, survey and quantitative research specialist Market Cube has joined the FocusVision Sample Marketplace, which gives researchers access to sample providers directly from the FocusVision Decipher survey platform. More
Research and analytics company MESH Experience has partnered with insights software and services agency Cambrian Analytics to build an interactive dashboard providing insights on brand performance. More
Marcoms giant WPP has reported a first half loss before tax of £2.58bn, compared to a profit of £409m a year earlier; and reported revenue down 12.3% to £5.58bn, from £6.37bn. Like-for-like (LFL) revenue declined 11.5%. More
Canadian polling, MR and strategy firm Leger has launched a customer experience consulting service called Leger MetriCX, supporting organizations that want to become more customer centric. More
An overwhelming majority of UK market researchers (96%) say they want to work from home to some extent in the future following the Covid-19 crisis, according to findings from the 2020 Mental Wellbeing in Research Survey. More
Eye tracking hardware and software firm Tobii AB has announced results for the second quarter of 2020, with revenue down to SEK 332 million (US $37.75m) - an organic decline of 6%. More
Customer experience management (CEM) specialist Medallia has opened a Data Centre in Singapore, adding to its existing hubs in Santa Clara, Seattle, Denver, Toronto, Montreal, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Sydney. More
In the US, data quality and anti-fraud software platform SampleChain has raised $1.5m in a new round of funding, which it will use to drive company growth, increase capacity and add additional technologies to its product suite. More
Research software and solutions company Confirmit has appointed Giles Whiting as its new COO and Rebecca Wright as Head of Legal. More
MR platform Attest has announced four senior appointments in its London headquarters - Andrew Wray, Patrick Hussain, Nia Barnabie and Andy Davis - following 'recent revenue growth of more than 160%'. The firm is also recruiting a number of staff for its New York office. More
In New York, consumer insights platform Suzy has hired five new team members, including former Cint / Toluna exec Katie Gross as Chief Customer Officer, responsible for overseeing all customer relationships and spearheading the firm's customer advocacy program. More
In South Africa, communities specialist InSites Consulting has promoted Heather Tluczek to Managing Director. She replaces Henk Pretorius, who moves up to Head of Consumer Connections, a global role leading consumer network strategy for the group. More
In the US, market research and analytics company GutCheck has named former long-time Nielsen exec Rob Wengel as its new Chief Exec, replacing co-founder Matt Warta who has left the business. More
Australian insights specialist Faster Horses Consulting has hired Mark Hutchinson to set up an office in Melbourne, and Chris Pyria to establish a presence in Brisbane. Paul Croci also joins the firm in Perth and Ann-Louise Brockelsby in Sydney. More
London-based human insight consultancy One Minute To Midnight is opening an Americas office in New York City, to better serve its growing US client base. More
In London, former Ipsos MORI, Universal Music and BBC exec Hanna Chalmers has launched a research and strategy collective called culturestudio. More
Research software firm Confirmit has appointed former Dapresy CEO Tobi Andersson as Chief Product Officer, leading its product strategy and vision. More
UK-based kids, parents and family specialist The Insights People has raised £500k in investment funding, which it will use for international expansion, and to create eight new jobs at its Manchester headquarters. The firm has also appointed Stefan Lampinen as Chairman. More
SurveyMonkey has reported a 21% increase in second quarter revenue to $90.9m; alongside a net loss of $22.9m, compared with a loss of $18.5m in Q2 2019. More
Mobile app testing company HeadSpin is to return up to $95m in funding to investors after an internal review of irregularities forced it to restate its financials. In addition, the company has replaced CEO and co-founder Manish Lachwani with a new Chief Executive, Rajeev Butani. More
Global research technology and data collection company Delvinia has appointed Bethany Moffett as Executive Director, responsible for building out the US client development team for the firm's automated research platform Methodify. Delvinia has also appointed a further eight new employees. More
Australian media group Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has brought together its Research & Insights and Strategy & Insights divisions to form a media research and insights unit called SCA iQ. More
Five UK-based research tech firms and associations have launched a non-profit initiative called TSAPI, inviting the market research sector to come together to create an industry API (advanced programming interface) standard for transferring survey data, and then share it globally. More
In London, mobile-based customer insights platform Streetbees has hired former Foursquare MD Omid Ashtari as Chief Operating Officer, as the company plans an expansion and recruitment drive following 110% growth in the first six months of 2020. More
Century City, California-based TV, film and video research firm Screen Engine/ASI (SE/ASI) has appointed Steve Ridge as Executive Vice President of its recently formed Television News Group. More
Heinrich Fischer, one of the founders of recently closed MR trade show Research & Results, has announced that he is setting up a new event which will take place next April in Munich. More
Ad and innovation testing platform Zappi has divided its executive team into two: the Futures team, which will set the company direction, and manage its vision and values; and the Leadership team, which will focus on day-to-day operations covering revenue, resourcing and efficiency. More
The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) has set up a relief fund, which it says has already helped 3,600 freelance interviewers faced with economic hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. More
In the UK, not-for-profit body NatCen (the National Centre for Social Research) has announced that Professor Sir Robert Burgess will step down next year as Chair of its Board of Trustees, after fulfilling the full nine-year tenure recommended for charities. More
Research and analytics group YouGov has signalled its intent to increase market share in the media sector by bringing in US and European 'heavy-hitters' Tamara Alesi and Julian Newby. More
The UK division of Future Thinking has taken its new parent Savanta's name, following its acquisition earlier this year. More
Start-up Advertima, which uses AI to customize in-store experiences, has closed a EUR 15m ($17.3m) funding round, earmarked for further development of its tracking platform. More
Insight-led healthcare branding and communications consultancy THE PLANNING SHOP has appointed Rebecca Rehder as Global President, to lead the organization across the UK and US. She takes up the position next Monday, and will be based in New York. More
Anti-fraud and brand safety organizations the Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG) and the Joint Industry Committee for Web Standards (JICWEBS) are to merge under the TAG brand name. More
In the US, Omnicom Health subsidiary Adelphi Research has promoted Ratna Wynn to the position of EVP, Head of Research, Operations and Innovation, with responsibility for all research functions and operations. More
In the US, media company NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has promoted Mónica Gil to the position of EVP, Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer, overseeing operations, growth marketing, and strategy and insights. More
Research & Results, the organiser of the annual Munich, Germany-based trade show for market research, data and insights professionals, has decided to close its whole business because of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis. More
UK-based kids, parents and family specialist The Insights People has expanded to Canada and Australia, to meet international demand for its market intelligence solutions. More
In the US, brand and marketing insights company Shapiro+Raj has appointed Cindy Tran as company President. The position has been vacant for the past two years, since the departure of Margaret Mueller, who now serves as CEO of the Executives' Club of Chicago. More
Global shopper insights agency PRS IN VIVO has hired long-time Ipsos exec Karen Gombault for a newly created role, EU Managing Director, based in its Paris office. More
UK-based consumer research agency MMR and Paris, France-based research and marketing intelligence institute Repères have signed a partnership agreement, giving each access to a combined methodological toolkit and increased geographical footprint. More
Naomi Gooblar, the founder of London-based qual and quant fieldwork services firm Field Sauce, has set up a dedicated team called Field Sauce Kidz, working with young people aged from 0 to 20, as well as their parents and educators. More
The UK government is to upgrade its 'Research Marketplace', a 'Dynamic Purchasing System' for public sector buyers to find and commission research agencies. The new c.£300m contract will start in February 2022 and run for four years. More
In Australia, Nielsen has been hit by a suspected ransomware attack on its servers, resulting in delays to its release of daily television ratings. More
MR agency quantilope has raised $28m in a Series B found of funding, which it will use to further expand its offering in Europe, and particularly in the US. More
A new study conducted by industry trade association ESOMAR has highlighted that 7 in 10 people are concerned about sharing their personal data with businesses, while two thirds say they don't like the current privacy practices employed by data collectors. More
In the US, marketing and consumer research firm HCD Research has partnered with artificial intelligence and sensory research agency Aigora, to launch a tool designed to help clients understand the relationship between consumers and brands. More
Ipsos has posted revenue of EUR 786m for the first half of the year, down 13% from last year's EUR 903.4m. The firm says that after a close to flat performance in the first quarter, the second was heavily affected by the 'havoc' wreaked by Covid-19. More
UK TV audience measurement body BARB has announced a year-long extension of the tender process for two of its main research contracts, as a result of the pandemic. The organisation has also begun investigating remote data collection alternatives. More
In the US, investment firm Saroras Private Capital has launched a new company called Apollo Intelligence Corporation, focused on tech-driven data and insights solutions for the life sciences and healthcare sectors; and has acquired data collection company SHG as part of it. More
Kantar has announced the launch of 'Project Moonshot', described as 'a major milestone' on the road to an advanced independent platform for measuring ad effectiveness. The initiative includes deals with Google, Pandora, in-game ad platform Anzu, Dish, Pinterest, Roku, Snap, Spotify and Twitter. More
The holding company of Toluna, Harris Interactive Europe and KuRunData is adopting the Toluna name as its principal brand, replacing ITWP which will be phased out. Toluna is celebrating this change and its twenty years in business with a new corporate identity. More
Audience research body MRUC India has reportedly paused production and publication of its IRS 2020 readership survey, and has told subscribers it will refund their payments, due in large part to the economic impact of Covid-19. More
Nielsen says it is making 'sweeping changes' to its digital measurement methodology, focused on future-proof, privacy-centric, comparable, cross-platform measurement. Separately, US ad body the 4A's has criticised the firm's plans to combine in-home and OOH TV ratings. More
Innovation insights firm Clarivate Analytics has announced the launch of a Global Business Center in Penang, Malaysia, to be led by VP Shankar Nagalingam. Two more such centres are planned, for London and Chandler, Arizona. More
US-based insight-led marketing services firm LRW Group has been renamed 'Material', bringing its ten companies into one unified offering. More
UK-based kids, parents and family specialist The Insights People has hired seven new members of staff, increasing the team to 31. The company is now looking for a new 3,000 sq ft Manchester city centre office to accommodate this expansion. More
SaaS-based customer intelligence platform (CIP) Zeotap has raised $42m in a Series C round of funding, which it will use to continue invest in its platform, and in its recently launched universal marketing identity solution, ID+. More
UK market research budgets appear to have fallen sharply during the second quarter of the year, with a net balance of -42.2% of marketing execs recording a drop in spending, according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report. More
In the UK, television marketing body Thinkbox has announced that its founding CEO and current non-executive Chair Tess Alps has decided to retire at the end of the year. More
Digital research agency MetrixLab has opened an office in Zug, Switzerland, and appointed former Nielsen exec Hassan Mouheb to lead it as Managing Director. More
In the UK, former journalist Mimi Turner has joined political party the Liberal Democrats as Director of Strategy, Messaging and Research. More
San Francisco-based employee engagement insight specialist Lattice has raised $45m in a Series D round of funding, for use in expanding its offerings to better serve global clients, and scaling its engineering and product teams. More
London-based crowdsourcing, idea management and 'open innovation' platform Wazoku has raised £1.25m in a new funding round. The company has also acquired US-based innovation firm InnoCentive. More
Former Lightspeed GMI and Research Now exec Martin Filz has been appointed CEO at Australia-based digital research platform Pureprofile Ltd, effective 3rd August; while John Griffin is promoted to Chief Technology Officer. More
In the US, market research and analytics company GutCheck has appointed two Executive Vice Presidents: Jessica Gaedeke for Sales and Brian Harmon for Client Service and Delivery. More
Former Central Fieldwork exec Theo Francis has launched a new business, GuineaPig Fieldwork, based in London. More
Canada-based online sample and research technology specialist WiseWorks has launched a private equity vehicle called Hygiia Ventures, which will invest in artificial intelligence, big data, analytics and machine learning firms. Separately, Ryan Kagan has joined WiseWorks as CFO. More
LA-based 'Neuroscience as a Service' (NaaS) platform Kernel has raised $35m in a Series C round of funding, which it will use to develop new technology for recording brain activity, and for 'customer success' initiatives. More
Middle East-based full service agency 4SiGHT Research & Analytics has hired long-time Kantar exec Sukhdev Singh to launch its 4SiGHT Consulting practice in Dubai. Former Kantar researcher Siva Sankar has also joined the new division. More
International data collection and research services business the Schlesinger Group has brought together a number of existing units to form a dedicated Schlesinger Clinical Research division. More
Former Dapresy director Rahul Jerome has launched a private membership community called The Insight Network, exclusively for practitioners and professionals in the research and insights sector. More
Nielsen is carrying out an 'optimization plan' to drive permanent cost savings and 'operational efficiencies', which will result in the loss of around 3,500 of its c.46,000 employees. The firm also plans to exit several smaller, underperforming markets and non-core businesses in H2 2020. More
Experience management (XM) company Qualtrics and consulting firm Korn Ferry have ramped up their partnership, to meet the 'evolving employee listening needs' of their clients. More
UK-based Ipsos-MORI announced on Friday it was restarting large-scale face-to-face fieldwork, after a successful trial of a Covid-19 safe approach. More
In the UK, marcoms group Unlimited has opened a 'Human Understanding Lab', with a focus on the use of behaviour-led science in driving client performance. The lab supports Unlimited's four divisions: Marketing, Communications, Insight & Analytics and Digital. More
Experience management company Qualtrics has expanded its partnership with video analytics firm Voxpopme, to help clients access quant and qual feedback side-by-side on one system and obtain a 'more complete' view of their customers. More
In the UK Bob Qureshi, co-founder of i-view, has set up a Viewing Facilities Action Group, offering support and guidance to facility owners who have been forced to pay local authority rent and business rates during the Covid-19 crisis. More
UK survey software firm Merlinco has appointed long-time SwissPeaks exec Simon Stephen as Managing Director, replacing John Tebboth who has held the role for the past twelve years, and who remains as a Board Director. More
In the US, programmatic sample platform Lucid has appointed Pauline Wen as General Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer and Corporate Secretary; leading the firm's legal efforts, including privacy and cybersecurity, transactions, compliance and risk management processes. More
In the US, long-time Lieberman Research Worldwide (LRW) execs Susie Ribnik and Linda Hobson have launched a new data collection agency called Ribnik Research, to meet the needs of small to mid-sized companies. Their new firm is based in Burbank, CA. More
Kantar has added the newly created role of Deputy Chief Executive to the role of Chief Financial Officer Ian Griffiths. More
DefinedCrowd, which provides data to support the development of artificial intelligence (AI) products, has raised $50.5m in a Series B round of funding. As a result the firm aims to expand its existing solutions, launch new offerings, double its headcount, and open more R&D offices around the world. More
Nine researchers with 'various ethnic backgrounds and industry experience' have joined forces to launch Colour of Research (CORe), a non-profit organisation that will champion ethnic diversity in the MR and insights industry. More
Respondent access specialist Maru/Blue has hired former Ipsos Reid pollster John Wright to lead its newly launched Public Opinion Research division. More
In the US, consumer data management tech company SRAX has raised $13m in debt funding, which it will use to finance the expansion of its investor intelligence and data analytics platform Sequire, and its consumer data platform BIGtoken. More
Former Circle Research exec Chris Wells has launched a B2B market research consultancy called Adience, based in New York City. More
Nielsen has been granted Media Rating Council (MRC) re-accreditation for its Local People Meter (LPM) service and Set Meter measurement services in 19 of 31 mid-size US TV markets; as well as for its National People Meter (NPM) service. More
Insight marketplace and MR tech provider Cint has expanded its APAC presence with the opening of an office in Singapore. More
In New York, skin care and makeup products manufacturer The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has moved billionaire heiress Jane Lauder into the new role of EVP, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer. She will take up the position on July 1st. More
The contracting authority representing the main Danish TV broadcasters has given Nielsen a five-year contract to provide 'cross-media video measurement' data in the country from 1st January 2022. More
Scott Ernst, Global CEO of online specialist Macromill, is to step down after the group's annual shareholders meeting in September. Toru Sasaki, Representative Executive Officer for the group's Japan Operation, will take over the role. More
Gordon Brown, the co-founder of Millward Brown, died peacefully at his home in the UK on Saturday 6th June, after a short battle with dementia. He was 76 years old. More
UK television audience measurement body BARB has launched the beta version of a BVOD planner (broadcast video-on-demand), to help agencies and advertisers plan campaigns across BARB-reported commercial broadcasters' linear channels and VOD platforms. More
Helsinki and New York-based behavioral and market research platform Verto Analytics has promoted Pat Brennan to CEO, replacing founder Hannu Verkasalo who moves to focus on strategic partners, customers, vendors, marketing and public image. More
Nicole Pike, former MD of Nielsen's video gaming analysis business Esports, has joined YouGov in the newly created role of Global Sector Head of Esports & Gaming. More
Paris-based OpinionWay Group has announced the opening of a new strategic regional hub in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to be led by Florence de Bigault, who joins the Group as MD of Sub-Saharan Africa. More
Broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed Khalid Hayat in the newly created role of Director of Strategy and Consumer Insight. More
Melbourne, Australia-based Telmy has expanded to New Zealand, where it has launched its tech-based platform for qual and UX respondent recruitment. Long-time industry exec Winifred Henderson joins in New Zealand as Managing Director. More
Retail and consumer goods image recognition and analytics firm Trax has partnered with in-store data and shopper insights platform Snooper, to provide brands in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) with a new store auditing solution which combines image recognition and crowdsourcing. More
The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) has appointed long-time industry exec Mitali Chowhan as Deputy Director General in its Secretariat team. More
In the US, smart TV viewing data provider Inscape has partnered with consultancy Dativa to launch a panel providing representative TV viewing data for all US households, demographics and geographies, built on Inscape's base of 15 million ACR-enabled Smart TVs. More
Nielsen Global Connect has launched a suite of shopper research solutions which use 'extreme' reality and gaming technology for virtual retail shelf and planogram testing, and to uncover in-store shopping behavior. More
UK-based data, insights and analytics consultancy STRAT7 has brought together its three agencies - ResearchBods, Bonamy Finch and LiFE - whose names will now all be prefixed with the STRAT7 brand. More
French audience measurement agency Médiamétrie has promoted Julien Rosanvallon to the position of Executive Vice President - Audience Measurements, replacing Benoît Cassaigne, who is retiring but will continue as an advisor. More
Indian data collection and MR services firm Aeon Market Research has appointed Ankur Sinha as VP Online Panels, as it expands into online research. He joins after almost seven years at analytics and research company Absolutdata. More
Insight exchange and sample management platform Cint and online survey platform Survey2Connect (S2C) have partnered to launch a new solution called Survey2Connect Audience. Cint has also been selected to automate GfK's sampling operations. More
DIY survey software company SurveyMonkey is combining its customer experience (CX) solutions from two recent acquisitions into one umbrella brand, known as the GetFeedback Suite. More
In the UK, former Specsavers customer insights leader Eddie O'Brien has left to set up a support network called Destination 5.0> which will provide interim insight solutions to clients. More
In Australia, full-service public sector consultancy ORIMA Research has launched a specialist Disability Services Research division (DSR), led by former National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) exec Tamara Reinisch. More
Ipsos has named Maria Perez as Head of its self-service research platform Ipsos.Digital in North America. More
In the US, data quality monitoring solution provider Toro Data Labs has raised $4m in a seed round of funding, which it will use to accelerate product development and bring the product to a larger audience. More
Stockholm-based brand tracking and consumer science firm Nepa has announced net sales up 3.8% (constant currency) in the first quarter to MSEK 69.4m ($US 7.4m), with EBIT loss slashed from MSEK -3.3m to just -0.3m. The company has also moved quickly to off-set possible damage from the pandemic. More
Brookfield, WI-based full service provider the Dieringer Research Group, Inc. (The DRG) has formalized its partnership with Illinois healthcare sector research and brand consulting firm Klein & Partners. A DRG client for 15 years, Klein is now an affiliate. More
Boston, MA behavioral science-based market research consultancy Protobrand has appointed Veylinx co-founder Rainier van Rietschoten as VP, Client Services, starting today. More
Kantar and Comscore have announced the renewal of their partnership with Italian TV audience measurement body Auditel. The contract, ongoing since August 2017, will now run until December 31st 2023. More
US-based recruitment marketing services company HireClix has launched a 'Human Experience Lab' (HX Lab), which uses neuroscience techniques to help potential employers understand how candidates engage with their brand during the recruitment cycle. More
Concluding our DRNO coverage of the Mobile Insights special edition, an interview with the inspirational founder and CEO of app-based feedback business Streetbees. The second half of this, along with lots more mobile-focused content, can be found in the supplement itself. More
Netherlands-based data collection firm GDCC has consolidated its US-based call centers into an entirely work-from-home enterprise, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm has also promoted Lisa Mancini to the role of Vice President of Operations, North America. More
New York-based qualitative research platform Sympler is expanding to Australia, where it has hired Karen Dwyer as a Partner. More
Milan, Italy-based crowd testing platform AppQuality has raised EUR 3.5m in a new round of funding, some of which will be used for expansion into new European markets. More
London-based data visualisation specialist Brytlyt has raised $4m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to build its sales operation, enter new markets, and grow its engineering team. More
London-based research platform Attest has raised $15m from an unnamed investor. This new round of funding will be used to further expand in the US, where it has hired Marc Schraer and Tamer Abouleinein. More
In Australia, trade body AMSRO has released an interim discussion paper relating to its inquiry into the performance of last year's pre-federal election opinion polls. The association says the inquiry has found disclosure standards relating to the polls to be 'inadequate'. More
Australian research and marcoms group Enero - which owns MR agencies The Leading Edge (TLE) and The Digital Edge - has appointed former Nike exec Brent Scrimshaw as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Matthew Melhuish who left the company in March. More
In the UK, out-of-home (OOH) audience research body Route has appointed Robert Ray as Chief Executive Officer, replacing James Whitmore who has led the organisation since 2005. More
Ken Østreng, CEO of research software firm Confirmit, has left the company following its sale to Nordic private equity fund Verdane. Tech sector exec Kyle Ferguson has now taken over his role. More
In Vietnam, Kantar has transferred David Anjoubault from Worldpanel to take up the role of CEO of its Insights division. He replaces Nitin Nishandar, who has been named Chairman of the Insights division in Vietnam and Chief Client Officer. More
Mansour Fahimi Ph.D., formerly Chief Statistician at Ipsos, has rejoined US-based sampling and tech solutions provider Marketing Systems Group [MSG] as EVP and Chief Data Scientist of its Advanced Analytics and Methods department. More
The insights sector is in line for an $18.7 billion loss in value due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new report released by industry body ESOMAR and based on a survey of 2,889 professionals from 127 countries. More
In India, full-service agency Karvy Insights has partnered with online survey platform Survey2Connect (S2C), to create a range of UI/UX (user interface/user experience) and ad testing solutions for clients worldwide. More
In the US, cable channel Newsmax TV has hired former Fox News research chief Jason Villar as Vice President of Research and Analysis. More
Research software company SurveyMonkey has reported a 29% increase in first quarter revenue to $88.3m, driven primarily by enterprise sales which increased 128% during the period. More
Ipsos has partnered with mobile research tech firm RealityMine to create a cross-device panel measuring digital behaviour on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. The panel will form part of Ipsos' contract to supply the UK's online audience measurement standard. More
Julian Green, former MD of Kantar's B2B practice, is launching a B2B insight and opinion leader communities firm called Nostradamus Consulting. The company has brought in two former oil and gas industry execs to advise on the development of its first initiative, an energy-focused community. More
UK-based digital marcoms group Next Fifteen Communicationshas named Penny Ladkin-Brand as Chair of the Board, effective 1st February 2021. She will replace Richard Eyre, who remains in the post until the end of the current financial year. More
Brand tracking and consumer science firm Nepa has partnered with mobile research tech firm RealityMine, to provide behavioural data technology for the former's Omnichannel Path to Purchase and Digital Pulse solutions. More
Research and insight training company the Research Academy has brought forward the start date for its MRS Advanced Certificate online course, allowing workers on the UK government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to use the time to gain a professional qualification. More
In South Africa, non-profit industry body the Marketing Research Foundation (MRF) has appointed Johann Koster as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Greg Garden, who held the role for nearly three years. More
Nielsen has reported a 0.3% drop in first quarter revenues to $1.56 billion, equivalent to a 1.5% rise on a constant currency basis. It also turned a net profit of $43m in Q1 2019 into a net loss of $18m a year later, although adjusted EBITDA remained positive. More
Ipsos MORI is to support the UK government's new home testing programme for coronavirus, which aims to track levels of infection in the community. More
Marcoms giant WPP has reported a 4.9% fall in first quarter revenue, reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has introduced further cost-saving measures. The group has also applied for a £600m government-backed loan. More
Nordic MR specialist Userneeds has partnered with mobile research tech firm RealityMine, aiming to provide a more holistic view of the digital behaviour of Nordic consumers. More
BBC Global News, a member of the broadcaster's commercial group of companies, has partnered with communities specialist Maru/Matchbox to uncover implicit, emotional reactions to its news coverage relating to the Covid-19 virus. More
British-based full service insight consultancy Basis Research has opened an office in Chicago, where it has appointed brand insights and strategy specialist Katie Buckley as Managing Partner. More
Insight exchange and sample management platform Cint has completed its platform integration with P2Sample, which it acquired last year. The combination enables Cint to offer access to more than 100 million respondents. More
The Board of Northumberland-based insights firm DRG has invited Paul Wealleans, Client Services Director at Panelbase, to take on the leadership of its online research supplier following the sudden death of its founder Angus Webb. More
Continuing our focus on 'Insights in the Mobile Age' Mario Paic, Global Head of Data Science, looks at the rise of the smartphone and discusses its central role today at Ipsos Audience Measurement. More
Ipsos has posted first quarter revenue of EUR 428.7m, up 1.6% from the same period last year; but says its order book in the three weeks from March 30th has seen a significant fall. More
Swedish eye tracking developer Tobii AB has announced that Chief Financial Officer Johan Wilsby has decided to leave his position to move to a new company. Wilsby has a six-month notice period and will leave Tobii in the autumn. More
YouGov has reported a 16% increase in revenue to £76.9m in its half-year (HY) results for the six months to 31st January, compared with HY 2019, when revenue increased 18% to £66.5m. The firm also says it has not yet seen any 'material impact' to the business from the Covid-19 pandemic. More
Market research has been listed as the worst-performing category in the latest IPA Bellwether Report, as UK marketing budgets decline at the fastest rate since the global financial crisis of 2009. More
In the US, international data collection business Schlesinger Group has acquired qualitative technology-led research services provider 20|20 Research for an undisclosed sum. Jim Bryson, founder and former Chair at 20|20, is retiring from the business. More
US agency Horowitz Research has launched a consultancy called Green Horizons, dedicated to delivering consumer insights for the cannabis and 'holistic health' industries. More
UK-based kids, parents and family market intelligence provider The Insights People has promoted two of its team, including Richard Craig who moves into the newly created position of Chief Data & Information Officer. The firm has also appointed seven new members of staff. More
Angus Webb, the founder and Managing Director of online research supplier Panelbase, died last Wednesday evening from the COVID-19 virus, at a hospital in Spain. He was 45 years old. More
A number of the team behind Australia's Lewers Research have launched a voice and chat bot agency called 'Research by Bot', promising clients ready-to-launch or custom qualitative research at scale. More
Marketing and MR Agency System 1 has announced that its Chief Financial Officer James Geddes is stepping down on April 20th, after seventeen years with the firm. He will be succeeded by former British Airways exec Chris Willford. More
UK-based medical device MR consultancy Creative Medical Research (CMR) has hired Matt Higgs for a newly created role, Head of Insights, working across both qual and quant methods. The firm has also promoted Lucy Little to Qualitative Research Director. More
In London, live video streaming technology specialist HighTech Development has partnered with online video meeting software developer Whereby, to develop a suite of new products. The first of these tools is a platform for market research focus groups called HT FACE. More
US-based healthcare polling company and online physician community Sermo has invited all doctors globally to participate in a Covid-19 Real Time Barometer study, providing a weekly perspective of physicians' insights and perspectives on the crisis. More
UK-based kids, tweens and teens specialist Kids Insights has launched in Mexico, where it will survey a total of 21,000 children each year. More
Global association ESOMAR is teaming up with MrWeb and its existing partner Women In Research to give data and insights professionals access to the world's largest specialist index of job opportunities, with new packages and offers also launched. More
Jane Frost, Chief Executive of Britain's MRS, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak warning of the 'immediate and potentially catastrophic impact' of the Covid-19 crisis on the industry, and asking for further help in protecting it. More
Customer insights platform UserTesting has raised $100m in new funding, which it will use to increase market share and accelerate investment. The firm has also acquired Norway-based multilingual experience testing specialist Teston, for an undisclosed sum. More
In Canada, online customer community solution provider Vanilla Forums has secured an undisclosed amount of investment, which it will use to expand into new markets. More
Tech-based market research company AudienceProject has replaced Comscore as the official measurement partner for Media Metrics Finland, the measurement body for the country's web sites and apps. More
Gale Metzger (pictured), co-founder of Statistical Research, Inc. (SRI), died on March 16, 2020 in New Jersey at the age of 83. More
Industry body MRUC (Media Research Users Council) has changed its name to MRUC India, a move intended to 'capture its national stature'. More
Daniel Wirth has been appointed as CEO of Kynetec and the Kleffmann Group, following the recent announcement that the two agricultural and animal health research specialists are merging. More
With the Covid-19 pandemic now sweeping the world, research charity the MRBA has issued a statement reminding UK employers that it is here to help, including in cases where the industry's casual workers get into severe financial hardship due to the impact of the virus. More
Silicon Valley-based computer vision and AI-powered video analytics company Deep North has closed a $25.7m Series A funding round, which it says will be used in 'digitizing the next generation of brick-and-mortar retail and shopping centers on a global level'. More
MR software firm Remesh has raised $25m in a Series A2 round of funding, which will be used to drive expansion of the company and its platform. More
US research and training company Burke, Inc. has promoted Jamie Baker-Prewitt for a newly created role, Chief Research Officer. More
UK television audience measurement body BARB has combined its daily audience data with the IPA's TouchPoints survey, to help media owners, clients and agencies understand more about viewers through a wider range of behavioural definitions. More
Cint has added Helene Stafferöd Westerlund as Chief Technology Officer, heading up its global technology objectives as part of its executive team. More
Online community specialist CMNTY corporation has announced a partnership with first-party data and insights platform Dynata, promising to help brands improve audience engagement via a more complete picture of customers. More
UK industry charity the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA) is asking for donations for its annual auction, which provides funds to research industry execs and their families who have fallen on hard times. More
Paris, France-based MR firm OpinionWay has expanded to Poland, opening offices in Krakow and Warsaw. More
In the UK James Whitmore, the MD of out-of-home (OOH) audience research body Route, is to step down for health reasons. Company Chair Katherine Almond is leading the search for a replacement. More
In the US, focus group facilities and recruiting services company L&E Research has expanded with the acquisition of the midtown Manhattan office of Consumer Center. More
In the US, conjoint analysis and MaxDiff tools provider Sawtooth Software has partnered with digital rewards platform Rybbon, aiming to increase response rates by offering automated rewards. More
Ipsos has reported a 14.5% increase in full-year revenue to slightly more than EUR 2 billion; with organic, constant currency growth of 3.8%, the firm's best annual performance since 2011. More
Nielsen Holdings has announced 2019 revenues of $6.498bn, equivalent to a 1.7% rise at constant currency, although a fall of 0.3% as reported. Q4 revenues were $1.69bn, up 2.0% on a reported basis and 2.7% in constant currency terms. More
In Rotterdam, Netherlands, global consumer agency InSites Consulting has appointed former Haystack Consulting exec Kjell Massen as Business Director; and moved Margot Schuil to the role of Global Client Partner. Niels Schillewaert takes over Schuil's former role as country MD. More
Stockholm, Sweden-based brand tracking and consumer science specialist Nepa has promoted Ann-Christine Fick to the position of Chief Financial Officer, while Michael Wallin joins in the newly created role of Head of Investor Relations. More
London-based 'customer understanding' platform Chattermill has raised £6.2m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to expand its offices in London and Berlin. New hires will include engineers, data scientists, enterprise sales and marketing experts. More
Oslo, Norway-based data collection specialist Norstat has appointed Mats Beck as Head of its newly established Strategy and M&A unit. More
In the UK, the Centre for Homelessness Impact and the Office for National Statistics have jointly developed a tool to provide insight into the conditions required to tackle homelessness. More
Adam Crozier, former CEO of broadcaster ITV, the Football Association and Royal Mail, has been named Non-Executive Chairman of Kantar. More
In the UK, three former employees of 2CV Research - Adam Short, Ollie Willis and Alex Nketiah - have launched a global full-service insight agency called The Point, promising clients in the tech, entertainment and sport sectors 'better understanding'. More
US online survey software provider QuestionPro has opened an office in London, with plans to grow it to fifteen people across sales, marketing and customer success during the year. More
Ipsos has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in survey technology provider Askia, and says it will tap the firm's expertise and technology to develop the 'survey platform of the future'. More
Next15's data and insights group Savanta has announced the acquisition of the UK business of Future Thinking, which has 61 staff in offices in Oxford and London. Future Thinking France and the Gemseek division, which employ most of the Group's c.350 staff, are not part of the deal. More
Research, media and events provider Informa Tech is bringing together its analysis and research units into a single entity. Ovum, Heavy Reading, Tractica and most of what was previously IHS Markit's TMT research business will be unified under the new brand, Omdia. More
Following its acquisition of WPP AUNZ's Data Investment Management (DIM) division, Kantar has announced a number of steps which it says will help drive growth for its clients in Australia, including the retirement of the Colmar Brunton brand in the country. More
French healthcare sector fieldwork agency QualWorld has expanded its presence to twelve countries including Sweden, Poland and India. More
British broadcaster ITV has appointed rival Channel 4's Head of Data Science Sanjeevan Bala as Group Chief Data & AI Officer. He will take up his new position in May. More
In Australia, financial services insights and consulting firm DBM has appointed former National Australia Bank exec Kipling Zubevich as its new CEO. Co-founder Dhruba Gupta will continue to focus on business development and promoting the firm's DBM Atlas survey. More
Colorado-based Egg Strategy is moving its corporate headquarters within the state, from Boulder to Denver - where more than 40 percent of its nearly 70 employees live. More
Lab-based research specialist MediaScience, which uses traditional, biometric and neuroscience tools to study conscious and emotional reactions to media and ads, has opened a tech-focused qual division, HARK Connect. Former Ipsos exec Elissa Moses will lead the new team as Managing Partner. More
Market intelligence and content services specialist Netscribes has expanded its network of offices in India, and grown its workforce to more than 1,000 worldwide. More
P-O Westerlund has been named CEO of Sweden-based brand tracking and consumer science firm Nepa AB, replacing Fredrik Östgren who leaves the company with immediate effect. More
One-year-old immersive research firm Further&Further has added a fourth office in Chicago, to existing locations in Montreal, New York and London. Eve Ejsmont and Brian Flannery join the new office as Directors while Matthew Pemberton joins the Montreal office as a Film Director. More
Century City, CA-based TV, film and video research firm Screen Engine/ASI (SE/ASI) has announced a strategic partnership with insight community company My-Take, to offer clients recruitment of fans and customers into private advisory or VIP consumer panels of 1,000 to 100,000 members. More
In the US, media and entertainment conglomerate WarnerMedia has appointed former Nielsen exec Cheryl Idell as Executive Vice President, Chief Research Officer of its Entertainment & Direct-to-Consumer divisions. More
In London, voice technology firm Phebi has introduced a new product, which it claims makes it easy to 'voice-enable' any survey. More
US-based customer experience platform AskNicely has opened its first European office in Amsterdam, where the firm's expansion will be led by Kyle Bolster, Vice President and General Manager for Europe. More
London-based full-service agency Opinium is to open an office in Brussels, under the leadership of Director Emily Dickinson. More
Memories are short (well ours are anyway) and when we started our summary of 'the MR world in 2002' we expected to find an industry deeply affected by the global downturn of that year. Only when we got reading did we remember that of course, until 2009, research used to be recession-proof! More
In Newcastle-upon-Tyne, full-service agency Explain Market Research has undergone a management buyout, with founder David Shiel selling his controlling 75% stake. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
In the UK, television audience measurement body BARB has begun reporting of unduplicated programme reach and time spent viewing figures across multiple screens. More
Dutch full service agency DVJ Insights has opened an office in Hamburg, and appointed GfK veterans Erk Maassen and Stephan Knäble as Managing Partners, to lead and develop it. More
Tech and consumer specialist Breaking Blue Research is formally joining sister agency Cello Health Insight, in a move which the firms say will add specialist expertise to strengthen the overall business insights and analytics offer. More
Digital advertising industry body IAB UK has hired Elizabeth Lane for the newly created role of Head of Research and Measurement; Dominic Tillson as Head of Industry Relationships and Initiatives; and Antonio Forte as Industry Initiatives Executive. More
Researchers at Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications are collaborating with Comscore, to identify the causes of advertising avoidance and audience drop-off during commercial airings. More
Full-service pharma market research and consultancy firm ThinkGen has hired former GfK Healthcare COO Bart Weiner as President, joining two ex-colleagues and replacing founder Noah Pines who moves to the role of Chief Executive. More
Nielsen has appointed David Rawlinson as Chief Executive Officer of its Global Connect business, while Linda Zukauckas will take up the position of Chief Financial Officer of the Global Media business. Both will join on February 3rd. More
Recently formed, UK-based 'data-driven strategy group' STRAT7 has launched a data collection and analytics service called Citizen, offering research agencies targeted access to 110 million consumers in 85 countries. More
Comscore has expanded its box office measurement service to cover all theatrical film releases across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), following the latter's recent opening of commercial cinemas after a 35-year 'pause'. More
Snacks company pladis has brought in former PepsiCo Asia Pacific Insights & Analytics Lead Geoff Painter as Chief Insights Officer, starting today. More
Panel firm Bilendi has announced four senior hires for its UK sales team: Ian Roberts joins as Sales Director, Sarah Hillis as Senior Sales Manager, Daniel Paraschiv as Senior Business Development Manager and Charlene Adamah as Senior Key Accounts Manager. More
The Stagwell Group, owner of the Harris and Harris Poll brands, has created a central marketing team with several new hires and promotions, including the appointment of former Kantar exec Anas Ghazi as Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer. More
In Germany, three former employees of survey software developer Netigate have set up an experience management (XM) company called digitell.me, based in Cologne. More
A new firm called Oasis Intelligence has been launched in Los Angeles, offering access to consumer insights at scale, for marketers in the cannabis and hemp industry, as well as related sectors. More
UKOM, the body which defines and governs Britain's online audience measurement standard, has appointed Ipsos as its new supplier from January 2021. It replaces Comscore, which has held the contract since 2012. More
UK-based Measure Protocol, a blockchain marketplace for person-level data, has raised £2m in a funding round led by digital data collection specialist Dynata and venture firm Blockchain Valley Ventures. Medical fieldwork business Medicys also took part. More
In the UK, Cambridge Market Research (CMR) has hired former Future Thinking UK MD Adele Gritten as its first Chief Executive Officer. More
London-based qual-led insight and strategy specialist BritainThinks is handing the majority ownership of its business to an employee trust, set up on behalf of its team. More
This is 2019's last edition of Daily Research News. We wish a very Merry Christmas to all those celebrating it, and a Happy New Year and a great holiday to all readers, clients, contributors, partners and friends around the world. DRNO resumes in the first week of 2020. More
In Longmont, Colorado, researcher Chris Hauck has announced the launch of a new consultancy, HauckEye, focusing on the observation of subjects in real life situations. More
Canada-based online qual technology and service provider itracks has received $1.1m in growth financing, from Western Economic Diversification's Business Scale-up and Productivity program (BSP). More
Comscore has expanded its partnership with London-based movie theatre market analyst Gower Street Analytics (GSA), to include film comparisons in its own Box Office Essentials solutions. More
Automotive industry research specialist J.D. Power is to merge with sister company Autodata Solutions, a provider of data and software solutions for the sector. More
Britain's pollsters did well in the General Election campaign, with some individual companies and the overall average predicting actual vote share very accurately. All underestimated the scale of the Conservative majority - seats still being harder to call than votes - but the science behind both is developing. More
Manhattan-based qual facility The Focus Room has opened a center in Westminster, California - a few minutes from Huntington Beach, the border of Los Angeles County. More
Retail data firm The NPD Group has appointed Darren Person as Global Chief Information Officer, and Robert Taylor as SVP, Enterprise Systems. More
Kantar has hired Pete Rumpel as Chief Executive Officer of its Media Division in North America. He succeeds Manish Bhatia, who has moved into the position of Chief Product Officer for the division. More
2001, like 1984, was a year for which fiction had given us very specific expectations, and while disappointingly little coasted through the heavens to the strains of the 'Blue Danube', some MR industry giants certainly soared. Here's our review of the year on DRNO. More
Kantar Chief Executive Eric Salama has decided to step down from his role at some point in 2020, after which he will serve as a non-executive Director and Consultant at the company. Kantar has already begun the process of recruiting a successor. More
US market research directory publisher and blogger GreenBook has taken on production of the former Honomichl / AMA Gold Top 50 Report. The 2019 edition, just published, reveals a good year for the industry with the 269 companies covered growing revenue by 3.7% in real terms to $29.43bn. More
Harriet Kozak, President of the Philadelphia office of healthcare specialist Research Partnership, is to retire at the end of the year. She is replaced from January 2nd 2020 by Sabera Hyderally, who currently serves as Director of MedTech, North America. More
Digital research firm MetrixLab has opened an office in Delhi, India, from where it will serve existing global clients, and support new clients across the region. More
US professional body The Insights Association has named former Dynata EVP Melanie Courtright as its Chief Executive Officer, beginning January 1st and succeeding David Almy. More
WPP has announced that Michelle Harrison will move from CEO to non-executive Chair of its Government Practice - which she has led since its inception in 2012 - so as to focus on her role as Global CEO of Kantar's Public division. Global MD Sean Howard steps up to the vacant CEO role. More
Toluna has been awarded a U.S. patent for a new routing algorithm allowing dynamic profiling. The system pre-qualifies respondents on demographics such as country, age, income and education, and cross-references them with other data to establish qualification for a survey. More
Ipsos,60318, Population Services International and Matchboxology won the inaugural Liz Nelson Award for Social Impact, at last night's annual MRS Awards ceremony in London; while Kantar Profiles Division won the overall Grand Prix Award for Greatest Impact. More
Canadian consumer and audience insights company Vividata has announced a partnership with consumer segmentation specialist Manifold Data Mining, applying the latter's Polaris Intelligence platform to the former's large-scale, established research studies. More
UK-based insight industry language specialist RP Translate has been re-named EMPOWER Translate (Global). More
Today it's exactly 21 years since MrWeb was officially launched - a traditional coming-of-age here in the UK. In Internet terms, 21 is ancient really, and we'll do a bit of looking backward over the next few weeks, but we also have major plans for the coming year. Details here - and your feedback wanted! More
Facebook has launched a market research app called Viewpoints, paying users to take part in surveys. The company says it won't sell or share the resulting data with third parties. More
Hamburg, Germany-based market research platform Appinion has re-launched its consumer panel app, and is preparing to roll it out globally. More
Research agency Roy Morgan has taken the unusual step of calling out a newspaper, The Australian, for its 'fake news' reporting of its own circulation figures. More
Digital data collection agency Research on Mobile has moved its headquarters from Beirut to Paris, and says that after a successful first year Europe is emerging as its biggest market, overtaking MENA. More
South African cross-platform audience measure the Establishment Survey will produce its final data next month, after a review by operator Kantar TNS and industry bodies the PRC and BRC. More
In New York, Nielsen Global Connect has hired IBM exec Jacqueline Woods as Chief Marketing Officer, starting on December 1st. More
Cincinnati, OH-based verbatim analysis software company Ascribe has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany, where it has appointed former ASKi‐Data exec Gustav Jaeckel as European Director of Services. More
Kantar has partnered with media consumption measurement specialist VTION, to roll out what the companies are calling 'India's first continuous OTT audience measurement solution'. More
India's MRUC (Media Research Users Council) has invited agency partners to pitch for the contract to conduct its Indian Readership Survey (IRS), as the council's three-year contract with Nielsen comes to an end. More
Research tech provider Interactive Video Productions has rebranded as IVP Research Labs, reflecting its broader range of services including neuroscience and biometric offerings. More
In Belgium, former Haystack execs Wim Hamaekers and Jasper Scheir have launched an insights consultancy called One Inch Whale, which promises to help people and brands to be 'relevant and sustainable'. More
DIY research firm SurveyMonkey has reported results for the quarter ended September 30th, with revenue up 22% to $79.3m. Net loss was $16.3m, slashed from $102.4m a year earlier with operating costs falling sharply, although adjusted EBITDA fell from $17.0m to $11.5m. More
Leuven, Belgium-based multisensory researcher Haystack International is changing its name to Haystack Consulting, stressing its focus on evidence-based consulting, as opposed to 'pure data delivery'. The move follows 'a thorough reflection and transformation process' over the past few months. More
Nielsen has completed its strategic review, and announced plans to spin off its Global Connect business (similar, but not identical to the former 'Buy' segment), creating two independent publicly traded companies. The company also posted a respectable 2.4% constant currency revenue rise for Q3. More
Ipsos has launched a self-service research platform called Ipsos.Digital, offering clients simplified access to global research capabilities and insights. More
US-based data collection and custom survey solutions provider SurveyHealthcare has changed its name to SurveyHealthcareGlobus (SHG), following an acquisition and underlining its continuing global reach. More
In the US, Sony Pictures has promoted Chris Liberge and Kate Donnelly, both taking the title of Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing and Research. The pair will co-run Sony's new group of film-specific 'strategy pods'. More
In California, former JWT Intelligence director Lucie Greene has launched a futures, research and brand strategy consultancy called Light Years. More
Singapore-based market research and data platform Milieu Insight has raised $2.4m in a pre-A round of funding, which it will use for product development and to expand to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. More
US-based research agency Gongos has opened a Strategy & Implementation practice, to help BtoC and BtoB organizations develop and embed customer-centric strategies into their organizations. The new division will be led by Amy Perifanos in the role of Vice President, Strategy & Implementation. More
US-based sample solutions provider InnovateMR has opened a new headquarters in Calabasas, California - adding to existing locations in Connecticut, London, Ahmedabad and New Delhi. The firm says its headcount has doubled during 2019. More
London-based boutique insights agency 2CV has promoted Sabine Cronick - previously Head of Quant - to Managing Director, UK; and Jennifer Axen, previously Head of Qual, to MD North America. More
Ipsos has reported organic growth of 3% in the third quarter of the year. Reported revenue rose fully 16.7% to EUR 499.4m, driven by the acquisition of units of GfK since last year, and to a lesser extent by that of Synthesio and by currency effects. More
In a trading update for the third quarter, WPP has reported its first like-for-like (LFL) revenue increase of the year - with insight division Kantar sharing in the improvement. Group reported revenue rose 1.9% LFL to £3.29bn. More
UK-based specialist insight translation agency RP Translate has closed a £150,000 ($195,000) round of funding, earmarked for the creation of bespoke translation technology for global market research projects. More
In the UK, person-based, blockchain-powered data marketplace Measure Protocol has added community functionality into its MSR App, initially in partnership with global consumer insights agency Interpret, which will use it for a new video gaming community. More
TV audience measurement body BARC India has announced that founding CEO Partho Dasgupta is leaving the position, and will be replaced by Sunil Lulla. More
In the UK, former Cambridge MR Managing Director Mark Bagnall has set up his own agency ESP Live, which will focus on two areas of consumer research - development of products and techniques to re-shape the way research is conducted, and measurement of experiential marketing campaigns. More
For the first time in seven years, more UK marketers told the IPA's Bellwether survey their budgets decreased than increased during the third quarter of 2019 - although the change from the previous quarter was small. Figures for MR were the worst of any sub-sector and the worst in seven years. More
Online communities specialist InSites Consulting has renamed its Australian company Direction First in line with the group branding. Founder Erica Van Lieven remains at the helm of what is now InSites Consulting Australia, with the title of MD. More
Turkish radio industry body RIAK has commissioned Kantar to deliver the Turkish radio audience ratings service for the next five years. More
London-based strategic insights firm Firefish has promoted Daniel Rose to the position of Managing Director of its qualitative, cultural insight and human strategy business, Firefish UK. He replaces Lisa Hill. More
Business research provider B2B International has opened an office in Boston, Massachusetts. More
Digital research company MetrixLab has opened an office in Sydney, Australia, where it has promoted Vincent Blaney for the newly created role of Managing Director. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA has recruited RDSi director David Power to manage its quant and analytics offer, which is being rebranded as 'Crowd Numbers'. Power will join the firm in November. More
US researcher David Butler has launched a consultancy called Birch Healthcare Insights, to help payers, providers and practices understand what is important to patients and consumers. More
San Francisco-based employee engagement insight specialist Lattice has raised $25m in a Series C round of funding, which it will invest in product development. More
In the US, online community and survey tech provider Toluna has launched a specialized practice focused on the needs of the Media & Entertainment industry, led by long-time company exec Patricia Chapin-Bayley. More
Kantar has been awarded the contract to deliver national radio ratings currency in Sweden for the four years commencing on 1st August 2020. More
In India, Kantar and artificial intelligence platform Frrole have partnered to launch a service called 'TGI Social+', which combines consumer profiles from Kantar's consumer survey TGI with social media analytics to provide a 'holistic' understanding of online consumers. More
Continuing our month-long in-depth look at online communities, Nick Thomas talks to InSites Consulting co-founder and CEO Kristof De Wulf about buying UK online research pioneer Join the Dots, its fourth acquisition in 18 months; and about plans for the future. More
British retailer M&S has hired former GroupM exec Mehdi Hosseini for a newly created role, Head of Data Science, including responsibility for recruiting for up to twenty new roles in the near future. More
YouGov has reported a 17% increase in revenue to £136.5m for the full year ended 31st July. The UK led the way with revenue growing by 31%, while the US also fared well with a 17% rise. More
Comcast Spotlight, the advertising sales division of TV and telecoms firm Comcast Cable, has promoted Andrea Zapata to Vice President of Data Innovation and Insights, overseeing a newly formed Data Innovation and Insights team. More
In London, former Save the Children insight leads Tom Skilbeck and Matt Williams have launched a consultancy called Chemistry Insight, dedicated exclusively to charities, movements and brands that 'seek to do good'. More
UK-based Brandwatch has transformed its leadership team with the addition of Guy Berruyer as Chairman of its Board, Fergus Gloster as an NED, Eva Klein as Chief Customer Officer, Dan Freund as Chief Sales Officer, and Ian Collins as CFO. More
A group of advertisers including EA, Mastercard, P&G and Unilever has launched a global initiative called the Cross Media Working Group, designed to ensure the advertiser's voice is heard in decisions on cross-media measurement. More
In the US, out of home (OOH) audience measurement body Geopath has announced that its 'Insights' platform has been approved and launched as the industry currency for OOH measurement. More
Continuing our month-long focus on online communities Stephen Cribbett, CEO and founder of Further looks at projects where communities excel, offering huge benefits over other formats - with case studies of work for Bupa, VouchForMe, Condé Nast and Keyhouse software. More
Market insight consultancy Skopos has made a 'sizeable' investment in UK tech firm HearMe Scientific (HMSL), with the two firms forming a joint venture to focus on the development of apps and platforms for digital engagement and analytics. More
London-based research technology firm Liveminds has officially expanded to the US with the opening of an office in Chicago. More
London-based market research and healthcare translation specialist GlobaLexicon has doubled its European Operations Centre capacity in Seville, Spain. More
Full-service agency Sapio Research is moving offices in the City of London, to make space for two new members of staff: Office Manager Sheila Duke and neuropsychologist Sinead McIntyre. More
Sweden-based holding company Modern Times Group MTG AB (MTG) has announced a partnership with Nielsen, providing sponsorship valuation and media measurement for its esports portfolio companies ESL Gaming GmbH and DreamHack. More
Our month-long focus on online communities continues with another podcast. Samsung's Director of European Countries CMI on work-life and other kinds of balance; the extremes of 'agile'; working on communities with Verve; backing up insights; and why brands should 'get out more'. More
Richard Millington of FeverBee lives and breathes online communities and has helped build them for everyone from Apple to Lego to the UN, but he's not first and foremost an insights professional. Communities have many other uses - so where do we sit in the bigger picture? More
Off-line media measurement firm Freckle has announced its integration with newly established Out of Home ad buying and planning specialist Quan Media Group, promising brands detailed advertising attribution for outdoor campaigns. More
Washington, DC-based research and consulting firm Luntz Global Partners has rebranded as Storyline Strategies, as it repositions itself with a wider offer and a focus on innovative methods. More
Shopper and product experience specialist PRS IN VIVO has expanded its global Luxury Practice, and added the concept of 'Happiness Science' to its behavioral science offering. More
Continuing our month-long focus on Online Communities, Andy Buckley, Head of Client Solutions at Join the Dots / InSites Consulting argues that communities need to 'step up their game' by giving clients access to a much wider range of methodologies and tools. Includes 3 case study summaries. More
New Jersey-based MR and applied consumer neuroscience company HCD Research has been awarded a patent for a new approach to mapping mood, product marketability and promotion, through physiological measures. More
The first of a dozen articles from our 21st birthday celebration feature looking at Online Communities. The inspirational Isaac Rogers, CEO of 20|20 Research talks about blockchain patents; running a cattle ranch; heroes, villains... and mom. Read excerpts here and click through for the full Happy MR podcast. More
Manchester-based kids, tweens and teens specialist Kids Insights has launched its first Asia Pacific business, Kids Insights India. More
US-based consumer psychology expert Strategic Vision is opening its first office in India, located in Hyderabad and led by Ravindra 'Ravi' Kondagunta, in partnership with his company Traction Labs. More
Consumer data giant IRI and location intelligence firm PlaceIQ have further extended their partnership, integrating the latter anonymous foot traffic data in the former's Liquid Data loyalty card and point-of-sale analysis platform. More
In the US, trade association the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) has announced that it will lead a drive to move local broadcast measurement from a ratings-based to an impressions-based system. More
Recently-formed Texas-based data collection firm Veridata Insights has launched an automated project platform covering the research process from sampling through to dashboards and analytics. More
Consumer insights platform DISQO has appointed former MarketShare and Neustar executive Jean-Philippe Durrios as CFO and COO, based in its Los Angeles headquarters and charged with leading its plans for rapid growth. More
Schmiedl Marktforschung, the German subsidiary of data collection and research services provider Schlesinger Group, has opened a fully furnished research home in Berlin called 'The Apartment', allowing respondents to test and interact with brands and products in a relaxed, comfortable, home-like environment. More
Brighton, UK-based digital consumer intelligence company Brandwatch has unveiled new flagship product, Consumer Research, representing a '$50m investment' and integrating technology from social media analyst Crimson Hexagon, which it acquired last autumn. More
London-based research and analytics company YouGov has added a new partner in Japan, long-established agency Nippon Research Centre (NRC). The move extends its new affiliate Global Partnerships Programme across APAC. More
Paris-based qual and UX specialist MindSpark Research International is moving offices to make space for new two members of staff, design anthropologists Alicia Dornadic and Elvin Tuygan. More
On 29th November 1998 MrWeb - publisher of DRNO - officially launched with the appearance of its first job ad. To celebrate our twenty-first birthday we're publishing special supplements on five major growth areas in the sector, beginning this month with online communities. More
UK-based brand research agency The Nursery has merged with recently acquired Arkenford, and moved to refurbished offices in Rathbone Place, London W1. More
US-based qual insights and technology firm 20|20 Research has won a patent for methods using virtual environments in behavioral research, including the ability to instantly manipulate the environment based on a user's vision patterns and demographics. More
Toronto, Canada-based online sample and market research technology specialist WiseWorks has opened a new office in Ahmedabad, India, which will be led by Nimai Sharma. More
In Washington D.C., former Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) EVP Jason Boxt has launched a consultancy called 3W Insights, helping clients with their branding, messaging and communications strategy. More
Cello Health-owned audience intelligence specialist Pulsar has enhanced its TRAC social media listening tool with data drawn from 5.5 million medical conversations taking place on online physician community SERMO. More
Escalent (formerly Market Strategies International-Morpace) has announced that Chief Information Officer Sharna Morelli has decided to retire, while John Sivak has been promoted to Senior Vice President, leading the firm's IT division from its Livonia, MI headquarters. More
Maru/Blue has announced a dozen appointments, including the promotion of Tara Caughlin to Senior Director of Operations in New York; and in Canada Angela Tang to Senior Director on the Sample and Feasibilty team and Lauren McHoul to Sampling and Feasibility Manager. More
Birmingham, UK-based video feedback, insights and analytics company Voxpopme has closed a £7.5m ($9m) Series A1 round of equity financing, which it will use to fund further investment in its platform and add to its global team. More
Recently formed group STRAT7 has launched a specialist business strategy offering called STRAT7+, based in Stockholm. Martin Hörnqvist, former CEO of toymaker BRIO, joins to lead it. More
The insight sector around the world including traditional and new areas turned over around $80bn in 2018, according to ESOMAR's annual Global MR report - up from $76bn in 2017. New areas such as data analytics accounted for most but not all of the growth, rising around 10% year-on-year. More
In the US, Kantar has partnered with voice app testing platform Pulse Labs, to understand the motivation behind consumers' usage of voice assistant technology. More
Sample provider P2Sample has partnered with not-for-profit organization Women in Research (WIRe), to launch a study which evaluates the percentage of women in MR executive roles. Across 133 firms analysed, only a third (36%) of exec roles were occupied by women. More
Seoul, South Korea-based video research and targeting company methinks has hired Aaron Burcell as Chief Executive Officer. More
Long-time Kantar exec Graham Page has joined US emotion measurement specialist Affectiva as Global MD of Media Analytics, leading a unit focused on the application of emotion analytics to content, media testing and the customer experience. More
In New York, SIS International Research has launched a blockchain consulting division, offering strategy consulting and market research for clients working with the technology. More
Melbourne, Australia-based mobile researcher MDI has expanded its footprint to London, with the appointment of former GfK NOP leader Arno Hummerston as Director - Europe. More
In the US, employee engagement, retention and performance specialist Culture Amp has raised $82m in a Series E round of funding, which it will use for global expansion. More
US-based Further&Further, which combines qual research methods with immersive documentary film-making, has opened a European office, based in London. Former CrowdDNA director Kelvin Amos joins the office as European Managing Director. More
Dan Hess, former Comscore Chief Product Officer, has joined retail data specialist The NPD Group to lead its global product development and management. More
In the US, sensory and consumer product research specialist Curion says it has appointed thirty-five new employees this year, supporting rapid growth and the launch of three new services. More
Marcoms giant WPP is to open a new campus in San Francisco, in the heart of the US tech industry, where it will house more than 1,000 people from its companies around the city. More
Australian insights consultancy Fiftyfive5 has expanded its teams in Sydney and Melbourne over the past six months, with the appointment of fourteen new members of staff. More
In London, online community specialist C Space has launched a suite of solutions called 'Customer as a Service' (CaaS), which combines multiple sources of data, technology and commercial consultancy to understand the customer and place them at the heart of the organisation. More
Consumer and audience insights company Vividata has partnered with mobile research technology firm RealityMine, digital data collection specialist Delvinia, and Ipsos, to launch what it calls the first passive panel of its kind in Canada. More
Independent fieldwork agency Nordic Viewpoint has opened a new viewing facility in Stockholm, Sweden, adding to its existing base in Gothenburg. More
In the UK, the management team of specialist medical device MR consultancy Creative Medical Research (CMR), led by CEO George Ashford, has completed a 'multi-million pound' buyout of the company. More
Marcoms network WPP is to launch two co-location campuses in India, with more than 3,800 people due to move into a new Mumbai Campus later this month, and the establishment of a Gurugram Campus next year. More
In the US, software platform SurveySparrow has partnered with online gifting platform Rybbon in a deal which allows users to create mobile-first surveys and automate the process of respondent incentive delivery. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has appointed former MetrixLab exec Nicholas Langeveld as Managing Director for North America. More
Eye tracking hardware and software pioneer Tobii AB must fully divest recently acquired Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd, after a ruling by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). More
Digital research firm MetrixLab has appointed four Regional Managing Directors: Angela Morgans for Europe, Rebeca Dreicon for LATAM, Rob Valsler for AMEA, and Kevin Moran for North America. Meanwhile two new teams will focus on innovation in the company's product portfolio. More
In the US, data collection and fieldwork services firm Opinions Ltd has opened its newest testing center, in Staten Island, New York. More
Marcoms group WPP AUNZ has agreed to sell its entire stake in insight and analytics arm Kantar in Australia and New Zealand, as part of the global sale of Kantar shares to Bain Capital. The deal values the ANZ business at $AUD 168m. More
In London, media researcher RSMB has appointed Chris Mundy as Chief Executive, following Steve Wilcox's decision to step aside from a full-time role at the company. More
Next15's data and insights group Savanta has hired five new US employees while announcing a move to a larger office in New York City. More
Jacob Lagerstedt has returned to data collection company Norstat as Managing Director of its specialist International division, which is responsible for clients and business development in overseas markets. He is based in the firm's Stockholm office. More
Canadian polling, MR and strategy provider Leger has named Steve Perrone, co-founder of its Leger Metrics division, as its Chief Technology Officer. He will now oversee tech development for the group's three digital divisions: Leger Opinion, Leger Metrics and Leger Community. More
Research software company SurveyMonkey has reported a 20% increase in second quarter revenue to $75.1m, driven by a 12% rise in the number of paying users and higher average revenue per user. Net loss was up almost 50% to $18.48m, although adjusted EBITDA was positive at $10.3m. More
In Africa, marketing services network WPP ScanGroup is to meet an obligation to sell two of its subsidiaries, following parent company WPP's decision to sell 60% of Kantar to private equity firm Bain Capital. More
Los Angeles-based consumer insights business MarketCast Group has appointed long-time media and entertainment exec John Batter as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Henry Shapiro who has moved into the position of Chairman. More
London-based qual-led insight and strategy specialist BritainThinks has promoted both Cordelia Hay and Anastasia Knox to the newly created position of Associate Partner. Also promoted are Holly Wicks, Michael Allard, Hettie Hill and Katharine Allen. More
Ipsos has generated revenue of EUR 903.4m in the first half of 2019, up 14.9% compared with the first six months of 2018. Organic growth for the half year was 3.0%. More
Ipsos has acquired a 10% stake in Oslo, Norway-based employee and customer experience management company Questback. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
US-based customer insights platform UserTesting has opened its first international office, in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it has appointed Bruce Hunter as European Regional Vice President. More
Microsoft has tapped its experience of helping business to test the impact of IT changes, to develop a campaign testing service called Experiments, to be offered shortly to users of its ad platform. More
In the US, research and strategy consultancy LRWGreenberg has announced the formation of LRWGreenberg Gaming, a team led by Vice President Collin Leirvik and focused on what the firm says is 'now the dominant force in global entertainment'. More
Kantar has completed the integration of societal impact consultancy InterMedia into its Public division, thus expanding its Washington D.C. office and strengthening the division's growing Development Practice. More
Silicon Valley customer experience feedback specialist Medallia has made a successful debut on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $326m from its IPO and then opening $34 a share, a 62% premium for investors. More
ITWP, the parent company of Toluna, Harris Interactive Europe and KuRunData, has hired Michele Morelli as SVP of Global Marketing Strategy; promoted Tsahi Ben-Yosef to SVP of Product Innovation; and promoted Mathilde Lelievre to EVP of Global Operations. More
In the US, the Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) has hired Andra Davidson as Executive Director, effective immediately. More
Buyout firms Court Square Capital Management LP and HGGC LLC are said to be working with investment bank Evercore Inc. to explore the sale of digital data collection specialist Dynata, with reports suggesting the price tag could exceed $3bn, including debt. More
Data collection and research services provider Schlesinger Group has partnered with private equity firm Gauge Capital to help fund acquisitions to grow its geographical scope and service capabilities. More
Escalent, formerly Market Strategies International-Morpace, has promoted Mark Carpenter from Research Director to Joint MD of its European office based in Surrey, UK. More
Following Friday's announcement that WPP is to sell 60% of Kantar to private equity firm Bain Capital, more details are emerging of the firm's plans, including possible eCommerce acquisitions and expansion of services like Kantar Marketplace. More
Indonesia-based research and neuroscience start-up Neurosensum has followed up a recent $1.8m funding win with the launch of a new research tool, SurveySensum, and says it aims to double its size to around 90 employees by the end of the year. More
Rival Technologies, the insight tech business headed up by Vision Critical founder Andrew Reid, has raised more than $CAD 8.5m from Canadian investors, for use in continued platform development and to expand sister company Reach3 Insights. More
Automated MR platform Zappi and insight marketplace and MR tech provider Cint have announced a partnership to provide 'an integrated technology solution' giving Zappi customers results 'even faster than before, within hours', at much-reduced cost and with 'total control of their data'. More
WPP has agreed to sell 60% of its data, research, consulting and analytics business Kantar to private equity firm Bain Capital, in a deal which values the whole of Kantar at around £3.2bn ($4.0bn). More
US research and MR training company Burke Inc. has promoted Tara Marotti to the role of Chief Client Officer (CCO), succeeding Diane Surette, Burke's President and CEO-designee. More
London-based market research and healthcare translation specialist GlobaLexicon has hired fifteen new team members in the first half of the year, and announced 20% growth in revenue. More
Nielsen and retail and consumer goods image recognition and analytics firm Trax have launched three new offerings, designed to provide US brands with access to both episodic and continuous views of shelf conditions. More
Digital research and marketing analytics firm MetrixLab has promoted Thijs Elias to the role of Chief Executive Officer, replacing co-founder Jan Willem Gerritsen, who left the company in January. The position has since been held on an interim basis by Scott Ernst, Global CEO of parent company Macromill. More
UK-based advisory group Cello Health has opened an office in Berlin, where it has appointed Heike Tombrink as Regional Director, Head of Cello Health Insight Germany; and Matthias Heurich as Regional Director, supporting Digital Innovation. More
Insight exchange and tech platform Cint has announced a strategic partnership with data platform company Syno International, adding to the former's presence in APAC and EMEA, and to the survey audience available for clients of both firms. More
In the US, Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS), which provides election services to member-based organizations, has announced three new hires as part of a long-term succession plan. Dave J., John P. and Peter J. are sons of current co-owners Jon G. and Peter M. Westerhaus. More
German-based panel solutions and passive metering provider respondi has moved its London office to larger premises in the city. In addition, it has appointed Olga Yakovleva as Account Executive and Amar Sudra as Project Manager. More
Ad and brand researcher Hall & Partners has partnered with analytics, insights and AI specialist Course5 Intelligence, using the latter's AI-driven Optimizer Suite to reduce turnaround time and operational costs, while building efficiencies over time through the suite's self-learning algorithms. More
Amsterdam-headquartered consumer insights solutions provider Veylinx has opened its first US office in Brooklyn, New York, where it has appointed former Pollfish exec Nihad Zahri as US Business Development Director. More
WPP has confirmed this evening it is now in exclusive talks with private equity firm Bain Capital, over the sale of a majority stake in Kantar. More
WPP has sold its 25 percent stake in comms group Chime, the owner of insight firm Watermelon, to Chime's majority shareholder Providence Equity Partners, for £54.4m plus potential future payments. More
In the US, automated consumer insights platform Zappi has appointed Zontziry 'Z' Johnson as Vice President of Customer Transformation. More
In New York, language and tech solutions provider TransPerfect has acquired a minority stake in market research sector language specialist G3 Translate. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
Digital data collection specialist Dynata has launched a multi-supplier, automated research platform called Dynata Marketplace, through which researchers can combine the firm's first-party consumer data with that of multiple third-party providers. More
Outdoor ad company JCDecaux's Singapore subsidiary has launched a mobile intelligence-based metric called Streetside Audience Measurement (SAM), which the business claims delivers more accurate and recent data than existing out-of-home (OOH) measurement systems. More
Raymond Cyr, the founder of research software firm Voxco, has sold the business to private investment firm Pivoton Capital for an undisclosed sum. Pivoton's Managing Partner Sumit Aneja becomes Chief Executive Officer and Cyr will remain as an advisor during the handover period. More
Comscore and consumer media research lab MediaScience have announced a partnership to examine how and why cross-platform advertising works, while providing measurement of audience size, behavior, engagement and effect. More
Silicon Valley customer experience feedback specialist Medallia has filed for an IPO, seeking flexibility, working capital and options for acquisitions and investments. More
Verbatim analysis software company Ascribe has teamed up with Hamburg, Germany-based market and social research firm ASKi-Data to launch a new text analytics tool, ASKi-Data CX Snapshot. More
In London, the management team at agribusiness pricing, media, data and intelligence company AgriBriefing has bought the company for an undisclosed sum. More
WPP media agency network Mindshare has launched a 'NeuroLab' in its New York office, using EEG and Galvanic Skin Response technology to measure second-by-second, non-conscious neurological responses to brand stories and media. More
UK-based Insights People has created eight new jobs, after receiving backing from business support agency, GC Business Growth Hub. The company is also seeking to finalise another round of investment to further scale its US and European businesses, and to launch into Asia. More
In the US, long-time entertainment industry exec Bruce Friend has joined Century City, CA-based TV, film and video research firm Screen Engine/ASI (SE/ASI) in the newly created role of Chief Product and Innovation Officer. More
BARB, the UK television audience measurement currency, has commissioned Kantar to install its 'Focal Meters' technology into the BARB panel of homes. More
Former Edelman CEO David Brain has co-founded a market research firm called Stickybeak in New Zealand, in partnership with pollster David Talbot, designer Kyle Hickey, and technology specialist Brody Nelson. More
London-based data sharing software firm Privitar has closed a $40m Series B funding round, for use in accelerating the development of its compliance and privacy-focused products, and scaling rapidly in response to global demand. More
Marketing and MR Agency System 1 has reported flat constant currency revenue of £26.90m for the twelve month period ended 31st March 2019, and says it continues to invest heavily in its new AdRatings product. More
UK-based emotion analytics specialist Realeyes has raised $12.4m in a new round of investment, which it will use to fund expansion to Japan. More
In the US, global strategy and consumer insights company db5 has announced the return of Chris Hubble as Chief Executive Officer, after a three year stint developing and managing DIY research platform PopResearch (Pop). More
Kantar has set up an International Election Team, to provide forecasting, research and commentary for elections across the world. More
In Paris, MR firm OpinionWay has appointed long-time Kantar TNS exec Thierry Millon as Deputy Managing Director, in charge of its qualitative and co-creation activities. More
In the US, life sciences specialist Beghou Consulting has opened a Marketing Research practice, and hired pharma researcher Esin Izat to lead it. More
In San Francisco, brand intelligence and ad measurement company Survata has hired former Boost Media CEO Tim Krozek for a newly created role, President of Ad Measurement. More
In Australia, Kantar has promoted Leigh Mander and Jacqui Brandt to MD roles, leading the Sydney and Melbourne offices respectively. Meanwhile James Brown moves into the newly created position of National Head of Shopper. More
In the US, J.D. Power has partnered with DIY survey software company SurveyMonkey to help businesses tap into those insights from automotive owners and potential buyers which can be missed through traditional survey channels. More
Co-founder Julian Hadfield has left UK- and Australia-based specialist MR recruiter Resources Group, and retired from recruitment after nearly thirty years. More
New York-based SIS Research has launched a platform called 'SIS Data Science', which will use techniques including advanced analytics and data visualization to run its worldwide panels 'more efficiently and accurately'. More
Vista Equity Partners, a firm co-founded by Robert F. Smith, the richest African-American in the United States, has joined the list of bidders competing to buy a majority stake in WPP's insight and analytics arm Kantar. More
News Corp Australia has announced that it will continue to support its partner Newspoll, while looking to 'fix' the polling system. This follows the newspaper group Nine's decision to end its contract with Ipsos over election predictions. More
In Australia, newspaper group Nine News has ended its contract with Ipsos after it failed - in common with all the other pollsters in the country - to predict the election victory of Prime Minister Scott Morrison. More
London-based behavioural insights consultancy Irrational Agency has announced that co-founder Elina Halonen is leaving the firm, to pursue independent work in the MR and consumer insights space alongside her academic research. Her co-founder Leigh Caldwell continues at the helm of Irrational. More
Research software company SurveyMonkey has launched a cloud-based European data centre for new enterprise customers, allowing it to host data for customers located or doing business in the region. More
Veriglif, a New York-based company which promises to 'unlock value for buyers, sellers & creators of personal data', is emerging from 'stealth' mode and beginning a rapid push towards full commercialization. More
Neuromarketing and analytics company Neuro-Insight has promoted Shazia Ginai to the role of UK Chief Executive Officer, replacing Heather Andrew who will continue to serve on the Group Board as a Non-Executive Director. Ginai takes up her new position on 1st June. More
New York-based neuroanalytics specialist SPARK Neuro is opening an office in Washington, DC next month, and is also planning an opening in Europe. More
Reports from several sources suggest that WPP has shortlisted private equity investors Bain Capital, Apollo, Platinum and a fourth undisclosed company to submit bids to buy a majority stake in its insight and analytics arm Kantar. More
WPP's data, insights and consulting company Kantar has launched the 'Profiles Network', offering permission-based, GDPR compliant access to around 88 million people in 70 countries. The launch combines panel information from Kantar Profiles Division (formerly known as Lightspeed) with that from 28 additional organizations. More
In the US, Market Strategies International-Morpace has rebranded as 'Escalent'. The new name comes from the word 'escalate', which the firm says reflects its mission to help organizations accelerate, develop and grow. More
In the UK, five independent consultants have come together to launch a new research group called Insight Leaders. More
Organisations from India, Japan, France and Canada have teamed up to launch GAMMA, the Global Alliance for the Measurement of Media Audiences. The new body, headed by Global MD Brad Bedford, aims to align operational processes and technical standards in the sector. More
Santa Monica, California-based analytics firm Measured has launched out of stealth mode, after two years of development and testing of its platform, which helps clients optimise their marketing mix using always-on A/B experimentation. More
Sample management platform Cint has opened a second German office, in Munich, and hired former Dynata exec Oliver Tjarks to lead it as SVP Sales, Cint Deutschland GmbH. Senior Sales Director Patrycja Reinhart and Sales Director Marc Sörgel also join the office. More
Business intelligence, research and events group Informa plc has formally launched a new division, Informa Tech, bringing together research, media, training and events brands from across the group to serve the global Technology community. Gary Nugent serves as the new unit's CEO. More
In Canada, survey, marketing research and analytics firm Leger has appointed Luc Brousseau as Vice President of Leger Digital, which oversees divisions for Metrics and Communities. More
Newcastle and London-based research consultancy Differentology has promoted Mark James to the position of Chief Executive Officer, while Lizzie Gilthorpe takes over his previous role as Managing Director. Head of Research James Dickie and Head of Insight Dan Brilot complete the senior team. More
US-based SurveyMonkey has reported a 17% increase in first quarter revenue to $68.6m. In terms of profitability, GAAP net loss was ($17.8m) but adjusted EBITDA was $8.5m. More
Behavioural research specialist EyeSee has opened an office in London, to be run by former Nielsen exec Payal Patel who joins in the role of Director of Business Development. More
US-based fieldwork firm ISA (Interviewing Services of America) has opened a 110-station call center in Las Vegas, Nevada, bringing its nationwide dialing capacity to 310. More
In New Zealand, Kantar has named Simon Munro Business Development Director, while Ian Wentworth moves to the post of Business Delivery Director and Stu Eagle is promoted to Technical Solutions Director. More
In the UK, full-service agency ABA Research has been renamed 'Kokoro', the Japanese word for heart. The firm has also hired former Chime CIE Board Director Caroline Bates as Insight Consultancy Director in its leadership team. More
In Edinburgh, newly formed agency 56 Degree Insight has partnered with Kantar's omnibus team, to provide the local knowledge needed to ensure Kantar's Scottish Opinion Survey can continue. The new firm will also support Kantar's OnlineBus Scotland omnibus. More
Australia-based insight and strategy consultancy The Leading Edge has closed its London office, citing 'Brexit uncertainty-related issues' which it says have made clients reluctant to commit to budgets. The firm will now run most client accounts from its Sydney headquarters. More
In the US, enterprise survey software company SurveyGizmo has partnered with digital incentives and rewards platform Rybbon to help users increase response rates to surveys. More
In the UK, marcoms group Unlimited has confirmed that CEO Michael Richards has left the business, just twelve months into the role. More
Nielsen has reported a 2.9% fall in first quarter revenue (+0.4% on constant currency terms), to $1.6bn, with net income down 40% to $43m from $72m a year ago, but adjusted EBITDA up slightly (+0.5%) at $415m. More
Leeds, UK-based full service agency Boxclever has opened an office in London; and has appointed former Relish exec Rebecca Huntley as Qualitative Director, based in Leeds. Also joining in Leeds, in the Quant team are Lauren Hall and Chrissie Tarbotton. More
Automated research platform operator Methodify has announced a partnership with survey bot CRIS (Conversational Research Insight System), and the appointments of digital tech expert Jonathan Hyde-Barnes and former Coca Cola Shopper Insights lead Melissa Hugh. More
Specialist business-to-business researcher B2B International is launching an office in Edinburgh, to be headed up by RM Imogen Williams, who moves from the firm's office in Manchester. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA is to open an office in Sydney in July 2019, to be headed up by Elyse Pigram, who moves from the firm's London headquarters. Meanwhile the London office has added former Flamingo execs Dunstan Kornicki and Yuka Uchijima. More
Eye-tracking hardware and software firm Tobii AB has reported results for the first quarter of 2019, with net sales up 20% in constant currency terms, to SEK 393m ($US 41.3m). With continuing high investment in R&D division Tobii Tech, operating loss was SEK -37m ($US 3.9m). More
Ipsos has reported organic growth of 2.4% for the first quarter of 2019, which coupled with acquisitions including Synthesio and parts of GfK drove reported revenue up an impressive 15.0% to EUR 422.1m. More
First quarter revenue less pass-through costs in WPP's Kantar (DIM) division was flat (up 0.1% like-for-like), while the rest of the marcoms group saw declines. Kantar, whose sale process is said to be 'progressing well', saw particularly strong growth in Asia Pacific, LatAm and the Middle East. More
Automated consumer insights platform Zappi has opened a new office in Hamburg, Germany to support clients across Central Europe. More
In India, former Kantar IMRB exec Praveen Nijhara has joined Hansa Research as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Ashok Das who will continue as a senior advisor for the group. More
In the US, College Pulse has raised $1.5m in a seed round of funding, as it launches a real-time analytics platform to track and predict the opinions, interests and buying behaviour of US college students. More
Cultural insights and strategy consultancy Crowd DNA is opening an office in Sydney, in July. The business will be led by Elyse Pigram, who is transferring back to her native Australia after more than a year in the firm's London office. More
In the US, focus group facilities and recruiting services company L&E Research is to open an office in Austin, Texas on May 6th. More
Next15's data and insights group Savanta has announced a new Americas team, covering the US and Canada. More
Ipsos India has announced that its CEO Amit Adarkar has taken on the additional role of Operations Director, for the Asia Pacific region. More
London-based YouGov has expanded its Global Partnerships Programme with the addition of new members in Russia, Poland, Pakistan and Egypt. Additional partners are in development across the EMEA and APAC regions. More
Outdoor advertising company JCDecaux has introduced an international solution for the airport industry called AAM (Airport Audience Measurement). More
US research and training company Burke, Inc. has announced that CEO Jeff Miller is to retire after 31 years with the firm. He will be replaced by Diane Surette, who will take up the position of President and Chief Executive on 1st October. More
In the UK, television audience measurement body BARB has issued an invitation to tender for two of its main research contracts: the first for its audience measurement panel and data publication, and the second for survey design and methodology. More
David Burrows, former Board Director at consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo, has set up his own consultancy, Zoetrope, offering cross-cultural human insight, to guide brand strategy, innovation and communications development. More
Kristin Luck, former President and CMO of US-based quant MR tech firm Decipher and founder of not-for-profit organization Women In Research (WIRe), has set up a management consultancy called ScaleHouse, to guide marketing and analytics firms through all stages of growth. More
YouGov has announced an 18% rise in revenue to £66.5m for the half year period ending 31st January 2019, compared with £56.3m in the prior year period. The firm says US demand for data products and services has enabled it to withstand the political uncertainty hitting business in Europe. More
Digital marcoms group Next Fifteen Communications has reported net revenue of £224m for the year ended 31st January 2019, with organic growth of 6.4% on a constant currency basis, and pre-tax profit up 23% to £36m. Research division Savanta stood out with organic growth of 30.6%. More
London-based insights agency Network Research has changed its name to 'Motif', and launched a new 'Loyalty Landscape Framework', designed to understand what drives customer loyalty and how it impacts purchasing behaviour. More
Nielsen has launched a Behavioral Sciences Institute, with the aim of educating leaders across industries on 'the power of conscious and nonconscious decision making'. The Institute will sit within, and tap the data library of the company's Consumer Neuroscience division. More
Japan-based research and marketing group INTAGE has merged its healthcare MR provider ANTERIO Inc. with customer relations specialist ASKLEP, under the new name of INTAGE Healthcare Inc. The new company is led by former ANTERIO CEO Yoshiya Nishi. More
Harris Interactive has partnered with corporate, HR and B2B comms agency Epoka to measure voting intentions ahead of the European elections taking place in France on 26th May. More
Australian insights consultancy Faster Horses has opened an office in Canberra, adding to existing locations in Perth and Sydney; and has appointed James Wunsch to lead it as Director of Social & Government research. More
In London, research software firm Digital Taxonomy has secured what it describes as a 'substantial' round of investment funding, which it will use for further business growth. To support this, the firm has hired recent graduate George Hamza and relocated to offices in the heart of Bloomsbury. More
UK-based brand research agency The Nursery has launched a new division called The Nursery Health, building on its experience working across the Rx, OTC and wellness sectors. More
Paris-based research and consultancy company BVA Group has rolled out its 'Nudge Unit' in the UK, led by Scott Young, who also serves as an SVP of the parent company. More
Tech-enabled MR company Maru Group is renaming its Latin American business, previously Maru/Moto, to Maru/Matchbox, in line with its North American companies. More
Kantar is dispensing with brands including TNS, Millward Brown, Lightspeed, Worldpanel and IMRB, and from 2nd April will deliver 'all services and offerings under the Kantar brand name'. More
In London, former Flamingo director Hadley Coull has launched an insight and strategy 'collective' called Headz, consisting of a network of independent researchers, strategists and consultants who will work with clients across the tech, media, and gaming sectors. More
Digital research and marketing analytics firm MetrixLab has promoted Pieter van der Gouwe to the role of Managing Director of its Netherlands operation, while Pim van Leeuwen moves up to Director of Client Strategy and Growth. The pair will jointly lead the Dutch office. More
In the UK, automotive and transport customer insight specialist APD Global Research has promoted Kathryn Courtenay-Evans to the position of UK Managing Director, as Rob Whalley steps down as CEO. Additionally, Karl Fisher moves up to the role of Client Services Director. More
YouGov media planning and audience segmentation tool Profiles has been combined with the IPA's TouchPoints survey, which provides an annual view of where, when and in what mood people consume media in Britain. More
In London, PR group Newgate Communications has set up a Market and Social Research practice, led by Kantar's former Head of Qual, Dan Clay. More
London-based agency Basis has appointed former Hall & Partners Health CEO Soumya Roy as Chief Executive of its rapidly-growing New York office. More
Confirmit may be headed for new ownership, following a court ruling that shares in the research software firm can be forcibly sold. The ruling is an attempt to recover $320m which the company's Norwegian billionaire owner Alexander Vik owes to Deutsche Bank. More
The Stagwell Group, owner of the Harris and Harris Poll brands, is in talks to buy a $100m minority stake in marcoms group MDC Partners, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). More
Another partnership for Qualtrics: today the experience management solutions firm has announced it is teaming up with executive search and management consulting firm Korn Ferry, to build a global service for companies seeking to improve employee experiences. More
In London, full-service agency Critical Research has hired former RED exec Sam Day as Director, Face-to-Face. More
Kantar is preparing to close its TNS office in Edinburgh by the end of the month, as part of its review of 'strategic priorities'; but two of its former directors, Jim Eccleston and Duncan Stewart, have announced they will launch their own agency, 56 Degree Insight. More
In the US, Nielsen has partnered with Headset, a data and analytics service provider for the legal cannabis industry, to deliver insights on this market for CPG manufacturers. The firm has also revealed that it acquired Cannabiz Consumer Group last year. More
Insight exchange and sample management platform Cint has created a global enterprise solutions team, focusing on clients with 'advanced, high value and technology-led requirements'. Greg Dunbar will lead it, as EVP of Enterprise, joined by Mike Misel as SVP of Enterprise for the Americas. More
Ad and brand research firm Hall & Partners has promoted Joanna Fanuele to Managing Partner in its New York office, leading its consumer division. More
In the US, Boston-based market research and strategy firm Chadwick Martin Bailey (CMB) has relocated its headquarters to the financial district, with larger offices providing space for future growth. More
WPP expects to announce a deal selling a majority stake in Kantar to an investor by the middle of the year, according to Chief Executive Mark Read. More
In Australia, financial data specialist DBM Consultants has partnered with ad currency initiative emma (Enhanced Media Metrics Australia) to create a product combining the financial attitudes, intentions and actual behaviours of consumers with demography, lifestyle and media consumption data. More
WPP has reported a 4.5% decline (1.8% in constant currency terms) in revenue for its Kantar data investment management (DIM) division, for the year 2018. Reported revenue was down from £2.7bn in 2017 to £2.56bn in 2018. More
In Tokyo, online research firm Rakuten Insight Global has appointed Takahiro 'Tack' Yamaya as company President, replacing Hidefumi Watanabe who is being promoted to a broader director role within the Rakuten Group. More
Nielsen has reported a 0.9% decrease in full year 2018 revenue to $6.5bn. The company will now restructure into two new segments, Nielsen Global Media and Nielsen Global Connect, and CEO David Kenny says its 2019 focus is to transform into a 'product-driven technology organization'. More
Ipsos has reported organic growth of just 0.7% for 2018, with currency fluctuations reducing reported revenue to EUR 1.7bn, 1.7% down on the previous year. Q4 revenue was up 4.5% to EUR 535.6m, as the firm consolidates recent acquisitions. More
In the UK, Healthcare Research Worldwide (HRW) has announced that Global MD Caroline Jameson has decided to step down from her role after nearly eighteen years with the company. On 1st April, Jameson will hand over to Christine Dalzell, HRW's current EVP, US Research. More
In the US, programmatic sample platform Lucid has promoted former COO Andy Ellis to the newly created role of Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director, North America. He has been replaced by Rick Rodgers, while Nicole Patel and Ben Hogg have also been promoted to the exec team. More
Shopper behaviour specialist Kantar Worldpanel has partnered with research-based marketing consultancy Kantar MRB, to enhance the household panel running in Bangladesh since 2012. More
Global ad and brand researcher Phoenix Marketing International has opened new offices in Florida and New York. The company is growing its team following the recent acquisition of Nielsen's Brand Effect solution in early 2018. More
Nielsen has joined the NPD Group in a new alliance which aims to 'reimagine the future of omnishopper measurement'. The partners are building a 'large-scale, comprehensive' consumer panel bringing together Nielsen's CPG measurement and NPD's general merchandise data. More
Former Kelton Global exec Amy Snow is launching a full-service research and strategy agency called Periscope, based in Los Angeles, California. More
Ian Pierpoint, founder of youth research specialist The Sound, has launched a new agency called Further&Further, which combines qual research methodologies with immersive documentary film-making. More
Hugh Davis and Keith Price, the founders of consumer insights and marketing services umbrella group Reimagine Holdings, are to assume executive leadership positions at Dynata, following its acquisition of their firm. More
Data company Syno International has opened an office in London, and appointed Allan Shaw as UK Managing Director. More
In the US, two of the co-founders of full-service shopper behavior specialist Alter Agents have left the company for their 'next big ventures', leaving Rebecca Brooks with sole ownership of the business. Terms of any deal have not been disclosed. More
WPP's specialist growth consultancy Kantar Consulting has opened a Retail, Sales & Shopper practice in Singapore, and has hired three new members for the team. More
DIY survey specialist SurveyMonkey has partnered with Microsoft, to help users integrate and visualize business survey feedback and uncover insights, within the tools they are already using. More
Canadian pollster Angus Reid has launched a new opinion and market research agency called Angus Reid Global, led by his former colleague Ed Morawski, who has been appointed President and COO. More
SurveyMonkey's parent company SVMK has reported a 19% increase in fourth quarter and full-year revenue to $68m and $254m respectively. Meanwhile CFO Tim Maly plans to retire, to pursue his passion for 'climbing, skiing and adventure in the mountains'. More
In the US, consumer insights specialists GfK MRI and Simmons Research have formed a joint venture called MRI-Simmons, jointly owned by respective parent companies GfK and SymphonyAI Group, with GfK as the majority partner. More
In the US, retail information provider The NPD Group has hired Gina Pingitore as Senior Vice President, Research and Innovation. More
In London, MR software industry veteran Tariq Mirza and Kinesis Survey Technologies co-founder Juha Vehnia have opened SampleNinja, a new company promising robust and scalable panel management software solutions, enhanced by AI. More
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has launched a specialist unit to provide insight on the economic effects of globalisation and multinational enterprises. More
Kantar company Lightspeed has promoted Jackie Blackler and Simon Buckley to serve as Co-Managing Directors, leading the firm's EMEA business from its offices in London. More
In the US, healthcare MR firm inVibe Labs has hired former Cello Health Insight exec Kathryn Ticknor for the new created role of Head of Research. In addition, Mariana Posada joins as Research Manager, and Zach Rigotti as Software Engineer - both new positions. More
Independently-owned Sydney-based research and brand strategy consultancy Pollinate has expanded to Melbourne, where it has appointed former GfK, Nielsen Online and LRW exec Allan Dib as Managing Director. More
In New York, former ORC International Americas CEO Tom Markert has joined DIY consumer insights platform Perksy as Chief Operating Officer. More
Next15's MIG Global data and insights group has combined its research agencies Morar HPI, VIGA, Charterhouse and Circle into one new brand, Savanta. More
The NPD Group is to work with the U.S. Census Bureau to improve the way retailer data is fed into the Bureau's monthly programs. More
In the US, sampling firm InnovateMR has expanded its sales and client service teams with five appointments: Joe Regan, Marie O'Malley, Alyssa Witwer, Josh Mankiewicz and Will Luckey. More
Consumer data giant IRI has partnered with MFour Mobile Research to launch a new tool called IRI OnSights, which uses MFour's first-party GPS location data to analyse visits to US bars and restaurants by hundreds of thousands of panellists. More
In Brussels, WPP's government and public sector advisory business Kantar Public has appointed long-time Ecorys leader Roelof-Jan Molemaker as Chief Executive Officer Benelux. He will take up his role in March 2019. More
In Australia, marcoms group WPP AUNZ has merged its research consultancies AMR and Colmar Brunton. The AMR brand name will go and the newly combined entity will be known as Colmar Brunton. More
London-based full-service agency Opinium is opening an office in Manhattan later this year, to support its US client base. More
In the US, research software and advanced analysis provider Corus has added new features to its insights marketplace, allowing users to hire analyst support for their custom market research needs, and to buy and sell reports. More
London-based data collection, analysis and advisory services specialist Kudos Research is expanding into mainland Europe with the opening of a new office in Berlin. This new operation will be led by Divisional Director Volker Balk. More
TV audience rating body BARC India has elected Zee Entertainment's MD & CEO Punit Goenka as its new Chairman. He takes over from Nakul Chopra who has completed his one year tenure with the organisation. More
TV audience rating body BARC India has elected AAAI President Nakul Chopra as its third Chairman. More
Research Now and SSI have completed their merger, with the joint business now known as 'Research Now SSI' and led by former Research Now CEO Gary Laben. More
Pollsters predicted the correct outcome of every major national election held in 2017, according to research conducted by Kantar. More
Kantar has appointed Katie McClintock as Chief Executive Officer of its Insights division in Singapore - comprising Kantar TNS and Kantar Millward Brown. She will take up the position in January, replacing Nichola Rastrick who is leaving the business. More
In the US, Harris Insights & Analytics has hired Erica Parker to lead its Harris On Demand omnibus business; Kenesha Brown as Vice President of Sample Acquisition; and Merrill Raman as Chief Information Officer. More
Los Angeles-based MR and community intelligence platform FUEL CYCLE has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Mary Lou Barney, Sean Bradley, Matt Worden and Travis Crosby. More
YouGov has given Ben Glanville the task of replicating the growth of its UK Data Services offering - including its omnibus - across a number of key markets, including Germany, France and the Nordics. More
Retail data pioneer the NPD Group has appointed former GfK exec Stanley Kee as MD of its APAC business, effective January 2nd 2018, based in Singapore and leading teams in China, Japan, South Korea and Australia. More
In the UK, former ORC International exec Sam Dawson has launched a business called The Engaged Culture Company, which will focus on building employee engagement strategies, helping clients source engagement survey platforms, and measuring 'what matters' through pulse surveys. More
The UK's top 100 individual market research agencies reported 'strong but slowing' growth of 2.8% in 2016, according to the latest League Tables from the MRS (Market Research Society). More
Tesco-owned customer data business dunnhumby has launched an online documentary series focusing on innovation in North America's food retail industry, with the first episode airing today. More
Following rapid expansion of its total reader base, the New York Times is to add three senior positions, including a Newsroom Audience Director, to 'ensure its audience is at the core of its work'. More
Publisher News Corp Australia has withdrawn its newspapers from the audit of the country's AMAA and will instead advise advertisers to use EMMA, which is based on readership numbers rather than circulation. More
In Los Angeles, research and analytics firm LRW has appointed Joseph (Jp) Prindle as CTO, to help drive its innovation strategy. More
US-based Hispanic media firm Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has promoted Liz Sanderson to the role of Senior Vice President, Strategy & Insights, leading the team in a newly formed Research, Insights & Analytics division. More
Automated MR company ZappiStore has expanded to Latin America with the appointment of former GfK exec Gabriel Velez, who will lead its operations across the region. More
US-based online sample marketplace PureSpectrum has appointed former TrueSample CEO Mark Menig as Chief Operating Officer. More
UK-based online research specialist FlexMR has opened an office in South Carolina, where it has appointed industry exec Lindsay Smith in the role of Client Development, US. More
Research Now has announced a partnership with Asian MR and data business Rakuten AIP. The firms will get access to each other's panel data, and work together to develop digital research products and services. More
In London, last night's Market Research Society (MRS) awards ceremony saw The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) take home both the coveted 'Grand Prix for Greatest Impact' and the 'Innovation in Research Methods' prizes. More
ESOMAR has taken the relatively rare step of warning its members about the activities of a company, following multiple complaints about the late payment practices of Mumbai-based FieldGlobal Market Research Pvt Ltd. More
Marshalled by the Insights Association, twenty-one US business associations have written to Congress urging accommodation of the Secretary of Commerce's request for an additional $187m to support the 2020 Census. More
Digital research agency MetrixLab has appointed Nick Langeveld as President of its US business, a new position based in its office in Norwalk CT. More
Sweden-based research firm Nepa has announced third quarter growth in net sales of 18.8%, to SEK 45.6m (USD 5.41m). Major investment continues to hit EBIT, which dropped to SEK -8.6m. More
US company Branded Research has changed the name of its proprietary panel management platform from MintVine to Branded Surveys, while rolling out a number of improvements for panelists. More
In the UK, marcoms network the Unlimited Group has combined four of its existing insight businesses to form Walnut Unlimited, which it describes as a 'human understanding' agency. More
In London, consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo has made three senior hires: Lucas Galan as Head of Digital Forensics, Hazel Wilkinson as Head of Client Services, and Morten Jensen as Innovation Strategist in the Future Trends and Innovation team. More
All Global co-founder Eva Laparra has joined healthcare research specialist P\S\L Group, as Group President of its online physician fieldwork services arm Medefield. More
Spanish language broadcast network NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises and tech and communities business Maru/Matchbox have hooked up to launch what the firms describe as the largest insight community of its kind. More
Today we are launching a survey of the UK market research industry, in partnership with B2B specialist Circle Research. If you're a UK insights or analytics professional, we want your input! More
UK-based video insight specialist Voxpopme has received a seven-figure Series A round of investment from Mercia Fund Managers, for use in global expansion. More
Pakistan's recently established Broadcasters and Advertisers Council (BAC) has extended its official TV ratings deal with Medialogic until at least December 2021. Working with Kantar Media, the firm will expand its panel to cover urban and semi-urban Pakistan with 1,800 households in more than 40 cities. More
KPMG Australia has launched a new Advisory team for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), within its Customer, Brand & Marketing Advisory business - and appointed Carmen Bekker as a Partner, heading it up. More
MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) has launched an urban research and innovation program, which aims to advance city life in China through a range of academic and entrepreneurial activities. More
Dun & Bradstreet's former UK CEO Christian Erlandson is joining GfK as Chief Customer Officer next Monday. He will take over responsibility for sales and business activities across all regions from CEO Peter Feld. More
UK business Barnett Waddingham - which provides actuarial, administration and consultancy services - has appointed former John Lewis Partnership HR insights leader Peter Meyler as Head of it new Workplace Consultancy team. More
Quality Online Research (QOR) has acquired the right to transfer the 100,000 respondents of Australia Post's 'Australian Lifestyle Survey' (ALS) to its own panel, before the ALS closes on 1st December. More
In New York, marcoms giant Havas US has partnered with former Flamingo/Omnicom Managing Partner Sam Hornsby to launch a brand insight and culture consultancy called TRIPTK. More
In the UK, MR technology company QuenchTec has promoted Simon Vaarning to Chief Technology Officer, replacing Bjørn Grønli who is taking on the newly created role of Head of Solutions. More
Scientific and medical communications network Porterhouse Medical Group has launched a research division, Porterhouse Insights. Fabrice Allum, previously of Double Helix Discovery and McCann Health, joins to lead it as Managing Director. More
UK-based behavioural economics specialist The Behavioural Architects has announced 'four new significant hires' and says it has 'big plans for further expansion in 2018'. More
Leeds, UK-based agency ResearchBods has announced ten recent hires, including half a dozen additions to its in-house development and operations team as it looks to meet increased demand for its insight and behavioural tracking tools. More
In India, full-service agency Majestic Research Services and Solutions (MRSS) has reported a net profit of Rs 4.51 crore ($US 693k) for the half year ended September 30th 2017, up from 1.69 crore ($US 260k) a year earlier. Results exclude acquisition effects, and revenue also rose sharply. More
London-based nuaxia, which offers market research, marketing services, recruitment and information services to the healthcare sector, has expanded to the US, where it has appointed former Medefield exec Brendan Egan as President, North America. More
In the US, Hispanic media giant Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has promoted Roberto Ruiz to the role of Executive Vice President, leading its newly-formed Research Insights & Analytics group from its offices in New York. More
Boston-based retail intelligence specialist Survey.com has opened a new office in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it plans to hire 25 full-time employees in the next six months. More
In the US, ad industry strategists Megan Kent and Betsy Liegey have set up a brand and customer experience design consultancy called THE GO LAB, with an offer including consumer research, VOC data analysis, competitive audits and UX journey mapping. More
US-based survey sample firm ProdegeMR has added mobile phone verification to its global proprietary online panels. More
Harris Interactive has launched a product called PackTest Express, the latest tool in its digital new product development research suite. More
US-based MR and community intelligence platform provider FUEL CYCLE has launched a research sampling capability called Panels, giving clients access to a wider target audience to verify or augment insights derived from their own communities and customer base. More
In the UK, former BrainJuicer and System1 Group COO Alex Batchelor has joined behavioural research agency Watch Me Think as Non-Executive Chair. More
UK-based research software firm Askia has appointed former FocusVision EMEA MD Richard Collins as its first Chief Customer Officer, managing and developing the company's international client base, and taking overall responsibility for the UK office. More
Prague-based response:now, which provides AI-powered market research, has launched in the USA and appointed Dr. Frederick Barber as Managing Director of North America. More
Shropshire, UK-based virtual reality (VR) company Igloo Vision has opened operations in both the New York and Los Angeles areas, where it will offer access to its '360 degree projection dome' environments. More
Toluna has announced its intention to define and lead a new business concept and market category, 'Insights on Demand', and says it is collaborating with industry thought leaders and creating educational resources to advance its vision. More
Sweden's audience measurement body MMS has extended its digital ad ratings, produced by GfK, to a 'Total Video' service designed to measure the ROI of cross-platform video ads. This includes linear TV, smart TV, PC, smartphone and tablet devices. More
Former Simmons Research CEO Pat Pellegrini has joined not-for-profit multi-media and consumer behaviour specialist Vividata as President and Chief Executive. He will join in early December, working closely with the existing team and outgoing President and CEO, Sara Hill. More
Joe Lewis, Head of Insight at the UK's Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB), is leaving at the end of the year to set up his own audience measurement business, Measured Media Consulting (MMC). More
Borderless Access, known as a specialist in emerging markets, has introduced proprietary panels in three distinctly developed economies - Germany, the UK and the US - as well as Egypt. More
SKO, the industry body responsible for the reporting and monitoring of viewing behaviour in the Netherlands, has renewed GfK's television audience measurement (TAM) contract until 31st December 2018. More
YouGov Group Chief Strategy Officer Alex McIntosh has been promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Alan Newman who is leaving the company at the end of the year. Both McIntosh and COO Sundip Chahal will be given seats on the Board. More
US healthcare researcher RG+A has appointed Ellen Gordon as Senior Vice President, Head of Research. More
UK-based agency Future Thinking has appointed former Joint UK MD Adele Gritten as (sole) UK Managing Director, following the recent departure of Claudia Strauss. The firm has also restructured and split its client teams. More
DIY research company SurveyMonkey has partnered with insights exchange operator Cint, to provide its users with access to the latter firm's 40 million respondents in 100 countries. More
Edinburgh-based agricultural intelligence firm Agbioinvestor has partnered with agricultural and animal health MR firm Kynetec to develop and market a new market strategy software platform, sigma Select. More
Australia-based media measurement firm Isentia is to cut thirty jobs in the country, moving its news monitoring services to Asia. More
Schlesinger Associates affiliate The Insight Lab has opened a new research facility in Downtown St. Louis, MO, USA, boasting 'two uber-contemporary and unique suites for researchers'. More
In New York, iHeartMedia has appointed former Yahoo! insights leader Michele Madansky as EVP of Insights, Research and Data Analytics. More
Ipsos grew its Q3 revenue to EUR 434.0m, equivalent to organic growth of 4.9% and representing 'solid recovery'. Due to currency effects - a fall in the value of the US dollar and pound sterling against the euro - the reported figure was up only 0.5%. More
In New York, consumer insights firm Simmons Research has appointed former Nielsen exec Andrew Feigenson as Chief Executive Officer, replacing President and Chief Research Officer Pat Pellegrini, who will be leaving the company. More
In the US, digital research data firm Research Now has partnered with US Hispanic membership platform SABEResPODER (SEP), to launch a platform giving researchers access to more than 750,000 Hispanic consumers across 50 US markets. More
Online panel and behavioral data specialist Netquest has promoted long-time company exec Enric Cid to the role of Managing Director, North America, leading its expansion into the US. More
In the US, insights and marketing services holding company Reimagine has given former Millward Brown CEO Eileen Campbell a seat on its Advisory Board. More
WPP's Data Investment Management (DIM) arm has seen third quarter like-for-like revenue fall 2.9%. CEO Sir Martin Sorrell admitted to investors that it had been a 'tough quarter' as the group predicts a 'broadly flat' 2017. More
In the UK, specialist MR agency YouthSight has partnered with video data mining and analysis specialist LivingLens, to capture and analyse video from projects such as its OpinionPanel Community youth research panel. More
B2B research specialist Circle Research has hired Amanda Boote for the newly created role of Engagement Director, including responsibility for driving global growth and client relationships. More
London-based agency Network Research has appointed Chris Hall as its new Commercial Director. Starting next Monday, he takes overall responsibility for sales and marketing, and for the custom research team. More
In New Zealand, sister agencies Colmar Brunton and Kantar TNS have moved into newly built premises on Sale Street in the Auckland central business district (CBD). The agencies will remain separate, but will come together to collaborate when required. More
comScore co-founder and CEO Gian Fulgoni is to retire at the end of January, shortly after his 70th birthday. Following this will resume his previous Chairman Emeritus role, and provide the firm with advisory services for a further twelve months. More
Online competitive intelligence provider Hitwise has partnered with Kantar Media to enable marketers to combine data on their audiences' opinions and attitudes with their search and web site visiting behaviour. More
Insights exchange operator Cint has partnered with Latin American online panel and digital MR specialist eCGlobal Research Solutions, to expand its presence in the market. More
In the US, technology-driven sample provider P2Sample has hired former Ipsos and NPD Group exec JD Deitch as Chief Revenue Officer. More
US-based MR and community intelligence platform provider FUEL CYCLE has teamed up with UK-based video insight specialist Voxpopme to launch a video capture and analysis capability. The partners say this reduces the amount of time required to analyze videos from days to minutes. More
Netherlands-based online research and marketing analytics specialist MetrixLab has appointed former Nielsen exec Brady Ni as Managing Director for Greater China, replacing Edwin Song. More
TV and movie streaming service Netflix has said Nielsen's new 'Subscription Video On Demand' (SVOD) content ratings' are 'not even close' to accurate, because they do not measure viewing on mobile devices. Nielsen says it is confident in the data it has. More
Kantar has been awarded the contract to provide television viewing ratings in Uzbekistan. More
Research software firm Confirmit has appointed Halvor Stokke as Chief Financial Officer, following former CFO Ken Østreng's promotion to President and CEO earlier this year. More
US and Canadian professional bodies the Insights Association and MRIA have written an open letter to Apple, claiming that its new Safari browser poses 'a severe and almost insuperable problem for online marketing research and analytics'. More
UK market research budgets appear to have fallen for the ninth successive quarter - but at a much slower rate than previously, according to the latest 2017 IPA Bellwether Report. Meanwhile marketing budgets have risen for a net 10% of companies. More
Eye tracking solutions provider Tobii Pro and motion capture specialist Qualisys have integrated their technologies to provide combined analysis of eye and body movements. More
Edinburgh-based agrochemical and crop protection specialist Agbioinvestor has expanded its team with four appointments; and enhanced its range of services, launching detailed reports about the crop protection and seed industries. More
Chicago-based analytics firm Clarity Insights has promoted Neil Huse, currently Managing Partner overseeing the healthcare practice, to President. Tom Thimot will step down as CEO, but will continue to advise the Board. More
Omnicom has moved its online community specialist C Space into its Interbrand Group, and at the same time named C Space CEO Charles Trevail as the new Chief Exec of Interbrand. He succeeds Jez Frampton who is retiring at the end of the year. More
Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has extended GfK's radio audience measurement contract by a further five years. The new deal includes investigation of a new multi-million-dollar Measurement Innovation Program (MIP), to explore the potential for a hybrid future for radio measurement. More
UK-based full-service agency DJS Research has opened an office in Leeds, Yorkshire, where Simon Driver will lead the research division and Matthew Coulling will oversee operations. More
Perth, Australia and Bristol, UK-based Painted Dog Research has launched a Data Technology division, led by Director Matt Gibbs, who is based in the UK. Meanwhile former ThinkField exec Andrew Lim has recently joined the company's Data Tech team in Australia. More
In the UK, Ipsos MORI has partnered with publisher Atlantic Books to produce a range of new titles, using the firm's insight on how people think, feel and behave to explore global beliefs and attitudes. More
In the UK, former Thinkbox media researcher David Brennan and former Carat Insight MD Sue Elms have set up a new consultancy called BE Insight, to help clients maximise the value of their existing and future intelligence resources. More
Insights exchange operator Cint has partnered with data commercialization platform Narrative I/O, to give clients access to 'self-declared' first-person data. More
Research software firm Q One Tech Partners has hooked up with New York-based MR software, services and solutions provider thinqonline to expand the market presence of its panel management platform. More
YouGov has released preliminary results for the year ended 31st July 2017, with revenue up 9% on a constant currency basis to £107.0m, and adjusted profit before tax up 24% to £16.4m. More
Manchester, UK-based consumer insight agency Join the Dots is to open an office in New York, led by Jeff Haselum who has been promoted to Head of US Research. More
Oslo-based data collection company Norstat has partnered with German agency dp2research to develop the Destination Satisfaction Index (DSI), which evaluates travel destinations on twenty factors to produce an overall attractiveness rating. More
YouGov CFO Alan Newman has informed the Board of his intention to retire by the end of the year. The recruitment process for his successor is underway. More
Toronto-based Data collection company Delvinia has hired former Verve and Research Now employee Suzanne Costa as Executive Director of its AskingCanadians business. More
UK-based online communities expert Verve has expanded its North American offer, with the appointments of Marlene Kohn as VP Business Development and Kristin Render as Senior Research Manager. Bogdan Bucur, Director of Operations in London, also joins the Verve Chicago team. More
SurveyGizmo's enterprise-level self-serve research solutions can now be launched directly from FUEL CYCLE's mobile-first MR and community intelligence platform, following a partnership between the two firms. More
UK consultancy Simpson Carpenter is expanding its pharma and biotech operation with a new office in Manchester's MediaCity. Alex Martin and Shaan Bassi join the company and will be based in the new location. More
Insights and marketing services holding company Reimagine has appointed Dan Fitzgerald, previously Chief Client and Marketing Officer at Lightspeed, to its leadership team as Managing Partner. More
Research solutions and online data firm Survey Healthcare (SHC) has announced record growth in 2017 to date, including a near 50 percent increase its in production staff, now 35-strong. It has also rebranded, dropping the word 'Universal' from its corporate identity. More
Canadian-based sample tech and research solutions agency WiseSample has rebranded as WiseWorks, and launched a number of new products. More
In Australia, KPMG has appointed former Virgin Australia Chief Customer Officer Mark Hassell as a Partner, leading customer and brand transformation for its new Customer, Brand and Marketing advisory business. More
Recently formed research software firm QuenchTec has announced that Chief Executive Allan Shaw is stepping down from his position at the end of December, for health reasons; and that Mark Van Walwyk will replace him as CEO. In addition, Nick Southwood joins as Sales Director for the UK. More
Nielsen Sports has shuffled and strengthened its leadership team. Middle East leader Jon Long will move to London in January as MD, UK and Ireland, to be joined by Richard Brinkman, former Global head of KantarSport. Long replaces Jon Stainer who has moved to an expanded MD Americas role. More
In Stamford, CT, research veteran John Gilfeather is re-opening his own consultancy after six years, and will offer corporate reputation and brand measurement, B2B audiences, and public opinion, as well as training and mentoring. More
US-based consumer research tech firm GroupSolver has completed a $1 million financing round, which will be used to expand the company's platform and increase its sales and marketing capabilities. More
UK-based research provider B2B International has relocated its Asian headquarters in Beijing, to expand its in-house fieldwork capacity. More
Marcoms group Next15 has reported a 16% rise in half-year revenue to £93.5m (with organic growth accounting for 2%). The firm's data and insights division now accounts for 6% of group revenue, compared to less than 2% two years ago. More
The founders of four market research agencies in Europe and the US - Kerry Hecht Labsuirs, Naomi Gooblar, Martha Llobet and Nikki Lavoie - have formed a collaborative group called The Ignite Collective, offering a range of services to MR buyers. More
Cint has relocated Deputy CEO Richard Thornton from San Francisco back to London, taking the new role of Chief Operating Officer; while Oscar Carlsson has been appointed Chief Innovation Officer, based in San Francisco. Greg Dunbar and James Rogers are also promoted to new EVP roles. More
Montreal, Canada-based research software firm Voxco has hired Askia veteran John Rousay as a member of its global sales team, responsible for expanding the firm's presence in the UK market, while contributing to its growth in North America. More
Nielsen has filed a lawsuit to prevent comScore from launching a new service called Extended TV. The service uses data from Nielsen's PPM technology, to which comScore and others gained access at the time of the Arbitron buy, but in a way Nielsen says is outside the scope of that agreement. More
Last year saw the MR industry experience its highest level of growth since 2010, according to the latest study by international association ESOMAR. More
Agricultural market research firm Kleffman Group has restructured its market trend information and consulting unit amisAgriGlobe, creating two new teams: the Analytical team and the Team of Excellence (ToE). More
Hardened cynic Nick Thomas headed to Amsterdam for last week's ESOMAR Congress, in search of inspiration. The 70-year-old (that's the Congress, not Nick) seems in Ruud good health, as we say in Holland. Part 1 of 4. More
US-based J.D. Power is adding the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to its automotive and finance industry studies in Asia Pacific, for use in benchmarking clients' performance against competitors. More
UK-based pharmaceutical and consumer insight / marketing group Cello has reported a £2.1m fall in revenue to £78.7m for the six months to 30th June 2017. Like-for-like, constant currency gross profit increased 9.3% in the Health division but fell by 5.0% in Cello Signal. More
In the UK, recently launched digital product consultancy Pivot has merged with full-service digital user experience (UX) agency MadeByPi. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In London, Kantar Public has appointed Grant Fitzner as UK Chief Executive Officer and Michael Davis as Global Chief Operating Officer. More
Consumer tracking company The NPD Group has announced the appointment of former GfK leader Gerhard Hausruckinger as Group President for Europe and APAC. More
Sweden's audience measurement body MMS has extended Nielsen's contract for TV and video viewing data by five years. More
Viga, the data collection agency within the Next15 group, has tripled its staff numbers in the last six months, to 35, and is opening a third US office, in Dallas, Texas. More
US-based survey sample firm ProdegeMR has partnered with Lucid, whose Fulcrum distribution channel will aid its expansion in the European market. More
Online survey pioneer Confirmit has announced a partnership with mobile messaging firm Infobip, offering enhanced international SMS capabilities and coverage to those engaged in research, customer experience and employee engagement programmes. More
UK-based video data mining and analysis specialist LivingLens has signed a two-year agreement to provide Cello Health Insights with video capture and analytics services. More
Los Angeles-based tech-driven panel company Active Measure has hired former Lightspeed Research exec Bonnie Breslauer for the newly created role of Chief Customer Officer. More
The Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) has elected Jill Spencer, Director of UK-based customer experience research specialist ReactCX, as its President for the next two years. She replaces Yvonne Kinzel of German CEM firm Multi-Value. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has appointed Angie French as Chief Executive Officer, EMEA. She will join on 1st November, taking over from Caroline Frankum who was promoted to Global CEO in April. More
Research data solutions firm SSI has launched a self-service suite of tools, for use by experts and novices. The tools cover everything from sampling and survey building to reporting of results. More
UK online market research provider FlexMR has partnered with Madrid-based Idea Strategic Research Solutions, to support 'growing demand' from its Spanish clients. The firm has also hired two full-time Spanish speaking staff in the UK. More
GfK has appointed Cheong Tai to lead its Asia Pacific business, while promoting Margret Schuit to oversee activities in Southern Europe. They will both report to CEO Peter Feld. More
In an interim report, Stockholm-based research firm Nepa has announced net sales up 9.4% in the second quarter to SEK 55.0m (US$6.91m) and up 16.7% in the first half of 2017 to SEK 106.1m (US$13.33m). Planned investment dragged on profitability as the company seeks rapid growth. More
AI-based SaaS consumer research company Wizer has raised $4m in Series A funding round, led by VC firm State of Mind Ventures and with participation from Nielsen's Innovate early stage investment arm. More
US public opinion specialist ALG Research has opened an office in Boston, MA - its sixth location - led by existing Partner Matt Hogan. More
GfK has announced a transformation and investment programme, aimed at sharpening its focus on customer needs, accelerating digitization and getting the company 'back on a sustainable growth path'. Plans include a 'one office per country' strategy. More
Former Jaguar Land Rover exec Ana Ramirez has joined insights consultancy Simpson Carpenter as International Head of Automotive Research, starting in early September. More
US research agency Phoenix Marketing International (PMI) has appointed former MaritzCX exec Andrew Grant as President of its European Operations. More
Research data solutions firm SSI has partnered with digital ad performance analyst the DMA Institute to launch 'Campaign Optimizer'; a tool which validates and measures ad viewability and connects with consumers about their ad recall following store visits or product purchases. More
In London, online travel retailer lastminute.com group has launched a consumer insights tool, to enable brands to target customers with gamified surveys embedded in ads. More
COO Alessandra Cama is leaving GfK, resigning with immediate effect after around two years as a member of the company's Management Board. More
Recently-formed research software firm QuenchTec says it has finished integrating the platforms of MARSC and MI-Pro, from whose merger it was born ten months ago; and launched Q_Suite, an end-to-end research platform. More
WPP has slashed its full-year growth forecast for revenues and net sales to between zero and 1%, as clients cut their marketing budgets. For the second quarter, like-for-like revenue in the Data Investment Management (DIM) division fell 4.6% to £669m. More
UK-based market research and ad company System1 Group is expecting a decline in profit for the year ending 31st March 2018. Full year profit before tax is set to fall by between 10% and 15% from the £6.3m achieved last year. More
UK-based marcoms group Creston Ltd will now be known as 'The Unlimited Group' - following the theme of its earlier rebranding of operating companies using the 'Unlimited' suffix. More
In the US, Nielsen Sports' Global Co-MD Danny Townsend has left the firm to become CEO of Sydney Football Club. Glenn Lovett, who previously shared the title, has been promoted to sole Global Managing Director, leading all aspects of the global sports business. More
GfK has appointed Jutta Suchanek as Chief Human Resources Officer and Benjamin Jones as Chief Technology Officer. Both take on newly created roles, and will become members of the firm's Executive Leadership team. More
Kantar has announced that Richard Ingleton will take over the role of Chief Executive Officer of its Insights Division, from Travyn Rhall who will be leaving the business in November. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment about Rhall's next career move. More
Lightspeed has launched the 'Gravity Network', a partnership arrangement between selected data companies to provide 'a vastly larger pool than traditionally sourced Double Opt-In (DOI) research panels alone'. Partners in the network include Cint, Lucid, Tap Research, P2Sample and Dalia. More
'Enterprise-grade' online survey platform SurveyGizmo has a new Canadian offering, making use of Amazon's new Montreal data center to ensure compliance with Canadian data and privacy laws. More
Nielsen has launched the 'Ratings Academy', an interactive online portal designed to improve public understanding of its audience measurement methods and the environment in which it operates. More
US-based market research and management consulting firm Geo Strategy Partners has opened an office in Managua, Nicaragua, expanding its B2B / Industrial market research offer and growth strategy capabilities. More
Ed Ross, the founder of survey software firm Quantime, died suddenly and unexpectedly in the early hours of Wednesday 9th August. He was 73 years old. More
UK-based healthcare fieldwork agency Just Worldwide has opened an office in Malaysia, where it has appointed KarHui Tan. The firm has also hired Carrie Skinner as Director of Global Fieldwork in its Newtown, Pennsylvania office. More
In the US, research technology and services group FocusVision has promoted Zlatko Vucetic to the role of President, replacing outgoing CEO Jamin Brazil. More
CEO Jamin Brazil and Chief Product Officer Jayme Plunkett, the co-founders of MR tech firm Decipher, have left research technology and services group FocusVision, according to industry sources. More
US organisation GreenBook has beta launched Savio, a platform inspired by the 'gig economy' and allowing users to buy in research expertise to use with online research tools or as a standalone service. Features include ratings and reviews, project management tools and payment processing. More
US in-app survey technology specialist MFour Mobile Research has taken the entire seventh floor of its current Newport Beach Gateway office, increasing its floor space from 14,000 to 22,000 square feet. In addition, the firm will be opening its first satellite branch in Scottsdale, Arizona next month. More
Toluna has added to its real-time insights platform QuickSurveys with the launch of QuickCommunities, a DIY product for building, creating and recruiting target consumers into a custom community. More
In Sydney, Australia, Telstra's Muru-D incubator program has given its backing to start-ups including mystery shopping app Snooper and online ad campaign planning service Flobox. More
In Australia, insights consultancy Fiftyfive5 has launched a Social and Government offer, and appointed Mathew Densten as its Director. More
Surrey, UK-based agency Bonamy Finch has hired three new members of staff, including former PepsiCo exec Louise Hanlon, following a 31 percent increase in turnover for the financial year ending June 30th 2017. More
In London, brand performance measurement specialist Morar HPI has launched a creative services division called ARGO, offering evidence-based brand development work as well as stand-alone brand and creative services. More
UK-based mobile video MR specialist Voxpopme is integrating IBM Watson's machine learning and natural language processing capabilities into its platform, to provide brands with advanced analysis of customers' feelings. More
In Hong Kong, MR consultancy ABN Impact has appointed former YouGov co-CEO Patrick (Paddy) Corr as Executive Director for the Asia region. More
In New York, music industry execs Paul Conte and Camus Celli have set up a company called Truideation, offering campaign ideation and creation, and influence marketing, via a partnership with data science platform GRAPHIKA. More
US-based research body the Insights Association has formed an International Chapter, to provide member companies and individuals operating outside the country with enhanced service and support. This is the association's twelfth chapter, and its first outside the US. More
After eleven years leading Angus Reid Strategies, Vision Critical, and Maru/Matchbox, Ed Morawski is stepping down as President and Chief Operating Officer. More
Netherlands-based customer insights agency SKIM has opened an office in Gothenburg, Sweden on the campus of Chalmers University of Technology. More
Ipsos has reported what it has described as an 'uneventful' first-half year, with revenue of EUR 833.8m, almost unchanged from a year before, and organic growth of just 1 percent. More
The management of UK-based telecoms and IT sector market research agency Rhetorik have bought the firm in a deal supported by a team of UK and North American data tech-focused investors. Terms were not disclosed. More
US-based on-demand panel and sample company Innovate MR has opened an office in London, where it has appointed Brendan Russell to supervise its European sales strategy. More
The Stagwell Group has signed a 13-year lease for two floors in One World Trade Center, where it says it will bring together its portfolio of companies including Harris Insights & Analytics and former Nielsen company National Research Group. More
Former RED C Joint Managing Director David Cullen has left the Dublin-based firm after five years, to set up a strategic consulting firm for insight and analytics called Bayes & Becker. More
Cint has opened a sixth US office, in Chicago, and appointed former SSI exec Joseph Jordan who will work from it as SVP of Supply. More
Media and business intelligence firm Isentia has appointed Alex Yu as General Manager for Hong Kong, with the additional role of driving business development in the region. The company has also moved its Hong Kong operations to a larger office. More
Joseph El Habre has been named Chief Executive of Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) & Operations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. More
In Germany, crowd-sourced shopper insights provider POSpulse has raised EUR 3m in a Series B round of funding, which it will use to roll out its products to additional international markets. More
UK-based video insight specialist Voxpopme has partnered with Kantar to provide the latter's clients with access to its video feedback tools. More
UK-based online communities specialist Verve has launched a dedicated Innovation practice, for businesses seeking customer feedback on product and service design. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has promoted Jennifer Carrea to the role of CEO Americas and Global Health, replacing David Shanker who is leaving to 'pursue new opportunities'. More
Market research language and translation specialist Globalexicon has announced its fourth consecutive year of more than 50% growth, after winning several North American and European-based MR, healthcare and consumer clients. More
Global MR groups The Research Club, Women In Research (WIRe) and MrWeb have teamed up to put the world's biggest listing of research job opportunities in front of a hugely expanded audience of potential candidates. The search is also in a new more mobile-friendly format. More
In the UK, customer experience specialist Maru/edr has appointed Damian Miller and Ross Durston as Managing Directors for its Retail and Financial Services divisions, respectively. More
UK-based agency Future Thinking has appointed Mohamed Muhsin as Head of Pharma UK, while Véronique Bonrepaux-Caux joins as Head of Healthcare France. More
DIY research giant SurveyMonkey has unveiled a rebrand and a major upgrade of its products, including a refreshed logo; a new platform, 'People Powered Data'; tools for customer experience data and employee surveys; an integrated version of its Audience product; and a 'Genius' survey design coach. More
MARU Group has promoted Maru/Matchbox executives Sarah Redford and Carlos Palacio to Group Chief People Officer and Group CIO, respectively, supporting its continued expansion across the UK and North America, and its recent acquisition of SynGro. More
Audience sampling firm Innovate has moved to a larger office in Gurgaon, India, following what it calls 'incredible revenue growth over the last 12 months', and says it will continue with 'aggressive hiring' throughout the rest of 2017. More
UK-based digital signage company Signagelive has partnered with computer vision specialist AdMobilize, to deliver real-time audience analytics and dynamic creative capabilities. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has been granted a US patent for its 'Honesty Detector' online respondent validation product. More
In the UK, MR and insight company d.fferento/ogy has promoted Mark James to the role of Managing Director, with responsibility for three divisional heads. Meanwhile former YouGov researcher Paul Marshall joins the firm as Insight Director. More
Senior GfK Leader Dr. Gerhard Hausruckinger has resigned from the company after seven years on the Management Board. Meanwhile Christoph D. Erbenich has been appointed as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer. More
UK-based retail insights firm ABA Research has announced revenue growth of 14 percent, to £7.7m, in the year to March 2017. More
Audience measurement body BARC India has appointed Nielsen India as its primary digital measurement partner, as it looks to build its 'EKAM' cross-channel measurement solution. More
In the Netherlands, the joint industry committee responsible for the national readership survey has hired GfK to integrate brand consumption data from newspapers and magazines with that from online published media. More
Toluna's healthcare division has partnered with healthcare-focused digital platform Treato, to gain access to the latter's users for survey research purposes. More
UK-based full-service consultancy DJS Research has reported an 11% increase in annual turnover to £4.7m for 2016/17, and says is aiming for £5.2m next year. More
Fitchburg, MA-based Research Results is to relocate across town from its existing office on Main Street, according to US press reports. The move will make room for a growing team, currently of 28 employees. More
British Airways has named Carolina Martinoli as its new Director of Brand and Customer Experience. She will take up the role in August. More
Surrey, UK-based Impact Research has been restructured, with Dawn Mulvey promoted to Head of Utilities, Stuart Grant heading Consumer, Monika Swift the New Generation unit and Jamie Margerison managing Healthcare, all now led by co-founder Michael Brainch as Managing Director. More
UK-based consumer insight agency Join the Dots has launched a dedicated qualitative research unit under the new brand name of Spirit. More
Georgia, US-based VR shopping specialist Advanced Simulations has partnered with research firm Azure Knowledge to launch two new virtual reality research products. More
Australian-owned data analysis and programmatic media company Pureprofile has partnered with Branded Research Inc., gaining access to and enhancing the latter's panel of 1.7 million consumer research profiles in the US, UK and Canada. More
Companies' intangible assets - including the value of their brands, reputation and employee skills - should be included on balance sheets in financial reporting, according to a growing lobby of experts from both multinationals and consultancies. More
Agile MR firm GutCheck has made three senior hires as it looks to grow the business. Keith Johnson joins as Chief Product Officer, Shawn Vaughn as EVP of Sales & Client Services and Josh Ashton as VP of People Operations. More
UK-based CIE Group (Chime Insight & Engagement) has announced eight new hires, following a string of major client wins in the first half of 2017. The new arrivals include Alexis Goodson,Jennifer Peat and Jacob Barker. More
Consumer panels firm Netquest has appointed Johnny Caldwell as MD of a new company, Netquest UK. More
Hall & Partners has launched a new specialist consultancy dedicated to brand invention, under its OpenMind brand. Jen Drexler joins as Managing Partner to lead the company, which promises 'a radical new collaborative approach focused on rapid innovation'. More
Data collection firm Field Scope International has opened a new office in Sofia, Bulgaria, expanding its presence in Central and Eastern Europe. More
UK-based Informa Group has appointed oncology specialist Richard S. Veal as Global Director of its Pharma Consulting division. More
In the UK, AQR board member and former Razor Research and TNS exec Lydia Fuller has formed a new full service qual and quant agency, Full Colour Research, based in Manchester. More
In the Republic of Ireland, PR industry body the PRII has asked competition regulators to intervene in Kantar Media's acquisition of family-owned Newsaccess, and compel the WPP firm to divest part of its Irish business. More
UK television broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed Ben Marsden as Head of Audience Research and Insight. He will take up the role in mid-July, replacing Leonie Hodge who is leaving to work as a consultant. More
Italian confectioner Ferrero has opened its first Asian Innovation Centre in Singapore, where it will focus on consumer food science, biotechnology, health and nutrition, consumer insight and design. More
Croydon, South London-based healthcare MR and fieldwork firm FieldBox has opened a new viewing facility. More
London-based insight and strategy agency Flamingo has promoted MD Andy Davidson to become its first Chief Strategy Officer. More
AI-based MR software company Remesh has opened a new headquarters office in NYC; and hired Gabe McElwaine as Director of Sales for the eastern US and Canada. More
The US research industry maintained a strong annual growth rate in 2016, despite 'tepid' overall economic growth, according to this year's AMA Gold Top 50 Report. Total revenue generated for the 202 companies surveyed was $11.584bn, up 5.7%. More
US investment advisory company The Stagwell Group has acquired Nielsen's Mobile Insights Survey and Total Communications Survey, which will relaunch under the name HarrisX. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the UK, insight and ad agency System 1 Group has announced that its Chief Operating Officer Alex Batchelor is leaving the business, as the role is being split into two, non-Board positions. More
Professional services firm KPMG Australia has launched a specialist Customer, Brand & Marketing advisory business, which has already acquired Sydney-based market research firm Acuity Research and Insights. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Toronto, Canada-based employee-owned research firm Hotspex has promoted Michael Dorr to the position of MD of its UK business, responsible for establishing an office and building the company's brand in the UK and Europe. He takes up the new role next month. More
In the US, business news provider CNBC has partnered with DIY online research firm SurveyMonkey to launch a quarterly survey of small business owners, which measures confidence nationwide while uncovering trends among specific types of companies and key geographic regions. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has partnered with youth media and broadcast company VICE Media to launch a panel called VICE Voices, through which to capture the opinions of US millennials and understand what drives their attitudes and behavior. More
Cross-screen data management platform (DMP) Lotame has partnered with insights exchange operator Cint, to enable publishers and advertisers to create custom research panels. More
In the US, marketing technology company Gauge Insights has partnered with data collection firm Focus Pointe Global, to launch a mobile app through which brands can create customized MR campaigns, and get feedback from hundreds of targets within minutes. More
Another UK General Election has come and gone, with winners and losers amongst the survey firms as well as the politicians. Once again most people seem to be stunned by the result; while the adjustments made after the last election look like the key reason they didn't get this one broadly right. Who'd be a pollster? More
In the US, Warner Bros. Pictures has promoted JP Richards, adding the role of Chief Data Strategist to his existing title of Executive Vice President, Worldwide Marketing. More
In the UK, cable and satellite TV news channel CNN's commercial operations division has set up an Audiences and Data unit, which will invest in artificial intelligence and data science to replace the firm's existing research function. The new initiative is led by data scientist Mark Sear. More
Seattle-based online qual firm Discuss.io has opened an office in London, where it has appointed former Kinesis Survey Technologies MD Tariq Mirza as Managing Director, Europe. More
Online insights exchange Cint has opened an office in Hong Kong, where it has appointed Ronald Leung as APAC Regional VP of Supply and Heather Hughes as APAC Regional VP of Partnerships and Alliances. The firm has also made hires in the US and UK. More
Former Conservative Party election advisor Michael Moszynski is claiming that YouGov's recent polls are 'irresponsible', following its forecast of a hung parliament in the UK's forthcoming general election. More
London and Leeds-based Trinity McQueen has announced year-on-year growth of around ten percent, with sales up to £4.92m in the 12 months ending September 2016. More
In the UK, data collection agency Populus Data Solutions has launched what it says is the research industry's first virtual reality online panel, PopulusLive VR. More
US consultancy Reputation Institute has appointed Rajendra Joshi as Chief Technology Officer, with a remit including the launch of 'the world's first Reputation as a Service knowledge platform'. The firm has also secured 'a significant investment' to fuel its growth. More
US tennis superstar Serena Williams has joined the Board of DIY online research platform SurveyMonkey, as has Brad Smith, the CEO and Chairman of software company Intuit. More
In the US, online qual firm Discuss.io has raised just over $5m in a Series A round of funding, led by Unilever Ventures and Pereg Ventures. The investment will be used to further develop the firm's platform and expand its engineering and sales teams. More
In the US, Kantar Health has partnered with tech giant Nokia to develop a longitudinal cohort study, to improve understanding of the impact of 'lifestyle therapy' on diabetes treatment and patient outcomes. More
South African researchers have received the go-ahead to replace The South African Audience Research Foundation (SAARF) with a new Marketing Research Foundation, tasked with delivering an audience currency to replace the country's discontinued AMPS measure. More
In London, consumer specialist Razor Research has set up a kids-focused business unit called Razor Kids, and appointed Leslie Salem to lead it. The firm has also hired Kenny Fox as Associate Director. More
Former shareholders of Rentrak could receive around $19m to settle claims relating to the effect on share price of comScore's accounting investigation last year. The proposed settlement is currently seeking preliminary approval from a judge in Oregon. More
Kantar's digital data collection arm Lightspeed is opening an office in Bangkok, Thailand, and has appointed Benchawan (Best) Phumphuengsri and Anis The as Client Development Managers in the region. More
Managed analytics firm Ugam has opened a new office in Chicago, which it says follows rapid growth and will allow it to better serve clients in the area. More
UK-based firm Sample Answers has announced that Managing Director Phil Bird will be leaving the business on 30th June 2017, eighteen months after joining. He moves to ITWP, the holding company of Toluna and Harris Interactive. More
Healthcare MR agency AplusA has added an office in Munich, Germany to existing locations in France, the UK and the US; and has brought in Director Alexander Edte to head it up. More
In the US, two former Apple engineers have launched a foot traffic counting and analytics firm called Dor, with $3.8m in seed funding. More
In New York, Ipsos Marketing has appointed Alison Chaltas, the co-founder of shopper marketing consultancy Interscope, as Global President, Path to Purchase. More
Kantar TNS has promoted James Brown to the role of Executive Director, responsible for leading the business in Melbourne, Australia. More
Data-driven business intelligence consultancy Future Thinking and its data science sister agency GemSeek have opened an office in Dubai. More
Sweden and North America-based data visualization specialist Dapresy has received an undisclosed amount of financial backing from Nordic private equity fund Verdane Capital IX. More
London-based insights and planning agency kubi kalloo has outgrown its former premises in Old Street and relocated to a larger space, a stone's throw away in Scrutton Street. More
Nielsen is planning to install nearly 15,000 television audience meters in approximately 7,000 homes across the 140 markets currently measured by Local TV paper diaries. More
In the US, Harris Insights & Analytics (formerly Harris Interactive) has appointed long-time WPP execs John Gerzema and Will Johnson as co-CEOs, while Jonathan Gardner joins as Chief Operating Officer. More
GfK has reported a 2.4% drop in first quarter group sales to EUR 352m, while the profit measure EBITDA fell 34.3% to EUR 29.4m. More
Less than two months after joining UK-based consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo, Desirée Lopez has been named Chief Executive Officer, replacing co-founder Kirsty Fuller who is leaving the business. Seven of the company's eight global offices are being closed by parent Omnicom. More
Mumbai-based researcher MRSS India has reported a 146% increase in consolidated net profit to Rs46.3m ($720k) for the twelve months ended 31st March 2017. More
Former dunnhumby CEO Simon Hay has joined the Board of Stockholm-based brand tracking researcher Nepa. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has launched an automated research solution called SmartAR, promising completed surveys in a matter of days. More
Newly merged US trade body the Insights Association has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to recognise and clarify the distinction between market research and advertising, in comments relating to a TCPA class action against member company M3 USA. More
Australian TV audience measurement body OzTAM has appointed Richard Herring as independent Chairman, replacing Michael Anderson who has served in the role since 2011 and has decided to focus on his new role as CEO of MediaWorks New Zealand. More
In the US, MR consulting and training provider CourtLynn Enterprises has launched a customer behavior insights division called Griffin Wilds. More
In the US, mobile-first research tech company MFour has appointed Rob Chrone as Chief Financial Officer - former CFO Shane Rothenberger moves to the position of Senior Vice President of Finance. More
Quadrangle Group's data collection arm RED has partnered with Research Now to launch a solution called STOREWORKS, which promises retailers 'quick, quality feedback' from different groups of consumers. More
Omnicom-owned brand and communications research consultancy Hall & Partners has promoted Soumya Roy to Chief Executive Officer of its New York operation. More
Media researcher Laurel Weir has been named Senior Vice President of Research for Viacom brands Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT. Her role includes overseeing consumer insights, trend forecasting and multiplatform measurement. More
Hispanic media giant Univision Communications Inc (UCI) has hired media research veteran Steve McGowan as Senior Vice President, Corporate Research, a role including strategic analysis and support for network management, programming and ad sales. More
Creston's Unlimited Group has combined its customer journey specialist EMO and customer relationship marketing agency The Real Adventure, to form a new Bristol-based business called Prophecy Unlimited. More
Ken and Trish Parker, the founders of qual specialist the Discovery Group, have retired after selling the business to four company directors. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
Healthcare specialist Research Partnership has expanded its US capabilities, with the opening of new offices in San Francisco and New York. More
In the US, research-led sales and marketing services company Maritz has appointed Charlotte Blank as Chief Behavioral Officer (CBO), tasked with leading its thought leadership, research, and the application of behavioral science. More
M&C Saatchi's qual/quant research agency The Source has opened a first Australian office, in Melbourne, to be led by former London MD Matt Swinson. More
Ipsos has recorded first quarter revenue of EUR 390.1m, representing organic growth of 1%, and says sales activity indicates this will increase in subsequent quarters. The group plans to announce a new programme of transformation at its June 6th Investor Day. More
WPP has reported a flat quarter, with group like-for-like revenue up 0.2%. In the Data Investment Management division, Kantar, like-for-like revenue once again trailed the rest of the group, down 3.4%, despite strong growth in net sales in the UK, Latin America and Africa. More
Philadelphia-based branding agency Finch brands has launched a communities division, FinchSight Research Communities, to be led by Chief Innovation Officer Tom Finkle, former CEO of Passenger. More
US-based research firm Gongos, Inc. has partnered with customer experience (CX) tech specialist Customerville to create 'turnkey' CX solutions for major companies. More
Sweden-based eye-tracking technology firm Tobii AB has reported a slight real terms decline in revenue for the first quarter of 2017. More
San Diego, California-based data collection agency Branded Research has expanded into full service research with the opening of an insights department, led by former Nielsen exec Kristen Miles. More
Nielsen has reported first quarter revenues of $1.5 billion, up 3.2% after excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. The result was driven by a strong performance in the Watch media research division, while the Buy side saw a decline. More
UK-based video data mining specialist LivingLens has partnered with Qualtrics to make its video capture and analysis available on the latter's Experience Management Platform. More
Non-profit organization Women In Research (WIRe) has added four new members to its Advisory Board - MBC's Laura Chaibi, CitiGroup Insight chief Tony Michelini, Nike exec Vanessa Oshima and MESH Experience leader Fiona Blades. More
Nielsen has begun working with Audiweb, the Italian Online Joint Industry Committee, on the terms of an agreement for further development of the country's audience measurement system. More
The Research Industry Council of Australia (RICA) is fighting the terms of a recent government decision to abolish a visa program for overseas workers, which it claims will have a detrimental impact on the country's market and social research industry. More
In the US, healthcare MR consultancy Adelphi Research Global has appointed Paul Teta as Chief Methodologist and Ted Noga as Director of Advanced Analytics. The firm has also hired three new project team members and promoted five existing employees. More
Following its recent acquisition of media and entertainment data provider Gracenote, Nielsen is formally adopting the latter's 'IDs' as the standard content identifier across all its audience measurement solutions. More
The management of mobile survey specialist Lumi Technologies have spun off its virtual AGM (annual general meeting) app into a separate business, with backing from Vespa Capital. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the US, mobile-first research tech company MFour has received $680k in tax credits from California's state government, contingent on the firm creating at least 77 full-time staff positions in the region over the next five years. More
In the US, sister agencies MarketSight and Critical Mix have partnered, to integrate the latter's CMIX collaborative survey programming tool into the former's data visualization and analytics platform. More
In the UK, Nielsen has launched an employee resource group (ERG) called MOSAIC (Multinational Organization Supporting an Inclusive Culture) at its office in Oxford, where the firm says its employees identify with 57 different nationalities. More
In the UK, former BT research head James 'JT' Turner and political and behavioural data scientist Zsolt Kiss have launched a research business called opinion.life, with ambitions to 'revolutionise' the science of polling. More
In the US, public sector-focused research provider Abt Associates has combined the capabilities of its Abt SRBI survey and research unit with its Client Technology Center, to create a new arm called the Data Science, Surveys and Enabling Technologies division. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has hired former WPP / Kantar exec George Pappachen for a newly created position, EVP Corporate Development & Strategy. More
UK market research budgets appear to have fallen for the seventh quarter in a row, according to the latest Bellwether Report by the IPA. However, respondents were very positive indeed about other marketing spend. More
In New York, healthcare data collection firm SHC Universal has appointed former GLG exec Phil Sofia as company President. More
Omnicom is closing seven of the eight global offices of its consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo, citing 'underperformance' and its need to now focus on growth opportunities in London. More
US-based survey technology firm Qualtrics has raised $180m in a Series C round of funding, valuing the business at $2.5 billion. More
Ipsos has promoted Frank Forkin to the role of President of its RDA division, which provides motor industry quality tracking and customer satisfaction measurement. More
US-based sampling automation provider Lucid has raised $60m in a minority investment round led by private equity firm North Bridge Growth Equity. The funds will be used for further product development and to expand the team. More
US healthcare marketing research firm RG+A has hired Joan Lorgus as Vice President for Client Development; Alex Graber as Senior Manager, Marketing Science; and Lindsay Hoover as a Research Analyst. The firm has also promoted three existing members of staff. More
TV audience rating body BARC India is rolling out a suite of digital measurement products called EKAM (Sanskrit for 'one'), to provide the industry with a single platform for measurement across TV and digital. More
In the US, MFour Mobile Research has received $5m in funding, which it will use to expand its business, products and staff numbers. More
In the US, Kantar Public has appointed Susan Gigli as Global Director for International Development, based in its Washington DC office. She has also been appointed to the Kantar Public Global Board. More
Global media giant Viacom has promoted Colleen Fahey Rush to EVP, Insights & Audience Science, and Chief Research Officer of its Viacom Media Networks subsidiary, effective immediately. More
GfK has appointed three new members to its Supervisory Board: Thomas Ebeling, Johannes P. Huth and Philipp Freise, following its agreement with investment group KKR which is now its partner in running the global group. They replace Peter Goldschmidt, Aliza Knox and Bruno Piace. More
Leeds, UK-based agency ResearchBods has added ten new 'Bods' to its staff so far in 2017, growing all departments in response to new contract wins. It has also promoted Tabita Razalia to Head of Project Management. More
In Australia, former Bain consultant Nik Samoylov and academic Prof. Ujwal Kayande have launched a technology company called Conjoint.ly, which automates conjoint analysis and discrete choice experiments to provide rapid concept testing, price optimisation and forecasting. More
London-based Attest, whose platform promises clients the ability to do a lot more market research, quicker, has secured a further $3.1m in funding. More
The four founders of Stockholm-based brand tracking researcher Nepa have sold 14.7% of the business to a range of Swedish institutional investors. More
In the UK, former GfK director Andy Stillwell has launched a specialist business-to-business market research agency called InsightB2B, which will integrate market data with analysis of buyer behaviour. More
Kathryn Gallant has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive of Cello Health Insight US, and Angie Wheeler to that of President USA. In addition Justine Trinidad, Ed Geiselhart and Kaity Arctander have joined the firm's client facing team. More
Research technology and panel exchange operator Cint has hired former Nasdaq director Johanna Isander for a newly created position, Chief Human Resources Officer, supporting its global growth and talent management initiatives. More
In the UK, iCube Marketing founders Chris Horne and Mike Heisig have launched an online self-service MR platform called researchengine.org, offering users access to 'ready to use' products which deliver insights at speed. More
Academic publisher SAGE has partnered with the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath to launch the Public Data Lab, which will facilitate research, engagement and public debate around the future of the data society. More
Vienna-based community platform Talk Online Panel has appointed former Lightspeed GMI and Cint exec Arjen van Duijvenbode as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Managing Partner Klaus Oberecker who remains active as a company owner. More
In the US, e-Rewards (now Research Now) co-founder Hal Brierley has joined the Board of mobile-based consumer engagement and insights specialist UBMobile. More
In the UK, former FreshMinds Head of Digital Innovation Chris Leo has launched a digital product consultancy, Pivot. More
In an interim report, Sweden-based Voice of the Customer specialist Nepa AB has announced a 'fantastic year', including net sales growth of 25.3% in Q4. Full year 2016 net sales increased 19.4% SEK 184.4m ($US 20.6m). The firm has also recently acquired the outstanding 20% of shares in its sales subsidiary Nepa India. More
Kantar Media and local audience data provider Eyeota have extended their TGI-based segmentation partnership to Germany and France. More
The Hong Kong TAM Founding Subscribers Committee (FSC) has awarded CSM Media Research the contract for the provision of TV ratings in Hong Kong, from January 2018 until 2023. The company is a joint venture between Kantar Media and CTR. More
Customer experience (CX) software and services provider MaritzCX has partnered with mobile survey technology provider OnePoint Global, to provide clients with a mobile CX survey solution. More
In the UK, former YouGov Head of Research Michael Wagstaff is joining full service agency Cambridge Market Research as Managing Director on 1st April. He will replace Paul Beresford, who becomes company Chairman. More
In Germany, social research group infas Holding AG has set up a full-service agency called infas quo, offering strategic management consulting based on market research. The business will be led by former GfK exec Karsten John, who is also a previous infas employee. More
New York-based Geopath, which was formerly known as the Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement, has selected location data specialist Streetlytics to power its new OOH (out of home) measurement solution MORE, due for launch later this year. More
London-based polling and research specialist ComRes has launched a new division, which will focus exclusively on supporting organisations following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. More
Transaction technology giant NCR has integrated its point-of-sale (POS) platform with the systems of cinema data specialist Showtime Analytics, promising cinema clients a better understanding of customer needs and experience. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has hired Jay Rampuria to lead global business development for both itself and parent company ITWP. More
YouGov has reported a revenue rise of 24% to £51.4m for the six months to 31st January 2017 - equivalent to 8% on a constant currency basis. The rise was driven by 'strong growth' in the firm's subscription-based Data Products and Services business. More
Insight agency Firefish has reported a 15% increase in GBP group revenue, from £10.1m in 2016, to £11.7m last year. More
Kantar Millward Brown has expanded its brand marketing analytics platform Ignite Network, to provide access to more than three million mobile panellists in the US. More
UK-based pharmaceutical and consumer insight and marketing group Cello has reported a 5.4% rise in group revenue to £165.3m for the year ended 31st December 2016 (2015: £156.7m), driven by increases in both its Health and Signal divisions. More
UK-based consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo has hired former TNS BMRB Chief Exec Desirée Lopez for a newly created role, Head of Behavioural and Social Strategy, leading its behavioural science offer and its Social Purpose specialist unit. More
UK-based video analytics firm Big Sofa has expanded to the US with the official opening of an office in Philadelphia, PA. More
In Japan, online specialist Macromill has completed its listing on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). More
UK-based online community specialist LRWTonic has appointed five new members of staff at its offices in London. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has appointed former Survey Sampling director Rosie Ayoub as Managing Director in the UK. In addition, Remek Gabrys has joined the London office as Business Development Manager. More
The US' Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has called on seven digital giants to follow the example of Google and Facebook and replace their 'walled garden' approach to measurement with independent audits by the MRC. More
UK-based research industry software firms E-Tabs and Askia have announced a strategic partnership which will offer a revolutionary dashboard designer application for market research. More
US media groups Fox Networks, Turner and Viacom have formed a consortium to develop a TV audience platform industry standard called OpenAP, for cross-publisher audience targeting and independent measurement. More
In New York, Kantar has appointed former Affectiva CEO Nick Langeveld as EVP, Strategic Alliances, responsible for identifying, structuring and managing partnerships across the US. More
In Australia, The Lab Insight & Strategy has opened an office in Brisbane, where it has appointed Amanda Windus as Strategy Planner. More
London-based online community specialist Verve has relocated its Romanian office to larger premises, to accommodate its growing team. More
In the UK, video data mining and analysis specialist LivingLens has raised £1.3m in a round of funding which it will use to accelerate development of its enterprise video analytics tech platform, and to further expand its teams and open operations in the US. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has promoted Caroline Frankum to Chief Executive Officer, replacing David Day who is leaving for a role in the UK Foreign Office. Nick Nyhan becomes Chairman. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has appointed Aviva Global Inclusion Director Jan Gooding as its new President. More
Sir Martin Sorrell has cemented his place as comfortably the highest paid exec in the UK's FTSE 100 companies, securing just under £41.6m in this year's pay award under the now-expiring performance-related 'Leap' scheme. Then again, what's a pound worth nowadays? More
UK firm Streetbees, which uses mobile technology to gather rapid insights from a global community of contributors, has landed $5.1m in seed funding, which to develop its technology and double its headcount from a current total of 40, over the next year. More
GfK has appointed consumer goods industry exec Peter Feld as its new Chief Executive Officer. His predecessor Matthias Hartmann resigned last August due to 'differing views' on the long-term direction of the business between himself and majority shareholder GfK Verein. More
New York-based agency SIS International has opened an office in Tokyo, which will be led by Andrew Edsall, responsible for client servicing across the Asia Pacific region. More
In London, idea sharing platform Wazoku has received £2.3m in a new funding round, which it will use for corporate and team expansion, and further product development. More
US-based mobile research and retail data collection specialist Field Agent has expanded to the UK, where it has promoted Robin Shuker to the role of Managing Director. More
In the US, not-for-profit organization Women In Research (WIRe) has appointed former FocusVision exec Michelle Andre as its first Managing Director, responsible for organizational development and oversight, fundraising, marketing, and assisting with long-term planning. More
In the UK, brand building specialist Andrew Marsden has launched a brand activation agency called Pilgrim Marketing, offering clients business strategy and brand positioning services combined with creativity and access to in-house research. More
In Africa, mobile-first messaging platform mSurvey and comms company Safaricom have partnered to launch a solution called Consumer Wallet, which quantifies Kenyan consumers' off-line spending, habits and trends. More
Ipsos has officially launched its Public Affairs division in India, under the leadership of Parijat Chakraborty, who joined the group in January. More
After ten years as an independent entity, BDRC South Africa has been renamed BDRC Africa and moved back into closer alignment with the group. More
Cincinnati-based full service agency MarketVision Research has relocated its corporate headquarters to a larger office to support a growing workforce. More
Manchester, UK-based Join the Dots has reported revenue growth of 26%, to £9.8m for 2016, matching its growth rate for each of the two previous years. More
Chartered Accountant and investor Sarah Butler has opened a viewing facility, The Buzz Rooms, in Greater Manchester, UK. The new set-up is housed in the headquarters of Infinity Asset Management, of which she is a co-founder and partner. More
Ewing, NJ-based custom research firm Zeldis Research Associates has made four promotions, including two new Executive Vice Presidents - former VPs Amy Rey and Kristina Witzling. Meanwhile Christine DiMeola becomes a VP and Monique Corchado is now Director, Finance & Administration. More
Marcoms giant WPP has reported like-for-like falls in revenue for its Data Investment Management (DIM) arm Kantar, of 1.6% in the fourth quarter and 0.9% for the full year. However like-for-like net sales, which WPP has long said are a better indicator, rose 1.5% and 0.9% respectively. More
Vancouver, Canada-based research community and survey technology specialist Vision Critical has sold a 'significant portion' of its shares to private equity firm W Capital Partners and existing shareholder Georgian Partners, for $76m. Reports say Angus Reid's share of the sale was $44m. More
Industry exec Padmanabhan Ramaswamy has set up a B2B marketplace called InsightzClub, to connect buyers and sellers of market research through programmatic technology. The initiative will launch in Malaysia and Singapore, with plans to roll out elsewhere at a later stage. More
WPP-owned digital data collection firm Lightspeed has partnered with emotion measurement specialist Affectiva, to analyse its panellists' reactions to ads via their facial expressions. More
In New York, health marketing group Evoke has launched a multicultural insight agency called Fabric, which will help clients use insights to help create more 'culturally inspired' brands, and will be led by Managing Director Roger Salazar. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna is planning to increase the size of its respondent community by 20 per cent during the second half of 2017, and has hired Kyle Kim-Hays as EVP for Global Digital Marketing, responsible for the push. More
UK firm OnePoint Global is making the source code for its mobile survey platform available on a Software as a Service (SaaS) basis, allowing clients to build their own survey solutions, integrate survey modules into their existing platforms, or take a 'white label' approach. More
MR software firm Remesh has partnered with online panel and digital MR solutions provider eCGlobal Solutions, to help Latin American clients engage in conversation with their audience at specific moments - such as 30 minutes after viewing a TV show. More
Ipsos has reported 2016 revenue of EUR 1,782.7m, virtually the same as in 2015 but representing 3 percent organic growth - currency effects cancelled out the growth in the Euros figure. More
UK-based insight agency BrainJuicer aims to rebrand as System1 Research, forming System1 Group together with its recently-launched creative house, System1 Agency. More
Australian boutique MR and strategic planning consultancy Ruby Cha Cha has relocated from its central Sydney office to the city's affluent inner city suburb, Surry Hills. More
Toronto-based data collection specialist Delvinia has opened a new office in Quebec, led by former TNS exec Daniel Brousseau. More
Online specialist YouGov has opened an office in Manchester, to support its customer base in the north of England and Scotland. More
In London, WPP insight arm Kantar has appointed former SABMiller Global Insights Director Julie Kollman as Chief Research Officer. She takes up her new post on 27th February. More
European sampling solutions provider Bilendi has appointed former Ipsos exec Daniel Cunill as UK Panels Director, leading the team and strengthening the UK and European offer. He will also lead development of the firm's mobile offering. More
UK audience research body BARB has awarded its Dovetail Fusion cross-screen measurement contract to Kantar Media. The body began testing options from Kantar and Nielsen in late 2015. More
Animal health and agriculture researcher Kynetec has appointed Richard Jameson to its leadership team as Executive Director of Global Custom Research. More
Eye-tracking tech firm Tobii AB has reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2016, with SEK 1,053m ($119m) in annual sales, and increasing cash reserves for investment in VR and smartphones. More
In the US, qualitative researcher Frank Hines has launched a new company called RealLife Research, which will offer services built around video-centric mobile ethnography methods. More
GfK shareholders have accepted an offer from US-based private equity firm KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) for 18.54 percent of the business. The buy is part of an agreement with majority shareholder GfK Verein to support the group's long-term growth strategy. More
ESPN veteran Artie Bulgrin is retiring from his role as SVP Global Research and Analytics in May, after more than 21 years at the Disney-owned sports broadcaster. More
New York-based agency SIS International has relocated its London office from the Strand to Southwark, in order to expand its team and fieldwork capabilities. More
UK-based BrainJuicer says it will rebrand, unifying its MR business with its recently-launched ad agency and sharpening its focus on behavioural science. The new name, 'though it may not be hard to fathom, has not yet been officially revealed. More
Nielsen has reported 2 percent growth in fourth quarter revenues to $1,656m, similar to the growth figure for the whole of 2016. Q4 revenue in the Buy consumer purchase behaviour segment fell 1.3% to $868m, while Watch media research revenue rose 5.8% to $788m. More
Entertainment, media and tech specialist Interpret LLC has promoted Michael Cai to President, overseeing all company divisions; hired Grant Robb as SVP / GM of a newly created Brand Consulting Group; and appointed Diane LightWaight as VP of Sales / Client Service. More
Ipsos has made changes to its Asia Pacific operations, with the news that its business in China will operate as a separate region, led by Lifeng Liu as Chairman and Chief Executive. More
Brand strategy and insight agency BrainJuicer has reported a 24% rise in revenue to £31.24m for the twelve months of 2016, compared with £25.18m in 2015. The firm says this growth - equivalent to 15 percent on a constant currency basis, is 'testament to the strength of its System1 approach'. More
Nielsen has gained Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its inclusion of digital measurement in its TV ratings solution - known as Digital in TV Ratings. This is the first solution to receive MRC approval for TV audience measurement of programming viewed on desktop or mobile devices. More
Brand strategy and insight agency BrainJuicer has promoted Alex Hunt to the role of President, Research Business, in charge of running its market research offering worldwide, and with a seat on the company's Board of Directors. More
comScore has announced that it is unable to meet the February 23rd deadline to file late financial reports and regain compliance with Nasdaq's listing requirements, and warns that this may result in its stock being delisted from the exchange. More
Former RDSi and Nunwood exec Hannah Downs has joined UK consultancy Brand Potential as Client Director, with a remit to build its newly launched Leeds team. Emily Taylor also joins the firm. More
US-based media, event and information company Winsight has received an undisclosed amount of equity and debt funding from investment firm Pamlico Capital, in partnership with the firm's existing management team. More
In New York, full service agency ORC International has hired former Nielsen marketer Ana Mackay-Sim as Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for overseeing brand and revenue-building marketing initiatives globally. More
MR presentation and reporting specialist Dapresy has promoted Fredrik Osterberg to the role of Managing Director, Europe, while appointing former Cambiar exec Beth Rounds as its Chief Marketing Officer. More
In the US, Toluna has hired Marco Pasqualina as VP of Sales, and Mark Daniel as VP of Digital Solutions. In addition, Stephen Walker and Filippo Sablchiero have relocated from the UK, to take up business development roles in the Australia/New Zealand market. More
Research software firm Confirmit has promoted CFO Ken Østreng to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Henning Hansen who, in his own words, has resigned to focus on other priorities, spend more time with his family, and 'start a new chapter'. More
In the US, Nielsen has announced plans to expand its in-market consumer insights service Nielsen Scarborough, to local markets nationwide. More
Polling and research specialist ComRes has opened a practice dedicated to helping organisations evaluate and develop internal comms and employee engagement strategies. The firm will also launch a Faith Research Centre later in the year, to improve understanding of religion and belief. More
Chime Insight & Engagement Group has appointed nine new members of staff, including former Northstar Research exec Jack Miles as Insight Director, heading qual and quant projects across a range of sectors. More
In a trading statement issued today, GfK said that both sales and adjusted income had fallen in 2016, in part as a result of negative currency effects. More
Ipsos has appointed Nielsen's former Buy strategy leader Amy Fenton as Chief Marketing Officer in North America, overseeing all marketing, strategy, and communications in the US and Canada. She succeeds Jim Meyer, who was the firm's first ever CMO. More
Nielsen has deferred the full launch of its cross-device audience measure, Total Content Ratings, which was previously scheduled for March 1st. A 'limited' release will now take place on that date, with no firm deadline set for the full roll-out. More
WPP's Warren, New Jersey-based healthcare data company Lightspeed All Global has been renamed Lightspeed Health. More
WPP-owned marcoms network Ogilvy is setting up a Center for Behavioral Science, aiming to establish a new system for defining how audiences think, feel and behave; and to help clients improve their marketing and communications. More
US custom research provider Zogby Analytics has set up a division called the Small Communities Institute, to support towns and villages dealing with issues such as urban economic development planning and securing grants. More
In the US, real estate software and data analytics specialist RealPage has acquired apartment market data firm Axiometrics for an undisclosed sum. Axiometrics will join RealPage's MPF Research division. More
The Stagwell Group, the investment advisory company formed by Penn Schoen Berland co-founder Mark Penn, has acquired certain custom research assets from Nielsen, including the Harris brand and Harris Poll. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
Ipsos has appointed former TNS director Parijat Chakraborty as Head of its Public Affairs business in India. He will be based out of the Gurgaon office and will report to Amit Adarkar, CEO for India. More
nuaxia, the new venture from former Synovate UK CEO Peter Chopra, has officially rolled out of stealth with the launch of a short multimedia survey platform for healthcare professionals. More
UK consumer and MR consultancy Incite has relocated Principals Jenni Forbes and John Tearle from its London HQ to its office in San Francisco. The firm has also hired Caroline Aulis in its New York office, which will move to larger premises by the end of the first quarter. More
In Detroit, full service agency Market Strategies International (MSI) has promoted Paul Hartley to SVP, MD of the Technology and Telecommunications division, replacing Jean Malarkey who recently announced her retirement. Separately, Leigh Admirand has joined the team at SVP level. More
UK-based BrainJuicer has announced gross profits up 27% to £25.6m for the calendar year 2016 - equivalent to 15 percent at constant currencies. The rise was driven primarily by the continued 'strong progress' of its US business and an 'encouraging recovery' in Continental Europe. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has partnered with mobile video MR specialist Voxpopme to launch a service called 'Video Answers', which captures and analyses open-ended video comment during the survey process. More
Online data collection agency AskingCanadians has partnered with student and youth network yconic, to give clients access to the latter's youth-focused consumer insights panel. More
Nashville, Tennessee-based MR technology and services firm 20|20 Research has appointed former iModerate exec Michael Steinberg to lead global sales. More
London-based opinion and behaviour research specialist BritainThinks has promoted Anastasia Knox, Cordelia Hay and Lucy Bush to Research Director roles, while Raphael Malek moves up to Associate Director. More
After more than 39 years at NOP and GfK, almost all of them spent running the Social Research department, Nick Moon has left the global group and will offer his services as a consultant, under the name of Moonlight Research. More
Paragon Partnerships, a body set up by a group including major corporates, research firms and MR associations, has announced a joint initiative with worldwide research network GRBN, to help provide quality data and insights to governments and others who work towards the UN's 17 'Global Goals'. More
French fieldwork company Made in Surveys has opened new viewing facilities in Birmingham, UK, adding to its existing resources in the French cities of Paris, Lille and Lyon. More
Retail technology company Cloverleaf has launched a tool called shelfPoint, which tracks customers' emotional reactions to products while they shop, and enables brands and retailers to capture engagement and sentiment data at the moment of an in-store purchase decision. More
US cable TV and Internet service provider Comcast has expanded Ed Brassel's role to include leading business intelligence (BI) and analytics efforts at Comcast Cable, and delivering BI across NBCUniversal's TV, film and theme park properties. More
In the US, NBCUniversal's Alan Wurtzel is stepping down from his role as President of Research and Media Development, to become a senior advisor to the company. More
Sapio Research, the agency launched last September by Redshift Research founders Jane Hales and Guy Washer, has opened a physical office in the City of London, based in King William Street near Monument tube station. More
UK-based mobile video MR specialist Voxpopme has partnered with US emotion measurement specialist Affectiva to enable clients to analyse facial expressions in new and existing video feedback. More
Westminster, London-based agency ComRes has appointed former Fujitsu executive Simon Carter as CEO, and says it will announce the launch of two new business practices later this month, a Faith Research Consultancy and an Internal Communications Practice. More
The IAB's Tech Lab has announced that it has assumed governance of the Mobile Verification Open-Source Software Development Kit (SDK) initiative, previously managed by New York-based measurement firm Integral Ad Science. More
US market research associations CASRO and MRA have completed their merger, forming the Insights Association. More
Asset management firm The Carlyle Group has joined up with former leaders of Nielsen Catalina Solutions to buy consumer segmentation division Claritas from Nielsen, for an undisclosed sum. More
Founder Richard Sheldrake is leaving Perspective Research Services and its parent, BDRC Group, for 'personal lifestyle reasons'. More
US-based online community specialist Passenger has changed its name to FUEL CYCLE, reflecting its desire 'to capture customer intelligence and infuse it throughout your organization'. More
Japanese firm Video Research is partnering with Nielsen to measure digital video viewing and advertising reach, and analyse cross-media ad impact. More
Morgan Investors, the holding company for Quick Test/Heakin, Discovery Research Group and 3Q Global, has announced leadership changes affecting all three research firms. More
Californian retail marketing and b2b firm BDS Marketing has launched a new team and solution, BDS Research, whose offer will include analysis of sales impact and performance, visual merchandising and retail experience. More
Parent company Havas Advertising is to shutter California's Field Research, one of the USA's longest-established opinion pollsters. More
UK agency McCallum Layton has changed its name to Allto Consulting, to reflect the expansion of its offer beyond research into the delivery of integrated solutions. More
French newspaper Le Parisien has announced it will no longer commission its own polls, in the run-up to the country's Presidential elections, but will rely on journalists' feedback from 'working on the ground', along with references to external surveys. More
This is the last edition of Daily Research News for 2016. We wish all our readers, clients, contributors and friends around the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. More
The Media Rating Council (MRC) is withholding its accreditation of Nielsen's December 2016 Portable People Meter (PPM) audio measurement reports in 26 US markets, because of a meter connectivity issue. More
Former Synovate UK CEO Peter Chopra is opening a new business called nuaxia, offering market research, marketing services, recruitment, and information services to the healthcare sector. The firm has already closed a £1m seed round of funding. More
From the middle of next year, Nielsen will be increasing the sample size of its radio panel by 10 percent, in 48 Portable People Meter (PPM) markets across the US. More
Broadcaster Channel 4 has hired neuroscientist Greg Detre for a newly created position, Chief Data Scientist, with a remit to 'revolutionise' how the business uses behavioural data for both commercial and creative ends. More
Former comScore exec Manish Bhatia has joined Kantar Media as Chief Executive Officer of its North American business. More
In Australia, magazine publishers Bauer Media and NewsLifeMedia are withdrawing from the circulation audits provided by industry body AMAA, leaving only one major consumer magazine group subscribed. More
DIY survey firm SurveyMonkey is to downsize its Australian sales team, reports suggest, with six staff set to leave by March 2017. Meanwhile its base in Ottawa, Canada, is expected to adds dozens of new recruits during the year. More
US-based MR and consulting firm Decision Analyst has launched a new company called Symmetric, selling sample from its various consumer and b2b panels to both MR firms and end clients. More
Shareholders of UK-based marcoms group Creston have voted to accept the acquisition offer of fund manager DBAY Advisors. More
Turkish TV audience measurement organisation TIAK Aª has awarded incumbent Kantar Media the contract to deliver official TV trading currency until at least 2020, with the option to extend until 2022. More
MR language and translation specialist GlobaLexicon has opened an office in Chicago, to extend coverage across all North American time zones and increase the capacity of its team following a number of client wins. More
WPP AUNZ has rolled out the group's integrated retail practice The Store to the Australia and New Zealand market, and named Rob Draper as its CEO. With existing offices in the UK and US, The Store brings together shopper marketing resources from WPP companies around the world. More
Carlos Harding, the Deputy CEO of Ipsos, died suddenly of a heart attack last Friday morning. He was 69 years old. More
The release of 2016 data from the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) has been postponed by six months, and is now promised for the third quarter of 2017. More
UK-based convenience retail strategy firm Insight Research has announced a strategic alliance with US-based retail strategy and design consultant Joseph Bona, MD of MoseleyBona Retail. The two firms will share a new office in Mayfair, London. More
New Jersey-based HCD Research has set up an Applied Neuroscience Laboratory Services unit, to help companies develop and install their own in-house neuroscience testing capabilities. More
Swedish eye tracking technology firm Smart Eye has begun listing its shares on the Nasdaq First North stock exchange in Stockholm. More
US private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is launching an offer for a substantial minority stake in GfK, and has entered an agreement with its majority shareholder GfK Verein to support the group's long-term growth strategy. More
Anders Bengtsson, the CEO of US-based boutique insights and strategy consultancy Protobrand, has acquired a majority stake in the company, after recently buying out co-founder Phil Granof's share. The firm has also secured new investors and strengthened its management team. More
In the UK, retail sector specialist ABA Research has appointed former Camelot Head of Insight Nick Bonney as Managing Director. He will take up the post next February, replacing founder Alison Bainbridge who will remain active in the business. More
Maryland and Connecticut-based online consumer sample provider Full Circle Research has partnered with marijuana MR and tracking firm Cannabiz Consumer Group (C2G), to launch an omnibus called CannaBus. More
Kantar TNS was one of the big winners at last night's MRS Awards, taking home the Grand Prix for Greatest Impact; the MRS/BIG Award for B2B Research, alongside digital data collection arm Lightspeed; and the awards for New Consumer Insights and Social Media Research (the latter with Unilever). More
In Australia, digital out-of-home business Shopper Media Group has launched a new research data division making use of its network of 'Smartlite' digital panels installed in more than 150 shopping centres across the country. More
MRSS India has added a Social Research Practice, and appointed former IMRB International Director Dr.Srikant Patel to lead it. More
Online community specialist Vision Critical has partnered with business intelligence and digital media provider RFi Group, to service the financial services sector in Australia and New Zealand. More
Sydney, Australia-based video survey and research platform Verbate has expanded to Europe with the opening of an office in London. More
Recently-formed London-based communications insight and strategy firm delineate has appointed Erica Buckley as Insight and Digital Director and Helen Bennie as a Senior Consultant. More
London-based full service agency Relish Research has appointed former ICM Unlimited exec Joe Wheller as Head of Quantitative Research, while setting up an Analytics unit led by newly promoted Joe Catling. More
Tech startup SocialVend has launched a vending machine which provides consumers with physical rewards in exchange for answering questions or posting to Instagram with a brand's hashtag, using their mobile devices. More
In London, full service researcher BDRC has appointed Andrew Lea as Experience Design Director, to launch and lead its new Digital User Experience (UX) and Usability division. More
Barbara Katz, President of US-based health and nutrition trends MR company HealthFocus International (HFI), is stepping down from the role at the end of the year, to be succeeded by General Manager Steve Walton. More
TV rating body BARC India has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for firms able to provide TV viewing related consultancy services to its subscribers. More
WPP-owned digital data collection specialist Lightspeed has opened an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where it has appointed Lindsay Dominguez as Client Development Lead. More
US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI) has partnered with Azul Brazilian Airlines to launch a new rewards program called Pontos por Opiniões, which will extend its panel membership in Brazil. More
Qual consumer insights consulting firm RealityCheck has opened an office in Miami, from where it will support clients in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru. More
In the Netherlands, Blauw Research's new product development agency SPRINT has opened an office in the Groothandelsgebouw building, in the centre of Rotterdam. More
GfK has appointed Dale Drerup as Automotive lead, June McPherson as Consumer team lead for North America, and Tom Neri - currently head of its Financial Services team in North America - as Technology Industry leader. More
Former BBC Sport Digital Development Editor Chris Hurst is joining Nielsen Sports as Head of Digital for the UK. More
In Australia, digital screen ad network VMO has unveiled DART 2.0, described as the country's 'most intelligent out of home audience measurement system'. More
UK-based sister companies Green 4 Solutions and 4Sight Sport & Leisure are merging their offers, bringing together CRM and ticketing software with strategic insight services. More
In New York, a group of seventeen agencies have come together to launch a 'certified-diverse' collective called Titanium Worldwide, offering a range of media, marketing, analytics, market research, focus group and communications services. More
Andrew Reid, the founder of Canadian research tech firm Vision Critical, has launched a company called VC LABS, to develop software which will extend the value of insight communities. He will be leaving Vision Critical's exec team, but will remain as a shareholder with a seat on its Board. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna says it has increased access to hard-to-reach patients through a 'strategic partnership' with an unnamed source. More
Quadrangle has undergone a restructure involving the promotion of Adrian Ward and Jenny Betteridge to Director roles, creating two client-facing teams, and re-defining the role of the partners with a focus on mentoring directors and supporting the teams. More
US firm HCD Research has formed a new market research practice dedicated to chain and fast food restaurants, employing a mix of traditional and applied neuroscience methods. More
Chicago-based research portal KnowledgeHound has raised $2.7m in Series A funding, and says it will use the money to recruit for sales and technology roles. More
Israel-based technology firm Wizer, which is backed by investment firm Nielsen Innovate, has unveiled a consumer research solution combining machine learning technology with supervision by research professionals and promising results delivered within 48 hours. More
Ipsos has announced changes in its ownership structure, designed to simplify it and ensure the company's independence over the long term - following the death in December 2014 of co-founder Jean-Marc Lech. More
In India, research veteran Sandeep Chibber has formed a new company, Decisive Research LLP, offering full service research in addition to online & off-line data collection, programming and translations, DP / analysis, dashboards and report writing. More
A sharp fall in income for GfK's Consumer Experiences segment (-7.4%) more than balanced growth in Consumer Choices (+5.4%) in the first nine months of 2016, giving GfK as a whole a 1.7% organic decline in sales. Third quarter sales fell to EUR 355.3m while EBITDA dropped by around a quarter to EUR 43.3m. More
Maryland and Connecticut-based online consumer sample provider Full Circle Research has opened a new office in Houston, Texas, led by former Penn Schoen Berland director Todd Neff. More
UK-based online communities specialist Verve has appointed Marie Patenio as leader of its Chicago office, as Tim Martin returns to London from his secondment. The firm has also announced five further appointments in Chicago and Toronto. More
In London, independent agency Firefish has launched a specialist insight communications and activation agency called Insider, headed by John Sayers who previously led Firefilms, the firm's in-house insight film unit. More
Research software firm Confirmit has partnered with video-based insight specialist LivingLens, to offer video capture and analysis within its Horizons platform, for use in market research studies, voice of the customer (VoC) and voice of the employee (VoE) programmes. More
GfK has appointed Gary Schanzer to lead its Point-of-Sale (POS) teams in North America - including retail panels for the pet, optics and tire markets - as well as the Group's Value-Added Services in e-commerce content, discount ad tracking, and technology research for investment firms. More
Netherlands online publisher group VINEX has awarded Kantar Media a contract to deliver a new 5,000-strong panel for Internet audience measurement, replacing a previous service operated by GfK. More
The US Census Bureau has awarded its 2020 integrated communications contract to WPP subsidiary Young & Rubicam (Y&R), charging it with successful execution of the first-ever digital census. More
Research and advisory services provider MARU Group has opened an office in New York for its Maru/edr business, offering CEM, voice of the customer feedback, and multichannel consumer insight across the North America region. More
In London, IT, healthcare and B2B MR firm RONIN Development Corporation has been sold out of administration as a going concern to creative digital marketing agency Fat Media. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. More
In the US, presidential nominee Donald Trump is questioning a $767k invoice from his Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio, for campaign polling work the latter's firm has conducted on his behalf. More
Tokyo-based sample and survey software business dataSpring has appointed MApps CEO Ikuo Hagino as Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Masahiro Takanohashi who will remain with the firm until the end of the year, when he will leave to pursue 'other leadership opportunities'. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has appointed former Kantar Retail exec Mayer Danzig as SVP of Product Management, responsible for overseeing the Product team and helping define and develop the next generation of product offerings. More
In the UK, Southend, Essex-based outsourced customer management services firm Ventrica has expanded its contact centre to 330 seats, and says it is planning to create 200 new jobs to meet both increased client demand and future expansion. More
WPP's Data Investment Management arm has reported a 12.1% increase in third quarter revenue to £655m, reflecting the lower value of the pound. On a like-for-like basis, DIM revenue fell 2%, while other divisions averaged more than 4% growth. More
Marketing technology and analytics specialist David Raab has launched a new trade association called the Customer Data Platform Institute. The association aims to educate companies about the solutions available for building a single view of customers, identifying behavior and tracking interaction across channels. More
Retail and healthcare data giant IRI and digital data collection specialist Research Now have expanded their relationship to create what the firms describe as the CPG industry's 'most robust and unique data set'. More
Manchester, UK-based researcher Amy Middleton has launched a company called BEAM Fieldwork, providing a bespoke approach to fieldwork for research projects across the country. More
Netherlands-based customer and employee feedback specialist Mopinion has expanded its Sales and Marketing teams with the appointment of seven new employees. More
Ipsos has reported a 0.9% increase in third quarter revenue to EUR 431.7m, with organic growth a 'satisfactory' 3.2% during the period. More
US-based pharma researcher Decision Resources Group (DRG) has expanded to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with the establishment of a consulting office in Singapore. More
Online communities specialist Krealinks has partnered with video insight firm Voxpopme, to add consumer recorded video feedback to its range of community platforms and panels. More
Survey tech firm Qualtrics has teamed up with emotion measurement specialist Affectiva, adding its emotion recognition technology to the Qualtrics Insight Platform, which combines customer experience management, employee engagement and market research. More
Chicago-based 3-D virtual store research specialist InContext Solutions has closed a $15.2m round of funding, which it will use to accelerate its sales and marketing efforts, expand its geographical footprint, and improve its virtual reality (VR) product portfolio. More
Innovation business Delvinia, which owns a group of companies focused on data collection, has launched a division called DCS, which will create new ways to help marketers, researchers and business leaders collect, visualize and enable data. More
Nilesen has announced it will use its Portable People Meter (PPM) technology and panelists to measure out-of-home viewing for national television clients, and will provide subscribers with ratings combining this with in-home audiences. More
Research software firms MARSC and MI Pro have announced a merger, forming QuenchTec. The new company promises 'next generation insight tools' to give researchers more agile and automated insight processes. More
Automated MR platform ZappiStore has raised £12m from Amsterdam-based venture capital firm Prime Ventures, which specialises in European tech companies. More
Australian consultancy Faster Horses has moved both its Perth and Sydney teams to larger premises, following triple digit growth in the last two financial years. More
UK-based voice of the Customer specialist Maru/edr has added thirteen new members of staff in its research and technical teams, including Senior Research Manager Jessica Abbott, Software Development Manager Robert Pointer and a number of graduates. More
Research technology and services company FocusVision has partnered with data collection group Schlesinger Associates to pilot a new focus group video system, using 360 degree cameras to pick up participants' facial expressions and non-verbal cues. More
In the US, Nielsen Sports has appointed former Repucom execs Danny Townsend and Glenn Lovett as Co-Managing Directors, following its acquisition of the business earlier in the year. In addition, Repucom founder Paul Smith has announced he will leave the business at the end of the year. More
From today, DRNO will be adding a new section focusing on more news of actual surveys - from project wins to interesting fieldwork and results. See the link above for 'Survey Briefs'. We're also, for the first time, offering advertisers a chance to sit at the very top of the news email, for one day. More
US-based survey technology firm Qualtrics has appointed Microsoft veteran Zig Serafin as Chief Operating Officer, leading operations in the run up to a planned IPO. More
In Australia, television industry research firm ThinkTV has partnered with media academic Professor Karen Nelson-Field, to set up a laboratory which will conduct research into the performance of TV advertising. More
In Australia, The Lab Insight & Strategy has opened an office in Sydney, where it has hired former GfK director Andrew Therkelsen as Managing Director. More
In the US, research and insights firm Shapiro+Raj has promoted social scientist Margaret Mueller to the role of President. More
In London, former Kadence execs Paul Donnelly and Colm Russell have set up an international data collection agency called Dynamic Fieldwork. More
In Sydney, Gai Le Roy is re-joining the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) as Research Director on 1st November, to lead activities tracking media consumption changes and commercial measurement options, while championing the industry's adoption of cross media measurement. More
Marketing spend in the UK looks to be rising, despite the climate of uncertainty created by the Brexit vote in June, according to the IPA's quarterly Bellwether Report. More
Research Now has struck a deal with digital tech services company GlobalLogic, which the MR firm says will increase the quality and speed of its service delivery. More
UK-based market research translation and language services provider GlobaLexicon has expanded its internship programme, which has already brought no fewer than 50 interns to the company over three years. More
Leeds-based agency Trinity McQueen has completed its MBO with the help of a £2.5m funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial. The money will also help with the company's 'ambitious plans for further growth and international expansion'. More
Detroit, USA-based agency Morpace has appointed Helen Armstrong to lead its growing European Consumer and Retail business. More
Insight and brand strategy consultancy Flamingo has launched a new division dedicated to healthcare and pharmaceutical clients, and appointed former Hall and Partners exec Lee Gazey to lead it. More
In Westlake Village, California, former Cint US MD Michael McCrary has launched PureSpectrum, a new global marketplace for buyers and sellers of online sample. The company is backed by strategic investments from Research Now and Critical Mix. More
New Jersey-based life science analytics and advisory firm KMK Consulting, Inc. has launched an independent subsidiary company, InTask, which will provide simulation platforms for use in healthcare market research. The first such tool, InTaskT, is available now and is targeted at healthcare professionals. More
Sampling firm Innovate has announced three new hires - Michael Krameisen, Erin Fredericks and Josh Brezner - along with impressive annual growth. In the last year, revenues have tripled and headcount has doubled to 50 people. More
YouGov has announced strong preliminary results for the year ended 31st July, with group revenue up 12% on a constant currency basis to £88.2m, and adjusted profit before tax up 46% to £13.3m. More
US media firm Hearst Television has promoted Kevin Stuart to the new position of Vice President, Research. More
Healthcare research and online physician community Sermo has partnered with health information portal and marketing solutions provider Everyday Health, creating what it says is 'the largest US physician panel in existence'. More
Emerging markets panel specialist Borderless Access has opened offices in Dubai and Munich, adding to its existing operations in the US, UK and India. More
In Germany, Kantar TNS veteran Peter Pirner has added the role of Head of Digital to his existing role as Practice Head, Customer Strategies. He replaces Dirk Steffen, who has taken up the role of Global Account Director for Google, at Kantar in Silicon Valley. More
In New York, consumer insights firm Simmons Research has strengthened its leadership team, adding former comScore SVP Steven Millman as Chief Scientist, Alan Resneck as CFO and Pyeush Gurha as CTO. More
In New York, fashion trend analysis and forecasting specialist WGSN has launched a dedicated resource for trends across consumer insights, retail strategy, marketing, and innovation; supported by a global editorial team which will focus on building content and expertise for the product. More
Elizabeth Granahan and Meghan Surdenas, who previously worked at MR recruitment specialist Focus Forward, have set up their own language services agency SyncScripts, offering translations and transcription from an office in Philadelphia. More
Tim Britton has left his role as Head of Strategy & Transformation for PwC's r2i global data research and insight centre, to take up the position of Managing Director of the Open Research Group at academic publishing company Springer Nature. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has expanded its presence in Latin America through the opening of its first office in Brazil, led by Luca Bon as Sales Director. More
In London, digital marcoms group Next15 has launched a data collection agency called Viga, led by former Research Now exec Lewis Reeves. More
Recently unveiled Kantar Public has launched a new research centre, bringing together a pan-European team of researchers with expertise in political and opinion polling, social and economic trends, and migration. More
Steve Aukers, former CEO of research firm J. Reckner Associates, has joined UK-based video analytics firm Big Sofa as President & CEO, North America. More
According to press reports, Aydin Mirzaee has left SurveyMonkey, two years after its acquisition of online survey and application review tools firm Fluidware, which he co-founded in 2008. His next career move is unknown. More
US media conglomerate Viacom has promoted Christian Kurz to the new global role of SVP, Global Consumer Insights, overseeing corporate and consumer research, with a focus on exploring new technologies and consumer behavior. More
Nielsen is adding Portable People Meter (PPM) panelists to its Local TV service, thereby doubling the sample size. The firm says it will begin introducing PPM measurement for in-home and out-of-home viewing in 2017. More
UK-based Chime Insight & Engagement has made more than two dozen new appointments across the business, including former Sainsbury's Customer Insight Manager Simon Rawlinson as Insight Director. More
Leeds, UK-based full-service agency Boxclever has launched a new company called Whizzbox Analytics, providing a dedicated team of analysts who will work alongside agency clients at each stage of the research process. More
UK television measurement body BARB has hired former Guardian News and Media Head of Research Rhiannon Griffiths as Head of Strategic Developments. More
US consultancy Phoenix Marketing International (PMI) has appointed industry veteran Bob Ferguson as Executive Vice President, to help continue the expansion of its Qualitative Practice. More
Life science intelligence firm Zitter Health Insights has announced that founder and CEO Mark Zitter will step down from the role and become Chairman, with current President John Monahan promoted to CEO from January 1st 2017. More
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Ascribe, best known for its text analysis expertise, has linked with Google Consumer Surveys for a new solution offering clients custom market research with a 'massive' consumer sample. More
WPP's Kantar has unveiled a new global operating brand, pooling expertise to offer advice on the delivery of public policy, services and communications. More
Research data solutions and technology firm SSI has appointed former Lightspeed exec Ute Jaeger-Wolfe as Managing Director for Germany. More
Redshift Research founders Jane Hales and Guy Washer have partnered with former colleagues Jessica Bunce and Andrew White, to set up a new London-based agency called Sapio Research. More
In the US, audience measurement specialist Paul Krasinski has launched a technology company called Epicenter Experience, providing access to more than 30 million US consumers through its 'People Platform' mobile community. More
Thoroughbred Research Group President Steve Alsbury and his wife Nancy, the firm's VP of Operational Resources, have retired after fourteen years with the business. More
Interpublic-owned marketing network McCann Health has launched a business called 'Consulting at McCann Health', which will offer market research through sister agency Double Helix, as well as services such as business strategy and development of digital solutions. More
In London, Chime Insight & Engagement Group (CIE) has hired long-time GfK exec Pam Armstrong for the newly created role of Managing Director of its Opinion Leader and Chime Insight & Engagement businesses. More
In Australia, Nielsen Book General Manager Shaun Symonds has left the company after seventeen years, to seek 'new opportunities', and Julie Winters has been appointed to head up the Australia and New Zealand business. More
Shopper insight specialist Kantar Retail has partnered with eye tracking firm SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI), to create a virtual shopping experience that provides shopper data via a controlled environment. More
Nielsen has partnered with research and technology firm Vision Critical, promising clients the ability to extract additional value from their insight communities and better understand their customers. More
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent the government its proposal for a regulatory framework for radio audience measurement, not dissimilar to that recently set up for television metrics. More
Northumberland, UK-based success story Dipsticks Research has rebranded, bringing together no fewer than seven group companies under the new umbrella brand of DRG. More
Viewing facility firm i-view London has moved to a new, larger purpose-built location on The Strand, where it has promoted Belma Lugic to the newly created role of Studio Director, and Sam Grey to Studio Manager. The firm has also made four new hires. More
Technology and communities business MARU/VCR&C has launched a new Qualitative Insights arm, which will make use of a broad range of online technologies to probe deeper into consumer behavior. More
Nielsen has set out plans to introduce all-electronic measurement for local TV ratings across all 210 of the USA's designated market areas (DMAs) by mid-2017 - and to stop using paper-based TV diaries early the following year. More
In the UK, outdoor advertising audience research body Route has commissioned Ipsos Connect UK to undertake an expanded and renewed six-year research project, providing data to the outdoor industry until 2023. The new contract, funded by an injection of £20m, begins on 1st April 2017. More
US-based sampling and data collection provider Critical Mix has appointed Colin Turner-Kerr as Managing Director, UK, in charge of leading the development and expansion of the business throughout Europe. More
In the US, tech-driven sample provider P2Sample is relocating its Alpharetta, GA headquarters, to accommodate anticipated future growth. The firm has already hired a dozen new team members since the start of the year, and says it plans to grow its team by 38 percent by the end of 2017. More
In the UK, insight and innovation consultancy FreshMinds has appointed Jason de Klerk as Head of Quantitative Research, Maeve O'Dwyer as a Senior Consultant, and James Wallis as a Consultant. The firm has also hired a number of Associates. More
New Jersey-based HCD Research has set up a User Experience division, integrating applied neuroscience and traditional market research methods to understand UX and user behavior. More
Los Angeles-based consumer insights specialist Kelton Global has relocated its headquarters from Culver City to LA's tech hub Playa Vista, to accommodate expansion and the diversification of its services. More
US-based audience-driven ad and media analytics firm Samba TV has rolled out its 'Sync and Retarget' digital ad buying platform in the UK market. To support this move, the firm has set up a London office as its European HQ, where it has appointed Hitesh Bhatt and Jay Fowdar. More
International data collection group Schlesinger Associates has opened a new focus group space on the fifth floor of its building in Phoenix, Arizona. More
WPP's data investment management division Kantar has re-branded its twelve operating businesses with a unifying prefix, for example 'Kantar TNS' and 'Kantar Millward Brown'. The exception is digital data collection specialist Lightspeed GMI, which now reverts to its original name Lightspeed. More
New York City-based full service agency SIS International Research has expanded a number of its B2B, healthcare and B2C panels. The firm has also appointed Gina Zaccheo as Director of Global Operations, and Troy Cole as a Project Manager. More
Bloomberg Media has hired former Dentsu Aegis Network exec Michelle Lynn as Global Head of Data Science and Insights, responsible for leading initiatives, and managing Data and Research teams globally from its office in New York. More
Brand strategy and research agency BrainJuicer has launched a specialist unit called 'System1 Politics', which will use the behavioural science principle behind its 3Fs model (Fame, Feeling & Fluency) to forecast the results of elections. More
A new, free app, 'Kriddik', has been launched through which consumers can provide direct, private feedback to businesses without their information being shared publicly. More
Consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo has promoted Sam Gomez to the role of London co-CEO, alongside current agency head Ednyfed Tappy. The firm has also hired former Kantar exec Robert Nagadowski as its first Group Chief Operating Officer. More
London-based emotion analysis specialist Realeyes has appointed industry veteran David Bilicic as Head of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships, based in New York. He is joined by former Quantifind exec John Tomchek, who takes up the US-based position of Commercial Director. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has opened an office in Paris, where it has appointed former Research Now MD Marc-Antoine Jacoud as Managing Director. More
MR language and translation specialist GlobaLexicon has reported its third consecutive year of over 50 percent revenue growth, and says it has increased its headcount from 39 to 61 in the past twelve months. More
London-based Video data tech company Big Sofa has appointed former FocusVision EMEA MD Richard Collins to the newly created position of Chief Customer Officer, responsible for managing its global client base. More
In Sydney, Australia, former 3 mobile and Yahoo!7 Insights specialist Sharon Keating has launched a company dedicated to improving the wellbeing and performance of execs, particularly in the market research industry. More
Family-owned agricultural and industrial commodities giant Cargill has appointed CPG veteran Chuck Gitkin in the newly created role of CMO of its North America protein business - with a remit to help shift its focus to a customer-centric, insight-based strategy. More
Mumbai-based digital MR agency MRSS India has filed a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), to raise up to Rs. 100m ($US 1.5m) through Further Public Offering (FPO) of equity shares. More
Research technology and panel exchange operator Cint has opened an office in San Francisco; its fifth location in the US and second on the west coast. Deputy CEO Richard Thornton is relocating from London to head up the new office and build the team. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has opened a new office in India, based in the Cyber City business hub in Gurgaon, near New Delhi. More
Tel Aviv, Israel-based emotion analytics specialist Beyond Verbal has raised $3m in a Series A round of funding. Money will be invested in future research projects, the recruitment of additional data scientists, and development of new emotional features. More
Colorado-based cannabis industry data and insight provider BDS Analytics has launched a consumer research division, dedicated to conducting studies to help better understand the range of people who buy and consume marijuana. More
YouGov has announced the opening of a new office in Chicago, as part of its continued expansion across the US. More
GfK's majority owner GfK Verein has dismissed a report published in German weekly magazine WirtschaftsWoche, which claimed the company may be considering putting itself up for sale. More
Tokyo-based panels and technology company dataSpring is opening an office in London, where it has named Arjen van Duijvenbode as Director of Business Development EMEA. More
GfK may be considering putting itself up for sale, alongside other options, according to reports in German weekly magazine, WirtschaftsWoche. More
Seattle-based Discuss.io has raised $880k from Unilever Ventures and other existing investors, to expand its video conferencing and crowdsourcing-based group discussion solution. Cash will be used to recruit engineers, sales and marketing staff. More
Kantar's TNS Gallup team will continue to provide TV ratings for Norway for at least another seven years, after the firm won a competitive pitch against Ipsos. The new contract, running initially from 2018 to 2023, is billed by the partners as 'the most advanced hybrid model for TV and video measurement yet seen in the world'. More
The Supervisory Board of GfK has elected Ralf Klein-Bölting as its new Chairman - he succeeds Dr. Arno Mahlert on September 13th. More
Newly rebranded US agency AMC Global has appointed former MarketQuest Global CEO Mary Beth Lake as EVP, Corporate Strategy & Innovation, leading the product design and development practice. More
In New York, AI-based market research software firm Remesh has closed a $1m angel investment round, with backers including Schlesinger Associates CEO Steve Schlesinger; and has appointed Matt Gershner as EVP of Sales & Marketing. More
Software giant SAP has invested in Vivanda, which provides a context-sensitive personalization platform for the food and beverage industry based on a digitized 'food and flavor genome'. More
Ipsos has partnered with two centers at Yale University and senior insight figures in a number of top consumer companies to launch a new behavioral economics body, The YCCI-Ipsos Think Tank. More
WPP has reported Q2 revenue of £3.46bn, up 3.5% in like-for-like (LFL) terms. Net sales, the group's preferred measure, rose 4.3% on the same basis. As in previous quarters data investment management (DIM) lagged other divisions, with LFL revenue down -0.4% and net sales up 2.0%. More
US-based sampling automation provider Lucid has launched an independent, third-party-verified quality assurance and measurement program, which allows market researchers to test multiple characteristics of more than 40 major sample panels. More
In the US, retail information firm the NPD Group is combining its luxury tracking services with its 'Softlines' unit, following the departure of luxury tracking President Fred Levin. More
In the US, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) is inviting tenders for a contract to combine smart TV and set top box (STB) data, in order to create a nationally projectable 'mega sample' of TV tuning data. More
US trade association the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has appointed former media research veteran Daniel McDonald as Head of its Research division. More
Marketing group Enero - the parent of insight agencies Jigsaw and The Leading Edge (TLE), has followed strong 2016 results with an announcement that it is back in the mood for acquisitions - following a seven-year period in which it battled for survival. More
Digital data collection firm Research Now has partnered with MR technology group FocusVision, and will use its Decipher mobile-first survey design and data collection tool, alongside advanced reporting and visualization capabilities. More
GfK has announced that its results for the first six months of the year are 'below prior year's financials for the same reporting period', and warns it is no longer likely that group sales growth will outperform the market. More
Online MR software company Confirmit and predictive dialing specialist Sytel have jointly developed a series of new CATI features (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing), promising improved productivity and flexibility. More
Accommodation rental marketplace Airbnb has launched an innovation and design studio called Samara, tasked with developing new ideas and services to support its community. More
Stockholm-based eyetracking technology firm Tobii has reported first half 2016 sales of SEK 493m ($US 57.5m), up 11 percent at constant currency. Continuing high investment in the Tobii Tech division outweighed profits elsewhere to leave an operating loss of SEK -46m. More
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed former Kraft Foods insight exec Jen Acerra as Vice President, Global Brand Research and Insights, leading the group's global MR team. More
Brand identity and media relations firm PUBLIC NYC has spun off its PANIC Brand Metrics perception measurement solution into a separate consulting practice with the same name. More
In the UK, full service agency DJS Research has reported a 17% increase in annual turnover from £3.6m to £4.2m for 2015/16. More
In the US, research technology firm FocusVision has integrated the Survox IVR (interactive voice response) multi-mode survey tool into its platform, to enable users of its Decipher survey software to add automated phone interviewing to any online study. More
Spanish-language broadcast network Telemundo has appointed Lia Silkworth as Senior Vice President of Insights and Consumer Development, in charge of the Programming and Consumer Research departments. More
Research data and technology firm SSI has partnered with Mexican rewards program Club Premier to add the latter's four million members to new Latin American scheme Opina y Acumula (Give Your Opinion and Earn), through which members earn points in exchange for participating in surveys. More
Ipsos has reported first half 2016 revenue of EUR 833.6m, equivalent to 3 percent organic growth once currency effects are excluded. The result is an improvement after a flat 2015. More
In London, tech market research company DigitalMR has appointed Maksim Sipos as its first Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the adaptation and technical delivery of its listening247 and communities247 tools, and its DIY software-as-a-service offering. More
Music and TV recognition app Shazam is working with five US broadcasters to develop a radio audience measurement solution for the country. More
Dubai-based management consultancy UAE Business Solutions (UBS) is launching a restaurant consultancy division, which will offer market research, feasibility studies, support, planning and strategy for new and existing eateries. More
DIY online survey platform SurveyMonkey has appointed former HomeAway COO Tom Hale as President, overseeing engineering, product, product marketing, user experience and growth. More
In the UK, branding and retail design consultancy Portland Design has launched a standalone unit, offering consumer insights and trends for the retail, travel and leisure industries. More
Australian TV audience measurement (TAM) body OzTAM has extended Nielsen's contract to supply TAM services in the country's five mainland capital cities and nationally for subscription TV (STV); and is also increasing the number of homes in its TAM panels by 50 per cent. More
In the UK, IAB Chief Executive Guy Phillipson is stepping down from the role next January, after twelve years heading the industry body. He says he plans to stay involved in the media sector through advisory and non-exec roles. More
A new marijuana market research and tracking firm called Cannabiz Consumer Group has launched in the US, where it has hired Kinesis Survey Technologies co-founder Leslie Townsend as Chief Executive Officer. More
Mystery shopping and performance improvement firm Grass Roots has teamed up with Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) specialist QuestBack to launch a packaged survey solution called Tune, to enable brands to listen to and act on customer feedback. More
UK-based agency BrainJuicer has reported revenue up 13 percent, or 9 percent at constant currencies, in a trading update for the first half of the year. Gross profit growth was in double figures, with the Americas and Continental Europe leading the way. More
The Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division of broadcaster Turner has hired Channel 4 insight exec Pedro Cosa for a newly created role, Vice President Insights & Analytics. He will join the firm in September. More
London-based full service agency MESH Experience has appointed former Millward Brown MD Julian Green as Global Client Experience Director, with an initial focus on driving a new multi-brand proposition. More
Netherlands-based customer feedback specialist Mopinion is set to expand, after receiving an undisclosed amount of investment from Capital Mills. The funds will be used to further develop Mopinion's technology and roll it out to other European countries and the USA. More
In Michigan, USA, DIY online qual platform Aha! has relocated to the historic Ford Valve Plant building in Northville. More
US-based MR training provider Research Rockstar has claimed a first by launching a 24/7 training 'portal' for market research professionals, giving access to courses, media content and expert instructors. More
A substantial sideshow to the debate that has dominated British media for the past two months has been speculation over how opinion pollsters would fare. Some even suggested that if they were badly wrong again, they might give up. Given that pressure, we think they did OK. More
MR presentation and visual analysis specialist Dapresy is opening a London office, its first in Britain, and has appointed Marc Chester as Director, UK. More
UK-based medical MR firm Field Scope International has opened an office in New York, adding the US to its existing broad coverage of Western and Eastern European markets. More
The founders of wealth intelligence specialist Wealth-X are to step down in September 2016 from their roles as CEO and President. Chief Commercial Officer Marc Cohen and CFO Richard Green become Co-Presidents, while Prasanth Ramanand and Christine Noh join in senior roles. More
With the UK's 'Brexit' referendum vote looming tomorrow, TNS has revealed details of an Election Day Voter Panel of 200 people intending to vote. The Panel aims to investigate the reasons for the much-discussed phenomenon of 'last minute swing', apparently common in referenda and elections. More
Professional services and consulting giant KPMG is to open an Innovation Lab in Sydney, Australia, and two clients Insight Centres in Sydney and Melbourne, starting in September this year. More
MR tech company FocusVision had appointed former Coca-Cola researcher Dave Singleton to its Board, and promoted Revelation founder Steve August to CMO and Decipher exec Braden Johnstone to SVP of Operations. More
GfK and MR facilities operator Fieldwork have teamed up to launch a new user experience (UX) research studio in Boston's MetroWest area. More
US polling legend and author John Zogby has joined his sons Benjamin and Jeremy to form a new strategic planning and consulting firm, John Zogby Strategies, based in Utica, NY. More
A team of researchers at MIT and the University of Georgia have developed software which will allow ordinary smartphones to be used for eyetracking research More
US-based cross-industry forum the Marketing Accountability Standards Board (MASB) has assessed Nielsen's BASES innovation sales forecasting model through its Marketing Metrics Audit Protocol - the first such model to go through the audit. More
In the UK, employee engagement and staff survey specialist IBM Kenexa has partnered with business transformation firm Emenex, to deliver end-to-end survey and consultancy services based on its Smarter Workforce suite of products. More
Ross Young, the founder of flat panel research specialist DisplaySearch, and former LG Philips Display exec Bob O'Brien have set up a new market research firm called Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC) in Austin, Texas. More
London-based Shift*Base Research has appointed former Forrester Research veteran Christine Overby as Chief Executive Officer. More
Research software firm Confirmit and facial analysis specialist Affectiva have partnered to help clients understand the role of emotion in driving consumer spending and loyalty. More
Netherlands TV industry body Stichting KijkOnderzoek (SKO) and Kantar Media have rolled out what they describe as the 'first TV currency in the world' to deliver reach and GRPs (gross ratings points) for ad campaigns and commercials across all screens. More
Research-based consultancy Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) has appointed Jack MacKenzie as Executive Vice President, leading its Global Media and Entertainment practice based in Los Angeles. More
Boston, MA-based Netra, Inc. has closed $1.85m in Series Seed financing, and has announced an agreement to license its IRIS image analysis software to Kantar. More
In a trading update, WPP says its Data Investment Management division Kantar returned to like-for-like growth in April, after a flat first quarter. Net sales were up 5.8 percent at constant currency, or 0.3 percent like-for-like. For the Group as a whole, the comparable figure was 3.1 percent. More
Marcoms group Creston's Communications & Insight team has reported a 12% revenue increase in revenue to £62.9m for the year ending 31st March 2016, with like-for-like revenue up 2% to £57.5 million and an acquisition accounting for much of the rest. More
Australian brand and communications research agency Luma has opened a new office in Sydney, where it has appointed ad and brand researcher Kate Platter as Client Service Director. The firm has also expanded its team in Melbourne. More
Kinesis' European MD Tariq Mirza has left the business, following its recent takeover by US research technology and services group FocusVision. He is now looking for his next challenge. More
Global airline alliance SkyTeam has launched a customer feedback tool called the SkyPriority Audit App, through which passengers can rate their travel experience. More
In India, newspaper and magazine circulation measurement body the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) has partnered with Nielsen to launch a solution for accredited digital measurement. More
ComRes MD Katharine Peacock has left the business to join the Brunswick Group as Director of Insight. Separately, ComRes has promoted Tom Mludzinski to the role of Research Director, overseeing the firm's political, media, sport, charity and government work. More
Netherlands-based data collection firm GDCC has appointed Simon Glanville as Managing Director of its newly established 60-seat CATI facility in London. More
Audience research agencies GeoPoll, Kantar Media and Cuende have launched a product called 'Pan-African OOH', providing a regular measure of out-of-home (OOH) media consumption across the continent. More
Users of Google Consumer Surveys will now be able to view and analyse results via a new platform developed by analytics and reporting software firm MarketSight, following a partnership between the two companies. More
US firm MFour Mobile says it is planning to double its headcount to more than 100 in the coming nine months. More
US-based MR agency Savitz Research has set up a new company called SavitzConsulting, which will match specialist freelance consultants with clients looking for help with research projects. More
In New York, full service ad agency AKA has launched a research business called Show & Tell Broadway, using online surveys, in-person focus groups, and other tools to provide insights into how theatergoers interact with brands. More
UK agency Future Thinking has launched a new approach called Skin Deep, using the technique of galvanic skin response to gauge consumer emotions. More
Rotterdam, Netherlands-based telephone sample and SMS survey specialist Sample Solutions has created a new management team by promoting Sebastian France to Head of Data, Daniel Boonman to Head of the Client Services division, and Vesna Markovska to Lead Developer. More
Online specialist BrainJuicer has opened an office in Australia, led by company veteran Ed Harrison as Managing Director. More
In the UK, two veteran sports researchers have set up a new full service agency focused on the sector. Jack Murray was most recently Head of MR at Kantar Sport, while Michael Stone led research at Sports Marketing Surveys. More
Four months after buying out the Southeast Asian business of global research firm Epinion, the management team have rebranded their company as Decision Lab. More
London-based 'high-volume' MR and consumer insights platform Attest has launched out of beta. The firm has also appointed former WPP executive Justin Cooke and former Which? Chairman Paddy Barwise to its Advisory Board. More
London-based consultancy FreshMinds has promoted Catherine Crump to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing co-founder Caroline Plumb who moves into the role of Executive Chair. More
Not-for-profit networking organization Women in Research (WIRe) has appointed Market Research Society CEO Jane Frost and Kantar Group CEO Eric Salama as new members of its Advisory Board. More
WPP digital data collection firm Lightspeed Group has hired former Hall & Partners EMEA CEO Caroline Frankum with the same title, plus a seat on the Board. She will replace Martin Filtz, who moved into the post of CEO, Asia Pacific in January. More
Australian industry body The Readership Works has added a media planning tool to its 'emma' cross-platform audience insights and readership survey, allowing planners to track the 'complete' readership of magazines over time. More
The new Chief Executive of British high street legend Marks & Spencer has promoted head of marketing Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne and halved the size of the company's operating committee as the retailer looks to speed up decision-making and put the customer 'at the heart of everything it does'. More
According to German-language sports industry news site SPONSORS, Nielsen is planning to buy sports broadcast measurement specialist Repucom for more than $100m. More
GfK has achieved 'moderate' organic growth of 0.9% during the first quarter of the year. Currency effects meant the reported sales figure declined 0.6% to EUR 360.5m versus Q1 2015. The firm's Consumer Choices sector grew strongly while 'Consumer Experiences' revenue fell. More
Research data solutions and technology firm SSI has launched a service called Smart Cell Sample, centred on a cell phone database of 480 million numbers, through which researchers can target US participants by geographic and demographic variables. More
In the UK, customer experience management specialist KPMG Nunwood has promoted Tim Knight to the position of Managing Director, replacing co-founder Phil Rushfirth, who has left to 'pursue new interests'. More
London-based boutique qual research agency Spinach has restructured, shedding four positions, and increasing its focus on qualitative research, with an emphasis on strategy and communications work. More
Healthcare fieldwork agency Just Worldwide has opened an office in Japan, adding to existing operations in the US, UK, Italy, Poland and Singapore. More
Wyzerr, which creates customer feedback surveys and analytics tools that look like games, has raised $1.5m for use in further product development - including the hiring of more developers. More
US-based online physician community SERMO has grown its platform to nearly 600,000 members in 30 countries, with the addition of physicians in Germany, Austria, Poland Switzerland, Greece and Hungary. More
Digital audience, brand and ad effectiveness analyst Effective Measure has expanded its coverage of the African media market into Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, where it says there are 129.9 million Internet users. More
Proximity marketing analytics specialist ShopAdvisor has partnered with location behavior analytics and targeting firm Gravy, to deliver enhanced event attendance verification services to retailers, brands, media and consumers. More
London-based opinion and behaviour consultancy Britain Thinks has hired former Treasury and Prime Ministerial adviser Spencer Livermore as a Partner, with a remit to build a new strategy consulting offer for the firm. More
Research technology provider Interactive Video Productions (IVP) has unveiled a 'Neuro Omnibus for Video Testing', allowing researchers to put their video in front of an audience of consumers and track their subconscious response. The Omnibus is supported by HCD Research. More
London-based not-for-profit organisation NatCen has appointed Nancy Kelley as Director of its Policy Research Centre. She will lead a team of more than 50 researchers with expertise across a variety of policy areas including health, crime and justice, and education. More
Kantar Retail has transferred Cédric Guyot to the CEO role in its Virtual Reality unit, replacing Jeremy Cohen who moves into the role of CEO Kantar Retail Europe. More
Kantar has entered into a partnership with Google Consumer Surveys, whose panels it will 'validate' by monitoring their accuracy, responsiveness and representativeness. More
Online marketplace provider Cint has launched a real-time insights tool, Cint Connect, which it says offers 'the world's first self-serve eco-system for audience and ad effectiveness measurement'. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has reported a 20 percent increase in staff numbers, supporting 'mass customer adoption of its digital research platform'. More
There may be no timescale set, but WPP has confirmed that it is beginning to think about who may eventually replace CEO Sir Martin Sorrell, including internal and external candidates. More
In London, research veterans Paul Laver and Douglas Dunn have opened a new consultancy, One Minute to Midnight, focusing on what it calls 'the 4 Dimensions of being Human'. More
Kantar and comScore have extended their behavioral data partnership to North America, in a deal which includes the transfer of a number of Millward Brown staff to comScore. More
Hispanic multimedia company Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has signed an agreement for Nielsen's National and Local 'Digital in TV Ratings' services, part of its Total Audience initiative. More
In the US, Software development co-operative Vulk has partnered with custom research agency Sentier Strategic Resources to offer a new approach to research-driven user experience and user interface design. More
Palo Alto, California-based promotion-testing specialist Eversight has raised $14.5m in funding, with which to scale up its cloud-based predictive analytics software. More
WPP has reported first quarter revenue of £3.076bn, up 5.1% in like-for-like terms. Net sales - its preferred measure - rose 3.2%. As in recent quarters however, insight division Kantar performed less well than other units, with like-for-like revenue and net sales figures flat (up 0.5% and down 0.1% respectively). More
WPP digital data collection firm Lightspeed GMI has signed a multi-year panel building and maintenance contract with comScore, and hired Chris Fabber to lead it. The resulting 'Total Home Panel' will provide comScore with a window on cross-device Internet traffic in US households. More
Ipsos has announced organic growth of 3.7 percent for the first quarter of 2016, with revenue rising to EUR 386.9m, its best result for some time. The rise 'concerns all regions', with revenue up 4.6% in emerging economies and up 3.3% in developed markets. More
Dublin based agency RED C Research & Marketing Ltd has opened a UK office, in Soho, London. RED C Research UK Ltd is a joint venture between the agency and Richard Barton and Charlotte Butterworth, both of whom left MD roles at Future Thinking in February. More
Fast food leader McDonald's is in buoyant mood, pushing a growth agenda by 'applying forensic analytics across all aspects of the business', according to CEO Steve Easterbrook. More
US researcher Gongos has formed a strategic partnership with Minneapolis-based consumer trends specialist Panoramix Global. The firms aim to provide corporate clients with a holistic understanding of the forces shaping their business including cultural context, business environment and consumer insights. More
Translation service provider GlobaLexicon has hired ten new staff to strengthen its offer in market research and other sectors. The firm has also completed a rebrand. More
Mobile audience targeting platform Go2mobi has partnered with location-based ad targeting firm Placed, to provide insight into 'mobile moments' that drive engagement, foot traffic and in-store revenue. More
Kantar Media has today announced a partnership with local audience data provider Eyeota. Beginning in the UK, the deal will give advertisers and media buyers access to pre-defined segments built from the research firm's TGI consumer and media study, for use in online ad targeting. More
The European Parliament has adopted new data protection legislation, following four years of sometimes tortuous negotiation. Meanwhile European data regulators have expressed doubts about the Privacy Shield framework for data transfers with the US, laid out in February. More
US-based data collection agency Azure Knowledge Corporation continues to expand with the launch of offices in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Moscow, Russia; and has appointed Danielle Ribeiro de Souza and Ernest Khodzhaev, respectively, to lead them. More
DIY research software firm Qualtrics and MR technology developer iModerate have announced a partnership. Clients of the two can now use the latter's moderated one-on-one conversations to expand on feedback from a Qualtrics survey. More
Stockholm-based brand tracking researcher Nepa has announced the launch of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to fund the global roll-out its ActionHub platform. Separately, Cint founder Bo Mattsson has joined Nepa's Board of Directors. More
US-based sampling automation provider Lucid has appointed former Research Now MD Ben Hogg as Managing Director, EMEA; while promoting Brett Schnittlich to the role of President and CTO, and Andy Ellis to Chief Operating Officer. More
In the UK, a team of five independent consultants has set up a 'virtual consultancy' called The Measurement Practice (TMP), to help in-house and agency comms teams maximise the insight and value from their communications research programmes. More
US-based data collection firm SHC Universal has promoted co-founder Jerry Arbittier to the role of Chief Executive Officer. He replaces fellow co-founder Michael Lefkowitz, who has held the CEO role for the past two years and is not working at SHC Universal at this time. More
Media services division Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has unveiled a new data-driven marketing agency network, Hearts & Science; and appointed Scott Hagedorn - formerly Chief Executive of its analytics division Annalect - as its CEO. More
UK-based research company Join the Dots has announced 2015 revenue of £7.75m, an annual increase of 27%. More
Media and comms research specialist Millward Brown has launched a new version of its Link ad copy-testing solution, allowing B2B marketers to assess the performance of their ads against brand and sales objectives. More
In the US, Disney/ABC Television Group has promoted Elizabeth Sloan and hired Joan Gould for the newly created positions of Senior Vice President, Consumer Insights, working for the group's broadcast / studio and cable teams respectively. More
UKOM, the cross-industry organisation set up to oversee the measurement of online audiences, has appointed Microsoft veteran Julie Forey as its first Director of Insight. More
In the US, online pregnancy and parenting resource BabyCenter, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has appointed Laurie Dewan as Vice President of Research, Insights and Data. More
US data collection and fieldwork services firm Opinions Ltd has opened a new facility at the Coral Square Mall in Miami, led by Matt Wilson. More
In New York, broadcaster Turner has appointed Natasha Hritzuk in the new position of VP of Client Insights and Content Partnerships Research. The role includes overseeing research strategy and data analysis to support Turner Incite, the firm's ad sales intelligence platform. More
In New York, entertainment broadcaster MTV has appointed Laurel Weir as Senior Vice President, Strategic Insights and Research, to lead all research efforts including consumer insights, trend forecasting, and multi-platform measurement. More
Global panel marketplace provider Cint has promoted Richard Thornton to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. His remit includes driving corporate business development in future markets. More
Millward Brown has appointed former Warc CEO Louise Ainsworth as Chief Exec in the UK. She replaces UK MD Dale Beaton, who is transferring to the role of SVP Global Practice Lead. More
Four former Hall & Partners execs have launched a new London-based qualitative agency called Compton+Dean, focusing on brand and communications research. More
US public policy research firm Abt Associates has named former Nielsen data scientist Michael Link as President and CEO of its survey, opinion, and public policy research business Abt SRBI. More
Canada-based research software firm Voxco has released a manual dialing solution called 'TCPA Connect', to help US call centers address recent regulations prohibiting the use of autodialers to call cellphones without the respondent's express prior consent. More
UK-based BrainJuicer is planning to commence a share buy-back, using existing cash resources to purchase up to one million of its ordinary shares. More
Online specialist InSites Consulting has reported a 20% increase in revenues so far in this fiscal year, and says it is anticipating revenues of EUR 23m - representing 30% organic growth - by the year end on 30th June. More
Australian television audience measurement body OzTAM is to include 8 to 28-day time shift viewing in its television ratings database from next Sunday. More
Industry association Commercial Radio Malaysia (CRM) has appointed GfK as its official research partner, to provide radio audience measurement across the country. More
US boutique PR and digital communications agency Hope-Beckham Inc. (HBI) has launched a market research business in Atlanta, GA. More
Global panel marketplace provider Cint has appointed Greg Dunbar as Vice President of Sales, EMEA, based in London, and Dag Magni as Chief Financial Officer, based in its Stockholm headquarters. More
US full service agency Resolution Research has opened a new focus group facility in Denver, including facilities for one-on-one interviews, product tests and training. More
Winchester-based Marketing Sciences Unlimited has opened a London office, at the HQ of parent company Creston, in Soho. More
Strategy and innovation agency The Sound has launched a dedicated content division called The Sound Media, which will harness the firm's anthropological and filmmaking expertise to produce documentaries and culture-focused content. More
UK research and TV production company Vox Pops International (VPI) has relocated to larger premises in Ewell, Surrey, and will provide a number of new services to existing and potential clients. More
In New York, Hispanic media giant Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has appointed Nielsen veteran Jed Meyer as Executive Vice President, Corporate Research. More
Microsoft has launched a service called Video Pulse, to help market researchers, political campaigners, brands and movie studios measure the recorded reactions of audiences and customers to ads, political campaigns or other digital content. More
Television measurement body BARB has launched The UK Television Landscape Report, a quarterly review of population trends and changes in how people watch TV. More
comScore has partnered with marketing software giant Adobe to provide new insights into cross-device media consumption. More
UK-based online research agency YouGov plc has announced interim results for the six months ended 31st January 2016, showing revenue of £41.5m, up 13% at constant currencies, and adjusted profit before tax up by 42% to £5.0m. More
WPP is linking the panels and other data sources of its Kantar / DIM division with the expertise and planning tools of its GroupM media investment management division, to launch LIVE Panel. The new consumer and media insight solution will help advertisers develop and measure 'precise and targeted' media plans. More
UK-based BrainJuicer Group has announced 'modest' revenue growth of 3% (constant currency) in the calendar year 2015, to £25.18m. This is the second year of slower growth for the pioneering company, which nevertheless increased profits and cash at hand. More
UK-based pharmaceutical and strategic marketing group Cello has announced a 7.4% fall in revenue to £157.3m for the calendar year 2015. However, profits and earnings per share rose and the Group says it has made a good start to 2016. More
DIY online survey platform SurveyMonkey has opened an APAC office in Sydney, Australia, with an initial staff of fifteen. More
Survey sample and technology firm WiseSample has opened an office in Singapore, where it has appointed Lim Soh as Director. More
Hollywood movie research veteran Richard Del Belso has died at the age of 76, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has appointed former WPP exec Gary Laben as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Kurt Knapton who resigned last October. Meanwhile John Rothwell has added the title of President to his existing role as Chief Operating Officer. More
GfK and Nielsen are in discussions to develop a set of services for advertisers, agencies and media groups, possibly for launch later this year. The firms say the initiative will kick-off with the design of Brazil's 'first' cross-media measurement for ad campaigns. More
The UK's 'professional research and evidence market' has grown massively in the last three and a half years to an annual turnover of £4.8bn - up 62% - and a workforce of 73,000 professionals, according to a report by PwC for the MRS. More
WPP Chief Executive Sir Martin Sorrell has received shares worth £60m, according to reports. With salary and annual bonuses the figure is 'likely to approach £70m'. The share award is triggered by the group's success in outperforming both its peers and the FTSE 100 over five years. More
Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger says his company has 'very limited access to the consumer' and doesn't have 'any idea of who went to see Star Wars in the movies'. Laudable honesty - and of course he is looking to change that - though of course the answer is 'practically everyone'. More
Indian TV audience rating body BARC (The Broadcasters Audience Research Council) has issued satellite TV firm Raj Television Network with a legal notice for allegedly bribing BARC panel home members, according to a report in the Times of India. More
Research process outsourcing specialist Azure Knowledge Corporation has added an office in London, and says it plans further openings in Moscow, Sao Paulo and Shanghai. More
In the UK, TV broadcaster Channel 4 has promoted Sarah Rose to the role of Director Consumer Insight, following the news that Gill Whitehead is leaving to join Google as Senior Director of Market Insight, EMEA. More
US-based research technology and services group FocusVision has appointed Decipher US co-founder Jamin Brazil as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Eric Grosgogeat who has stepped down to 'pursue other opportunities' after eight years in the role. More
US-based direct marketing and targeting giant Harte Hanks has acquired strategy, business analytics and operations consultancy Aleutian Consulting for an undisclosed sum. In addition, Harte Hanks has opened new offices in Denver, Colorado to accommodate both firms' teams in the city. More
In the US, neuroscience research specialist HCD Research has partnered with testing lab provider IVP to offer integrated sensory research and user experience (UX) services. More
In the UK, retail and healthcare data giant IRI has partnered with retail media agency Capture, to enable supermarkets and brands to track the real-time effects of their in-store marketing material. More
WPP has reported total 2015 revenue up 5.3% on a like-for-like basis, with headline EBITDA of £2.002bn, up 7.7% at constant currency. Revenue in pounds was up 6.1% to £12.235 bn. The insight-focused 'data investment management' division (DIM) remained flat for the year, although slightly improved in Q4. More
London-based not for profit organisation NatCen Social Research has found its new Chief Executive. Guy Goodwin joins on 3rd May from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) where he is the Director of Social and Analysis; and is also UK Director of Social Statistics at the European Union. More
UK-based 2CV has promoted Sabine Cronick to Head of Quant, and Nicola Godfrey to Head of Qual. More
Kantar has chosen Cross-Tab Group to be its outsourcing partner in India, in a four-year deal worth up to $25m. Ashwin Mittal, Cross-Tab Group President, described the contract as a 'significant milestone' in the firm's fifteen-year history. More
SurveyMonkey CEO Zander Lurie has announced in an internal memo that the company is making about 13 percent of its workforce - or around 100 of its 750 employees - redundant. More
Sagaci Research has opened an office in Luanda, Angola - its second base in Portuguese speaking Africa after the opening of the Maputo, Mozambique office in 2014. More
GfK is bringing its Consumer Choices and Consumer Experiences divisions closer together in North America, and has appointed Gary Cofer as Managing Director responsible for both sectors in the region. More
Millward Brown has partnered with on-demand online community specialist GutCheck to launch a qualitative tool called Pre-LinkNow, which offers a copy-testing framework to help marketers better understand ad performance. More
Stockholm, Sweden-based Tobii has reported fourth quarter 2015 sales of SEK 287 million ($US 33.5m), up 29% after adjusting for currency effects; and SEK 967 million ($US 112.9m) for the full year, up 41% on the same basis. More
DIY online research software firm SurveyMonkey has added TechValidate co-founders Steve Norall and Brad O'Neill to its leadership team, effective immediately. Norall becomes SVP, SurveyMonkey for Business Product, and O'Neill SVP of Global Sales. More
In India, TV rating body BARC and Nielsen/Kantar joint venture TAM India have formally launched their meter management company, Meterology Data Pvt Ltd. (MDL). BARC will have full control with a 51 percent stake in MDL, while TAM India will own 49 percent. More
In the UK, broadcaster the BBC has partnered with facial tracking specialist CrowdEmotion to monitor the 'conscious and unconscious' emotional reactions of viewers to TV programmes. More
Technology specialist Forrester has reported revenue of $313.7m for the full year 2015, $81m of it in the fourth quarter. In constant currency terms Research revenues rose 5 percent while advisory services and events were up 2 percent. More
Mystery shopping firm Jancyn has relocated to new office space in San Jose, California, as part of its ongoing growth and expansion plans. More
Polling and research consultancy ComRes is restructuring its Board and has appointed three new non-executive directors, Clare Hayward, Simon Carter and Chris Guyver, as it 'gears up for significant growth over the next three years'. More
In London, former Hall & Partners and Research Now exec Ashley Walker has launched a consulting firm, Culture Engineers, which will help clients develop their organisational culture as a principle source of competitive advantage. More
Brand insight agency BrandHook has open an office in Sydney and appointed Leading Edge co-founder Tim Biddlecombe as Head of Strategy. More
Manchester-based agency Join the Dots has opened an office in Singapore, its first outside the UK. Karen Schofield, previously the company's Innovations Director, will head it up as MD, Singapore. More
Former P&G and Walmart exec Andy Murray is to join the latter's UK subsidiary Asda next week as its Chief Customer Officer, taking a seat on the executive board and replacing Barry Williams who is leaving the company. More
Frank Møllerop, CEO of Enterprise Feedback Management specialist Questback is moving to work in the company's New York office this month, reflecting an increased focus on expansion in the US market. The firm says its enterprise revenues rose 40% in 2015. More
UK-based full service research agency Trinity McQueen has announced another year of double-digit growth, with turnover up 13 percent to £4.48m in the 12 months ending September 2015. The firm also has eight new recruits. More
Kantar has moved Adrian Gonzalez into a broader group role in charge of its Consumer Insights businesses - he was previously CEO of Millward Brown's Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific (AMAP) region. TNS APAC CEO Chris Riquier is among those leaving the business in the restructure. More
Canadian opinion polling and consumer research specialist Insights West has moved its Vancouver team from Gastown to Yaletown, in order to accommodate growth in headcount, while showcasing its full-service capabilities. More
UK-based medical MR firm Field Scope International has opened an office in Belgrade, Serbia, from where it will provide respondent recruitment and telephone interviewing services. More
US-based online specialist Invoke Solutions has launched a Media & Entertainment practice, under the leadership of media industry veteran Kathy Alexander. More
In Australia, insights consultancy fiftyfive5 has expanded into retail strategy, category management and shopper insights, appointing Sue Temple as Director Shopper and Category, and Peter Firth as a Consultant. More
New Delhi-based MR project management company NextON Services has opened an office in Ras al-Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). More
International data collection group Schlesinger Associates has merged its Advisors division with MedQuery, the Chicago-based medical recruitment business it acquired in October. Chris Lee will lead the new unit as EVP. More
GfK returned to organic growth (up 1.1%) during the 2015 financial year, after a decline of 2.0% the previous year. Reported sales increased by 6.3% to EUR 1.54bn (from EUR 1.45bn). More
The management team of UK-based Illuminas has completed a management buyout (MBO) from former parent company MSQ Partners. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In New Zealand, the Radio Broadcasters Association (RBA) has commissioned GfK to provide official radio research services for the country. The contract sees New Zealand's commercial networks, public broadcaster and independent stations join the same radio ratings system for the first time. More
In London, independent agency Firefish has appointed branding specialist Lisa Hill as UK Qualitative Managing Director, responsible for leading the firm's core qual business. More
In The Netherlands, research software firm Nebu has appointed Otto van Linden as Managing Director, responsible for the day-to-day running of the company. In this role, he will free up CEO Eric van Velzen to focus on the market, customers and promoting Nebu. More
In the UK, Guardian News & Media (GNM) has outlined a three-year business plan, which includes the creation of a new Data and Insight team to support editorial and commercial innovation; and the implementation of an ad model that tracks evolving market trends. More
In the US, research technology and services company, 20|20 Research has promoted Chief Innovation Officer Isaac Rogers to the CEO role in its tech subsidiary 20|20 Technology. More
London-based mobile research and sample specialist On Device Research has promoted Nader Kobeissi to the newly created position of Global Managing Director. More
Ipsos InnoQuest has appointed former Mondelez exec Linda Lee as President, Global Solutions, based in New York. More
UK-based online communities specialist Verve has announced twelve promotions, and the appointment of Jodie Chamberlain as Research Manager in its recently-opened northern office. Existing staff Warren Lister, Olly Robinson and Ana Garcia all become Director / RDs. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has expanded its presence in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of its first office in Malaysia. The new operation will be led by Christine Tan, Senior Director, Southeast Asia. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has appointed Antanas Nasutavièius as Managing Director for the Lithuania market. He replaces Rasute Kazakeviciute, who is leaving the company. More
African agency Sagaci Research has expanded with the opening of three new offices, in Ivory Coast, Chad and Algeria. More
ThinkNow Research, which until now focused purely on the US Hispanic consumer segment, has expanded its coverage to include African-American and Asian demographics. More
In the UK, eDigitalResearch has doubled its office space by relocating to a fully refurbished 18,500 square foot location in The Hub, at Berrywood Business Village, in Southampton - the place where the business first started back in 1999. More
In the US, survey tech firms Qualtrics and Dialsmith have partnered to allow clients to add dial testing of all forms of recorded media to their online surveys. More
UK-based consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo is opening its eight office next month, this time in Jakarta, Indonesia. The new operation will be headed by Adri Reksodipoetro, who was previously MD of the firm's APAC hub in Singapore. More
US data collection firm Focus Pointe Global (FPG) has promoted Laura Livers to the role of Chief Executive Officer. She replaces Noel Sitzmann, who will assume the role of Executive Chairman, working with the Board, investors, lenders, and guiding the firm's growth strategy. More
Draft findings from an inquiry steered by the British Polling Council (BPC) and MRS into why UK pollsters overestimated Labour and underestimated Conservative support in last year's UK general election, suggest that unrepresentative samples led to an inability to reach enough Conservative voters. More
Netherlands TV industry body Stichting KijkOnderzoek (SKO) has announced that it is now working with data scientists from Kantar Media to deliver daily online TV ratings to the market. More
UK-based independent media company Dennis Publishing has appointed J.D. Power veteran Brian Walters as Director of Research and Insight, tasked with developing its Driver Power car ownership survey into a standalone brand. More
US-based data collection firm SHC Universal has announced a preferred partnership with niche therapy specialist Rare Patient Voice, gaining survey access to patients with rare and orphan diseases, as well as their caregivers. More
Fieldwork specialist KeyQuest Health has moved into new UK headquarters in Richmond, Surrey. The firm has also appointed Vasilis Tzikas as a Project Co-ordinator in the UK, and promoted Kelly Bowe to Project Director in the US. More
US-based SIS International Research has launched an 'Integrated Research' unit, pulling together traditional methods, sensory research techniques such as biometrics and eye tracking, and access to the company's big data platform. Joe Messina joins the unit as Research Director. More
In the UK, specialist healthcare data collection firm Fieldwork International has appointed Kerensa Bindoff as Deputy Head. More
Palo Alto, CA-based DIY online survey platform SurveyMonkey has appointed Zander Lurie as its new Chief Executive Officer, less than six months after hiring former HP exec Bill Veghte to replace CEO Dave Goldberg, who died suddenly last May. More
Market research budgets fell for many companies in the final three months of 2015, according to the most recent IPA Bellwether Report of UK marketing expenditure. Respondents reporting a fall in MR budgets outnumbered those reporting a rise by an even bigger margin than in Q3. More
US-based data collection specialist Azure Knowledge Corporation has appointed former MRops MD and Ronin General Manager Rafal Gajdamowicz as Managing Director of its European business, based in London. More
Healthcare fieldwork firm M3 Global Research has officially opened its first US research facility in Philadelphia, where it will offer access to a wide range of custom AV technology, along with MR recruiting services. More
In Germany, Kantar-owned media research specialist TNS Infratest has moved former MD Dirk Steffen to the newly created position of Chief Digital Officer, and promoted company veteran Oliver Ecke to replace him. More
WPP agency MediaCom has set up a global partnership with emotional analytics specialist Realeyes, to incorporate emotion measurement technology into its content testing and media planning services. More
Mobile location data platform UberRetail has teamed up with geospatial business intelligence consultancy B.I. Spatial and US shopping center data source Directory of Major Malls (DMM), to analyze shopping centers and malls using mobile device GPS data. More
UK-based sampling agency Sample Answers has appointed Phil Bird, previously DP Director and Head of Data Development and Delivery at GfK NOP, as its new Managing Director. More
Research data solutions and technology firm SSI has announced a partnership with Boston-based mobile intelligence and engagement platform SessionM, offering a new panel app called mTHOUGHTS. More
Nielsen has stopped using paper diaries to collect demographic data in 31 mid-size US TV markets, replacing them with its new 'Viewer Assignment' method and in consequence losing MRC accreditation for this part of the data. More
US-based full service agency Market Strategies International (MSI) has hired former J.D. Power execs Melissa Sauter - as EVP and MD of Financial Services - and Todd Mundorf as SVP Research Operations. More
In the US, NBC News and SurveyMonkey have extended their polling partnership to 2018, and launched weekly online polls giving snapshots of voter behavior and attitudes throughout the 2016 election cycle. More
Nielsen has partnered with alcohol industry analytics specialist BARTRENDr to launch a real-time mobile insights tool called Nielsen Bar Moments, which will analyse conversations taking place among alcohol consumers at bars and social gatherings in real-time. More
GfK has announced that based on its financial performance for the first eleven months of this year, it is no longer likely to achieve its predicted annual guidance for AOI margin (adjusted operating income based on sales). More
Millward Brown and comScore have teamed up to connect validated ad viewing with changes in consumer behaviour, helping brands assess the performance of their digital advertising. The service will cover 'all markets outside the US, Canada and Taiwan'. More
In Thailand, the Media Research Development Association has awarded Kantar Media a five-year contract to deliver the official multi-platform TV ratings for the country. The tender process also included GfK and Video Research. More
In New York, Nielsen is promoting Steve Hasker to the position of Global President and Chief Operating Officer from January 1st. He takes over the COO role from Brian West, who announced his resignation last month. More
In the US, research software firm Kinesis and phone survey specialist Survox have launched a multi-mode solution enabling panel managers to collect data through both self-administered and interviewer-assisted phone-based sessions. More
Microsoft has relaunched its MR tool, dropping the name of its Bing search engine to reflect the tool's integration with a number of other Microsoft products including Skype and Yammer. The new version also includes enhancements to visuals and functionality. More
WPP-owned online panel provider Lightspeed has announced the promotion of Martin Filz to Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, effective January 1st, 2016. President and Global CEO David Day will temporarily take over Filz's former role as CEO for EMEA. More
Information services giant Experian has sold two high profile consumer insights businesses, Hitwise and Simmons, to Symphony Technology Group for $US 47m plus up to $5m in earnout. More
The management of research tech solutions firm FocusVision is buying out the company with the assistance of private equity group EQT - terms were not disclosed. More
In Australia, Ipsos has announced a partnership with indigenous communications and research company Winangali, aimed at increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic participation and providing employment opportunities and business partnerships. More
Manchester, UK-based RealityMine, which provides mobile MR technologies and consumer analytics, has announced a $17.25m investment from growth equity firm Kennet Partners. More
Online MR software company Confirmit has embedded technology from facial expression analysis firm Emotient into its survey platform, to enable researchers to add emotion detection to any online or mobile research project. More
European firm Bilendi, which combines MR and online loyalty services, has opened a new office in Cologne, Germany, where it has appointed Andreas Knappstein as Sales Director for the DACH countries. More
In Palo Alto, mobile video company Vidlet has emerged from 'stealth' mode, offering researchers new tools for soliciting and collecting video feedback, as well as an analysis and reporting portal. More
This year's MRS Awards saw UK charity StreetInvest carry off the President's Medal for its 'Growing up on the Streets' project, which has recruited street children in three African cities to provide observations on their experiences and those of other young people in their network. More
London-based agency IFF Research has announced eight appointments and says it is gearing up for more recruitment in the New Year, to meet 'ambitious growth plans for 2016'. More
More than one-third of insights providers agree with the statement that '50% of full-service market research suppliers will be out of business within five years', according to findings from the latest GreenBook Research Industry Trends Report (GRIT) *. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has published its Annual League Table, with data drawn from 86 eligible organisations generating a combined turnover of more than £2.7 billion. The figure represents overall year-on-year growth of 4%. More
Ad software firm Phorm has partnered with behavioural targeting specialist Insomnis to develop a new service called 'Hover Rate', telling advertisers how many Internet users have hovered their cursor over, but not clicked on, their display ads. More
UK-based healthcare market research specialist Narrative Health has opened a US office in New York, which will be established and led by former Cello Health Insight exec Avanti Ananthram. More
In the UK, the ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations) has appointed its current Executive Director of Audit, Finance & ICT Simon Redlich as interim Chief Executive Officer from 1st January, after the departure of Jerry Wright. More
Technology firm Tobii is claiming a world first with the launch of a large-scale survey panel providing continuous online attention data from eye trackers. The data will come from 1,000 homes representing the Swedish population. More
Manchester, UK-based research agency Join the Dots has taken on eight new graduates, the third wave of its annual Graduate Development Programme. It has also hired former TBWA exec Hollie Clark, who will design creative strategies for global brands. More
This item was posted twice in error! See the original story from last Thursday... More
In the UK, full service agency Boxclever has launched a Marketing Effectiveness business, and hired former Nunwood Board Director Colin Bunn to lead it. More
Former Millward Brown Ireland CEO Richard Waring and marketer Dan McGuiness have launched an online marketplace called the Research Exchange, to connect buyers and suppliers of market research. More
Marcoms group Creston has reported an 8% increase in revenue to £40.3m for the six months ended 30th September 2015, while its Communications & Insight division saw revenue rise 14% to £30.6m and headline PBIT increase by 24% to £4.0m. More
Brand and comms researcher Hall & Partners has hired three staff for its mobile-focused division, Tempo, running since February and formally launched just last month. Simon Walker joins as 'Director of Crowds' and Kimberly Webb as Director, while Gedas Tamutis takes the role of 'Project Engager'. More
Mobile video feedback specialist Voxpopme has announced a partnership with US-based customer experience optimisation firm InMoment, adding the former's video capture and analytics capabilities to the latter's Voice of Customer (VoC) platform. More
MR software provider Dapresy has named Alexander Skorka as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), adding to his responsibilities as MD for its DACH Region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). More
UK-based InsightBee, a service which gives access to the desk and primary research skills of a network of consultants via an online interface, has announced a partnership with independent consultant network MBA & Company. More
UK-based research agency B2B International has launched an advice and consultancy division, and says it is looking to accelerate its expansion. More
MFour Mobile Research, creator of the Surveys On The Go app, has moved into its new headquarters in Newport Beach, California, and continued its rapid growth with appointments including former Ipsos exec Irene Manahan and Andrea Han from Added Value. More
On-demand survey sample company Innovate has announced a strategic relationship with online community specialist Passenger Inc., whose FUEL community platform it will now offer to clients. More
GfK has reported 0.7% organic growth for the third quarter, with sales in Euros up 4% to EUR 371.4m. For the first nine months of the year, the group saw sales rise 6.0% to EUR 1.118bn - up just 0.4% in organic terms. More
In the US two healthcare specialists, full service researcher InCrowd and data collection firm SHC Universal have announced a partnership to give clients access to a broader community of healthcare decision-makers. More
London School of Economics Professor Ronny Razin and designer Piers Aitman have launched a qualitative insight tool called Voxter, which they say can be used for market research, opinion polling, brand engagement, change management and crowd sourcing. More
UK TV audience research body BARB has agreed 'fusion projects' with Kantar Media and Nielsen for its Project Dovetail initiative, which will combine panel data with census data for TV viewing through all computer devices. More
In Pakistan, Kantar agency TNS and qual and quant agency Aftab Associates will be ending their partnership at the end of March 2016, when the regional franchise agreement will move to sister agency MRB Pakistan. More
In the UK, not-for-profit body NatCen has partnered with social policy research and development charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), to launch a panel to better understand the social and political attitudes of people on low incomes. More
A group of agencies in India are planning to set up a self-regulatory industry body, with the aim of improving standards in the way the country's polls are conducted. More
US-based full service agency Market Probe has appointed former Maritz Research CEO Michael Brereton as a Senior Consultant, to advise the firm on new CEM products and technology platforms and participate in business development activities. More
US agencies Mystery Researchers, Insula Research and Beyond Hello have merged under the new name SeeLevel HX. More
Czech Republic ratings body the Association of TV Organisations (ATO) has chosen Kantar Media and comScore to deliver a cross-platform measurement pilot of TV and video content. More
The EU says it expects to replace and improve upon its suspended Safe Harbor agreement with the US within three months; the US FCC continues to consider issues surrounding Do Not Track and TCPA; and some telephone researchers find ingenious ways to survive the latter. More
In Mumbai, digital MR agency MRSS India has released results for the half year ended September 30th, with revenue matching that for the previous full year at Rs 54m ($US 0.81m). More
UK-based research / business intelligence firm Future Thinking has streamlined its company structure with a simplified offer. More
Focusing in on its role as an all-round audience measurement firm, comScore is selling its BI service Digital Analytix to Adobe; entering a strategic partnership with streaming service Spotify; and launching a household media measure called the 'Total Home Panel'. More
WPP division Mindshare is rolling out its Shop+ real-time retail data unit globally. The unit works with a range of methods from beacons in physical stores to real-time response technologies used by online retailers. More
Product research and sensory testing company Contract Testing Inc. (CTI) is moving to a new location in Grand Rapids, Michigan. More
Multi-screen audience measurement specialist Rentrak has reported a 30% rise in second quarter revenue to $32.8m. The result was driven by a 53% increase for the TV Everywhere product line, up from $13.3m to $20.4m in the prior year period. More
In a London museum, cultural and semiotic insight specialist Space Doctors has launched an installation called Choco-Phonica, consisting of a series of booths which explore consumers' relationship with chocolate through sound and taste. More
Kantar Media and TNS Gallup have won a continuation of their contract to provide the currency for measurement of TV audiences in Denmark. The new deal will run for five years from 2017, with the option to extend until 2024. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has announced that EVP Greg Ellis will take over responsibility for its North American sales from Tom Markert, who is leaving to pursue other business interests. More
In London, BDRC's telephone and online research agency Perspective Research Services (PRS) has split its qualitative and quantitative offerings to create two new divisions, and promoted Ger-Jan van der Maten and Tom Stacey to lead them. More
Canadian qualitative software provider itracks has announced a new version of its IDI online qual product; and a partnership with Research Now offering 'on-demand recruitment' for online and mobile qual studies. More
US-based data collection firm SHC Universal has announced an exclusive partnership with rapid physician response specialist Truth On Call, promising insights in 24 hours. More
New York-based analytics company Moat Inc. has won MRC accreditation for its mobile metrics. The decision covers measurement of viewable ad impressions and related viewability metrics both for apps and mobile web browsing. More
Hyper-local micro data platform Findyr has announced a partnership with First Mile Geo, a company offering location-focused data sharing tools. The combination will offer clients 'on-demand, real-world, in-context insights and business analytics from across the globe'. More
McGraw Hill Financial is considering selling its US-based auto research specialist JD Power and Associates for up to $1 billion, according to an exclusive report published by Reuters. More
US-based full service agency MarketVision Research has opened an office in Dubai, to support the business needs of clients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. More
Australian firm Local Measure, which provides customer intelligence for the tourism sector, has expanded to the US with an office in Miami. The new office will help local hotels, malls, airlines and attractions extract customer insights from publicly shared social media posts. More
Consumer insights specialist Macromill has appointed Shinichiro Oka as Chief Human Resources Officer, based in Tokyo, while Mark Sidell joins the firm as Chief Operating Officer, based in the United States. More
In-store marketing analytics provider NOMi has been awarded a patent for the tracking and analysis technologies available in its Brickstream LIVE sensor device. More
Nielsen is setting up industry discussions to initiate changes to its C3 and C7 television ratings, coinciding with the impending roll-out of its Total Audience Measurement tool. More
Nielsen is working with secure identity solutions firm Digimarc to make its digital watermarks available to clients for use in applications 'beyond audience measurement' - and specifically across second screens. More
Toronto, Canada-based data collection agency The Logit Group is to open a 100-seat call center in Wichita, Kansas, which it says should become the hub of its US operations. More
Research and branding consultancy The Sound has appointed nine new members of staff across its offices on three continents. More
Denver, CO-based on-demand online community specialist GutCheck has closed $12m in Series D funding, almost doubling its investment to date, and says it will accelerate its growth to meet 'high demand in the agile market research space'. More
WPP has reported like-for-like revenue up 4.6% for Q3 2015. The insight division, known as 'Data Investment Management', was among those 'improving versus the second quarter' but once again was the only one to report a slight decline in revenue. More
Nielsen and GfK have announced a partnership for future co-operation within the book sector, with the aim of helping clients identify multinational trends and giving them more detail on market developments. More
Qual and quant full-service US agency Illumination Research is opening an office in San Francisco, and has appointed Brad Weiss to lead the expansion of its West Coast Operations. More
Twitter has extended its built-in polling feature to enable anyone with an account to create their own polls, or to vote anonymously in someone else's. More
London-based viewing facility firm i-view has opened a new operation in the centre of Warsaw, Poland through a partnership with full service local agency Stratega Research. More
Nielsen has reported a 5.0% constant currency increase in third quarter revenue to $1.53bn on a basis, and adjusted EBITDA up 6.9% to $479m on the same basis. More
Ipsos has reported a 3.7% increase in revenue to EUR 428m for the period from July to September, but at constant scope and exchange rates this equates to a fall of 2.2%. The decline cancels out a small real-terms rise in the first half of the year. More
Online DIY survey specialist SurveyMonkey has hired Pollster.com co-founder Mark Blumenthal for the newly created role of Head of Election Polling, based in Washington DC. More
In Seattle, former Microsoft Director Jessica Jobes has launched a new marketing agency, OnTheGrid, LLC, which will offer inbound marketing services based on an understanding of customers derived from interviews. More
Italian TV audience measurement body Auditel has suspended publication of viewing figures after the identities of families on its panel were accidentally disclosed, reportedly as a result of human error in a mail sent by supplier company Nielsen. More
The hearing of Kantar Market Research Services' appeal against Indian government guidelines effectively banning its TAM joint venture with Nielsen has been postponed yet again, this time to February 9th 2016. More
US healthcare data collection firm SHC Universal has promoted Hilary Fischer to Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer after just two and a half months at the company. Sal Brucculeri moves up to EVP, Client Relationships and Sales Management while David Katz and Laurie Shapiro also join the function. More
San Francisco-based Quri, which provides retail intelligence based on reports from mystery shoppers, has raised $17m in a Series C round of funding. Plans for the money include expansion into markets in seven other major US cities. More
In India, Nielsen / Kantar joint venture TAM Media Research and WPP agency IMRB International have jointly launched a cross-media consumption data service called TeleWeb Audience Measurement, covering TV and online platforms. More
Shaswati Saradar, CEO of India's MRUC (Media Research Users Council) has 'decided to move on' after nearly five years, and will be replaced by Radhesh Uchil. The organisation also has a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. More
In the US, retail and healthcare data giant IRI has tagged a million of Research Now's consumer panelists using its 'propensity-to-purchase' ProScores models, enhancing its ability to select consumers and shoppers based on their predicted purchase behaviour. More
Digital measurement specialist comScore has rolled out its syndicated Mobile Metrix solution in Indonesia, where it is also jointly developing mobile panels with Kantar. More
In the UK, market research recruitment consultant Sarah Penny has set up her own company, Penny Cross Recruitment Ltd. More
UK fieldwork services company People for Research has combined its user testing lab and focus group facility under a new name, User Viewing, and moved the facility to a central Bristol office space, just off Queen Square. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now is looking for a new President and CEO, following Kurt Knapton's decision to resign for personal reasons. He will remain on the Board of Directors once his successor has been identified. More
Three founders of US full service agency Dialogue have renamed the company Alter Agents, and launched a CPG research platform called Shopper STAT. The fourth partner, Patrick O'Neal, will continue to deliver qual research and strategic planning under the Dialogue company name. More
In London, Kantar public sector division TNS BMRB has appointed Hazel Wilkinson and Sally Panayiotou as Directors in its Policy and Communications practices respectively. More
In London, GfK has hires James Howitt for the newly created role of Digital Lead, UK, driving the promotion of its digital media research capabilities and solutions. More
London-based brand and comms research specialist Hall & Partners has formally launched a mobile-focused division called Tempo, which uses technology to gather 'in the moment' feedback in the form of data, pictures, video and stories. More
YouGov has reported a 13 percent revenue rise - including organic growth of 11% - in preliminary results for the year ended 31st July. The year saw strong growth in new markets France and Asia Pacific; and a higher proportion of revenue from favoured product lines. More
WPP has increased its holding in struggling Australian group STW Communications, owner of a number of data and MR agencies. More
In the UK, online communities specialist Verve has opened a Northern office in Leeds, and appointed Bryony Hughes to lead it. Ten more staff have also joined the company in its offices in London, Chicago and Iasi (Romania). More
Luxury department store Harrods is investing in audience measurement technology, to help understand which customer types are watching its in-store advertising screens. More
Online specialist MACROMILL-MetrixLab has appointed Scott Ernst as Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Han De Groot, who will remain as a member of the Board and provide advice to the leadership team on portfolio choices and strategy. More
In the UK, Research Now co-founder Andrew Cooper and the firm's former Chairman Geoff Westmore have led a $1.5m investment in mobile video MR specialist Voxpopme. More
UK-based MR staffing specialist CSA Recruitment has closed its doors for the last time after nearly twenty years serving the industry. Proprietors Caroline and Clive Warren will pursue business interests outside recruitment and the market research industry. More
Cello-owned co-creation agency FACE has appointed six new consultants in New York and London, following several new clients wins in the digital sector. More
Full service agency Relish Research has appointed former TNS director Rebecca Harrison as Head of Qualitative. The firm has also hired Yimen Lee as an Account Director, Ute Wenkemann as Qualitative Research Manager, and Matt O'Brien as an SRE. More
London-based opinion research specialist BritainThinks has appointed former Shelter exec Julia Pitman as Associate Director, tasked with building the firm's Charity practice. More
Kantar has moved Efrain Ribeiro into the role of company-wide Chief Research Officer, replacing Renee Smith who is leaving to join Colorado-based research company GutCheck (see today's DRNO). Ribeiro will take up the new role on November 1st. More
Former Kantar CRO Renee Smith has joined on-demand online community specialist GutCheck as Chief Research Officer. She will take up the role on October 19th. More
Healthcare fieldwork specialist M3 Global Research is opening its first studio in Philadelphia next January. The studio will provide a full-service research service for the healthcare community and the consumer goods sector. More
In the US, audience-centric marketing intelligence firm CentraForce has set up a new business called CentraForce Health, which will offer consumer insights to the healthcare sector through a platform called Population 360. More
Broadcast and entertainment giant Viacom has appointed Julian Zilberbrand as EVP of Audience Science, effective two weeks from today. More
Global panel marketplace provider Cint has opened an office in Hong Kong, moved to larger premises in Tokyo, and appointed former Toluna MD James Rogers to lead its continued expansion in Asia as Regional Head of Supply Acquisition & APAC MD. More
Asia / Pacific Managing Director Greg Wayman is to leave ORC International at the end of the year, and will be replaced by former Nielsen exec Oliver Rust, who joins on November 10th. More
Dubai-based market research app developer TaskSpotting has closed $1.2m in Series A funding, and will expand to Saudi Arabia and Egypt in the next three months, according to cofounder and CEO Karim Aly. More
Los Angeles-based media and entertainment company AwesomenessTV has launched a new firm called Wildness, offering research and strategy services for brands engaging with youth culture. More
In the US, broadcast and cable company Viacom has launched a new study to analyze how different forms of entertainment impact viewer attention. More
In India, TV rating body BARC has commissioned Nielsen to conduct what it is describing as the country's largest universe estimation study on television ownership and viewing habits. More
Tokyo-based panels and technology company Research Panel Asia (RPA) is changing its name to dataSpring, following its acquisition by Marketing Applications Inc. (MApps). MApps will retain its name in Japan while merging its overseas assets into dataSpring. More
UK supermarket Tesco is reportedly close to giving up on the sale of its customer data business dunnhumby, which has seen bidders withdraw and its potential price plummet in recent weeks. Instead it is said to be discussing the sale of its businesses in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. More
In New York, Ipsos Marketing has appointed Nagisa Manabe in the new role of Global President of the Path to Purchase & Shopper service line. More
GfK has announced that Debbie Pruent will retire at the end of December, and will be replaced by David Krajicek as Chief Commercial Officer for the Consumer Experiences sector. In addition, Alessandra Cama will take up the new role of Chief Operations Officer. More
In the US, data archive the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research is to be relocated from its current home at the University of Connecticut to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. More
London-based online community specialist Verve has opened an office in Chicago, supporting a new Fortune 50 client in the area; and has moved Tim Martin, VP Research & Consulting there with a remit to rapidly build a team. More
In the US, grocery giant The Kroger Co. has added to the responsibilities of its CIO Chris Hjelm, naming him EVP and putting him in overall charge of its recently launched data division, 84.51 degrees. More
Colorado-based cannabis industry data and insight provider BDS Analytics has officially launched with a $1.5m round of investment funding. More
US-based Civicom Marketing Research Services has opened an office in London, to support client qual research needs across the UK and EU. More
In the US, broadcaster Disney|ABC Television Group has hired former Wal-Mart exec Cindy Davis as Executive Vice President, Consumer Experience. More
UK-based full service agency Tpoll has been re-named MindMover, and has announced the appointment of Laura Lake as Managing Director. More
UK-based health and consumer marketing group Cello has reported a 50% drop in pre-tax profit to £1.7m for the six months to the end of June, driven by investment in its US operations and a £1.1m provision made for an ongoing case with the UK tax authorities. More
Online community and survey tech provider Toluna has received a $10m investment from its holding company ITWP Acquisitions, for use in promoting its QuickSurveys DIY online consumer insights platform. More
In New York City, TV station operator and digital media firm Media General has hired former CBS researcher Lucy Hughes for the newly created role of Head of Research. More
Guildford, Surrey-based healthcare MR and fieldwork operations firm FieldBox has hired Phil Thorpe as its first Managing Director. More
As part of a senior reshuffle, UK retailer John Lewis has promoted its Head of Marketing Craig Inglis to the role of Customer Director, with a seat on the Board. He retains responsibility for marketing and customer insight. More
Two former eBay researchers, Nicolas Bulois and Barbara Langer, have set up a new agency, Insight Angels, offering 'flexible freelance support' to clients and agencies. More
Customer satisfaction scorecard provider IgniteFeedback, founded this year, has raised more than $300k to be used to grow the business in the US. This includes hiring for sales, marketing and product development roles. More
Pollster ICM breached the Market Research Society's (MRS) Code of Conduct by asking a leading question in a health poll conducted for BBC Wales, the Society has confirmed after a complaint by the Welsh Government. More
In the UK, two major brands have underlined their focus on customer experience - British Airways with an appointment and Morrisons via an announcement by the CEO; while a third, publisher Trinity Mirror, has raised eyebrows with a new analytics-led business approach. More
DIY online survey firm SurveyMonkey has added Meg Whitman, currently Chairman, President and CEO of computer giant HP, to a Board of Directors which already includes Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. More
British online audience measurement body UKOM has appointed Ian Dowds as its first CEO. More
Japanese research and online panel provider GMO Research, Inc. has agreed a strategic capital and business alliance with Chinese ad network Ignite Vision Holdings, making its China Cloud Panel 'the number one panel in China in terms of reach'. More
Swedish-based affluent sample Provider Red Carpet Research now has a presence in Switzerland, following the appointment of former OnePoint and Annik exec Gary Stocks. More
Research software firm Confirmit has developed a location and beacon triggering solution, to help clients understand 'in-the-moment' customer behaviour. The company has also ammounced its official launch in Australia. More
Online research company Lightspeed GMI has announced a global roll-out for its survey programming platform, QuestionArts, backed by a newly strengthened leadership team. More
US-based facial analysis specialist Affectiva has launched a solution it calls 'Emotion as a Service', to provide clients with access to emotion data on demand. More
In the US, Spanish-language media group Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has promoted Belia Jimenez to the role of Vice President of Corporate Research. More
Podcasting platform Acast has partnered with brand tracking specialist Nepa, to launch what the firms say is the first research panel to exclusively engage podcast listeners in Sweden. More
Survey technology firm CFMC has changed its name to that of its existing major brand, Survox, in line it says with the evolution of the industry and of its own go-to-market strategy. More
India-based digital MR firm Majestic Research Services and Solutions (MRSS India) has announced its first annual results since it commenced public trading, with revenue more than doubled to Rs 55m ($US 0.8m). More
Nielsen and multicultural consumer MR specialist Culturati have partnered to launch a new segmentation model, to help clients market to the Hispanic demographic in-store and elsewhere. More
The Publishers Audience Measurement Company (PAMCo) - the replacement for the UK's NRS - has appointed Ipsos MORI to provide the published media industry's new audience measurement service; and has named Aviva Group Brand Director Jan Gooding as its new Chair. More
UK-based business intelligence specialist Future Thinking has appointed Dan Young as Research Director and Head of its Quantum Lab in London. More
In the US, the AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) has set up a full-service marketing agency called Influent50, to help brands communicate and market products and services directly to those aged 50 and over. More
Retail and healthcare data giant IRI has partnered with workforce management specialist Gigwalk to provide retail intelligence to CPG brands. More
Brand and comms research specialist Hall & Partners has announced the opening of an office in Dubai, led by Managing Director Ziad Skaff, who previously served as Regional Executive Director of Research and Insights at sister company Omnicom Media Group MENA. More
In the UK, specialist MR staff recruiters Bridget Barry and Stephanie Fairbank have set up a new agency, Pollen Recruitment, which launches today. They are immediately joined by James Handley, formerly of Kantar and Australia's Hudson Global Resources. More
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell is urging Rentrak and comScore to join forces and find a solution to what he describes as 'faulty measurement' of digital ad views and viewability. More
TV audience rating body BARC India has confirmed that it has partnered with Nielsen/Kantar joint venture TAM India, to form a new meter management company. According to a statement issued by BARC, ratings data produced by the new firm will be the sole trading currency for the country. More
Louisville, Kentucky-based Thoroughbred Research Group (TRG) is opening a new 65-seat call center in Phoenix, Arizona next month, and has hired Tim Wirtz as Director of Field Operations, to lead it. More
WPP has reported that revenue in its Data Investment Management (DIM) arm fell slightly (0.3%) to £1.173bn during the first half of the year, from £1.176bn in last year's first six months; while DIM headline profit before tax rose 11.7% to £100.6m from £88.1m a year earlier. More
In New York, digital cable and satellite television channel WE tv has appointed media researcher Stephanie Yates as Vice President of Research and Insights. More
In the UK, eDigitalResearch has appointed Angie Coombe as Research Manager and David Jeans as Senior Researcher Manager in its Insight team, while Darryl Sherborne joins the Strategic Technical team as Project Manager. The firm has also appointed four others, and promoted two. More
In New York, managed analytics firm Ugam has partnered with mobile and online survey technology provider OnePoint Global to enhance its mobile and SMS survey capabilities. More
Media research company 'other lines of enquiry' has consolidated its TV broadcast, radio and press research offerings under one umbrella brand, reflecting the converging of media platforms as well as company growth. Former Ipsos AD Sara Rice joins the newly merged team as Senior Manager. More
WPP-owned digital research specialist Lightspeed GMI has opened an office in Gurgaon, India, with a team led by Ashish Pandey, Client Development Manager and Siddhartha Dutta, General Manager. More
In the US, audience measurement specialist Rentrak has partnered with advance ticketing firm MovieTickets.com to produce a suite of marketing, planning and ROI measurement tools for the movie and TV industries. More
In the US, sampling automation provider Federated Sample has changed its name to Lucid, which the company says reflects 'explosive growth' in its two primary business units. More
Partners Kantar Media and mobile survey platform GeoPoll have announced the launch of a joint service bringing 'reliable, real-time audience measurement' to a swathe of African states. The service is currently available across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. More
In California, online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey is planning to relocate its headquarters from Silicon Valley's Palo Alto to the new Bay Meadows development in San Mateo. More
UK-based marcoms group Chime has announced revenues down 7% to £184.5m, with profit before tax slumping from £9.57m in H1 2014 to just £1.41m. Much of the drop hinged however on difficult comparatives and the effect of cyclical sporting events, and the insight division CIE was solid. More
In London, DIY survey software firm Qualtrics has appointed Ian McVey as Head of Enterprise Sales for Northern Europe, responsible for setting up and staffing the business in the UK. More
'Tis only a rumour at this stage, but an Indian online publication suggests that long-time rating agency and Nielsen / Kantar joint venture TAM Media Research is talking to new audience body BARC about a 'merger' - which considering their previous relations would be some turnaround. More
Middle Eastern insights provider 4SiGHT has appointed Steve Hamilton-Clark as a non-executive Advisor. Hamilton-Clark has spent the last 21 years working for TNS and predecessor companies in MENA, most recently in a long spell as TNS CEO. More
GfK has reported organic growth of just 0.3% in the first half of 2015. Reported sales climbed 7.1% to EUR 747.2m, but almost all this increase resulted from the weak Euro. Adjusted operating income rose 3.7% to EUR 71.2m, and CEO Matthias Hartmann sales should pick up in the second half. More
American MR bodies CASRO and the MRA have filed a 'motion to intervene' in a court case against new telephone rules from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). More
Further evidence of the increasing recognition given to User Experience skills: ad agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty has promoted its own Head of UX Adam Powers to be the company's first Chief Experience Officer. More
European EFM solutions provider Questback has announced it is raising some £12m in capital from existing investors, in order to support an ambitious programme of expansion. More
Three months on from announcing that it would embark on a 'bruising' restructure, Australia-based STW Communications Group has reported 'disappointing' results, with organic revenue down 4.2% and underlying net profit after tax sliding 22.5% to $15.1m. More
Ipsos MORI has appointed former Kantar Health MD Jim Needell as Managing Director, Marketing. More
Mobile event technology company DoubleDutch has announced a $45m round of growth financing, for use in global expansion, sales and marketing, and targeted acquisitions. More
In the US, partner firms Virtual Incentives and icanmakeitbetter have developed a system to improve the distribution of incentives to research participants, including the 'instant' delivery of a wide range of rewards. More
UK-based full service researcher Incite has opened an office in San Francisco and appointed Kevin Waters as its Managing Director. More
Findyr, a technology platform allowing companies rapid access to 'hyper-local micro data and content' from around the world, has launched out of beta. More
MFour Mobile Research is planning to triple its office space by relocating to Newport Beach Gateway in California, and is beginning a recruitment drive to double its research and development team by year end. More
In the UK, video data mining and analysis specialist LivingLens has raised £1m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to expand its client servicing function, and to develop additional video technology. More
London-based consumer agency Firefish has expanded to South East Asia with the opening of a Singapore office. The venture will be led by former ABN Impact Director Angela Cross, while company Board Director Bob Cook becomes Regional MD to help kick-start the business. More
Malaysian boutique MR agency Green Zebras has moved to larger premises in Oasis Square, Kuala Lumpur, and made three appointments there. Simon Wong joins as Chief Financial Officer, Cheong Tien Weng as Qualitative Research Specialist, and Fazril Jamal as Research Associate. More
In the US, data collection and fieldwork services firm Opinions Ltd has opened a new facility in the Northeast Mall in Hurst, Texas - its 28th mall-based facility to date. More
Media research specialist GfK MRI has set up a new Innovation team, to explore emerging trends in TV viewing. Kevin King joins the team as SVP Mobile Measurement and Trends; while Karen Ramspacher becomes SVP Consumer Insights. More
Hertfordshire, UK-based data collection agency QRS Market Research is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a move to larger offices in Welwyn Garden City, on Friday this week. More
London-based IFF Research has announced five new hires - Sara Dobie and Sam Morris as SREs, graduate trainees Conor Healy and Jeffy Henderson, and Mark Lynch as Marketing Executive. Three employees are also promoted. More
Polling firm Gallup has agreed a $12m dollar settlement fund for a class action lawsuit claiming it called cell phones using an autodialer without consent. Gallup says it has never auto-dialled a respondent on a cell phone. As DRNO understands it, US law now doesn't care if that's true or not. More
US data collection firm SHC Universal has appointed former Kantar senior exec Hilary Fischer as SVP - New Venture Acquisition. In this role, she will focus on global product development and corporate acquisitions, while expanding the business development team into Europe. More
GfK has appointed media research veteran Gregg Lindner in the new position of EVP of Media Research at its consumer and media research company GfK MRI. More
Asian panel platform GMO Research and global panel marketplace Cint have announced an agreement adding more than three million of the former's Asia Cloud Panel respondents to the current fifteen million active panellists in the latter's OpinionHUB exchange. More
Ipsos has reported half-year revenues up 10.2% in Euros to EUR 832.9m. Given that the Euro has lost around 20% of its value against the dollar and 10% against the pound in the last 12 months, this equates to a real-terms decline of -0.4%. Profit measures showed a slight improvement. More
San Francisco-based DIY consumer survey specialist Survata has raised $6m in a Series A round of funding, which will be used to improve its current offerings and build new products, and to hire new members of staff. More
Microsoft has launched Pulse for Market Research, part of its Bing Pulse audience engagement division and billed as 'a [free] self-service solution for surveys, live content rating, and moderated response groups of any size'. More
Australia-based online survey tech company PureProfile has raised $AUD 12.1m in a funding round ahead of its IPO next week; has acquired media trading group Sparc Media; and is opening an office in New Zealand. More
Around a dozen middle-ranking execs have been laid off in the Los Angeles office of Nielsen's movie tracking division NRG this week, according to unconfirmed reports. More
In the US, entertainment giant NBCUniversal has promoted Ari Perler to the newly created role of SVP, Research & Strategy in its Television & New Media Distribution, U.S. & Canada unit. More
UK-based online researcher BrainJuicer has issued a half-year trading update, in advance of formal results due on September 24th. Revenue rose four percent but pre-tax profits will be around 25% down on last year with overheads growing faster than revenues. More
Research solutions and outsourcing firm Markelytics has expanded into the Middle East with the opening of an office in Dubai, and appointed Vinod Rao to lead it as Director - Research & Business Development. More
US fieldwork services firm Opinions Ltd has opened an additional mall-based data collection facility in Seattle, and appointed Dorothy Thomas to manage it. More
Welsh agency Beaufort Research has been bought by its management, with the help of a £220,000 loan from Finance Wales and funding from Bibby Financial Services. Directors and new owners Fiona McAllister and Chris Timmins have run the company since founder Peter Stolle retired in 2007. More
Piers Leonard, Research Manager at social media research specialist FACE, has died after a battle with leukaemia. More
The Nielsen Company has appointed Eric Dale, formerly a Partner at Robinson & Cole LLP, as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective August 1st. More
US-based marketing and communications specialist HCD Research has struck an agreement with sensory research specialist SENSANALYSIS, to co-develop and market products and services integrating neuroscience methods and qualitative 'multi-sensorial' research tools. More
Two months after its launch, global alliance The Digital Insight Network has announced five new partner firms, based in the USA, Russia, Italy, Poland and Austria. More
Chiswick, London-based full service agency Relish Research has promoted two members of its Leeds team, Carol Wale and Lisbeth Chilcott, to Account Director; appointed Gemma Langley as an SRE; and says it will move the northern office to larger premises at the end of the month following 22% annual growth. More
Senior insight exec Ronita Mitra is leaving Vodafone India after two years, reports indicate. Her next destination is currently unknown. More
WPP-owned Kantar is consolidating its activities in Israel by transferring Millward Brown's country license to TNS. The group says this will help it expand its presence in the market and provide better service both for local and global clients. More
Japanese research and online panel provider GMO Research has partnered with lifestyle and brand-focused loyalty card provider BCARD, adding more than three million Malaysian consumers to its platform. More
Online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey has hired former HP exec Bill Veghte as Chief Executive Officer, following the sudden death of Dave Goldberg in May. The firm has also appointed Goldberg's widow, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, to its Board of Directors. More
Yorkshire-based full service research and marketing insight consultancy McCallum Layton plans to recruit at least twenty new members of staff for its CATI unit, following a major client win. More
US-based full service market research and analytics firm LRW (Lieberman Research Worldwide) has raised what it describes as 'significant growth capital', with which it plans to develop and expand its suite of tools. More
WPP has taken steps to become the first international marcoms group to conduct business on the island of Cuba. More
Belgian audience research body the Centrum voor Informatie over de Media (CIM) has extended its contracts with GfK to deliver both TV and radio audience measurement services until the end of 2017. More
Spanish-language media group Univision Communications has promoted Roberto Ruiz to the role of Executive Vice President, Strategy and Insights. More
Full service MR group CMG (Cross Marketing Group), parent of Kadence International, has set up a global healthcare research company called Medilead, based at the Group's Tokyo headquarters. More
Ipsos has brought together several of its retail measurement services to form a new Market Measurement business unit, which will be managed globally. More
US-based retail tracking provider The NPD Group has appointed John Bremer as Senior Vice President, Research Science, to lead the team that designs, maintains and enhances its methodologies. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has appointed Francesco Renga as Country Manager for Italy, based in its newly opened office in Milan. More
UK-based RS Consulting, part of the Cello Group, has rebranded as Bright Blue. The new brand unites and replaces the four separate identities which have until now made up the RS Group - Consensus Research, Leapfrog, mruk and RS Consulting. More
Former Nielsen and GMI exec Simon Guy is heading up a new digital research company, DataChefs, based in Davos, Switzerland and with a global partner network. More
In Mumbai, full service provider MRSS India is to become the first MR agency to be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, with an IPO opening tomorrow. More
Managed analytics company Ugam has expanded its technology team to thirty staff, adding eight over the last few months. More
Customer experience management specialist MaritzCX has reported a 9.2% increase in annual turnover in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to $47.3m. More
UK audience research body BARB has awarded its newly combined Establishment Survey and Panel Recruitment contract to Ipsos Connect, from January 2016 for an initial three years. This combination replaces two previous contracts and follows a successful pilot study by BARB in 2014. More
In South Africa, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) - which represents the country's radio and television media owners - has awarded TNS a five-year contract to provide a new radio audience measurement service. More
According to reports in the press, dunnhumby founders Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby are 'considering involvement' in a bid to buy back the company from Tesco. More
Ipsos is promoting Canada President and CEO Gary Bennewies to the newly created role of Chief Talent Officer, from the beginning of next month. More
London-based research and planning agency ruby cha cha UK has been renamed kubi kalloo; and has moved into new offices in Shoreditch. More
Recently formed London agency Red Dot Research has rebranded as 3GEM Research and Insights, aligning itself with a sister company, 3GEM Media, specialising in PR. More
Kenya-based marketing services firm Scangroup Limited has prefixed its name with WPP, reflecting its majority ownership by the group, and signifying the 'shared vision and values' of the two firms. More
Mark Penn, co-founder of Penn Schoen Berland and currently a senior exec at Microsoft, is leaving to found an investment company, Stagwell Group LLC, focused on digital marketing services. More
Nice, France-based healthcare fieldwork agency QualWorld, which was launched eighteen months ago by four former WorldOne execs, has opened a US business, based in Pennsylvania. More
WPP has increased its shareholding in Denmark-based TAM analysis software company TechEdge, from 20 to 49 percent. More
In New York, former Harris Poll head Regina Corso has launched her own full service research company, focused on research specifically designed for public release. More
Boston-based consumer collaboration specialist Communispace has changed its name to C Space. With a new focus on 'Customer Inspired Growth', the firm says it has expanded its consulting and innovation teams, and its capability in storytelling and creative services. More
In the US, postal code and boundary-based data provider Maponics has teamed up with location-based analytics company Gadberry Group to offer household demographics and segmentation products, built from the name and address level. More
Business information giant Dun & Bradstreet is selling its entire Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) business to a private equity firm, for around $AUD 220m. More
London-based research agency Firefish has launched a US office for its quantitative business, the numbers lab, appointing Emma Jones as Associate Director in New York; and in the UK has hired Anne-Marie McCallion as Research Manager. More
UK-based mobile research technology firm RealityMine has appointed former TNS Director Jonathan Briggs as MD of Australia, based in its Sydney office. More
Healthcare MR and consulting firm RG+A has named Kevin M. Kelly as its new EVP and Chief Operating Officer, charged with integrating the firm's strategy and planning, business development, CRM, project management and business operations. More
In the US, mobile data tools provider SessionM and MR firm Phoenix Marketing International (PMI) have announced a partnership giving access to a 'mobile-first' panel of more than twelve million consumers. More
Australia-based STW Group, which owns a number of research and analytics agencies has announced a new management structure and plans to merge a number of its businesses, following a troubled 2014 and a slump in share price. More
Stockholm-based brand tracking researcher Nepa has expanded its services to include online qualitative research. More
The American Marketing Association has teamed up with research body CASRO to produce this year's AMA Gold Top 50 report, ranking US research suppliers. The report suggests total US research revenue for 192 surveyed firms grew in real terms by 1.6% in 2014. Four companies grew revenue by more than 40 percent. More
US pollster Mervin Field, who founded both the Field Research Corporation and public opinion survey 'The Field Poll', died in Marin County on Monday, after a brief illness. He was 94 years of age. More
Around 20% of WPP's investors refused to endorse CEO Sir Martin Sorrell's £43m pay package at this afternoon's Annual General Meeting - quite a lot, 'though quite a lot fewer than in some previous years. More
TNS has appointed David Lansanah as Global Head of Innovation and Product Development. He will initially be based in London, before relocating to Singapore later this year. More
In the Netherlands, online publishing industry group VINEX and its partner Stichting KijkOnderzoek, (SKO) the body responsible for the reporting and monitoring of viewing behaviour, have expanded their contract with Kantar Media to include measurement of all online viewing behaviour. More
Marcoms group Creston has reported a 5% increase in annual revenue for its Communications & Insight businesses, to £56.2m. However, headline profits before interest fell slightly to £8.1m from £8.3m last year, due in part to the weakening Euro. More
In the UK, the ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations) has announced that CEO Jerry Wright will be stepping down from the post at the end of 2015, after seven years with the organisation. More
In Germany, mobile survey specialist Dalia Research has received a seven-figure seed (sic) round of funding, which it will use to expand its Data Science and Engineering team, analytics capacities and geographical reach. More
US polling and data analytics company 1World Online has raised $2.5m in an A2 round of funding, adding to the $1.5m in Series A financing it secured at the beginning of last year. More
As the British Polling Council commences its inquiry into how UK pollsters underestimated or completely missed the Conservative lead over Labour during the run-up to last month's general election, ComRes says it has developed a solution to predict who is more and less likely to vote. More
UK-based financial services research specialist Bdifferent has expanded to Asia with the opening of an office in the Marina Bay Financial Center in Singapore, to be led by Jessica Tuan Shepherd. More
Waltham, MA-based research firm Applied Marketing Science (AMS) has promoted management consultant and market researcher John Mitchell to the post of President and Managing Principal. He replaces Bob Klein who is stepping down after 26 years. More
Full service agency Northstar Research Partners has opened an office in Jakarta, Indonesia, and plans further locations in China and India. Meity Rahtomo will lead the new hub as Managing Director ASEAN. More
Surrey, UK-based MR community and panel management tech company MARSC has announced a partnership with New York-based MR software and solutions firm thinqonline. More
GfK has won a three-year contract to provide a cross-device audio-visual audience measurement currency for Singapore, awarded by the country's Media Development Authority (MDA). More
Ipsos Connect and Swedish firm MMS have partnered on a project to evaluate whether new TV technologies can boost TV panel sizes within existing budgets. More
Netherlands-based community research software provider CMNTY has opened an office in New York City, which will be managed by digital marketing specialist Zach Katagiri. More
New York City-based full service agency SIS International Research has opened an office in Frankfurt, Germany. The office is led by Federica Sacchi, who has been promoted to the role of Managing Director of EMEA. More
Nielsen has acquired neuromarketing firm Innerscope Research, which it will merge with its brain specialist company NeuroFocus under the Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience brand name. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
FEPE, the worldwide association of outdoor advertising companies, has partnered with a consortium of firms to develop what it claims will be the first standardised industry approach to measuring digital out-of-home (OOH) audiences. More
US-based DIY survey software firm Qualtrics is to create an additional 100 jobs at its European HQ in the centre of Dublin, where it will employ up to 250 staff by the end of 2016. More
Marcoms network MDC Partners and its digital strategy agency Doner have launched a specialist multicultural business called Cultura United Agency, offering full-service ad and PR expertise driven by insights across Hispanic, African American and Asian audiences. More
German beer manufacturer Astra Bierre is using facial recognition technology embedded in an outdoor digital advertising board, to target potential female beer drinkers. More
In New York, the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (CAB) has been replaced by the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB), with a remit to spearhead research to quantify the 'selling power' of TV content. More
London-based mobile survey tech firm Lumi has announced a strategic partnership with panel marketplace platform provider Cint, combining technologies to create 'the largest mobile-first panel'. More
Market research language and translation service provider GlobaLexicon has opened an office in Antwerp, Belgium, to service a growing client base in the Benelux region. More
UK-based Voice of the Customer specialist eDigitalResearch has announced record 25% growth in its annual turnover, to 'just shy of £10m' for the 2014/2015 financial year. More
SSI has launched a geo-location product, SSI Proximity Sample, which integrates with its mobile data collection app QuickThoughts and survey quality tool QuestTest to provide an end-to-end mobile survey solution. More
London-based MR recruitment agency Sparkle Recruitment has announced a partnership with veteran Australian market research recruiter Andy McLellan of AML Resources. More
US-based Directions Research Inc. (DRI) has announced that company founder Randy Brooks is to step down from the role of President after 27 years, with current CMO Jim Lane adding the title of President. Brooks will become Chairman of the Board. More
In London, mobile app quality specialist Perfecto Mobile has launched the Mobile Test Coverage Index, a benchmarking service to help app developers and marketers test their products on the most appropriate devices and systems. More
MMS, a group representing the leading broadcasters and ad agencies in Sweden, has commissioned GfK to produce the country's first currency covering traditional linear and time-shift TV audiences, as well as those viewing video content on smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs. More
A number of research organisations have come together to lead a new industry initiative called 'Insights 2020 - Driving Customer-Centric Growth', with the aim of studying the future of market research, insights and analytics strategy, structure and capability. More
In the US, data collection and fieldwork services firm Opinions Ltd has hired Iris Blaine as Executive Director, while Kelly Parsons and Janet Kennedy join in the role of Client Services Manager. The firm has also opened its 26th mall-based data collection facility - this time in the Annapolis Mall in Washington DC. More
GfK has reported first quarter sales of EUR 362.5m, an 8.2% rise of which 6.8% is the result of currency effects, and just 1.3% is organic growth. However, operating income and margins were up. More
UK-based call centre 1 Stop Data has opened a branch in Austin, Texas, which will offer services to North American agencies, while working with existing sales partners across the US. More
WPP sister agencies TNS and Kantar Media have partnered with emerging markets mobile survey platform GeoPoll, to deploy a new range of research products and services across Africa. More
In the US, sports entertainment media firm ESPN has announced plans for closer integration of its marketing, data, research and sales functions; and accordingly has added consumer marketing and research responsibility to the role of sales and marketing leader Ed Erhardt. More
Fashion, beauty and lifestyle media specialist Fashion Insight has acquired the Fashion4Media and Beauty4Media databases from their parent company News4Media, for an undisclosed sum. More
UK-based Creston Unlimited has announced a partnership with The Digital Consultancy, which helps clients analyse and understand the difference between digital consumers' expectations and their actual experience. More
Palo Alto, CA-based online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey has appointed Board Director Zander Lurie as temporary Executive Chairman, following the sudden death of CEO Dave Goldberg earlier this month. More
In the US, The Walt Disney Company has promoted Leslie Ferraro to the position of Director of its Consumer Products division. More
An anonymous $10m donation has been given to Princeton University, to help it establish a new faculty called the 'Daniel Kahneman and Anne Treisman Center for Behavioral Science and Public Policy'. More
Nielsen has made available content from more than 3,000 Harris Polls dating back to the early 1970s, through a new interactive web site aimed at media execs, researchers, pollsters and academics. More
In the UK, MR training and consultancy organisation the Insight Management Academy has appointed former Barclays Bank customer analysis specialist James Wycherley as Chief Executive Officer. More
TNS has announced a number of leadership changes in Asia, including the promotion of former CEO Greater China Chris Bonsi to the newly created role of Chief Client and Insights Officer for the APAC region. Grace Liu, MC Lai and Jon Foged also earn promotions while Narelle Burke joins as HR Director. More
SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg died on Friday whilst on holiday in Mexico with his family, apparently as a result of an accident in the gym. He was 47. More
Sticky, which uses web-cam based eye tracking technology to measure ad effectiveness, has raised $5m in Series A funding. The latest investment will be used to expand the firm's sales and technology teams, and enhance its products for the digital and advertising marketplace. More
WPP-owned marcoms network J.Walter Thompson has launched a global business intelligence practice, offering a combination of research, innovation and data analytics across its global network. More
In the US, ad giant Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (CCOA) has appointed Andy Stevens as Senior Vice President of Research, Insight & Analytics, with a remit to develop performance analytics and research related to the out-of-home (OOH) media market. More
UK-based companies Creston Group and Future Foundation have partnered to combine the former's market research and neuroscience services from its ICM Unlimited, Marketing Sciences Unlimited, and Walnut Unlimited companies, with the latter's consumer trends and insight offer. More
A group of six independent research companies have set up an international association called The Digital Insight Network, focusing purely on digital methodologies. Members will share best practice and innovations, and assist each other with global research projects. More
In London and Hong Kong, two branding veterans have set up a new company called WeAreFearless, using consumer neuroscience to help clients understand brand partnerships, experiences and storytelling. More
comScore and Kantar Media are rolling out their first joint offering for cross-media audience measurement, to key clients. More
Specialist MR recruiter Felice Mockford has launched a new employment agency, Ignite Talent Asia, based in Singapore. More
UK television broadcaster Channel 4 has promoted Charlie Palmer to the role of Head of Viewer Relationship Management, to drive the consumer-facing element of its data strategy. More
Manchester, UK-based mobile research tech firm RealityMine is expanding its syndicated TouchPoints and passive measurement business to 20 new markets worldwide; simultaneously securing rights to the TouchPoints name and the services of the co-founders of USA TouchPoints. More
UK-based Chime has announced eight new appointments in its Insight & Engagement Group (CIE), spanning its Facts International, CIE Commercial, Watermelon, Cherry Picked and Opinion Leader businesses. More
In the UK, full service agency DJS Research has reported a 26% increase in turnover to £3.6m for the financial year 2014/15. More
Steve Lavine, the co-founder of Kinesis Survey Technology, has joined the company in the capacity of President, to provide consultancy to clients, and add value to the firm's online panel and community offering. More
WPP has reported like-for-like first quarter revenue growth across all its business sectors except for the Data Investment Management (DIM) division, where revenue fell 1.4% to £558m from £566m in the prior year period. More
Ipsos has reported 0.8% organic growth in revenue for the first quarter of 2015 - though measured in Euros revenue was up 10.6% to EUR 379.6m. More
Retail and healthcare data giant IRI has partnered with digital research specialist comScore and audience analysis firm Rentrak to launch a solution linking cross-media advertising to actual shopping behavior. More
US-based online survey and analysis tool provider SurveyGizmo has opened a support office in London, as part of its plan to extend its services to international markets. More
UKOM, the cross-industry organisation set up to oversee the measurement of online audiences, has renewed comScore's contract to act as its exclusive partner for online media audience measurement in the UK. More
GfK has named Ben van der Werf to succeed company veteran Richard Jameson as head of its Consumer Experiences business in the UK, plus the Nordics and Baltics. Jameson leaves in mid-May after more than 25 years at the firm, to pursue as yet unspecified 'new opportunities'. More
Ipsos has announced a suite of research offerings based on geolocation technology and exploiting the Google Consumer Surveys platform. More
US-based HCD Research has launched a video game research division, combining neuroscience tools and traditional research methods to probe consumers' subconscious and cognitive response to video game concepts; andh as hired game development exec Josh Drescher to lead it. More
US consultancy Guidance is launching a Retail Strategy Solutions practice and has named eCommerce veteran Brian Beck to lead it. More
Research and technology firm Instantly is to build a research panel focused on South Asian audiences in the UK, on behalf of ethnic audience research specialist Quant Edge Ltd and known as Multi Cultural Britain Think. More
US publisher Progressive Business Media, which owns eight titles in the home furniture, furnishings and gift markets, has launched a new research division. The unit, Progressive Market Research, will be headed by Director of Research Dana French. More
The European Commission has awarded EUR 3.6m to Imperial College London and emotion measurement specialist Realeyes, to develop their technology. More
The IPA's latest Bellwether survey of marketing executives indicates a further upward revision to UK marketing budgets during the first quarter of 2015, but says spend on market research fell by 1.3%, having risen 0.6% in the previous quarter. More
Nielsen Book has announced a partnership with Chinese retail tracking service Openbook. The deal promises clients in the English language book markets in the US and UK a better understanding of the market in China, and vice versa. More
Marcoms giant WPP has launched a consultancy called Gain Theory, which brings together analytics, technology solutions, and consumer research and insight capabilities from around the group. More
In the US, consumer video poll platform Glimpzlt is launching out of beta with a $1.1m seed funding round. More
Online community and survey technology provider Toluna has appointed Ludovic Milet as Managing Director, APAC, based in Hong Kong and leading the business across the region. More
In the UK, consumer and sensory research specialist Product Perceptions has changed its name to PPL Insights. More
Andy Ellis, President of sampling automation provider Federated Sample, has transferred to lead the firm's sample management and exchange business Fulcrum, where he will oversee product, sales and operations. More
MR presentation and reporting specialist Dapresy has opened an office in Toronto, led by former Vision Critical exec Jonathon Ware as Vice President, Business Development, Canada. More
In India, broadcast audience measurement body BARC has appointed Dr Sumit Chowdhury as Technical Advisor, as it prepares for the launch its new audience measurement system next month. More
In the US, Sony Pictures has appointed former Nielsen NRG exec John Restall as Executive Vice President of Domestic Market Research, overseeing research for US theatres. More
Nielsen has announced a strategic alliance with RetailNext, which provides in-store analytics for bricks-and-mortar retailers. Nielsen becomes RetailNext's preferred channel for its service, which uses cameras and mobile tech to track shopper activities. More
UK-based agency SPA Future Thinking has dropped the first part of its name, as it prepares for 'aggressive' expansion. More
UK-based research group RS Consulting has announced seven promotions, including Lorena Arrospide, Rhiannon Jones and Danielle Rodgerson who all move from Senior Research Consultant to Research Manager. More
Dan Soulas, formerly US MD of media and marketing insights firm Ebiquity, has launched his own market intelligence and communications insight consultancy called Market Intel Group, near Philadelphia. More
Ahead of May's general election, London-based opinion research specialist BritainThinks has partnered with The Guardian newspaper on an initiative called 'Battleground Britain', which will examine undecided voters' opinions in five key constituencies across the UK. More
In the UK, Chime's Insight & Engagement Group (CIE) has restored its revenues to the record 2012 level of £13.6m, after a substantial drop to £11.0m in 2013. More
Manchester, UK-based agency Join the Dots has reported a 25% rise in annual revenue to £6.1m, driven by both existing clients and a number of new community contracts. More
Research software company Confirmit has partnered with translation specialist Language Connect to develop a solution called Connect Survey. The tool promises to save time and money for those co-ordinating MR and VoC programmes in multiple languages. More
Bristol, UK-based People for Research has relocated its Usability and MR Participant Recruitment team to larger premises in the city, following a second consecutive year of business growth. More
Tokyo-based online specialist Macromill has opened a new office in Singapore, where it has appointed former Millward Brown exec Rob Valsler as Managing Director in charge of the Southeast Asian team. More
Susan Shaw, the co-MD of GIM Suisse, has been elected as President of the Swiss Association of Market and Social Research (Verbands der Schweizer Markt- und Sozialforschung, or vsms). More
UK-based online research firm YouGov has announced interim results for the six months ended 31st January, with revenue up 11% year-on-year to £36.2m - up 10% in organic terms - and adjusted profit before tax up from £3.0m to £3.5m. More
In the US, standards body the Media Rating Council says Rentrak's national and local TV ratings products are as yet 'not sufficiently compliant with its standards', following more than a year of auditing. The two parties made positive statements and will continue to work towards accreditation. More
Customer and employee research specialist ORC International has appointed brand and innovation specialist Kevin Ford, previously Director of Research at NatCen, in the newly created role of Head of Markets and Products Research in Europe. More
UK-based MR agency Trinity McQueen grew its turnover 17% to £3.98m in the year to 30th September 2014. The rise follows a very impressive year in 2012-13, in which turnover was up 39%. More
UK-based online specialist BrainJuicer has decided to close its office in Italy, which has made a 'significant' loss. The group as a whole published its formal results yesterday, confirming it had grown revenue just 1% in 2014, to £24.65m. More
UK-based health and consumer marketing group Cello has reported a 9.9% rise in 2014 headline operating profit before tax to £81.0m, on revenues up 6.4% to £169.9m. The group has also appointed a new COO. More
In New York, radio broadcaster Cumulus Media has hired Arbitron veteran Pierre Bouvard for the newly created role of Chief Marketing Officer, in charge of insights, data-driven targeting, and measurement solutions for advertisers. More
China-based brand consultancy Labbrand is expanding into Europe with the launch of an office in Paris. More
Ask Afrika CEO and founder Andrea Rademeyer has moved back to South Africa, and will reportedly add the responsibilities of Chairman Ken McArthur to her remit as he retires after just ten months in the role. Meanwhile the company is launching a new benchmark survey focused on consumers in the country's townships. More
In London four former employees of Screen Digest have launched Ampere Analysis, a new company backed by a panel of investors. The firm aims to shake up the information sector with a combination of new methodologies and techniques based around big data. More
MR entrepreneur Kristin Luck, previously President and CMO of US-based quant MR tech firm Decipher, has formally launched a consulting practice with a focus on strategic assistance for marketing measurement and tech businesses moving from one stage of growth to the next. More
Omnicom-owned brand and comms research specialist Hall & Partners is moving its global headquarters across the Thames to Bankside, making room for further growth. More
Pharma MR specialist Instar has appointed Art McKee in Philadelphia to head up its new US business unit, and Manfred Eberlein in Hamburg to oversee its new European business division. The firm has also hired ten new research and delivery team members. More
In the US, mobile research and retail data collection specialist Field Agent has raised $2m in a funding round, which it will use for expansion and new product development. More
In Japan, research and online panel provider GMO Research (GMOR) has added access to more than 74,000 physicians to its Asia Cloud Panel, through a partnership with medical research panel specialist MedPeer. More
London-based online community specialist Verve has received an undisclosed amount of series A funding in a round led by investment firm Subito Partners, whose founders Geoff Westmore and Neil Brown join the Verve Board. More
WPP has announced preliminary results for 2014 including like-for-like revenue up 8.2%, like-for-like net sales up 3.3%, and good profits - EBITDA grew 7.5% at constant currency. However like-for-like revenue in the firm's insight or 'Data Investment Management' division (DIM) was up just 0.6%. More
UK-based BDRC Group has reported a 17.8% increase in turnover to £24.5m for the twelve months ended 30th September 2014, compared with £20.8m the previous year. Gross profits climbed 19.4%. More
In London, Kantar public sector division TNS BMRB has promoted Ben Toombs to the role of Head of Qualitative and Communications Research, while making Caitlin Connors his deputy. More
Digital data collection provider Research Now has appointed five new staff for its Client Development team, in three different US locations. They include four twenty-year-plus Nielsen veterans. More
Research community and survey tech firm Vision Critical has expanded in Australia, with the opening of a new office in Melbourne and a move to a new location in Sydney. More
Oxfordshire-based consumer insight and sensory specialist MMR Research Worldwide (MMR) has opened a new office in Mumbai, India and another in Durban, South Africa. More
Japanese-based online specialist Macromill has announced the opening of an office in Mexico, led by Ricardo Cuéllar who joins as Managing Director for the region. More
Vancouver-based research and brand consultancy The Sound has opened an office in Mumbai, India as a base for further expansion in Asia. More
MR agency B2B International has expanded its UK headquarters in Bramhall, Manchester and revealed a five-year plan to double its annual turnover to £15m. More
European-based Bilendi, which combines MR and online loyalty services, has agreed to acquire the Springboard UK access panel from Vision Critical, strengthening its online panels offering in the UK. More
In the UK, research firm Simpson Carpenter is forming a new department dedicated to comms research, and has appointed former Flamingo Group Insight Director Kirsty Higgins to lead it as Head of Communications Research. More
This month sees the return of the annual auction to help researchers who have fallen on hard times, run by the UK's Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA). Prizes include MR conference and football tickets, as well as access to the culinary skills of one of the industry's best known salespeople. More
Japanese research and online panel provider GMO Research (GMOR) has teamed up with emerging markets specialist Borderless Access to add the latter's panellists to the former's Asia Cloud Panel, which now reaches more than fourteen million consumers across the APAC region. More
MR language and translation specialist GlobaLexicon has taken an additional floor at its Camden High Street, London headquarters, in preparation for an increase in headcount. More
Ipsos has brought together its brand communication, advertising and media businesses under a new division called Ipsos Connect, which has replaced legacy brands Ipsos ASI and Ipsos MediaCT. More
Ipsos has reported a 2.2% increase in fourth quarter revenue to EUR 500.7m - a rise it describes as a 'timid return to growth' reflecting more favourable foreign exchange trends - and 'slight' organic growth of 0.8%. More
Cheshire-based full service agency DJS Research has appointed seven new members of staff, and promoted six of its existing team. More
In Japan, consumer insights specialist Macromill has reported a 44% increase in 2014 revenue to 25 billion Yen (EUR 178m), reflecting its recent merger with Netherlands-based online research and analytics firm MetrixLab. Sales for the period were 31 billion yen (EUR 214m). More
The Israeli Audience Research Board (IARB) has extended Kantar Media's contract for television measurement until 2019. More
London-based ComRes has partnered with The Daily Mail to deliver a programme of polling and political analysis, including extensive coverage in the run-up to the general election in May. More
Tokyo-based Research Panel Asia (RPA) has promoted Masahiro Takanohashi to the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Toshiki Sano who will continue to work for parent company Voyage Group (VG) as Head of Overseas Business. More
South African firm Springleap has announced the launch of a Creative Insights division, making use of crowdsourced insights to help brands understand local markets. More
London-based BDRC Group has launched BDRC Americas, a joint venture with Washington, DC-based full service researcher Fusion Analytics, which merges into the new company. More
US-based Precision Sample has appointed Susan Hwang Nanzer as Chief Revenue Officer and a member of its executive committee, overseeing global sales for the company. More
In London, Basis Research has appointed Dr Sarah Jenkins, formerly Head of Qualitative in Ipsos MORI's MediaCT division, as a Senior Director to lead and develop its media, content and technology offer. More
Pharma research and data giant IMS Health has announced results for the quarter and year ended December 31st 2014, including revenue up 6.2% to $678m in Q4 and 5.9% to $2,641m for the full year on a constant currency basis; and adjusted EBITDA up 8.5% and 9.5% respectively. More
YouGov has confirmed former Chief Strategy Officer Alex McIntosh as its new UK CEO, replacing Tim Britton. More
US research consultancy RDA Group has announced 2014 revenue of $23.8 million, up 14% year-on-year and up 60% over the last five years. More
LA-based research technology company Instantly (formerly uSamp) has opened an office in central Manhattan, New York City, adding to its existing US location in Los Angeles. More
Language Connect, a specialist in language translation and communication services for the market research industry, has opened an office in Singapore, where it has appointed Baxter Tan as Executive Director. More
In a deal with some similarities to the recent US tie-in with Rentrak, WPP is to take a 15% to 20% stake in comScore through its Kantar data and insight arm, while comScore acquires a number of Kantar assets in Europe. More
Nielsen has reported Q4 revenue up 1.4% to $1.6 billion. Excluding the impact of the Arbitron and Harris Interactive acquisitions, the increase was just 0.1%. However the firm notes that this was its 34th consecutive quarter of revenue growth. More
WPP's global Government & Public Sector practice has introduced a team tasked with driving excellence in communications and research for European Union institutional clients. More
In Chicago, Ipsos Loyalty has opened a Customer Experience practice, and transferred John Carroll to head it up. More
European fieldwork group Norstat has appointed Marc Leimann as Managing Director in Germany, replacing Christoph Irmer who moves into the group position of Chief Marketing Officer. More
Digital data collection provider Research Now has made a number of changes in its executive leadership team, including the promotions of John Rothwell, Kathy Rowley and Melanie Courtright to C-suite and EVP roles. More
Mehmet Xhambazi and Abdi Saïd, co-founders of Response Fusion and former directors of OnePoll, have set up a new London-based company called Red Dot Research, which specialises in multimode online MR and panel provision, as well as PR research services. More
The Audited Media Association of Australia (AMAA) has appointed media industry exec Josanne Ryan as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Paul Dovas who has left after sixteen years' service. More
Roy Morgan Research has partnered with big data insights specialist Qrious to offer clients an in-depth understanding of the trends, needs and wants of New Zealanders, and the communities in which they live. More
In Boulder, Colorado, former ABI Research leader and Pike Research founder Clint Wheelock has launched a new MR and consulting company called Tractica, which focuses on the understanding of human interaction with technology. More
LA-based research technology company Instantly (formerly known as uSamp) has introduced a new crowd-sourced insights tool called Product Watch, which alerts brands about newly launched consumer products and tracks their performance across key metrics nationwide. More
UK-based Kadence International has reported a 14% increase in gross global half year revenues to $16m, driven by growth in its US and Indian operations. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has appointed Knut Aasrud as Chief Executive Officer. He replaces Are Strøm, who has left the company after four years to take up a new role in the construction industry. More
In the UK, 70,000 members of cashback and rewards site Quidco have been integrated into the OpinionHub platform run by panel marketplace operator Cint. More
Film and television measurement specialist Rentrak has reported a 38% increase in revenue to $26.9m for the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 (ending December 31st, 2014), up from $19.5m in the same period of the previous year. TV Everywhere once again led the way with a 76% rise. More
UK agency Opinion Matters has hired former Market Research Society (MRS) director Jennifer Sproul for the newly created position of Head of Client Services. More
In Singapore, Nielsen is investing an initial sum of $SG 14m over the next five years in the launch of an 'Asia Innovation Centre', to encourage the development of new research and measurement techniques for organisations operating across the continent. More
In the UK, Sainsbury's veteran Kirstin Knight has joined Kantar Worldpanel, to manage the Grocery Retail division. More
In the US, full service agency Morpace has appointed Opinion Research Corporation veteran Gerard Miodus as a Vice President. More
LA-based research technology company uSamp is changing its name to Instantly, Inc. While planning substantial investment in its sample business, the firm says the new name will allow it to grow this in tandem with its burgeoning insights platform. More
GfK is preparing to move into free-to-air (FTA) audience measurement in Brazil, according to reports, and has appointed Adhemar Garcia Neto as Director of Operations and Caroline Campos as Head of its Audience Measurement and Insights Department. More
GfK has reported a 2.9% drop in annual sales to EUR 1.451 billion from EUR 1.495 billion the previous year. Currency effects accounted for a 0.9% reduction: in organic terms, sales were down by 2.1%. More
Fashion retailer Gap has appointed company veteran Scott Key as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Customer Experience, in charge of the newly combined eCommerce and Marketing teams. More
London-based newspaper marketing body Newsworks has embarked on the second phase of a formal process to find suitable partners for a new audience measurement system. More
European firm Stratégir has invested an undisclosed sum in Paris-based qual consumer agency WSA, which will now become Stratégir-WSA. The new company will be 70% owned by Stratégir and 30% by WSA's current managers Pascal Bluteau, Dominique Suire and Jean-Pierre Michel. More
Colin Strong, UK Head of Industry, GfK, is leaving at the end of March after nineteen years with the business, to join online communities specialist Verve in the newly created position of Managing Director of Verve Ventures. Meanwhile GfK has announced three senior appointments of its own. More
In the UK, industry body the Market Research Society (MRS) is marking Data Privacy Day by reporting nineteen organisations to the Information Commissioner's Office for 'selling under the guise of research'. More
Berlin-based qual research specialist Point-Blank International (PBI) has developed a new methodology which uses LEGO to help participants communicate during creative group discussions. More
Former Infotools MD Ian Murray and Conquest Research Director Catherine Heaney have launched a new agency called house51, which will offer brand, communications and social research through a network of senior consultants. More
Private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners is to acquire an undisclosed number of shares in digital data collection specialist Research Now from a group of the latter's shareholders. Financial terms of the transaction have not been released. More
In Sydney, The Leading Edge (TLE) MD Lee Naylor is taking over the role of Chairman from Nigel Marsh, who is leaving the firm to become a Partner at strategy consultancy Growth Mantra. More
Sports marketing research group Repucom has commenced a restructure of its business operations in Europe, including the departure by mutual consent of President Europe Marcel Cordes. Meanwhile Alexandre Callay has joined as Global Director Media Research and Content. More
Analytic Partners has teamed up with social media consultancy Converseon and word of mouth (WoM) research firm Keller Fay Group to launch a new solution called Integrated Social Exploration Modeling (ISEM), combining on- and off-line data and marketing mix modeling to assess the value of WoM. More
In the US, Ipsos MarketQuest President Matt McNerney has left the group to pursue other opportunities. McNerney joined Ipsos seven years ago as President of its Loyalty Division. More
UK-based Voice of the Customer specialist eDigitalResearch has strengthened its technical and insight teams with five new hires - including Liz Boffey as a Research Director - and four promotions. More
British Airways has restructured its marketing team, according to reports, giving the new role of Head of Customer - including research and insight, customer service transformation, innovation and brand proposition - to former Head of Marketing Abigail Comber. More
Kantar Media has extended its contract providing TV audience measurement in Romania, until the end of 2019. The win follows a competitive tender process by ARMA, the country's television joint industry committee, and comes three years to the month after the current contract began. More
UK-based health and consumer marketing group Cello has reported 'strong trading' in an update for the year to 31st December 2014. The Health division reports double digit revenue growth and a strong business pipeline for 2015, while growth in the Signal consumer division is slower. More
TNS has promoted Anjali Puri to the position of Global Head of its Qualitative practice, replacing Rebecca Wynberg who will move to a non-executive position as Chair of TNS Qualitative. More
In the UK, MR technology consultancy Data Liberation has appointed industry veteran Pat Molloy as Chief Executive Officer, replacing founder Chris Morgan, who has moved to the role of Chairman and COO. Separately, Daniel Bailey becomes CTO and Deborah Whitworth CFO. More
Asian market research consultancy ABN Impact has appointed Kurt Thompson to launch operations in Indonesia. More
YouGov UK CEO Tim Britton has left the company after seven years, to pursue 'the next stage of his career'. He is replaced on an interim basis by Chief Strategy Officer Alex McIntosh. More
In the US, Hall & Partners has promoted Joanna Fanuele to lead global innovations. She replaces former Head of Innovations Jane Bloomfield who has left the company to join Millward Brown as Brand Development Director. More
UK-based research innovator BrainJuicer has announced a 1% increase in revenue to £24.6m in 2014. However, the firm said it had performed well in the US, where revenue increased by some 5%-6% on a constant currency basis. More
In the UK, mobile MR technology and consumer analytics specialist RealityMine has secured $2.5m of new investment funding, which it will use to recruit additional technical, sales and client support staff at its Manchester headquarters. More
In India, Kantar-owned IMRB International has announced that SVP Preeti Reddy will take over as President from Thomas Puliyel, when he retires in August. The firm has also announced a number of other changes to its management team. More
Netherlands-based data collection software developer Nebu has partnered with MR software, services and solutions provider thinqonline, to establish a presence in the US. More
Healthcare fieldwork firm M3 Global Research has announced the appointment of eleven new members of staff - nine in the US and two in the UK. More
SPA Future Thinking's French subsidiary has launched a pharmaceutical healthcare division called Future Thinking Pharma, in Paris, which will be led by Béatrice Chemla, the founder and CEO of healthcare MR agency Listening Pharma. More
Research and sampling firm Offerwise has opened an office in Brazil, and is planning to expand its LatAm presence further through investment in additional personnel and panel capabilities, including a mobile research application. More
UK-based business-to-business agency B2B International has opened an office in Singapore - its third location in the Asia Pacific region. More
In the US, digital TV and video solutions provider Sorenson Media has partnered with business information and analysis specialist Neustar, to provide 'better insight' into TV audience viewing patterns and behaviour. More
Desiree Lopez has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer of public sector specialist TNS BMRB, along with a seat on the TNS UK Board. More
US-based marketing and communications specialist HCD Research is introducing its integrated cognitive and applied neuroscience market research services across China. More
Philip (Phil) Converse, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Political Science at the University of Michigan, died on December 30th in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 86. More
Virgin Media has appointed former Unilever and British Airways marketer Kerris Bright as Chief Marketing Officer, with an expanded remit that includes data, insight and analytics. She will join the company on 19th January. More
UK-based research innovator BrainJuicer Group has announced senior internal promotions in the Americas and Europe and the opening soon of an office in Miami. More
Global research tech and services company 20|20 Research has opened a UK office from which it will service its online qual offerings throughout EMEA. FocusVision veteran David Chandler will head up the new location in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. More
Research technology and panel exchange operator Cint has appointed Morten Strand as its new CEO, replacing Bo Mattsson who it says will 'remain on the board and continue to be a strong influence in the company'. The company plans 'rapid growth' in 2015, led by US expansion. More
New York City MR firms UniversalSurvey and SurveyHealthCare have completed an equity and debt funding round, for use in developing their current platforms and for planned M&A activity. More
London-based online communities specialist Verve has announced rapid growth in the final quarter of 2014 - detailing no fewer than 22 appointments - and ambitious plans for 2015. More
London-based online research software and services provider Dub is relocating to new offices off City Road at the beginning of January, in preparation for an increase in headcount. More
In the US, digital data marketer Peter Brooke has set up a new firm called Travel Tech Strategies, to help clients in the sector mine their existing big data to uncover trends in customer behavior, demographics and social media relationships. More
American film and TV production company Alcon Entertainment has hired National Research Group co-founder Catherine Paura, and her sister Angela, as co-presidents of Worldwide Marketing. More
In Chicago, former McDonald's brand marketer Tania Haigh has launched an agency called Magnolia Insights, specializing in marketing to women. More
In the US, social media polling platform Wedgies.com has raised $700k in seed funding, which it will use to scale its technology and expand into new markets. More
US full service MR and technology consultancy 20|20 Research has moved its headquarters to larger premises in the center of Nashville, in order to accommodate future growth. More
Online research specialist Macromill has formed a joint venture (JV) with medical information provider CareNet, in Tokyo, to provide marketing research services across the medical sector. More
US TV broadcasters FOX, Tribune Media and Univision have joined forces with social media analysis specialist Timeline Labs in a venture called NewCoin, which will address what the partners describe as 'deficiencies' in local market television audience measurement. More
WPP has appointed Smith & Nephew Chairman Roberto Quarta as a non-executive Director and Chairman-designate, succeeding Philip Lader. He will join the Board on 1st January 2015 and offer himself for re-election at the group's AGM in June. More
DIY survey software firm SurveyMonkey has raised $250m in an equity funding round, which it will use to pursue future M&A transactions and to enable existing investors and employees to sell some of their equity. According to reports, the funding values the firm at $2 billion. More
Online panel provider Prodege has launched a sampling technology platform called Prodege MR, and appointed former uSamp executives Dave Gaston and Kris Tarbet as Vice Presidents of Sales, and Daniel Ross as VP of Product Management. More
In the UK, panel exchange operator Cint has partnered with research agency Opinium to roll out the latter's IFA (independent financial advisor) panel through the OpinionHUB marketplace. The deal gives Cint its first specialist B2B panel in the country. More
Simpson Carpenter co-founder and automotive research veteran Derek Carpenter is to retire at the end of the year, the company has announced. More
Kantar has announced that Mark Inskip, will take the role of Global CEO of its consulting business The Futures Company, from February. He replaces Will Galgey who is moving to the role of CEO of TNS UK. More
US research organisation CASRO has launched a Safe Harbor Program to help research companies comply with US-EU privacy regulations. More
According to the Market Research Society's latest Annual League Table, the UK MR industry grew 2.5% in the past year. The society says this demonstrates that the research industry is now recovering from the impacts of the recession. More
On-demand panel and sample company Innovate has opened an office in Gurgaon, India, where it has already hired a number of execs for its operations team. Meanwhile in the US, the firm has appointed former uSamp exec Vanessa Carey, and promoted Amanda Keller and Jason Poyser. More
In Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University (QMU) has opened the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation, which will use a range of nutritional analysis, shelf life testing, consumer focus groups and taste panels to help businesses develop healthier products. More
Customer, employee, and market strategy research specialist ORC International has launched an online communities division, and appointed former Communispace exec Jennifer Adams to lead it. More
Netherlands-based customer insights agency SKIM is to open an office in Singapore in January, led by Director Robin de Rooij. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has added 100,000 UK panellists to its OpinionHUB marketplace, through a partnership with London-based online agency Aurora Market Research. More
Attendees at last night's MRS Awards ceremony in London saw Ipsos MORI and biopharma client Amgen scoop both 'The Grand Prix Award for Greatest Impact' and the 'Healthcare Research' prizes for their work highlighting patient experience for Psoriasis sufferers. More
Maktoob Research founder Tamara Deprez and marketer Maha Ahmad have set up a full service marcoms agency called The360mix in Dubai. More
Kantar Media and CSM Media Research - a joint venture firm between CTR Market Research and Kantar Media - have partnered with Hong Kong's largest TV broadcaster Now TV, to roll out the region's first cross-platform television audience measurement system using return path data (RPD) technology. More
The MR industry in the US has now recovered from the recession, according to professional association the MRA - whose Research Industry Index (RII) score has remained above 100 for the fifth consecutive quarter. More
In the UK, Tesco has promoted Robin Terrell to the position of Head of Customer, replacing Jill Easterbrook who is transferring to head the retailer's Business Transformation programme from 1st January. More
Switzerland's Mediapulse body has given GfK an extension of its contract to measure the country's radio audiences beyond 2017, using the agency's new Mediawatch platform. More
Healthcare specialist Krea has become the Indian member of Global Market Research, an alliance of accredited independent MR companies. More
WPP has extended its relationship with IBM, to expand its use of big data and analytics, and develop new digital services that will be run and managed within a global hybrid cloud infrastructure. More
UK-based mobile video MR specialist VoxPopMe has expanded to Singapore with the appointment of Robert Fry as Managing Director, Asia Pacific. The firm has also launched an app for iPhone, with an Android version available early in 2015. More
Ipsos has announced that its Co-President Jean-Marc Lech died this morning in Paris, after suffering from a 'serious health issue' since the summer. More
Multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak has completed its acquisition of the US-based TV measurement assets of Kantar Media, in an all-stock deal worth about $128m - c.$30m more than was initially anticipated. More
Australian market and opinion specialist Roy Morgan Research is moving to new offices in Kent Street, Sydney on December 8th, after 27 years at its previous location. More
Trade association The British Marine Federation (BMF) has appointed Alastair Wilson to head its Statistics and Market Research service. More
Deepak Singh has returned to Ipsos in the newly created role of Executive Director and Head of Ipsos Marketing in India. More
Ireland's radio industry has announced that it will trial a new people metering audience measurement system next year, as a possible alternative to the current system used for the Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) ratings. More
New York-based media agency Assembly has hired media research specialist Paul Beck for the new position of EVP, Director of Strategic Services, with a remit to build an Analytics and Traditional Media Research division. More
Marcoms holding group Creston has reported a 5% increase in half year revenue to £37.3m, and announced an international partnership with German-owned Serviceplan Group. More
DIY research firm SurveyMonkey is to collaborate with employee-owned US research stalwart Westat and non-profit organization the Pew Research Center, to examine non-probability sampling, along with various means of gauging data quality. Results will be made publicly available. More
In the UK, healthcare researchers Martin Schlaeppi and Craig Scott have launched Greensand, a new agency focused on the medical device market. More
Stakeholder intelligence and engagement advisory firm GlobeScan is opening an office in Cape Town, South Africa. More
In the UK, River Research co-founder and Partner Julian Kenway has left the company after six years to join SPA Future Thinking as its new Commercial Director, leading business development across all areas of the company. More
Roy Morgan Research has appointed former Ipsos Australia Chief Exec and AMSRO President Hugh Amoyal as its new Deputy CEO. The firm has also given Head of Client Services Howard Seccombe the new role of Chief Digital Officer. More
MMR Research Worldwide (MMR) has launched a new Sensory Science Centre in Singapore, with a panel of thirteen sensory assessors led by newly appointed Sensory Director Antonella Scarabelli. More
TNS has announced the appointment of Will Galgey, formerly of The Futures Company (TFC) as UK CEO from mid-January 2015, following the departure of Maureen Duffy earlier in the week. Separately, Michelle Harrison will become Global Head of Political and Social at the beginning of the year. More
In the UK, Kantar Media has admitted to a problem with its published BARB viewing data for July-September, requiring it to reissue certain audience data files. More
UK-based Kadence International has officially opened a Middle East office, in Dubai, which will be staffed by local quant and qual researchers. The company is also planning to open a second office in the region, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. More
Survey technology firms Qualtrics and CFMC have partnered to enable users to conduct online and phone surveys concurrently or consecutively. More
Online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey has made its second investment in as many months - this time in workplace performance assessment firm The Marcus Buckingham Company (TMBC), with whom it will partner to find new ways to measure 'the pulse' of the workforce. More
Cinema research expert and AIMRI Company Secretary Richard Chilton died suddenly on Tuesday 4th November, at the age of 83. More
Media industry research veteran Joe Philport will retire from his role as CEO of industry body the Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement (TAB) at the end of the year. More
In the UK, MD Maureen Duffy has left TNS after less than three years in the role. Reasons for the departure are not yet known. Global CEO Richard Ingleton is stepping into the role until a UK replacement is found. More
Former Nielsen Indonesia MD Catherine Eddy is to join GfK in January as Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand. She takes over the role from Gary Lamb and Juergen Merz, who are moving to new positions within the group. More
London-based insight consultancy Firefish has appointed Lyn McGregor as Qualitative Managing Director in its UK office, and as a member of its Management Board. More
UK TV broadcaster Channel 4 has identified a new demographic it calls the 'Proactives', an audience segment said to have more money, more influence and a higher propensity to trial. More
GfK has unveiled a new concept it calls the 'Emotional Imprint', to help clients address the gap between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. More
London-based online research specialist DigitalMR has partnered with MRB Hellas to roll out its 'listening247' and 'communities247' services to companies in Greece. More
UK radio and television audience measurement veteran Tony Twyman died last Friday, 31st October, at the age of 82. More
In Malaysia, broadcaster Star Radio Group has commissioned GfK to introduce electronic / mobile diary radio rating methodology to the country, as it seeks 'more holistic insights' into radio listening habits. More
US start-up agency Mizzouri has hired Procter & Gamble veteran Kim Dedeker as Principal and Chief Research Officer. More
MR language and translation specialist GlobaLexicon has opened a new office in Nuremberg, Germany, and says it plans to expand to Asia next year. More
Research technology and panel exchange operator Cint has announced a new strategic global relationship with DIY online research firm SurveyMonkey. More
Millward Brown has expanded its team in Indonesia with eight appointments, including former Diageo exec Chris Thomas as Director of strategic consulting arm Millward Brown Vermeer. More
Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) software firm QuestBack has parted company 'by mutual consent' with Hilarius Dressen, CEO of its operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More
Audience measurement's rising star Rentrak Corporation has announced fiscal second quarter results. Total revenue is up 41% to $25.2m, driven by the continuing boom in its TV Everywhere business which grew 85% to $13.3m. More
Nielsen has been testing a new service which will add previously unmeasured out-of-home (OoH) TV viewing to its ratings. More
UK-based 72Point, the parent of OnePoll, is expanding to the US market with the launch of an office in New York, offering a range of content-led marketing and social media products. More
UK audience research body BARB has extended Kantar Media's TV measurement panel contract and RSMB's contract for survey design and methodology until the end of 2018. The organisation will also combine two of its main research contracts from January 2016. More
TV audience measurement body TAM Ireland has begun a pilot scheme to capture data on laptop and PC viewing, using an initial test panel of 60 homes established using Nielsen's Netsight meter. More
UK-based MR support agency Research Runner has partnered with marketing services consultancy Magnificent Stuff, in order to provide its clients with a full range of digital and print marketing services. More
Marketing services network WPP has reported a slower than expected 3.1% rise in third quarter revenue to £2.76bn. Reported revenue in its Data Investment Management division fell 4.7% to £588m, but allowing for currency effects and acquisitions, like-for-like revenue growth was 0.5%. More
In the US, Turner Broadcasting has named former [x+1] President Stephano Kim as Senior Vice President, Ad Operations and Chief Data Strategist for its newly created Ad Sales division. More
In London, Kantar Media has appointed Alex Kuhnel as Chief Operating Officer of its TGI global online / off-line consumer behaviour and media consumption study. More
Industry association ESOMAR has elected Laurent Flores as its new President for the two-year term from January 2015 to December 2016. He will be supported by newly elected Vice President David Smith. More
UK-based mobile video MR specialist VoxPopMe has expanded to the US with the appointment of former Qualvu exec Dean Macko as Managing Director, North America. More
Sampling, data collection and analytics specialist SSI has announced a deal with air loyalty program Avios, which will offer the latter's collectors the option to join SSI's B2B inSSItes panel. More
In the UK, the Health and Social Care Information Centre has extended NatCen Social Research's contract to deliver its Health Survey for England study for four more years until 2019. NatCen will deliver the survey in collaboration with University College London. More
Australian-based custom research firm The Leading Edge (TLE) has appointed Katharine Milner as Director of Qualitative Insights and Florencia Tarelli as Director of Strategy. Separately, Head of Brand Strategy Chrissy Blackburn left the company last month. More
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) has partnered with eye tracking and biometric sensor software provider iMotions to open a neuromarketing-focused research facility, for use by scholars studying human responses to online advertising messages. More
Denmark's VIA University College has partnered with Canadian crowdsourcing firm Chaordix, to build an innovation community called VIA Connect, through which businesses can hook up with thousands of students, as well as researchers and tutors. More
UK television marketing body Thinkbox has appointed Channel 5's insight leader Matt Hill as Research and Planning Director. He will join in early 2015, replacing Neil Mortensen who is leaving to become Director of Planning and Research at ITV. More
Ipsos has reported third quarter revenue of EUR 412.7m, representing marginal organic growth (0.2%) year-on-year. The decline in reported figures slowed to 1.4%. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has added access to 1.5 million proprietary consumer panellists across seventeen countries to its platform, through a partnership with emerging markets specialist Borderless Access. More
UK-based medical fieldwork specialist KeyQuest Health (KQH) has opened an office in New Jersey, US. The new operation is led by Miina Rafinski, who previously served as Client Services Director at Olson Research. More
A call centre has been set up at HMP High Down Prison in Surrey, where up to twenty inmates will gather information from the general public for market research purposes. More
New York-based SIS International Research has expanded its Asia Pacific team with the appointment of four senior executives, while promoting Mandy Pan to the role of General Manager of the APAC Region and China. More
In the UK, newspaper and consumer magazine publishers have issued a time frame for their audience measurement review, with the aim of testing a new multi-platform system from mid-2015 and rolling it out from early 2016. More
Charles Pearson, co-founder of Guildford, Surrey-based EasyInsites, has left the firm to lead client development in North America for community panel specialist Verve. More
US-based audience measurement specialist Rentrak has been granted a patent for the system it uses to measure the status of set-top boxes (STBs). More
UK-based agency RSM has released results from its six-monthly survey of research professionals. Among the findings, the agency notes strong support for the value of, and confidence in the continuing use of, 'traditional' methods of data collection. More
In the UK, marketing budgets were revised up for the eighth consecutive quarter, reflecting continued confidence in the business outlook, according to the Q3 2014 Bellwether report from ad association the IPA. More
In Washington, veteran survey researcher and political scientist Michael Dimock has been promoted to President of the Pew Research Center, effective today. More
London-based brand communications agency PrettyGreen has launched a sister company, Pretty Black&White, combining research, planning and creative functions. More
Kantar public sector division TNS BMRB has made two senior appointments, Keith Bolling as Head of National and Official Statistics Surveys and Gillian Prior as Head of Longitudinal Studies - on the back of strong growth in the two areas. More
Dutch radio audience survey body NLO has signed an amended contract with current provider GfK, extending the current radio diary deal and simultaneously exploring the use of mobile apps to allow reporting on a minute-by-minute level. More
Amsterdam-based games market specialist Newzoo has opened its first international office, in Shanghai, China; and announced the launch of new research covering six SE Asian countries. More
Healthcare fieldwork specialist Krea has taken the unusual step of turning what began as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative into a separate division of its company. 'CAN DO' provides opportunities for people with disabilities and will offer data collection along with archival and scanning services. More
Online research specialist YouGov has reported preliminary results for the year ended 31st July 2014, with revenue up 10% in constant currency terms, to £67.4m, and adjusted profit before tax rising 12%. More
Following a long tender process, online ad association IAB Australia has chosen Nielsen as sole supplier of digital audience measurement services in the country, for three years from January 1st 2015. More
GfK MRI has teamed up with modeling and analytics provider Santiago Solutions Group to launch a health and wellness-based segmentation and solution, SSG Wellness Spectrum. More
DIY online research firm SurveyMonkey has announced a new app, allowing users to send and analyze surveys from within the widely used Salesforce platform. More
In Nashville, Tennessee, workforce development and research / patient experience solutions provider HealthStream, Inc. is to build a new Patient Interview Center, creating around 200 new jobs over the next few years. More
Film and television measurement specialist Rentrak is to acquire the US TV measurement business of WPP's Kantar Media for $98m in Rentrak common stock. WPP will then spend a further $56m to bring its overall share of the US-based firm to 16.7%. The deal gives WPP's GroupM agencies full access to Rentrak audience data. More
DIY online research firm SurveyMonkey has announced a partnership with broadcast and digital news provider NBC News. The deal has two aims: to deliver in-depth assessments of public opinion and attitudes; and more generally to explore best practice in online survey research. More
In the US, survey and panel management software specialist Kinesis Survey Technologies has announced a new technology partnership with mobile panel firm Paradigm Sample. More
Emerging markets panel specialist Borderless Access has become the latest company to appoint current ESOMAR President Dan Foreman as a Non-Executive Director. More
UK group St. Ives Plc has reported a 3% annual increase in revenue to £327.6m, providing what it calls 'clear evidence' of the success its strategy to move into marketing services through a major M&A push. More
Kantar Media is to provide a proprietary audience measurement service for Malaysian Pay TV and radio group Astro. Launched next year, the new service will make use of Kantar Worldpanel's Malaysian household FMCG panel. More
Tokyo-based Research Panel Asia (RPA) has launched an East Coast US office in Avenue of the Americas, New York - its seventh office worldwide. More
Majestic MRSS has announced a strategic partnership with foreign direct investment specialist Dezan Shira & Associates. More
British retailer Argos has appointed Ian Dobson as Head of Customer and Market Insight, based at its head office in Milton Keynes. More
In the US, location analytics firm PlaceIQ has partnered with multi-screen audience measurement specialist Rentrak to develop a new product called PIQ PrimeTime, combining location intelligence with television viewing data. More
Facebook has introduced strict research guidelines, in response to a recent revelation that the firm had conducted a psychological experiment in which it manipulated users' news feeds to assess the impact on the mood of their subsequent posts. More
US firm Federated Sample has spun off its Fulcrum sample management and exchange platform as an independent division. More
Survey technology firm Qualtrics has closed a $150m Series B financing round, giving it the means to expand rapidly into new geographic and vertical markets, develop new products and consider acquisitions of appropriate technology solutions. More
London-based online communities specialist Verve has opened an office in Toronto, and has appointed former Research Now exec Suzanne Costa to lead it. More
US-based consumer and retail tracking provider The NPD Group has launched a new wearables advisory service, led by Eddie Hold, Vice President of the firm's Connected Intelligence division. More
In the UK, comScore has announced that its partnership developing metrics with the GSMA mobile operators' trade association is to terminate at the end of 2014. The digital measurement giant will shortly launch a new service called Mobile Metrix, working with cross-industry body UKOM. More
Tel Aviv, Israel-based emotion analytics specialist Beyond Verbal has raised $3.3m in new funding, simultaneously launching the Beyond Wellness API, which will enable app developers and wearable device makers to add emotion sensing capabilities to their offerings. More
Canadian survey sample and panel technology firm WiseSample has moved its Indian operations to larger premises in New Delhi, to accommodate new members of staff and to prepare for future growth. More
In Germany, GfK is to merge its media analysis specialist firms GfK Enigma and Media Markt Analysen, to form one company which will now operate under the name GfK Media & Communication Research. More
In the US, the Board of the Media Rating Council has voted to remove accreditation for Simmons Research's National Consumer Study (NCS), following an independent audit which uncovered 'declines in service performance metrics'. More
TNS is to move into the Mongolian market in partnership with sister WPP agency Y&R Advertising, with the latter acquiring a majority stake in the Creative and Research Agency (CRA) from conglomerate MCS Holding LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Online research specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 'relatively flat' first half year, with a 4% rise in revenue to £11.2m (H1 2013: £10.8m). A decline in US and UK turnover was more than compensated by strong performances in Asia, continental Europe and Brazil. More
In the US, former Synovate exec Steve Wolf has launched a new multi-country research agency called Wisdom, Insight and Mojo, which aims to deliver contextual insight merged with cultural understanding and novel thinking. More
Media researcher Pat McDonough is to retire from Nielsen at the end of 2014, after 44 years with the company. More
Ad, media and brand research specialist Millward Brown has opened an office in Karachi, Pakistan, led by Noaman Asar, who joins from fellow WPP company JWT. More
In the UK, not-for-profit body NatCen Social Research has appointed former Kantar Head of Field Sophie Ainsby to lead its 1,200 strong field force. More
Insight and marketing services group Cello has had what it describes as 'an excellent half year', with revenue up 9.4% to £78.3m, and a 14.8% rise in gross profits to £39.5m. More
In the UK, trade body the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) has brought in University of East Anglia (UEA) Psychology Lecturer Dr Simon Hampton, to provide the organisation with a deeper understanding of the latest theories about digital technology and its effect on user behaviour. More
UK data collection agency QRS Market Research has completed a management-led buyout of retiring MD and shareholder Sam Adby. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the US Gongos, Inc. has launched a third business unit, Arti|fact, to sit alongside primary research division Gongos Research and data sciences division O2 Integrated. The firm has appointed Amy Perifanos to lead the new unit and re-hired Brett Bridges as a Director. More
In Australia, Paul Dovas is stepping down as CEO of not-for-profit industry body the AMAA after sixteen years' service in the organisation and its predecessor. The AMAA said he intends to pursue other opportunities in digital media. More
London-based online communities specialist Verve has announced seven more hires, including former GfK execs Rich Preedy and Olly Robinson who will help drive the expansion of its International service. More
MRSS India has partnered with computer vision technology developer SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) to integrate the latter's eye tracking solutions with its full service offer. More
Larry Gold, the publisher of market research industry journal Inside Research, has discontinued operations after twenty four years in business, following distribution of the journal's final edition last week. More
TNS has added three senior members of staff to its Qualitative practice, including former Opinion Leader exec Sarah Morris (nee Houghton), who joins as Head of TNS Qualitative. More
In New York, Nielsen has hired former Accenture exec Benjamin Hayes as Chief Privacy Officer, overseeing its global privacy program. More
Online research tech company uSamp has opened an office in Frankfurt, Germany and hired Susanne Minneker and Catherine Gibbon who will be based there. More
UK television audience body BARB has announced the launch of a new measurement technique, developed with Kantar Media, for panellists' viewing on iPad and Android tablets. More
Digital ad specialist Adknowledge and emotion analytics firm Realeyes have agreed a global partnership, promising advertisers the chance to 'make better ads, put them in more effective places and more accurately analyse performance to improve future campaigns'. More
The global research industry grew faster than inflation in 2013, with turnover for 'traditionally defined MR' passing the $40bn mark, according to ESOMAR's annual report, just released. More
UK-based agency SPA Future Thinking has restructured its senior management team, promoting Richard Barton to Group Managing Director, with four new divisional MDs - Steve King, Neil Aulton, Chris Bland and Claudia Strauss - working under him. More
Oslo, Norway-based fieldwork group Norstat has promoted Matt Reynolds to the position of Managing Director for the UK market. The firm has also appointed Elisabeth Sampaio as Senior Project Manager in the UK. More
Market research software firm Askia has opened an office in Los Angeles, where it has named SPSS veteran Jamey Corriveau as Director of US Operations. More
In the US, online qual specialist 20|20 Research has added a fifth focus group room and client suite to its existing facilities in Charlotte, Tennessee; and has recently appointed four new employees. More
Business information provider Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) has appointed AOL's former Global CTO Curtis Brown as Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for the firm's portfolio of technology, proprietary data and related intellectual property. More
UK-based full service research provider BDRC has opened an office in Jakarta, Indonesia, and expanded Piers Lee's role to include oversight of the new operation. The firm has also added two new members of staff to its senior management team in Asia. More
SKO, the industry body responsible for the reporting and monitoring of viewing behaviour in the Netherlands, has extended GfK's television audience measurement (TAM) contract by a further two years to 2017. More
Recently formed strategic consultancy Millward Brown Vermeer has launched in Australia, and appointed Caspar Wright as Managing Partner there. More
In Texas, former Bank of America exec Tim Mahaffey has set up a brand strategy firm called Retail Passage, offering a platform for product developers and inventors to assess a product's retail potential. More
Kantar has partnered with US non-profit agency disABILITYincites to create what is described as the country's largest panel of consumers with disabilities. More
Palo Alto, CA-based online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey has set up a 'Survey Advisory Committee', tasked with advising the firm on topics such as survey design, quality and innovation. More
In Sydney, Australia, former Ipsos execs Peter Fairbrother and Veronica Mayne have launched an insights consultancy called Faster Horses, which will cover both the east and west coasts of Australia, while also reaching clients in the Asia Pacific region. More
CIE, the Insight & Engagement Group within UK firm Chime, has reported first half operating profit up 22% to £1.4m, and a 5% increase in operating income to £4.2m. However, revenue was flat at £5.37m compared with £5.35m in the prior year period. More
In Chicago, web based 3-D virtual store research specialist InContext Solutions has received $12m in Series D funding, which it will use to fuel its expansion plans. More
WPP's data investment management division (DIM) has reported Q2 net sales of £436m and revenue of £611m, the latter up 2.6% in like-for-like terms but well below the overall group growth of 10.2%. More
In the UK, former Mindshare CEO Jed Glanvill has been brought in by newspaper industry body Newsworks, to chair an advisory group compiling a brief for a 'future-proof' cross-platform measurement system and approving the appointment of research providers. More
WPP's healthcare data company All Global has been integrated into the group's online panels specialist Lightspeed Research, allowing combined access to general population panels and physician and payor panels. More
Eye tracking specialist Tobii Technology has raised $15m (SEK 100m) to support its continued expansion in existing and new markets, and specifically its acquisition of speech-generating tech firm DynaVox Systems. More
Darleen Lee is to leave her role as MD of Ipsos in Hong Kong and relocate back to New York City. She will be succeeded by Mick Gordon, who currently serves as MD of Ipsos India. More
Global marketers' confidence fell in August despite overall conditions improving across the sector, according to Warc's latest Global Marketing Index (GMI). More
London-based online research 'app store' platform ZappiStore has officially opened an office in Boston with the appointment of former GMI exec Ryan Barry as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America. More
Shopper insights specialists Nielsen Catalina Solutions (NCS) is combining its data on what consumers watch and buy, with set-top-box (STB) data from FourthWall Media, in order to extend its single-source panel for CPG marketers. More
GfK is to launch a cross-media and cross-device measurement tool called the 'Crossmedia Visualizer', to help clients understand how individuals use their different devices. More
San Mateo, California-based mobile ad platform Opera Mediaworks has opened an Innovation Lab, with the aim of understanding how consumers will interact with their mobile devices in the future. More
Nielsen has promoted John Lewis to the role of Global President, in charge of its worldwide business in the FMCG vertical. Company veteran Karen Fichuk replaces him as President, North America. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has relocated to new premises in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, where it has appointed Arianne Dumayas as Project and Customer Support Manager. More
Former Ipsos and TNS MDs Steve Murphy and Yazid Jamian have launched a new agency called Green Zebras, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More
Online research specialist YouGov has promoted Sundip Chahal to the newly created role of Group Chief Operating Officer. More
In Texas, Tim Glowa and Garry Spinks have launched a full service MR and analytics firm called Bug Insights, offering a range of research methodologies such as focus groups, A/B testing, data mining and trade-off analysis. More
London-based online research 'app store' platform ZappiStore has commenced operations in Singapore and will open an office there in the first week of November. A Boston office will also be opened, later this month. More
GfK has reported a 1.6% organic decline in sales for the first half of 2014, to EUR 697.9m, magnified to 4.2% by currency effects - but says that it is now seeing the positive effects of the 'strategic realignment' plan it has been pursuing. More
In the US, recently launched full service agency Mizzouri has selected Franklin, Tennessee, south of Nashville, as the location for its new headquarters. More
Hollywood-based entertainment research start-up C4 has completed the acquisition of the assets of Motion Picture Group (MPG), which was shut down in controversial circumstances in June. C4 says it now has 20 staff and will grow to 45 in the next couple of months. More
UK-based research firm Incite is moving its US operations to larger premises just one year after launching them, and has appointed two execs to boost the team. More
Two announcements from Ipsos: the Loyalty division has a new syndicated study providing benchmark data on consumers' views across 23 sectors in 30 countries; while Canada's Ipsos Reid will work with the country's Sporting Goods Association (CSGA) to track trends in equipment, clothing and participation. More
Manchester, UK-based research agency Join the Dots has reported revenue growth of 16% in the first half of the year, compared with H1 2013. More
ORC International is to join two partner firms in 'a next generation marketing services company' with annual revenues of c.$400m, following the acquisition of marcoms group Engine by ORC's Chicago-based backers Lake Capital. Partner firms will keep their separate identity. More
In Cold Spring, KY, USA, former Procter and Gamble exec Sarah Faulkner has launched her own consultancy providing insight-driven innovation and brand building services for consumer goods and services companies. More
Sony Music Entertainment has launched a survey called the 'Music India Segmentation Study', to help artists, marketers and brands understand the music consumption habits of consumers. More
San Jose, CA-based in-store big data analytics specialist RetailNext has completed a $30m round of financing, which it will use to expand operations in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and other, emerging markets. More
In New Zealand, MR tools and software provider Infotools has appointed co-founder Ant Franklin as its first ever Chief Executive Officer, with a remit to grow the company internationally. More
Nielsen has reported a 15% increase in second quarter 2014 revenue to $1.59bn - excluding acquisitions the figure was still a very respectable 4.4%. Q2 profit fell to $76m from $426m due to fees for re-financing long-term debt, but Adjusted EBITDA was up 16.2% to $460m. More
UK-based online community specialist Verve has appointed former GfK exec Ryan Garner to head up its Personal Information Economy proposition, while recruiting six other new members of staff. More
Research community and survey tech specialist Vision Critical has secured a $16m round of funding, led by a new investor, growth equity firm Georgian Partners. More
Slovakian TV audience measurement steering committee PMT has renewed its contract with Kantar Media for the provision of audience measurement services. Kantar-owned TNS will manage the service until 2021. More
US-based emotion measurement specialist Affectiva has appointed former Merkle and Nielsen exec Tom Butler as Chief Revenue Officer. More
UK-based full service provider BDRC has officially launched a digital research agency called Alligator Research, led by former Toluna director Suzy Hassan. More
Nielsen has expanded its coverage to two new countries, Bolivia and Paraguay, and now has operations in nineteen Latin American states. More
In London, Kantar has invested an undisclosed amount in self-service online research 'app store' platform ZappiStore. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has announced an API collaboration with Ghent, Belgium-based online specialist InSites Consulting, which will add access to an initial 1.5 million European and LATAM respondents across 50 countries to the former's OpinionHUB platform. More
Ipsos has reported a 5.9% drop in first half revenue to EUR 756m, with currency effects responsible for most of the fall (5.1%). In organic terms, second quarter decline all but wiped out the modest gains of the first quarter, giving overall H1 organic growth of 0.1%. More
Morocco's joint industry committee CIAUMED has awarded GfK a contract to deliver an electronic TV audience measurement (TAM) service. The agency has also won an extension of its radio audience contract in Switzerland. More
In India, Nielsen/Kantar joint venture TAM Media Research has launched a mobile app called 'TAM India', which will provide subscribers with access to weekly top line television audience measurement (TAM) data on their iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. More
In the US, global non-profit research-based consultancy InterMedia has appointed former GfK SVP Christopher Fleury as President and CEO. More
Nielsen is integrating RDA Research's geoTribes segmentation tool into its Consumer and Media Insights (CMI) service, to provide a 360 degree view of the New Zealand consumer. More
London-based insight consultancy Firefish has revealed impressive revenue figures for the first year of operation of its US office - $1.9m - and says it will be further expanding its team 'in the coming months' to cope with demand. More
Millward Brown has launched its new Vermeer brand and business strategy consultancy in South Africa, servicing clients across Africa and the Middle East and with Nicki Cunliffe at the helm. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates has relocated its Chicago office to a newly upgraded research space on the 26th floor of its existing address at North Michigan Avenue. More
In Germany, four former senior GfK execs have founded Exevia, a new healthcare market research agency based in Nuremberg. The four are Norbert Schell, Ulrik Scheuermann, Andrea Gock and Roland Herterich. More
Online research specialist BrainJuicer has issued a pre-close trading update for the six months to 30th June, announcing revenue up 10% in constant currency terms, or 4% reported. More
In Australia, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has shortlisted three agencies to challenge incumbent Nielsen for its three-year online audience measurement contract. More
Tokyo-based Research Panel Asia (RPA) has partnered with mobile rewards platform YOYO Holdings to offer panel coverage in the Philippines and additional access to panellists across Indonesia. More
In London, the BBC has appointed GfK's Head of Innovation Nick North to lead its Audiences teams. He will take up the role on 15th September. More
UK audience research body BARB has announced plans to work with Ipsos MORI to trial the latter's Mediacell Tablet Peoplemeter, as part of an ongoing investigation into new techniques for collecting viewing data. More
The High Court in Delhi has once again adjourned Kantar Media Research's appeal against new government guidelines imposed on its TAM TV audience measurement service. The case will now be heard on 26th August. More
Non-profit educational body the Marketing Research Institute International (MRII) has named research industry veteran Reg Baker as Executive Director. He will take up the new post on October 1st, following the retirement of Don Marek the previous month. More
Nielsen is planning to recruit more than 500 employees for its Dallas call center, which was previously owned by radio ratings giant Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio); and 200 staff for its call center in San Antonio, which is being expanded to accommodate them. More
Shopper research specialist PRS (Perception Research Services) has opened offices in Shanghai and Chicago. More
The UK's newspaper industry is to appoint a strategy consultant to advise on the building of an audience measurement system to reflect the way people now read newspapers - across print, laptops, tablets and mobile. More
Stichting KijkOnderzoek (SKO), the industry body responsible for the reporting and monitoring of viewing behaviour in the Netherlands, has awarded WPP firms Kantar Media and TNS NIPO a four-year contract for the provision of cross platform ratings across the country. More
UK-based agency SPA Future Thinking has launched a Financial Services practice comprising a team of ten staff, led by Research Director Annabelle Truscott. More
Omnicom-owned brand and comms research firm Hall & Partners has opened an office in Tokyo, Japan, where it has recruited qual specialist Buntari (Tari) Martosudirjo as Research Director. More
Brighton, UK-based global insight consultancy Space Doctors has appointed former Added Value semiotics specialist Cato Hunt to lead its London office. The firm has also announced plans to establish teams in Asia Pacific and the Americas. More
Canadian survey sample and panel technology firm WiseSample has relocated to bigger premises in downtown Toronto, in preparation for a recruitment drive across several areas of the business. More
UK-based Intellection Software has appointed Wojtek Kokoszka as Commercial Director and Charlotte Atkins as COO, plus ESOMAR President Dan Foreman as a Non-Executive Director. More
A new research and business consulting firm, DelveInsight Business Research, has opened in New Delhi, focused on the healthcare sector. More
In South Africa, media monitoring specialist Tonya Khoury is launching a company called ROi Africa, offering technology for big content management and measurement, along with cross-media trend spotting. More
Event feedback and voting technology company PowerVote has expanded to the Asia Pacific region with the opening of an office in Singapore. More
UK-based online community specialist Verve has partnered with MR agency InsightAsia to meet client demand for full service quant and qual community panel research across Asia. More
ITWP, the parent company of online community and survey technology provider Toluna, has acquired Harris Interactive's European arm from Nielsen. As part of the deal, Nielsen will take a minority share in ITWP. More
UK firm Product Perceptions has been acquired by one of its Directors, Yvonne Taylor. Founders Dominic Buck and Keith Greenhoff will retain a financial interest in the business following the buy-out, but have also set up a new firm called Sensometrica. More
In Sydney, Australia, ethnography and qual specialist Charlie Cochrane has set up a new research consultancy called Jump the Fence, which he says will 'challenge the notion' that consumer psychology determines brand and buying motivation. More
North of England-based online panel firm ResearchBods has opened its first overseas office near Melbourne, Australia; and appointed David Gibbs to lead it. More
Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble is to restructure its marketing function under the name 'brand management', with marketing directors worldwide becoming 'brand directors' with 'single-point responsibility for the strategies, plans and results for the brands'. More
Former Ipsos Country Manager Enrique Domingo has set up a new agency in Madrid called Dialogs&Beyond. The firm's offer will include mobile research, applied neuroscience techniques, marketing and innovation services, and ad effectiveness understanding. More
Netherlands-based community research software provider CMNTY has opened an office in London, and has appointed Alastair Macmillan to lead it. More
UK-based agency business intelligence firm SPA Future Thinking has appointed Tom Meyritz, formerly of QuestBack, Lightspeed and Ciao, as Commercial Director, responsible for leading business development across all areas of the company. More
TV audience measurement body TAM Ireland has set out its plans for the extension of its measurement services over the next few years, including its intention 'to measure all forms of viewing across all devices by 2017'. More
Customer and employee research specialist ORC International has opened an office in Sevres, south west of Paris, where it has appointed former Ipsos exec Anne Lavielle to head up the new operation. More
In Hollywood, former OTX and MPG Chief Executive Vincent Bruzzese is heading up a new entertainment research firm, C4, with the backing of three film producers. The move closely follows the closure of MPG, many of whose staff are joining the new company. More
Independent San Francisco-based TV station KTSF has become the first to have TV viewing via mobiles added into its ratings figures courtesy of Nielsen's SDK and its recent deal with tech firm Syncbak. More
Netherlands audience measurement association SKO has announced a new contract with Kantar Media Audiences, allowing the measurement of commercials on a wide range of digital platforms and establishing 'a marketwide, transparent, manageable standard'. More
Canadian broadcast measurement body BBM Canada has changed its name to Numeris. More
UK research firm Cello Health Insight has launched a continuous staff development programme called BUILD, and promoted Leyla Itani and Helen Porter to lead the initiative. More
WPP-owned firm The Data Alliance has partnered with location analytics specialist Factual, giving WPP group companies access to data that maps the known location of mobile phones to physical places, including more than 65 million businesses in 50 countries. More
In the US, multi-screen audience measurement firm Rentrak has been asked by the Media Rating Council (MRC) to stop using the term 'census-like' to describe its national and local television measurement services. More
Community panel specialist Verve has opened a dedicated survey programming office in Iași, Romania, headed by Senior Survey Programmer Eugen Tuchendria. More
US-based Lieberman Research Worldwide has integrated Beyond Verbal's emotion analytics technology with the services of its Pragmatic Brain Science Institute, which fuses traditional research techniques and new approaches to provide a holistic understanding of consumers. More
Spanish-language broadcasting group Univision Communications has fired an executive at its KSCA-FM (101.9) station in Los Angeles for using a number of Nielsen's Portable People Meters (PPM) to inflate audience ratings. More
In Sydney, Australia, BBC Worldwide Australia & New Zealand (ANZ) has appointed former Nunwood/TLE researcher Joe Lynch as Head of Research and Consumer Insights, starting in August. More
Millward Brown has acquired global marketing strategy consultancy EffectiveBrands, and will merge it with its Optimor brand strategy division to form a new business called Millward Brown Vermeer. More
Madeline McMahon, Director Strategic Market Research at Double Helix US, died suddenly on June 7th after a cerebral hemorrhage. She was 35 years old. More
The UK's research industry returned to growth in 2013 after four years of contraction, according to results from the annual survey of agencies by the Market Research Society (MRS). More
In Australia, marketing and sales services company Crossmark has launched Shopper Republic, a specialist shopper marketing division focused on global insights and 'deep retailer collaboration'. More
London-based mobile research and sample specialist On Device Research has hired former Ipsos director Nader Kobeissi as Managing Director for the MENA region, launching the company's new Dubai office. More
Employee-owned MR provider Illuminas has reported a 27% revenue rise to £10m for the year ended February 2014. The firm has also appointed Steven Maskell as Senior Vice President in its New York office. More
Canadian pollster Angus Reid, most recently the co-founder of research community and survey tech specialist Vision Critical, is retiring as the firm's Executive Chair, in order to set up an independent public opinion research organization he will call the Angus Reid Institute. More
UK-based Brass Insight has changed its name to Trinity McQueen, as part of a management buyout by its Joint MDs Anna Cliffe and Robin Horsfield. The rebrand will move it away from its former parent firm, marcoms agency Brass. More
Creston's insight division - which comprises Marketing Sciences and ICM - has reported a 7% increase in annual revenue to £12.9m. The remainder of the Group by contrast saw a slight decline in revenue and profit. More
Ipsos and Warsaw-based consumer neuroscience specialist NEUROHM have announced an upgrade of the IRT system, which probes unconscious consumer associations and perceptions, and assesses their impact. NEUROHM will also now act as Ipsos' primary partner for IRT roll out. More
US-based full service agency Radius Global Market Research has expanded operations to the Middle East and Africa by opening an office in Dubai, led by Research Director Nitin Ladva. More
In the US, television industry trade association TVB has appointed media research veteran Hadassa Gerber as Senior Vice President, Chief Research Officer. More
Iberian and Latin American online panel specialist Netquest has opened an office in Lisbon, from where it plans to work more closely with the Portuguese research community and develop its business in the country. More
Former TNS exec James Fergusson has launched a mobile and digital insights agency, Mobile Digital Indaba (MDI), based in Melbourne, Australia and already with offices in Singapore and Cape Town, South Africa. More
Nielsen is once again the 'official market research supplier' for an Olympic Games, adding Rio 2016 to London 2012 and Beijing 2008. More
UK-based insurance specialist Litmus Analysis has recruited Robin Dicks as a Partner for a new market research and analysis venture, Litmus Research Associates. More
Delvinia, the parent company of AskingCanadians, is expanding its leadership team with four senior promotions; and has taken over neighbouring office space to double its capacity. More
mruk, the social research firm within RS Consulting group, is returning to Scotland with the opening of a new office in the centre of Glasgow, to support a growing number of Scottish clients. More
Consumer products specialist MMR Research Worldwide has appointed Suzanne Hernandez as US Head of Business, based in New York and overseeing its Stateside strategy development and expansion. More
In India, BPO and KPO firm Navigant Technologies says it will more than double its headcount in the current financial year, adding 1,000 staff; and will add a third call centre, in Delhi or Gurgaon. More
This week sees the launch of the 'first ever' overnight television ratings service in a number of African markets. Mobile survey platform GeoPoll will bring the data to countries including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda in time for the viewing and advertising bonanza of the World Cup. More
European-based MR and online loyalty specialist Maximiles is to rebrand as Bilendi, 'putting data insights firmly at the centre of its two core activities' as it looks to double the size of its research arm by 2016. More
UK firm The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has partnered with Dutch consulting engineer Fugro, integrating its own survey and consultancy services with Fugro's data on highway condition and construction for the benefit of global clients. More
In New York, brand influencer network Crowdtap has appointed marketer Sean Foster as Chief Executive Officer, replacing founder Brandon Evans who has left the firm. More
Nielsen has announced it will stop its political polling in Australia at the end of July, specifically the monthly Fairfax Nielsen Poll, which has been running for the past nineteen years. More
Former Stopgap recruiters Kathy King and Janet Chambers have launched their own recruitment agency, Sparkle, which will work on permanent and freelance market research and insight roles at all levels. More
London-based B2B specialist BDRC Group has promoted Richard Sheldrake to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. More
George Terhanian has left Toluna to join consumer specialist The NPD Group in the newly created role of Group President and Chief Research and Analytics Officer. More
Global online sample aggregator EMI Research Solutions has opened its first European office, in London. More
Social media and text analytics specialist Texifter has entered a strategic partnership with DIY research firm SurveyMonkey, helping the latter's users get to grips with verbatim-heavy survey responses. More
Latin American fieldwork specialist Brasil Global Research has rebranded as Kampo Brasil Research. More
In the US, Nielsen is increasing the size of its local television sample in fifteen Local People Meter markets, to increase the stability of the ratings and improve representation of hard-to-reach demographics. More
US marketing and communications specialist HCD Research has partnered with kids and families research, brand and product innovation firm PlayCollective, to provide a specialist service for clients targeting flavour and fragrance products at children and parents. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates has appointed former Nielsen Global Panel Leader Jade Landfried as Chief Technology Officer. More
Kantar-owned research technology and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has opened a new office in Frankfurt, and appointed Key Account Director Norman-René Schwalme to lead it. More
Singapore-based rewards platform YOYO Holdings has raised $1.3m, which it will use to drive business growth, strengthen its management team and staffing levels and boost its marketing efforts. More
Optimism among marketing execs remains high, according to the May wave of the Warc Global Marketing Index (GMI), with respondents generally upping their forecasts for marketing budgets and positive about trading conditions. More
In the US, Massachusetts-based station Channel 5 has taken the unusual step of writing to its advertisers to blame Nielsen for its 'puzzling ratings decline' in recent months. Reports suggest Nielsen has acknowledged a problem with sampling and is at work to redress it. More
In the UK, Jim Easton, former CEO of customer and market insight specialist AMR International, has launched a new consulting firm, Plural Strategy Group, focusing on media, events, agribusiness and software markets. More
DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey is opening an office in Sydney, Australia - its first in the Asia Pacific region - and says it will hire around 25 people there over the next few years. More
In Australia, media intelligence group iSentia - formerly known as Media Monitors - is headed for a June IPO which it hopes will raise $AUD 283.5m. Funds will help consolidate market positions and continue growth in Australia and New Zealand, and in South East and East Asia. More
UK-based Voice of the Customer specialist eDigitalResearch has reported a 20 percent rise in annual turnover to £7.5m, and says it has employed an additional 30 new members of staff over the past twelve months. More
Stockholm-based panel exchange operator Cint has boosted its UK customer service and sales teams with three new hires and the promotion of Jane Attale (nee Mills) to the leadership role of UK Sales Director. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates has integrated Affectiva's Affdex Discovery facial coding tool into its portfolio of qualitative services, having itself helped to adapt the tool for moderator use in focus groups. More
Mystery shopping and retail audit specialist Helion Research has opened an African regional HQ in Johannesburg, led by Customer Experience Agency founders Ian Jeffrey and Ronelle Van Rensburg. More
Click With Me Now - which provides data about how people engage with web sites - has raised $2.25m in investment funding from a group of unnamed private investors, and has appointed former Disney CTO Bud Albers as Chief Executive Officer. More
Cello-owned consumer specialist 2CV has relocated to new premises in Singapore, double the size of its previous office. More
GfK has announced results for the first quarter, with an organic decline of 0.7% in sales, reported as EUR 334.9m, a decline of 3.5% due to currency effects. However the Group said it achieved 'a significant increase in all profit indicators', and has confirmed its forecast for the year. More
Asian market research consultancy ABN Impact is launching an office in Shanghai, China, and has appointed Stephane Courqueux as its Managing Director. The company says it aims to set up offices 'throughout Asia in the near future'. More
Digital data collection specialist Research Now has announced that MD, Americas Craig Stevens is to leave the business after a decade to pursue new opportunities, and that John Rothwell will step into his shoes. More
Ipsos Public Affairs has made three senior management changes in its US team: Clifford Young has been promoted to President and John Vidmar to Chairman of the division in the US, while Julia Clark takes on additional responsibilities as VP leading the team in Chicago. More
Customer data pioneer dunnhumby has teamed up with BSkyB's customer intelligence business Sky IQ to what the firms describe as 'the largest panel of viewing and shopping insight in the UK', offering clients new ad targeting possibilities. More
US researcher Michael Kassab has announced the launch of a new MR firm, ConsumerDNA, following the acquisition of the assets of Savitz Research Solutions, the firm he has led for sixteen of the last 30 years. Savitz' office in Richardson, Texas will form the headquarters of the new company. More
The Pineapple Lounge (TPL), youth and family division of London-based Firefish, has added five new members of staff to its existing team of seven, to meet fast-growing demand for its services. More
Kantar has completed its upgrade of the Indian MarketPulse consumer panel, first announced last year, and have rebranded it as Kantar Worldpanel. The panel is operated jointly by the Kantar Worldpanel division and sister agency IMRB International. More
John Pullinger, currently the House of Commons Librarian and DG of Information has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, and National Statistician, succeeding Jil Matheson who retires at the end of June 2014. More
Online research innovator BrainJuicer has warned in an AGM statement today of an increase in its costs, resulting from increased share based payment charges and the expansion of its account management teams to support long-term growth. Shares were down 21% as of Monday morning. More
Global recruitment firm Aspire Global Network is bringing all its companies - including UK-based MR specialist RP Cushing - under the single brand of Aspire. More
Following news earlier in the week of job cuts in Florida, Nielsen is reportedly to close its call center operations in Columbia, Maryland, with the loss of 325 jobs; and in Radcliff, Kentucky, shedding 237. More
Cheshire, UK-based agency DJS Research has announced its twelfth consecutive year of growth, with revenue up 32% to £2.9m. More
Indian start-up ResearchSuite Technologies has secured angel funding from serial entrepreneur and Krea founder Pravin Shekar, who joins the Board of Directors as non-executive Chairman. More
Full service provider Radius Global Market Research has announced the opening of an office in Beijing, China, and appointed Cindy Han to lead it as Managing Director, Radius Asia. More
Nielsen is closing Scarborough Research's call center in Sarasota, Florida, making 220 employees redundant by the end of September. More
WPP's data investment management (DIM) arm has sold off its US call center business, Center Partners, to Mexico-based business process outsourcing (BPO) and call centre service provider Qualfon. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
UK-based consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo is opening an office in São Paulo, in September, to serve as a hub for research throughout Brazil and the wider Latam region. More
Brand engagement and communications research specialist Hall & Partners has relocated its global headquarters within London, from Dean Street in Soho, to Holborn in WC1, to support recent and planned growth in the business. More
Netherlands-based online research and marketing analytics firm MetrixLab has fully integrated MarketTools and CRM Metrix into its global network, and announced that all fifteen offices in the US, Europe, and Asia will now operate under the MetrixLab brand name. More
Pretoria-based full service agency Ask Afrika has appointed former Nielsen MD Ken McArthur as company Chairperson. More
In the US, former Ford Motor Co. Market Research Analyst Mark Fields is to become the company's ninth President and Chief Executive Officer, when Alan Mulally retires in July. More
Consumer specialist The NPD Group has promoted Jim Kelley to the role of President of its newly combined Sports and Leisure Trends business. More
In the US, full service consumer product testing agency Q Research Solutions (QRS) has appointed four new members of staff at its Old Bridge, New Jersey office. Each has two decades or more of research experience. More
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell saw his annual pay package rise by nearly two-thirds to £29.8m in 2013, from £17.5m the previous year, boosted by a plan linked to the company's share price and performance. More
In the UK, youth brand and marketing specialist Steve Reece has launched a consumer research agency called Kids Brand Insight, offering qualitative research for the toy, gaming and children's entertainment sectors. More
The MRA's quarterly Research Industry Index (RII) confidence measure has celebrated its 25th wave with a good result: a third consecutive three figure score, for the first time since 2008. More
WPP's Data Investment Management (DIM) division saw revenues fall 3.8% to £566m in the first quarter of 2014, while net sales dropped 4.5% to £406m. More
Nielsen has reported a 12.9% rise in first quarter 2014 revenues to $1.49 billion, driven by 28% growth in its media research business following the acquisition of Arbitron. More
Ipsos has reported a 4.5% drop in revenue to EUR 343.3m in the first quarter of 2014, compared with EUR 359.6m a year previously. However organic growth - at constant scope and exchange rates - was 1.5%, in line with the performances recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2013. More
Ben Werzinger, the co-founder of online research community specialist PluggedIN, has launched a new full-service research firm called MoveMR, which will specialize in mobile qualitative approaches including digital focus groups, mobile interviews and mobile ethnography. More
In Melbourne, Australia, former GfK Blue Moon exec Mark George has set up a new insights consultancy called Quirk. More
UK insight and communications group Creston says it is expecting a drop in revenue to £74.8m for the year ended 31st March 2014, compared with £75.2m a year earlier. More
MRSS India has moved into its own office in Mumbai, ready for the future appointment of around twenty new staff. More
US-based 'influencer' research specialist MSS has opened an office in London, led by Susan Luebke, who has been promoted to Director, Global Research and Analytics. More
In Singapore three senior execs, Jasal Shah, Shogo Nakazato and Masaaki Nomiya have this week announced the official launch of Union Panels, an alliance of online research panel providers. More
Online community and survey technology provider Toluna is integrating BrainJuicer's proprietary emotion measure FaceTrace into its global survey platform. The upgrade will allow clients to gauge emotional reactions to stimuli such as products, web sites, packaging and ads. More
In the UK, the BBC is looking for qual, quant and specialist agencies for its new research roster. Successful agencies will be appointed for a four-year term. More
Creston-owned full service agency ICM has promoted Head of Qualitative Research Iain Carruthers to its Board, and given existing Director Alex Knight a wider remit as Insight Division COO and CFO. More
Online panel specialist Research Now has appointed BlueKai co-founder Michael Bigby as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and a member of its Executive Leadership team. More
US-based multilingual data collection and contact center services provider CustomerSpeak has closed down its facility in Mall San Pedro, San José leaving 500 unemployed, according to Costa Rican news site Teletica. More
US marketing consultancy Priority Metrics Group (PMG) has set up a research division called Xperience, to help healthcare professionals measure and analyse data from patient experience surveys. More
Firefish's specialist children and families research consultancy The Pineapple Lounge (TPL) has launched in the US, where it has appointed children's industry expert Cheryl Gotthelf as Managing Director. More
Palo Alto, CA-based DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey is moving its European headquarters to Dublin, where corporation taxes are far lower than in the UK. The firm will hire 50 new members of staff in Ireland, and relocate its international team there from its office in Lisbon. More
London-based emotional analytics specialist Realeyes has signed an agreement to provide Ipsos with facial coding and body gesture response metrics, to help measure how people feel while they view advertising and communications content. More
In Mumbai, full service agency MRSS India and Frankfurt-based Scent Analysis have formed a joint venture called SA#M, which will provide a multi-sensory research platform for projects in all areas of product and concept development. More
Marcoms giant WPP has launched a global Government & Public Sector Practice to drive 'excellence' in government communications. The new initiative is led by Dr Michelle Harrison, who is also CEO of the group's TNS BMRB agency. More
Online data collection agency AskingCanadians has expanded its business into the US with the launch of AskingAmericans, offering access to more than ten million consumers. More
The Readers Studies Council of India (RSCI) and the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) have suspended results from their Indian Readership Survey (IRS) for a further four to six weeks, to provide extra time for a third party to complete the re-validation and audit of its fieldwork. More
Sample industry pioneers Matt Dusig and Gregg Lavin have announced that former uSamp exec George Llorens has joined them as co-founder of their new online and mobile sampling and data collection business Innovate. The team has also appointed three further former uSamp colleagues. More
Nielsen has announced the completion of a Proof Of Concept study in partnership with CBS, on the 'power of combining media buys for major advertising campaigns'; and separately the integration by media technology company Syncbak of its Software Development Kit (SDK). More
European online specialist InSites Consulting is extending its moderator network in Asia Pacific and has agreed a long-term strategic partnership with Sydney-based boutique agency Direction First. More
In the US, brand strategist The Beauty Company has spun off its consumer research and beauty product testing division into a separate firm called The Benchmarking Company, which also houses the consumer PinkPanel. More
TNS has promoted Ignacio Galceran to the newly created role of Chief Client & Offer Officer - Americas, while also promoting five staff to become 'Americas Practice Leaders'. More
In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved Nielsen's plan to sell off its LinkMeter cross-platform measurement technology to comScore - one of the requirements of the deal agreed for Nielsen to acquire Arbitron. More
US data collection firm Focus Pointe Global has expanded its online division Focus Pointe Online, led by MD of Online Research Wally Balden. More
Mark Lasbury and Sarah Jones, former employees of Nottingham-based JRA Research, have launched a new agency called ampersand research. More
TNS has promoted James Conrad to the role of Managing Director, Brazil; and filled his previous post as Executive Vice President, West Region Lead through the appointment of former GfK exec Rogerio Monteiro. More
Custom pharma research specialist Double Helix is celebrating its tenth anniversary in the US with the opening of an office in San Francisco, and has appointed Madeline McMahon to head it up. More
Bob Barocci, former President and CEO of the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) died last Thursday in Manhattan, at the age of 72. More
In the US, shopper insight specialist Nielsen Catalina Solutions (NCS) has teamed up with Nielsen Audio (formerly Arbitron) to launch what the firms describe as the first single-source measurement approach built for the radio industry. More
US company Precision Opinion, which provides market research field services to the entertainment industry and political polling for the government, has opened a mobile division, Turning Point Research, at its headquarters in Las Vegas. More
In Sweden, a team of former Spotify engineers has raised $2.2m in seed funding for their Lookback platform, used for mobile app user experience testing. More
Chinese mobile crowdsourcing company Wei Chai Shi and market research agency nQuire have partnered to create what they describe as China's largest mobile research panel, along with a DIY tool offering researchers immediate responses. More
Despite a drop in annual revenue from £13.6m to £11.0m, Chime's Insight and Engagement (CIE) division has reported a 19% rise in operating income to £9.1m for the year 2013, while operating profit increased 29% to £2.8m. More
In the US, online research community builder Communispace has launched a new business unit dedicated to healthcare clients; and has named VP Corey Schwartz as its Managing Director. The firm says more such 'sub-brand' launches may be in the pipeline. More
Social media analyst Pick1 and DIY survey firm SurveyMonkey are integrating services to allow customers a simple way to collect and analyse survey respondents' social media data. More
Online community and survey technology provider Toluna has opened an office in Seoul, Korea, where it has promoted Kayne Park to the position of Country Director. More
Nielsen has set up a new Multicultural Growth and Strategy team, to provide market understanding of, and deliver strategies to reach multicultural consumers. Mónica Gil has been promoted to lead it, as Senior Vice President and General Manager. More
uSamp co-founders Matt Dusig and Gregg Lavin have launched a new firm called Innovate, which they say will 'pinpoint' global panelists on demand and deliver sample via connected APIs. More
NYC-based Hispanic media group Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) has appointed Marshall Cohen as Executive Vice President of Corporate Research. More
London-based emotional analytics specialist Realeyes has appointed former Nielsen Director of Sales Bill Jaris as its first President of North America, based in New York. More
Toronto, Canada-based online and telephone data collection agency The Logit Group has expanded to the US, where it has appointed industry veteran Marcus Turner as US Vice President. More
Manchester-based consumer research agency Join the Dots has announced a 23% increase in annual revenue to £4.9m in 2013, driven by a mix of existing and new clients, and 35% growth in international revenues. More
Media research veteran Jack Wakshlag has announced that he is stepping down from his role as Chief Research Officer of Turner Broadcasting System, at the end of March. More
UK-based insight and marketing services group Cello has reported an 18.2% increase in revenue to £159.7m for the year to 31st December 2013. More
South Africa's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has commissioned UK-based media research veteran Roger Gane to provide technical input into the development of a new national radio audience research survey. More
UK-based independent agency firefish has announced an annual revenue increase of 18%, to £9.55m in its full financial year 2014. More
George Llorens is leaving his role as EVP of Sales at online sampling firm uSamp 'to pursue other interests'. He will be replaced by Ted Bouzakis, who most recently served as Head of North American Sales. More
Roger Banks, the UK MD of consumer specialist Incite, has been promoted to the role of Group Managing Director, following growth in the firm's international business. Director Peter Kneale has taken over Banks' previous role in the UK. More
In the UK, the Market Research Benevolent Organisation (MRBA) is hosting its annual online charity auction, to raise funds for industry personnel who are in need of financial help. More
GfK has merged its existing retail tracking and media business with full service agency PT Primera Indonesia, in order to offer its Consumer Experiences portfolio to clients across Southeast Asia. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Former GMI/Lightspeed operations exec Mitra Asilzadeh has set up a new firm called Smart Outsourcing and Consultancy (SOC), providing online market research, survey programming and data analytics services, along with sample procurement via specialised panel companies. More
Online sampling and technology company uSamp is to move to a fully open application programming interface (API) platform called SampleCORE, allowing clients to gather richer insights from sample - including traditional profile, social, behavioral and geo-location information. More
Former Ipsos Poland CEO Dinko Svetopetric has joined insight communities specialist MRevolution as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, replacing Matyas Bauer who has moved into the role of Client Service Manager. More
OfficeReports, a data analysis and reporting overlay within Microsoft Office, has now been extended to integrate directly with DIY platform SurveyMonkey. More
Millward Brown has appointed Nichola Rastrick as its new MD of Southeast Asia, succeeding the recently promoted Gonzalo Fuentes. Rastrick's current role as MD Singapore is filled by Priti Mehra who steps up from the role of Chief Client Officer, Southeast Asia. More
San Diego-based facial analysis firm Emotient has announced a $6 million Series B round of funding, along with the launch of new 'glassware', using the camera of Google Glass to measure wearers' emotions. More
Former Nielsen MD Sarang Panchal has acquired a 'significant stake' in MRSS India, and has been named its Chief Executive Officer. More
US marketing and communications specialist HCD Research has introduced a cognitive and neuromarketing metrics solution, which links tools such as facial electromyography and galvanic skin response with eye tracking and qual and quant research. More
Netherlands-based online research and marketing analytics firm MetrixLab has reported a 22% increase in annual revenue to EUR 49m ($67m), with revenues up 25% in the UK. More
In London, Omnicom-owned brand and communications research consultancy Hall & Partners has promoted Abigail Stuart to the newly created role of Global CEO of its Health division. More
In the US, Nielsen veteran Tom Drouillard will take up the position of President and CEO of the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), following the retirement of Mike Lavery on March 31st. More
Nielsen has announced that a group of its shareholders is planning to sell 30 million shares of common stock, with a possible value of around $1.4bn. More
US-based data collection agency MRops has moved to a purpose-built office in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, to make space for its twenty full-time staff, and its 'Executive Interviewing Center' which houses 50 interviewers. The company has also made several new hires in the city. More
TNS Baltic has announced plans to enhance its existing Television Audience Measurement services in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania over the next four years. They include new measurement technology to replace the current Eurometers; larger panels; and enhanced processing systems. More
In London, community panels specialist Verve has reported a strong start to 2014, including the arrival of twelve new team members. More
UK-based marketing services group Cello has unified its health-oriented agencies under the Cello Health brand, bringing together five existing businesses. More
In India, a number of opinion polling agencies have been caught on camera agreeing to manipulate poll data or supply misleading results in exchange for cash, according to an undercover investigation conducted by broadcaster News Express. More
ORC International has re-located its Singapore office to bigger premises in preparation for the launch of its new Strategy Research practice, which will focus on helping businesses drive organizational growth across the Asia Pacific region. More
UK-based mobile market research technology developer Sumo Insight has raised an undisclosed amount of venture capital from B2B start-up accelerator Collider. More
Swiss market and opinion research firm ISOPUBLIC has changed its name to Léger Schweiz, after the Canadian Léger Group, its majority shareholder. More
WPP's Data Investment Management Division (DIM) has reported a 3.6% increase in annual revenue for 2013. More
Ipsos has reported a 4.3% decline in annual revenue to EUR 1.71bn, from EUR 1.79bn in 2012. The company blames the fall on exchange rates, its partial withdrawal from Eurozone countries like Greece and Portugal, and the sale of its Los Angeles-based film testing arm. Organic growth was 0.8%. More
London-based mobile research technology specialist Lumi Mobile and its audience response and voting systems business IML Worldwide are now to be known simply as Lumi, following their recent merger. More
In the US, Ipsos MediaCT and comScore have introduced a new cross-media planning tool which combines the Ipsos Affluent Survey with comScore Media Metrix data, in order to understand how affluent audiences access media across channels. More
India's Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has commissioned Dutch watermarking and fingerprinting tech solutions provider Civolution to underpin its TV audience measurement contract, recently awarded to French firm Mediametrie. More
Leeds-based MR agency Swift Research has partnered with Amarach Research in Dublin, to launch a low-cost omnibus-type service called 'Ten-4-Ten'. The package allows clients to add ten 'key' questions to a nationwide consumer survey and also run four focus groups. More
In Chennai, India, former Krea exec Arindam Bhattacharya has set up a new firm called ResearchSuite Technologies, offering survey programming, translations and data analytics solutions. More
Canadian firm Leger Metrics has partnered with Dublin-based Red C Research, in order to extend its reach to Europe. More
Nielsen has promoted CFO Brian West to Chief Operating Officer, replacing Mitchell Habib; and has appointed Jamere Jackson, who joins from General Electric, to fill the vacant finance role. More
UK-based researchers in RSM's 6-monthly survey are increasingly optimistic about research spend and about the economy in general; and are increasingly likely to have worked with at least one emerging technique, in an industry seen as changing rapidly. More
In the US, marketing and research expert Kimberly Bonniksen and finance and consulting veteran David Grzan have teamed up to launch KlarosKonsulting, whose services will include market research, branding, sales optimisation and digital marketing. More
UK-based researcher Vision One has opened an office in Willenhall, near Birmingham - its third location, for use as 'a platform to grow its market share in the Midlands'. More
TAM Media Research has applied to the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for registration as a television ratings service provider, in accordance with stipulations made when a court postponed the implementation of new government guidelines just over a week ago. More
GfK has extended CEO Matthias Hartmann's contract by a further five years, to 30th November 2019. More
In the UK, WPP-owned Kantar Media has promoted Richard Poustie to the position of Chief Executive Officer of its TGI & Custom division, which has recently been expanded to include the Kantar Sport business. More
Mobile research technology firm OnePoint Global has opened an office in Madrid, where it has appointed former Ipsos Loyalty exec César Rodriguez as Sales Director for the Iberia market. More
US marketing and communications specialist HCD Research has set up a business unit which will use integrated psychophysiology and traditional cognitive research tools to tailor campaign messages to the needs of professionals in political, policy and advocacy roles. More
San Francisco-based Peanut Labs has set up an office in London, from where it will offer social media sampling services across the UK, France and Germany. Will Carroll and Lewis Reeves join from sister company Research Now, to lead the new office. More
In London, research and strategy consultancy Quadrangle has promoted former MD Dr Nick Baker to the role of Group Chief Executive. More
WPP digital agency Possible has appointed Mikhail Goldgaber as Head of Experience, with a remit to build the firm's User Experience (UX) team in London, and introduce UX, digital psychology and consumer neuroscience techniques across all departments. More
UK-based, consumer-focused Spring Research has announced it is 'merging' with its online communities specialist, Tuned In Research, under a new brand, Tonic Insight. More
An Indian court has given ratings agency TAM a lifeline, postponing some provisions of the government's recent policy guidelines which would have left the company in breach and the country without audience currency for most of the year. More
Stockholm-based brand tracking specialist Nepa has opened a subsidiary company in Helsinki, and appointed Minna Mehtälä to lead it. More
Nielsen has reported a 5.5% increase in annual revenue to $5.7 billion. Media measurement arm 'Watch', enlarged by the Arbitron buy, saw revenue rise 11.2%, compared with 1.9% growth in the consumer research 'Buy' division. More
Channel 4 has introduced targeted advertising for its video on demand service, following an increase in its audience database to more than 10 million registered viewers - including, it says, one half of all 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK. More
UK insight and communications group Creston plc has issued an interim management statement for the last quarter of 2013, reporting an increase in headline profit (PBIT) and a levelling out of its revenue, which had dropped four percent in results for the previous six months. More
GfK's sales have dipped back below the EUR 1.5 billion mark, not helped by a strengthening of the currency: the 2013 figure fell by 1.3%, from EUR 1.514bn in 2012 to EUR 1.495bn in 2013 despite modest organic growth of 0.8%. Adjusted operating income crept up by 1.5% to EUR 190m. More
Market research firms Fieldwork Network, i-view London, Viewpoint Europe, and Estudio Silvia Roca have joined forces to create an international alliance called FIVE Research, which aims to provide MR services across 'any city, any methodology, anywhere in the world'. More
Healthcare market research, market access and brand planning specialist OPEN Plan, which is part of Chime Communication's Insight and Engagement arm, has appointed Neil Rees as Head of Research and Catherine Swanson as an SRE. More
In the US, The Marketing Research Institute International (MRII), which provides MR training and education, is looking for a new Executive Director to replace Don Marek when he retires in September. More
US research provider Gongos has reported a 12% rise in gross revenue to $22.5m in 2013, from $20.1m in 2012. More
Digital research specialist comScore is collaborating with the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) to expand its cross-platform measurement service and determine the feasibility of syndicating the service industry-wide. More
US-based multicultural research specialists Michele Cordoba, Brenda Lee and Iris Yim have set up a new full service research and strategic consulting firm called Vision Strategy and Insights (VSI), with a focus on Hispanic, African American and Asian consumers. More
In the US, on-demand online community specialist GutCheck has secured an 'unsolicited' $4m in new investment, which it will use to expand its sales, marketing and product development teams. More
GfK has signed a five-year contract with Saudi Media Measurement Company (SMCC) to introduce the 'first ever' electronic television audience measurement (TAM) service to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. More
US customer and employee engagement specialist PeopleMetrics has spun off its healthcare custom market research business into a separate company known as Reason Research, which has been acquired by four senior staff at the firm. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Paris-based social media monitoring and competitive intelligence firm Digimind has opened offices in Singapore and London, as the first phase of a three-year international expansion plan. More
In London, online panel specialist Research Now has promoted Ben Hogg to the position of Managing Director of EMEA, Portfolio Companies. More
Ipsos is facing a legal challenge from a number of broadcasters in Egypt, who accuse it of bias in reporting audience ratings, according to reports in the Egyptian press. A statement from the global group says it is committed to quality and transparency and will prosecute those making unfounded claims. More
US-based fieldwork firm Schlesinger Associates has launched its online service Schlesinger Interactive in Europe, led by James Sallows, who joined the company in September. More
London-based online, mobile and social media specialist Effective Research has expanded to Latin America with the opening of an office in Bogotá, Colombia. More
Cecil 'Bud' Phillips, the founder of Irving, Texas-based M/A/R/C Research, died on Tuesday at the age of 89. More
ESOMAR President Dan Foreman has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors at online DIY market research platform ZappiStore. More
UK-based research firm SPA Future Thinking has launched a new division called 'Playground', to provide businesses with an understanding of the way children and families think and behave. More
Millward Brown has signed a multi-year deal with emotion measurement specialist Affectiva to integrate the latter's Affdex automated facial coding as a standard feature in all MB's 'Link' ad copy testing services. More
US-based SIS International Research has opened an office in Manila, to offer fieldwork and data collection services in South East Asia while expanding its Market Intelligence Unit. More
Insight and marketing group Cello has recorded double-digit 2013 revenue growth in its Health and Consumer divisions, according to a trading update. More
Angus Reid, the Executive Chairman of research community and survey tech firm Vision Critical, sold $10.5m worth of company shares last month, in a move which one analyst is claiming 'clears the deck' for a potential IPO. More
UK pregnancy, baby and parenting club Bounty has extended its partnership with custom panel provider EasyInsites to launch the 'Word of Family' panel; building on its existing 39,000-strong 'Word of Mum' opinion panel to provide insights into the rest of the family. More
Pharma researcher Thomas Gleissner has set up a new agency called Research Excellence, in Frankfurt, offering customized market research services to clients in the pharmaceutical, medical technology, and medical device sectors. More
German eye tracking technology provider SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) has opened an office in San Francisco, California, from where it will serve customers on the US West Coast. More
In India, TV ratings regulator BARC has confirmed rumours that French company Médiamétrie is its official technology partner, and will provide licences to BARC to use its TV metering system. Meanwhile the country faces the prospect of having no audience ratings at all until October this year. More
Research company nQuire Services has opened an office in Shanghai, to handle an increasing volume of work in China. Company President Tom Fuller has moved to the country to head up the new business. More
Expanding UK-based agency BDRC Continental has created two new divisions, Commercial and On the Move, and promoted Ian Stevens and Matt Costin, respectively, to lead them as Managing Directors. Five other promotions include Richard Smith, who becomes a Director and joins the Board. More
UK-based online specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 17% increase in revenue to £24m for the year ended 31st December 2013. Pre-tax profit for the period will be around £3.5m, compared to £1.5m in 2012 and £2.8m in 2011. More
SMG Insight, the sport and sponsorship arm of YouGov, has opened an office in Edinburgh to support Scottish events clients. More
Diane Hessan, President and CEO of online community specialist Communispace, is to move into the role of Chairman, and has named co-creation expert Charles Trevail as her successor. More
US marketing and communications specialist HCD Research has opened a Flavor and Fragrance market research division, which will combine neuroscience tools with traditional methods to provide a view of both respondents' subconscious and cognitive response to stimuli. More
Research community and survey technology specialist Vision Critical has secured a $3.5m share investment from Difference Capital Financial. The firm has also appointed former OMERS Ventures MD Derek Smyth as its first ever Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). More
Public policy consultant Mercury has appointed polling experts Tony Fabrizio and Bob Ward to lead its corporate polling operation, based in its Florida and Washington DC offices. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has hired former TNS CEO Pedro Ros for the newly created role of Head of Strategic Insight. More
Mobile research technology firm OnePoint Global has opened an office in France, and has appointed former Annik Principal Consultant Gary Stocks to lead the new venture. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston Plc has announced the retirement of CEO and founder Don Elgie, with effect from 31st March 2014. Elgie will 'pursue a career of non-executive roles', and will be succeeded by current COO and CFO Barrie Brien, who has been with the Group since 2004. More
The Indian government has announced it will regulate television ratings agencies in the country, requiring them to register with the I&B Ministry within 30 days, and raise sample size to a minimum of 20,000 panel homes - potentially a blow to Nielsen/Kantar joint venture TAM. More
In Nice, France, four pharma research colleagues from WorldOne have launched a new independent fieldwork agency, QualWorld, specializing in qual market research for the healthcare industry. More
Mark Lieberman, co-founder and former CEO of TV analytics firm TRA, has joined TV ad services specialist Viamedia as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. More
Research and polling firm Gallup has closed its office in Budapest, Hungary, after 24 years in the country. According to local press reports, twenty employees have been made redundant, and client contracts are now being managed from the London office. More
Healthcare fieldwork firm M3 Global Research has opened a new office in Rochester, New York, while appointing four new members of staff in the US and five in London. More
Ipsos has realigned its resources in Western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest, aiming to bring staff closer together and boost collaboration. To support the move, Mike Rodenburgh will now lead the company's business operations across the regions. More
Former Paddy Power Insight Director Danny Russell has joined mobile phone giant Telefónica O2 as General Manager of Business Intelligence. The firm has also made two other senior appointments in its marketing team, which is led by Marketing & Consumer Director Nina Bibby. More
In the US, the Research Industry Index (RII) compiled by the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has increased from 100 to 102, reflecting management's growing confidence in the health of research firms. More
University academics Ridvan Peshkopia, Mergim Cahani and Alejtin Berisha have teamed up with entrepreneur Edi Demaj to launch a new DIY research firm called iziSurvey. More
In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has given its approval to a new method for obtaining parents' verifiable consent for online collection and use of children's personal information, developed by technology firm Imperium. More
Less than a year on from its launch, US-based polling and data analytics company 1World Online has closed $1.5m in Series A financing, for use in product development, geographical expansion and growth in its partner base. More
China-based brand development and marketing insight consultancy Oracle Added Value is to adopt the global brand name and logo of Added Value. More
In the US, on-demand online community specialist GutCheck has raised a further $2.5m in venture funding, adding to the $4m in Series B equity financing the firm secured in the summer. More
TNS South Africa CEO Karin Du Chenne is handing over her role to Rob Powell, and relocating to Istanbul where she will take up the position of Regional Director Business Development for AMME (Africa, Mediterranean and Middle East). More
Full service agency FieldGlobal has opened a research facility in London, where it has appointed Illitch Real as Associate Vice President - Business Development. More
Four new regional radio survey providers have been accredited by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) to join its panel of suppliers, and to undertake audience measurement research from 2014. More
Former IDC Vice President Bob O'Donnell has launched his own technology market research and consulting firm, TECHnalysis Research, in Foster City, California. More
In New York, GfK has appointed Pat Pellegrini as Executive Vice President of both its Media & Entertainment and Digital Market Intelligence teams. More
GfK has finalised its $100m plus five-year contract with four of Brazil's broadcasters, bringing its TV audience measurement service to the country, and says it plans to hire approximately 100 new employees to support the project. More
WPP-owned Kantar is to combine the resources of Kantar Retail with its TNS Retailer & Shopper practice, to form a new organisation offering a single source of retail and shopper expertise. More
Ipsos has confirmed that former TNS Regional CEO Judith Passingham will join its online data collection arm Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) as Global CEO on 2nd January 2014. IIS was formerly part of Global Operations, led by Stewart Jones, and will now operate as a separate business. More
Ratings provider Medialogic Pakistan has announced a partnership with global group Kantar Media which it says will enhance the TV audience measurement service available in the country. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston plc has announced that Keith Bates is to step down from the role of Head of Creston Insight, seeking 'new challenges' outside the Group. More
Palo Alto, CA-based DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey is scouting around various German cities in search of a potential location for a new office. More
Brand and media specialist Millward Brown has opened an office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support local, regional and global clients operating in the country. Piotr Chodakowski joins to lead the new operation, with a team of ten. More
Nielsen has appointed Ipsos ad research veteran David Brandt as Executive Vice President, Advertising Effectiveness Strategy, with a focus on leading the development of the firm's 'Nielsen NeuroFocus' neuroscience-based copy testing solutions. More
Data collection firm GDCC has opened a new 30-seat call centre in Istanbul, supporting its existing facility in the Netherlands, where it has promoted Karl Fieldhouse to the role of Operations Manager, and Melanie van Schijndel to New Project Director. More
In London, online sampling and technology company uSamp has promoted Ben Leet to the position of Managing Director for Europe, following the departure of Gaelle Norman who has returned to France to set up her own market research support consultancy. More
In the UK, Katariina Hannelius has left specialist recruiters RPCushing after almost nine years, to set up her own consultancy, Hannelius Recruitment, focused on the market research sector. Former colleague Inger Christensen joins her. More
Palo Alto, CA-based DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey has appointed former Washington Post (WaPo) polling chief Jon Cohen as Vice President of Survey Research. He will take up the new role on January 6th, 2014. More
Former Ipsos MORI Operations MD Yusuf Ramadan has opened a consultancy called INOSEER, based in central London, to provide ops expertise to market research companies across the UK. More
Two years on from its launch, YouGov's French office has announced a substantial expansion of its staff, to date adding Jean-Romain Lehr as Marketing & Business Development Manager, Diane Thebaudeau as Research Manager and Lucie Schweizer as Research Executive. More
Online specialist Lightspeed Research (LSR) has appointed David Shanker to the newly created role of The Americas Chief Executive Officer, and promoted Daniel S. Fitzgerald to global Chief Client and Marketing Officer. More
Michigan-based Market Strategies International (MSI) has announced five new hires and two senior promotions. Janice Anderson, Rob Delghiaccio, Paul Hartley, Chris Oberle and Dawn Palace are the new arrivals while newly promoted VPs are Tish Hasting and Sue Nicol. More
Palo Alto, CA-based online DIY research specialist SurveyMonkey is planning to open an office in London's Tech City, where it will hire up to 50 sales, marketing and business development specialists. More
US-based online and CATI data collection specialist Harmon Research Group has opened a new call center in San Jose, Costa Rica, which will house more than 200 employees. More
Panel and sample provider Offerwise is expanding throughout Central and South America, including the Caribbean. More
UK-based Marketing Sciences has hired Andy Grout, former European Head of Quantitative Research at The Leading Edge, as a board member; and has also promoted Laura Ablett to its board. The company also reports strong first-half results. More
uSamp co-founders Matt Dusig and Gregg Lavin have confirmed that they have left the company to 'explore new opportunities'. More
London-based mobile research and sample specialist On Device Research has appointed former Research Now director Martin Tomlinson as Managing Director of its Singapore office, in charge of the South East Asia region. More
Ipsos Healthcare has appointed Tom Nolte as Global Head of Innovation, based in the US, to drive the creation and delivery of solutions addressing emerging issues across the industry. More
In Australia, the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) has joined forces with seven publishers to launch a measurement pilot for a 'Mobile Audience Panel', which will be jointly funded and delivered by Nielsen. More
Indian audience measurement body BARC met over the weekend to decide between short-listed suppliers for its television ratings contract. With no official announcement as yet, some reports suggest French firm Mediametrie has been chosen, with a contract to be signed this week. More
UK-based sampling agency SampleAnswers is looking to expand after an injection of cash from private investment partnership EXIMS. Meanwhile MD Neil Whelpton is leaving, and Abdi Mohamed has joined as group Technical Operations Manager. More
Former GfK exec Serra Bozkurt has launched Plus Research Solutions (PRS), a healthcare market research agency based in Istanbul and serving both pharmaceutical and consumer health clients and international research agencies. More
Former Millward Brown Ireland CEO Richard Waring has joined customer satisfaction and mystery shopping firm Catalyst Marketing Research as a Partner and Director. More
Stockholm-based panel exchange platform Cint has announced two partnerships in Asia: with mobile panel developer Open Survey, and Thailand-based smartphone platform Buzzebees. More
UK-based insight and comms group Creston has reported results for the six months ending 30th September. Overall revenue fell 4.0% year-on-year to £35.7m, and headline EBITDA from £5.4m to £4.6m, but the Insight division grew revenue by ten percent to £6.1m and improved profitability. More
In New Delhi, former uSamp India Director Naim ul Qadar has launched a project management company, NextON Services, offering research and panel companies sampling expertise, vendor management and other help. More
Hard to believe, but on Friday 29th November, DRNO's publisher MrWeb is celebrating 15 years in business. More
Confirmit has announced strong results for the third quarter of 2013, with 'solid double digit revenue growth' and particularly impressive growth in multi-year contracts, up 130 percent for the year as a whole. More
London-based research firm YouthSight continues to expand with the appointment of Josephine Hansom as Head of Brand, Policy and Professional research, plus other appointments and an office move. More
Researcher and electoral pollster Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) has announced the launch of its first Middle East office. More
Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) technology specialist QuestBack has opened a new office in Austin, Texas, its second in the US. More
Marketers around the world are growing in confidence, according to Warc's latest Global Marketing Index (GMI). The overall index hit a two year high - climbing three points to 57.8 from 54.8 in October, on a scale where values above 50 indicate a positive trend. More
Millward Brown has appointed Gonzalo Fuentes as Chief Executive Officer of its Latin American business, succeeding Fabian Hernandez who will retire in early 2014. More
Industry veteran Jon Harding has left US data collection agency MRops after just seven months, to lead the sales team for Harris Interactive's Custom Solutions. More
In India, healthcare panel specialist Krea has opened a 5,000sq ft focus group facility in Chennai called the Qhub. More
Online DIY survey specialist SurveyMonkey has launched Enterprise, an enhanced version of its survey product promising organisations the ability to bring individual users into a centrally managed system. More
Nielsen plans to lay off around 333 workers at the Columbia, Maryland site which formed the headquarters of Arbitron, according to reports. Now renamed Nielsen Audio, the division employs around 1,000 workers across the US, a majority based in the Columbia site. More
Digital marketing agency XM Asia Pacific, a part of WPP, has announced the launch of a Behavioural Sciences practice, building on the expertise in the Consumer Experience Lab it established last year. More
GfK has reported a 4% drop in sales to EUR 361.4m during the third quarter 2013, from EUR 376.7m in Q3 2012, driven by what the firm describes as the 'considerable impact' of negative currency exchange effects. Like-for-like, sales were down by around 1.5%. More
Nielsen has made an unconfirmed number of staff redundant in its Audio division, formed from recently-acquired Arbitron. More
GfK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with four Brazilian television broadcasters: Band TV, Record, RedeTV! and SBT, to bring its audience measurement services to the country. The planned initial contract will have a five-year timespan and a value of more than $100m. More
Harris Interactive has reported 'flat' first quarter fiscal 2014 results, with revenue down 1.9% to $32.4m, from $33m in the prior year period, driven by declines in the US and German operations, offset by results in Canada, France and the UK. More
Prima Research, which develops wireless location-tracking technology, has been granted two US patents for a solution tracking any radio frequency emitting tracking device - such as mobile phones, tablets or computers - across any three dimensional space indoors or out. More
Helsinki-based in-store behaviour analyst Walkbase has raised EUR 3m in a Series A round of funding, which it will use to strengthen its sales, marketing and customer insights teams. More
Full service agency Northstar Research Partners has opened a new Insights practice in London, and hired Noah Roychowdhury as Principal, with a remit to broaden the firm's range of market research and brand consultancy services. More
UK-based IT and telecoms industry research specialist The Business Advantage Group has opened an office in San Francisco, where it has appointed Bill Gordon as Vice President of Business Development. More
In the UK, GfK has appointed former TNS mystery shopping leader Oli Bailey as Business Development Director for its own Mystery Shopping division. More
Research community and survey technology specialist Vision Critical has partnered with Nectar loyalty card owner Aeroplan to make the latter's community of 90,000 Canada-based members available for use in online surveys. More
Pharma and CPG giant Johnson & Johnson is moving to a more global approach to market research for some of its major brands. More
Rentrak has reported a 31% second fiscal quarter 2014 revenue rise to $29.5m, with 29% growth in the firm's Advanced Media and Information (AMI) business and the Home Entertainment division for once outperforming it with 35% growth. More
Global research consultancy The Behavioural Architects (TBA) has hired five new members of staff at its offices in London, Shanghai and Sydney. More
Mobile research technology firm OnePoint Global has opened an office in Amsterdam, where it has appointed former Ipsos EFM Head Otto Vroegop as Sales Director, Netherlands. Separately, the firm has hired past Ipsos MORI exec Ben Phillips as Sales Director, UK. More
Former Research Now and Verve execs Jo Winning and Kevin Goldberg have set up a full service online research agency called Tribes Research, based in Guildford, Surrey. More
Nielsen is to promote Mitch Barns to the role of Chief Executive Officer from January 1st 2014, replacing David Calhoun who takes on the role of Executive Chairman. More
In the US, IP intelligence and geolocation solutions specialist Digital Element has received Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for the geographic location analysis provided by its NetAcuity platform. More
In the US, technology company Mobile Accord has launched a mobile survey platform called GeoPoll, which will gather real-time data from people in emerging markets. To fund the launch, the firm has raised $6.6m in a Series A financing round. More
UK-based research and consulting firm Populus has reported a 52% increase in revenue to £5.86m for fiscal year 2013. During the period, pre-tax profits rose from c.£360k to just under £550k. More
In Canada, former Toluna exec Gaurav Agarwal has opened a new company called WiseSample, with backing from Microsoft's Bizspark technology and support program. More
Manchester-based consumer research agency Join the Dots has moved to a new head office in the city, reporting £1 million of new client business and 20% growth in 2013. More
Dubai-based research consultancy AMRB has opened an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in order to provide local support to clients across the region. More
Ipsos has continued the restoration of the Fieldwork International name, dropping the Ipsos Healthcare Field Services brand from its data collection businesses in Hong Kong and Spain. More
In the US, the University of Rochester has committed $50m to the creation of an Institute for Data Science, including the construction of a 'state-of-the-art' building in which to house it. More
Web-based software developer Cvent is investing $7m in a plan to relocate its Fairfax County headquarters to a new location next to the Greensborough Metro Station, where it says it will create 400 new jobs. More
WPP has reported third quarter revenue growth of 3.2% in its 'Data Investment Management' (DIM) businesses, to £617m, and growth of 2.6% to £1.8 billion for the first nine months of the year. More
Ipsos has announced a 5% drop in third quarter revenues to EUR 418m (Q2 2012: EUR 440m) - the result of a 6.8% negative currency effect. The decline was partly offset by 1.8% organic growth during the period. More
Nielsen has reported a 2.7% increase in third quarter revenue to $1.39 billion, the result of a 2.2% rise in the 'Buy' consumer research arm to $871m, and a 3.4% rise in the 'Watch' media research arm to $516m. More
North American industry body the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM) and audience research firm GfK MRI have linked up to enable publishers to include the latter's top-line print and digital readership data in AAM reports, as well as in its cross-media database, the Media Intelligence Center. More
US retail analytics provider Prism Skylabs has secured a $15m Series B round of funding, which it says it will use to drive continued adoption of its products. More
Mobile research technology firm OnePoint Global has appointed Rob Huijboom as Chief Commercial Officer, to build and lead the firm's global sales team, and open eight new offices around the globe. More
Mobile-focused retail market research provider InfoScout has raised $5m in a Series A round of funding from dunnhumby Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures and Founder Collective. The company has also launched the public beta of its 'freemium' consumer shopping analytics service. More
UK-based fieldwork agency Field Initiatives has moved from its Barnet, Herts home of twenty-five years to new offices in Central London. More
Millward Brown has officially launched its qualitative practice, Firefly Millward Brown, in Canada. More
In the US, full-service online research specialist Infosurv has launched a new company called Intengo, which uses crowdsourcing techniques to help clients develop new ideas and go-to-market strategies. More
US qual firm iModerate Research Technologies has appointed Umbria co-founder David Howlett as Senior Vice President, Innovation, while former Nielsen exec Chris Smith joins as Vice President of Sales. More
London-based research technology firm Lumi Mobile has been selected as one of the first tech companies to join the government and private sector-backed 'Future Fifty' scheme, set up to support high growth companies in the UK. More
Consumer specialist The NPD Group is to acquire the retail sales tracking and consumer research business of Boulder, Colorado-based sports and recreation researcher Leisure Trends. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Brand tracking researcher Nepa UK has relocated its London offices to a larger site in Soho, where Business Development Director Johnny Caldwell has been promoted to the role of UK Managing Director. More
US-based online community provider CrowdGather has raised the final $400k of a $1m Series B round of financing, and will use the proceeds as working capital and to launch a forum-based ad network in early 2014. The firm has also settled pending litigation. More
Online research and polling firm YouGov has reported an 8% rise in group revenue to £62.6m for the year ended 31 July 2013. UK, US and Middle East companies all saw substantial growth. More
London-based brand and comms research specialist Hall & Partners has launched a Global Brand and Marketing team, to help client-facing staff translate big data insights into 'visually interesting' ways to share a client's story. More
Stockholm-based panel exchange operator Cint has made nine appointments to support its global expansion plans. More
Manchester, UK-based marcoms agency Foundry Communications has appointed former McCann strategist Julie Neilson to lead its Research & Planning division. The firm has also opened 'virtual offices' in Dundee and Birmingham, and affiliate offices in Europe, the US and Asia. More
In the US, the Nielsen-sponsored Council for Research Excellence says its recent study findings show random error in Nielsen diaries continues to grow, with the great majority of local broadcast and cable ratings falling outside the traditional 10% benchmark error range. More
In the UK, Carole Oag is to retire as Group Managing Director of MR agency Progressive Partnership after thirty years with the company. More
GfK has revealed details of its new measurement system for Commercial Radio Australia, to be known as AudienScope, which it says will introduce quarterly assessments of listeners' response to ads, emotional bonds with stations and motivations for listening. More
US market research and recruitment firm L&E Research has opened a new office in Charlotte, NC, which it says will help those of its clients who require 'a thorough snapshot of the Southeast market'. More
In the UK, National Readership Survey CEO Mike Ironside has announced his intention to step down from the role in June 2014. More
Australia-based custom research firm The Leading Edge (TLE) has appointed Nigel Marsh as Chairman, following the departure of Global CEO Andy Bateman, who is joining telecoms giant Telstra in the newly created position of Director of Segment Marketing. More
In the UK, oil and gas production and power generation company Centrica Energy has appointed former IoD Senior Economic Advisor Corin Taylor as Head of Communications Research. More
The Research Industry Index (RII) - the Marketing Research Association's indicator of business activity in the profession in the US - has reached 100 for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2010, signalling growing optimism across the sector. More
Nigel Sharrocks, previously CEO of Aegis Media Global Brands, has joined UK TV ratings body BARB as Chairman, succeeding Nigel Walmsley who moves on after eleven years in the role. More
US-based market research and market intelligence agency SIS International Research has opened an office in Berlin, Germany, and appointed Christoph Bodden-Brux as its Managing Director. More
WPP firms Kantar Worldpanel and IMRB have formed a partnership to run a joint consumer panel service across India, providing insight on purchasing habits across a broad range of products. More
India-based MR technology and operations company Annik has transferred founder, President & CEO Rahul Sahgal from its HQ in Gurgaon to New York, as it looks to extend the firm's footprint in North America. More
Mobile research technology firm OnePoint Global has initiated a recruitment drive to fill 45 new positions in its Development and Innovation teams. The firm is also launching the OnePoint Global Innovation Centre (OPIC). More
UK consultancy FreshMinds Research has merged with its sister social and digital agency FreshNetworks. The new innovation consultancy formed will be known simply as FreshMinds and will offer a combination of research, predictive data analytics and digital strategy services. More
Trainee movie producer Peter Dickinson has launched a new crowdsourcing tool called WeGreenlight, which will enable consumers to vote on the movies and entertainment they want to see produced. More
A US judge has thrown out the patent infringement part of TRA's claim against WPP firms including Kantar, over the companies' abortive merger talks and the subsequent launch of competing product RapidView. However, TRA's claims over breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty continue. More
San Francisco-based retail intelligence specialist Quri has raised $10m in a Series B round of funding, which it plans to use to meet growing demand for its in-store analytics. More
Following the Nielsen acquisition, a number of Arbitron's execs are said to be leaving the company, including CFO Debra Delman. It is also rumoured that Arbitron CEO Sean Creamer will be leaving at the end of the year. More
US-based Qualtrics, which provides software for DIY data collection and analysis, has expanded to Europe with the opening of an office in Dublin, Ireland. The firm has also confirmed plans to create 150 new jobs in the EMEA region within the next 36 months. More
Nielsen has announced that Vice Chair Susan D. Whiting has decided to retire at the end of 2013, after thirty-five years with the company. More
Millward Brown has appointed two Regional Managing Directors in Europe: Benoît Tranzer takes responsibility for France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands; and Jean-Michel Janoueix for Central / Eastern Europe and the Nordics. More
UK-based research consultancy Incite has announced a number of appointments in its recently opened New York and Singapore offices. More
Nielsen has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Arbitron, which was finally cleared by the FTC a week ago. Arbitron becomes Nielsen Audio and will be integrated into Nielsen's US Watch business segment. More
In the UK, MR training and consultancy organisation Insight Management Academy has launched the 'Agency Group', an initiative offering members workshops, assessments and the chance to 'work closely with major clients'. More
Mansoor Khan has been promoted to the new role of Director of MENA and South Asia, Kantar Media Audiences, as the company looks to build on existing operations in the UAE, Egypt and Turkey. More
Data intelligence and technology company Potentiate Australia has opened an office in Malaysia, and appointed Nielsen veteran Barry Ooi as its Managing Director. More
DVR and TV viewing data pioneer TiVo Research and Analytics, Inc. (TRA) has extended its two-year relationship with dunnhumbyUSA, signing an exclusive partnership agreement further integrating the firms' grocery purchasing and television audience data. More
Stockholm-based presentation software specialist Dapresy has opened two US offices, in Boston and San Francisco. More
MR industry marketing and sales consultancy Harpeth has launched the M|R Marketing Workshop, an online educational program for agency owners, senior execs and independent research consultants. More
GfK has announced a strategic investment in Genius Digital, giving its clients access to the firm's technology for collecting and acting upon customer data from IP-enabled video devices. More
Online MR software pioneer Confirmit has moved its EMEA headquarters to the landmark Blue Fin building on London's South Bank, where it will combine staff from its existing City of London and Guildford offices. More
Multi-screen measurement firm Rentrak has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a method it says statistically adjusts big data from set-top boxes and other transaction data, removing bias. More
Retail analytics giant dunnhumby has launched a seed-stage investment fund, dunnhumby Ventures, focusing on innovations in retail technology. The fund will support those 'embracing data for innovations along the consumer's path to purchase'. More
TNS BMRB, the division of Kantar providing specialist social research and insight on public policy for government and not-for-profit clients, has expanded its qualitative practice with a number of recent senior level appointments, following a year of growth. More
US-based in-store analytics firm ShopperTrak Corporation has appointed Bill McCarthy, previously CTO at the company's Chicago headquarters, as CEO of its EMEA operations. Current EMEA head Todd Starcevich returns to Chicago for the newly created role of head of the global mall division. More
Panel exchange operator Cint and research software specialist Nebu have announced a partnership, integrating Cint's Link system with Nebu's offering to give the latter's clients automatic access to the former's 10 million double opt-in OpinionHUB respondents, in 57 countries. More
Decrypt, the UK-based wing of US research technology firm Decipher, has announced an agreement with German MR IT solutions provider datab, to distribute the Beacon survey and reporting platform in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More
The FTC has announced it has reached an agreement with Nielsen, allowing the latter's acquisition of Arbitron to go through, with a condition safeguarding Arbitron's September 2012 cross-platform project with comScore and broadcaster ESPN. More
Iberian and Latin American online panel specialist Netquest has opened a subsidiary in New York, and appointed Cristián Enríquez to lead business development for it. More
Leading edge UK-based agency BrainJuicer has announced Interim Results for the six months ended 30th June, with revenue up 4% to £10.8m, and operating profit up 81% to £1.3m. More
Google is looking at a system which would replace 'cookies' with a system of anonymous identifiers for individual consumers, according to an official of the company. More
WPP-owned Xaxis - which links the group's ad buying technologies with a proprietary database containing 'the world's largest pool of audience profiles' - has appointed former Microsoft leader Christian Wilkens as Managing Director for Germany. More
UK MR agencies Engage Research and Bonamy Finch have partnered to introduce a proprietary approach called 'EvolveScope', through which brands can evaluate new ideas, claims or packs prior to launch. More
Insight and marketing group Cello has reported a 14.3% revenue rise to £71.5m for the six months to 30th June 2013, up from £62.6m in the prior year period. Gross profit increased 7.9% to £34.4m. More
UK broadcaster ITV has appointed former Google UK and Ireland Strategic Marketing Director Sarah Speake as Director of Commercial Marketing and Research. She will replace Paul Gilshan who left earlier in the year to join Freesat. More
Customer experience management consultancy Nunwood has appointed twelve new members of staff at its London and Sydney offices, on the back of several new business wins from clients including British Airways and the Post Office in the UK and Suncorp Bank & Insurance in Australia. More
IMS Health has partnered with the Life Sciences division of BroadReach Healthcare, to offer advisory services, commercial solutions and market measurement for life sciences clients operating in Africa. More
David Jones, a former Head of Communications at First Direct, has launched a new UK-based market research agency called Habit5, which will focus on providing mutual understanding between brands and their customers. More
Former Nielsen colleagues Jeff Stewart and Christophe Cazes have launched a new firm called Asia Market Development (AMD), offering alternative approaches to the larger global firms which they say offer 'inflexible solutions' not designed for the Asian market. More
Australian firm QSR International has combined its flagship qual research software NVivo with SurveyMonkey's DIY research tool, which it says will make it easier for individuals to collect, organize, understand and report on open-ended survey responses. More
Publishing giant Gannett has appointed media veteran Judy Vogel as Vice President of Research, responsible for leading corporate research and addressing ad sales, digital, editorial and brand strategy. More
Ipsos has appointed Evan Borak as Senior Vice President of its media, content and technology division Ipsos MediaCT in the US, and Head of its Audience Measurement Group (AMG). More
Ipsos MORI Scotland has been commissioned by television channel STV to provide its News unit with a series of six opinion polls charting the views of Scottish voters in the run up to the independence referendum in a year's time. More
In Germany, qual specialist The Psyma Group has set up a new 'Energy & Infrastructure' research division, led by former GfK leader Marion Krämer-Bongartz. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates has created two new senior roles in Europe: Eric Nalpas becomes overall Managing Director, and James Sallows Managing Director of its online data collection arm Schlesinger Interactive. More
Bob Carrigan, the former CEO of media, events and research group IDG Communications Worldwide, has been appointed President and CEO of business information provider D&B (Dun and Bradstreet) from October 7, replacing Sara Mathew who is soon to retire. More
In the UK, WPP-owned Kantar Media has promoted Sarah Sanderson to the position of Managing Director of its Custom research unit. She replaces Liz McMahon, who is transferring to sister agency TNS UK as Managing Director, Consumer. More
Nielsen is said to be in negotiations with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its acquisition of ratings giant Arbitron, with talks centering around a concession involving the combined company licensing measurement technology to rival comScore and other parties. More
In the US, research technology firms Decipher and Federated Sample have combined their Beacon and Fulcrum market research platforms, in order to launch a solution which 'addresses the entire research process'. More
In Australia, audience measurement firm Roy Morgan Research has hit out at industry body The Newspaper Works' plans to offer its new emma newspaper and magazine readership survey free for the next 12 months, describing the move as 'predatory pricing'. More
Brand tracking researcher Nepa has built a consumer panel for the London Evening Standard, allowing Londoners to air their views on events and issues affecting their lives in the capital. More
Ana Garcia has returned to London-based research panel and online community specialist Verve as Associate Director of Team, with a remit to bring staff recruitment in-house. The firm has also hired five new employees. More
US-based data collection agency MRops has hired former TNS exec Wander Meijer for the newly created role of Global Chief Operating Officer, based in the firm's Hong Kong office. More
In New York, customer and employee satisfaction specialist ORC International has hired Jeff Cox as Senior Vice President of US Business Development, and Richard Catrone as Executive Vice President of Global Operations. More
In the US, ad optimization specialist BoostCTR has raised $8m in Series B funding. The funds will help to extend the firm's proprietary Boost Method, which uses crowdsourcing and split-testing to help businesses find the most effective words and images for their targeted ads. More
TNS has been retained for The European Commission's $85m framework contract to deliver the Standard Eurobarometer studies for the next four years, seeing off competition from Ipsos, Gallup and GfK. More
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has proposed two money-saving options to replace the ten-year paper-based UK Census - either moving it online, or using existing administrative data combined with a 'rolling' annual survey conducted among 4% of the population. More
Anna Noonan, formerly Qualitative Field Manager at ICM Direct, has launched her own face-to-face field agency called Strawberry Field, named after the London suburb where she lives. More
In the US, sample and data collection company SurveyHealthCare has opened a new office in Pocatello, Idaho, adding to its existing presence in New York. More
In the US, mobile and web-based healthcare data/analytics and physician community platform Quantia has raised $10m in a Series B round of financing. More
UK youth marketing specialist The Beans Group has spun off its market research arm into a separate agency called Voxburner. More
In Africa, Kantar has teamed up with fellow WPP agency TNS RMS to form a joint consumer panel, for use in shopper and product research studies. More
Former Hall & Partners New York Managing Partner Mark Stapylton has launched his own firm, BrandPanorama Research & Consulting. More
In London, ad and brand research specialist Hall & Partners has transferred its European CEO Paul Edwards to the position of Chief Strategic Officer. More
Nielsen has struck a last-minute deal with the Audited Media Association of Australia to ensure publishers and advertisers do not face a month without audited circulation statistics, according to reports. More
Marcoms giant WPP has reported a 2.1% increase in second quarter revenue in its 'Data Investment Management' (DIM) arm, previously known as the Consumer Insight division. The total figure of £651m reflects growth in all regions except the UK and Western Europe. More
Retail analytics firm Ugam Solutions has opened a new office in Bangalore, from where it will continue its investments in project management, big data and other analytics technologies. More
Marcoms group Chime has reported a 'strong' half year for its CIE (Insight & Engagement) arm, with operating profit up 33% to £1.2m, compared with £0.7m in the first six months of 2012. Reported revenue of £5.35m for the division is almost unchanged from H1 2012. More
In Australia, MR and public opinion polling firm Roy Morgan Research has appointed industry specialist Tim Martin for the newly created role of Digital Director, Client Services. More
Harris Interactive has reported a 5% drop in revenue for the year ended June 30th, to $140.3m; but adjusted EBITDA growth of 25% to $15.3m, leading CEO Al Angrisani to describe fiscal 2013 as a 'pivotal year' in the firm's turnaround process. More
Netherlands-based agency SKIM has expanded to Latin America with the opening of new offices in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and San José, Costa Rica. More
Revenue at Sydney-based research and marcoms group Enero plunged in the last financial year, with the total figure dropping from $AUD 225.2m to $AUD 127.3m. Revenue from continuing operations was down from $AUD 174m last year; and the group's reported loss was $AUD 83m. More
UK prisoners at HMP Oakwood near Wolverhampton and Drake Hall in Staffordshire are being paid to work in call centres inside their prisons. The Centre for Crime Prevention has described the move as 'incredibly naïve'. More
US-based online community specialist Passenger has promoted Thomas Finkle to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing former Chairman and CEO Bahram Nour-Omid who will remain Executive Chairman and continue to be involved in a strategic role. More
Arbitron has announced MRC accreditation for its PPM ratings in another eight markets, along with continued accreditation in eighteen markets previously approved. More
According to reports, India's Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has shortlisted five bidders for the technology section of its soon-to-be-launched television ratings system. TAM Media Research is not said to be amongst them, although both its backers, Nielsen and Kantar, are. More
The City of London Corporation, which provides local authority services to the business district around St Paul's, has ordered marketing agency Renew to stop collecting data using devices in recycling bins in the Square Mile streets. More
San Francisco-based mobile ad targeting and analytics firm Apsalar has raised $9m in a Series B round of financing, which it will use to increase head count across all departments, expand its technology, and enhance its marketing and sales programs. More
In the UK, insight and innovation consultancy The Futures Company has promoted Deputy MD Henry Tucker to the role of EMEA Managing Director, replacing Sarah King who is transferring to a new position at Kantar. More
Australian industry body The Readership Works has announced that its new 'emma' newspaper and magazine readership survey will roll out monthly from November. More
GfK has announced organic revenue growth of 1.7% in the first half of 2013, with sales totalling EUR 728.6m, and a 'particularly profitable' Q2, with adjusted operating income up 15.7 percent. More
WPP is to accelerate its move towards digital sources and fast-growth markets, raising longstanding targets for the proportion of business from each, according to a LinkedIn post by CEO Sir Martin Sorrell. He also appears to be phasing out the words 'research' and 'insight' in favour of a catchy new expression... More
Nielsen is 'running into rising regulatory static' over its proposed $1.26bn acquisition of radio ratings giant Arbitron, according to reports in the New York Post. Arbitron also has a potential headache as a critical media owner takes his argument with its methods to the US authorities. More
UK-based consumer insight and database marketing company Transactis is upgrading its data centre and moving its Liverpool office to a new location. More
DIY online research platform ZappiStore is expanding to France and Germany, just four months after launching. More
Japanese research giant INTAGE Inc. has signed a strategic alliance agreement with New Delhi-based R.S. Market Research Solutions, through its subsidiary INTAGE India. More
The world's 25 largest research firms reported a 'better than expected' 2012, thanks in large part to syndicated services and global acquisitions, according to industry authority Jack Honomichl. More
US-based Passenger has partnered with text analytics software developer MeshLabs to enable conversation and sentiment analysis of its online communities. More
Patient insights and healthcare analytics specialist the National Research Corporation (NRC) has reported an 8% increase in second quarter revenue to $22.4m. More
London-based full service agency IFF Research has launched a Health & Wellbeing (H&W) division, to provide a range of services from patient satisfaction tracking surveys and health and lifestyle studies, to more niche studies involving hard-to-reach audiences. More
London-based research firm YouthSight has spun off its co-creation tool Bright Young Minds into a separate business, to help brands and creative agencies collaborate with the 'top 25%' of skilled young people via its OpinionPanel Community. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has reported second quarter net income of $7.1m, compared with $10m in the prior year period, after incurring $6.1m of costs and expenses related to its pending acquisition by Nielsen. More
In India, WPP-owned IMRB has expanded its household consumer panel to reflect changes taking place across the country. More
TLE has restructured its Sydney office, with the promotion of Lee Naylor to Managing Director, as Tim Riches moves to a new role in the design sector. The firm has also expanded Chrissy Blackburn's position to include leadership of the Qual team. More
The private-equity backers of e-Rewards - owner of Research Now and Peanut Labs - are said to be in discussions to find a buyer, according to sources quoted on Bloomberg, with a price tag of 'at least $600m' according to one contact. More
UK-based online database FieldShare, which details market research interviewers and recruiters, has been 'spring-cleaned' to refresh and revalidate its listings for a new era of research. More
In the UK, retail data specialist dunnhumby is planning to relocate 1,000 staff from its two Ealing offices to a newly refurbished, 115,000 sq ft building in Hammersmith, in 2016. More
Caleb Elston, one of the men behind a mobile chat app called Yobongo, has set up a new company in California called Delighted, with the aim of helping businesses connect with their customers. More
US-based Survey Analytics is rolling out its research software tools across New Zealand and Australia. More
Family-run research business Survey Marketing Services (SMS), based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, is being handed over to the next generation, as its two founders Joy Maxwell and Judith Scrivener retire. More
London-based full service agency Basis Research has reported a 26% increase in revenues to £6.1m for the financial year ending 31 March 2013, reflecting a sustained period of organic growth. More
UK researchers are feeling more positive, possibly because of an increase in their budgets and revenues, suggests RSM in its latest Research Professionals' survey. More
In London, marcoms group Chime Communications has launched a dedicated qualitative recruitment agency called Cherry Picked, which will offer bespoke respondent recruitment services to businesses in the UK and internationally. More
In the UK, NatCen Social Research has promoted Kirby Swales to head up its Income and Work team, leading sixteen methodological researchers who specialise in employment, skills and income studies. More
Insurance industry Veteran Wendy Aarons-Corman has launched a new company called UX Game Changers, which offers a range of evaluation techniques to help clients deliver ideal user experiences across both web and mobile devices. More
Insight and comms group Creston is expecting revenue for the three months to 30 June 2013 (Q1) to be 'slightly lower' than for the same period in 2012 - down 5% in like-for-like terms. However, the firm's Insight division expects to report an increase in revenue during the period. More
Chicago-based full service agency Peryam & Kroll Research (P&K) has promoted Richard Popper to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing Beverley Kroll, who will continue in the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Eric Maddux meanwhile becomes President. More
In India, advertisers, agencies and broadcasters have settled a dispute over TV ratings measurement supplied by TAM Media Research. Tam will now issue data in the 'television viewership in thousands' (TVT) format, rather than focusing on percentage of audience share. More
US-based boutique qual/quant agency Chatter has appointed former Siegel+Gale Research Insights practice leader Lisa Bertelsen as a Partner, charged with building the firm's Usability and Customer Experience practice. More
US-based market research and market intelligence agency SIS International Research has opened an office in Los Angeles, and appointed Michael Stanat Managing Director for the West Coast region. More
Following a 2.7% fall in first quarter revenue, Ipsos has reported a 0.4% rise in its second quarter figures. However, negative currency effects meant that total first half 2013 revenues fell by 4% to EUR 803.7m. More
UK-based business-to-business agency B2B International has reported its 'best ever' half year, with revenue up 70% to £3.1m during the period. More
UK-based consumer agency Firefish has opened an office in New York, headed by former The Leading Edge (TLE) partner Liam Daley. More
Japanese IT solutions and consulting services provider Nomura Research Institute (NRI) has bought a 25% stake in Indian research company Market Xcel Data Matrix (MX), in order to strengthen its own research and consulting services offer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Ipsos has promoted ad research veteran Gordon Bingham to the role of President at Ipsos ASI in Canada. More
Israel-based start-up Beyond Verbal, which offers software which can gauge human emotions by listening to the tone of a voice, has raised a further $1m in a second seed round of funding, and says it will use it for R&D and to market its services. More
New Zealand-based full service quant and qual agency Cinta Research is looking for a buyer, as founder and MD Fiona Hudson looks to focus her attention on her daughter's career as New Zealand's top alpine skier. More
US-based market research technology firm Federated Sample has appointed former Lieberman Research Worldwide (LRW) CTO Brett Schnittlich as Chief Technology Officer and EVP, responsible for leading the Product & Technology team. More
Gallup has agreed to pay $10.5m to settle charges that it overbilled the US Mint and State Department by overstating billable hours. Former Gallup exec turned whistle-blower Michael Lindley is to receive $1.9m for his part in the case. More
GfK is transferring Florian Kahlert to the position of Managing Director of its US media and consumer insight arm GfK MRI, replacing former CEO Kathi Love who left in February to pursue her interest in psychology and sociology. More
Ipsos has filed a lawsuit in London's High Court against Aegis, claiming that the marcoms giant failed to disclose tax and fraud probes at Synovate, before it sold the company for £525m ($792m). As a result, Ipsos is seeking up to £65.8m ($100m) in compensation from Aegis. More
UK-based insight and marketing group Cello has reported 'robust trading' for the first six months to 30 June 2013, and says its Consumer arm returned to revenue growth in the period while its Health division continued its expansion. More
Kadence International has reported a 35% year-on-year increase in net revenues to $27m for the year ending 30th June 2013. Business in Indonesia, the US and Singapore was particularly brisk. More
Chris Eynon has retired as Head of TNS BMRB Scotland after an MR career spanning more than thirty years. He has been replaced by Katherine McIsaac in the firm's Edinburgh office. More
Advertising giant Publicis has made a $15m investment in technology start-up Jana Mobile, which rewards consumers with mobile airtime in return for taking market research surveys and trying out new products. More
Foviance co-founder Paul Blunden has set up a firm called Usability247, to provide 24-7 multi-platform user experience research and usability testing services to clients around the world. More
Online sampling and technology company uSamp has closed $15m in a Series D round of funding, with development of its instant.ly survey product one of the priorities for investment. More
Former Toluna exec William Yattah has launched France's first specialist MR recruitment consultancy, Market Research People. More
Marketing budgets in many British firms were revised upwards in the second quarter of 2013, giving the most optimistic picture in six years according to one measure in the latest IPA Bellwether survey, published today. Market research budgets however appear little changed. More
In the US, business intelligence technology firm Geoscape has opened a new division to provide multicultural market research, integrated with its existing data resources and analytics expertise. More
Online specialist BrainJuicer is predicting a 4% increase in half year sales (vs H1 2012) and gross profit up approximately 6%, after what the firm describes as a 'difficult end' to 2012. More
Australian industry body The Readership Works is to work with Nielsen to merge the latter's Online Ratings data with its forthcoming cross platform audience insights survey 'emma'. More
Newcastle, UK-based full service firm Explain Research has reported an 8% growth in sales revenue, to £1.04m, for the financial year ending March 31st 2013. More
India's fair trade regulator the CCI has asked the country's broadcasters, media buying and ad agencies to send feedback in the next two weeks on their views of audience measurement agency TAM Media Research, as it investigates claims of unfair practices. More
Tokyo-based panel operator AIP Corporation has opened an office in Jakarta, Indonesia, and made an unspecified investment in local MR firm Pixel Research to enhance its market knowledge and services in the country. More
Pharma specialist dtw Marketing Research is relocating its headquarters to Amelia Island, Florida, and in the process creating 40 new jobs. More
Two Asia Pac panel providers, Sydney-based MyOpinions and Tokyo-based AIP, have struck a deal to off their clients combined sample and related research services across Asia. More
Watermelon Research, the specialist digital company within Chime's CIE division, has announced the opening of an office in Sydney, its first in the Asia Pacific region. Company MD Mark Squires will oversee the setup and management of the new office. More
Global consultancy Accenture and Moscow-based non-profit organization the Skolkovo Foundation have partnered to establish a centre through which to develop and commercialize new predictive analytics technologies in Russia. More
Full service agency FieldGlobal has opened new offices in the UAE, China and Indonesia, as well as a second India-based office in Delhi. More
While turnover in the UK market research industry is still 'fragile', the sector has reported a slower decline in the past twelve months according to research conducted by the Market Research Society (MRS). A majority of firms expect growth in 2013. More
In Australia, industry body The Readership Works has finally got round to naming its new newspaper and magazine readership survey, three years after Ipsos MediaCT was selected to run the programme. It's to be known as 'emma' - Enhanced Media Metrics Australia. More
IT services specialist the dotH Group has opened a survey programming and data analysis firm in Toronto, dotH Research, offering a wide range of qual and quant tools to clients across North America. More
Online community specialist Vision Critical has partnered with Sao Paulo-based market research agency Nox4Think, which will resell its insight community technologies to clients and prospects across Brazil. More
US-based customer feedback specialist Mindshare Technologies has appointed Marriott Vacations CEO Steve Weisz as Chairman of its Board of Trustees, replacing founder Rich Hanks who is stepping down to serve a three-year mission for his church. More
In the UK, specialist social research agency TNS BMRB has won a £17m contract to deliver the next three waves of the 'Understanding Society' household study, which is claimed to be the largest social research programme of its kind in the world. More
Nielsen has launched beta trials of its Cross-Platform Campaign Ratings tool in the UK with brands including Unilever and Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods), agencies Aegis, OMG and Universal McCann London, and several publishers and ad networks. More
UK-based consumer and cultural insight agency Flamingo is opening a sixth international office next month in Mumbai, adding to bases in London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. More
Panel and research technology provider Toluna has opened an office in Singapore, where Julie dePontbriand takes up the role of Director, ASEAN. Meanwhile, the firm's Hong Kong office will shortly be relocating from Sheung Wan to Central. More
Data collection specialist Ipsos Healthcare Field Services has returned to its former name, Fieldwork International, in Italy. More
Cint North America MD Terence McCarron is leaving the company to pursue a new venture, through which he will however 'continue a relationship' with the company. More
Not-for-profit bodies NatCen Social Research and RTI International have signed a three-year agreement through which they will aim to share knowledge and expertise and build their research capacity and capabilities. More
UK-based Kadence International has launched in Vietnam - the fifth Asian country in which it now has a presence - with offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi; and has appointed Ivy Trang as Country Head, leading a team of nine. More
Television production firm Shine America has appointed former NBCUniversal researcher Kevin Ivey to set up and lead a new research department in Los Angeles. More
American football team The Chicago Bears has appointed Mitch Tanney for a newly created role, Director of Analytics, responsible for developing techniques to identify, extract and analyze player data. More
UK-based consumer specialist Incite has opened full service offices in New York and Singapore, strengthening its service for global clients. More
In the US, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) is inviting technology firms to bid for a contract to build and operate a warehouse for video content viewing data. More
Ipsos has launched a social media research and communities division called Ipsos SMX (Social Media Exchange), to provide clients with new approaches to market research into consumer engagement and interaction. More
The founders of photo sharing site TweetPhoto have set up a DIY mobile survey platform called SlimSurveys, in a bid to take on companies like Survey Monkey which they claim provide a 'terrible experience' for survey takers. More
In the UK, the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) has embarked on a qual/quant research project to find out how consumers move from one device to another as they navigate along the path-to-purchase. Consumer agency Firefish will be using its Fisheye approach to support the initiative. More
Research veterans Adam Weinstein and Nathan Lynch have launched a new research company called Full Circle, which will use a new 'Mixed-mode Validation Process' (MVP) combining online methods with a substantial CATI resource. More
Octonogerian Gerald (Gerry) Glasser, the co-founder and CEO of media measurement firm Statistical Research Inc. (SRI), died on Sunday after a brief illness. More
Research outsourcing and panels company Pulse Group has inked a deal with Chicago-based 'Over the Shoulder', to bring the latter's smartphone-based consumer insight tool to the Asia Pacific region. More
In the US, panel and research technology provider Toluna has partnered with online 'tween' fashion site FashionPlaytes to help clients gain insights from the latter's community of more than 880,000 'Gen Z girls'. More
In London, former YouthSight AD Mia Lorenz has opened her own training consultancy called the Research Academy, which will offer face-to-face and distance learning courses for the MRS Advanced Certificate and the MRS Diploma in Market & Social Research. More
US research provider Kelton has reported revenue up by 15% to more than $18million, and headcount up by a quarter. It has also announced a new office and a rebrand. More
Analysis conducted by industry authority Jack Honomichl points to a 'weak downward trend' in the research sector in 2012. A total of $9.5 billion was spent in the US on the sector, which is defined as including marketing, advertising and public opinion research services. More
US multi-screen measurement firm Rentrak has reported its strongest quarterly revenue growth in six years - up 16% to $28.5m for Q4 fiscal 2013 from $24.6m in the prior year period - again driven by its AMI business. For the full year, revenue increased 9% to $99.2m. More
Online panel and survey technology company Netquest has expanded its footprint in Latin America by opening an office in Bogotá, Colombia. More
AOL's branded video content and analytics business Be On has partnered with emotional testing platform Realeyes to develop a biometric tracking service which reveals subconscious reactions to any piece of video content. More
Lakewood, CO-based qualitative and sensory testing specialist Ingather Research has opened new facilities in downtown Denver. More
From August, UK TV ratings body BARB will begin measuring catch-up viewing in addition to traditional screen viewing. The former includes services such as the BBC iPlayer, 4oD, ITV Player and Sky Go. More
On-demand online community specialist GutCheck has raised $4m in Series B equity financing, which it will use to expand its sales, marketing and engineering teams. More
The partners of UK-based brand consultancy Purpose have teamed up with neuroscientist Dr Beau Lotto to launch a lab called Beautiful Mind, offering a combination of neuroscience, behavioural science and 'design thinking' for examining customer and client behaviour. More
Biometric measurement specialist Innerscope Research has appointed former Nielsen media researcher Bill Moult as Chief Executive Officer, according to US press reports. More
EFM and customer experience solutions firm QuestBack has announced revenues up 25% in 2012, to $US 49.54m. More
San Francisco-based online consumer survey specialist Survata (formerly known as NomoPay) has completed a seed funding round, raising $1.5m for product development and expansion of its sales efforts. More
Facial expression analysis specialist Emotient and eye tracking software solutions firm iMotions have teamed up to create a platform that combines their key offerings, along with EEG and GSR technologies. More
UK-based consumer agency Firefish has appointed former Flamingo director Liz Seok as Group Qualitative Director. More
Las Vegas-based tech startup imagoo has raised $1.2m in angel funding, for use in rolling out its real-time social polling iPhone app and web platform - also called imagoo. More
US shopper analytics specialist Euclid has appointed ShopperTrak co-founder Tad Shepperd as Senior Vice President, responsible for driving sales and overseeing New York-based teams of sales execs, client services managers and analysts. More
Thomas Turey, the former Controller at market research agency Rothstein-Tauber (RTi), has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $3.4m from the company. He faces a maximum prison sentence of up to twenty years when sentenced in August. More
Nielsen has completed a successful trial using technology developed by mobile streaming provider Syncbak to capture and measure viewing of TV content on mobile devices. More
Tel Aviv, Israel-based start-up Beyond Verbal claims to have software which can gauge human emotions by listening to the tone of a voice, regardless of language. The company has recently raised $2.8m in a round of seed funding. More
Former Molson Coors MD of Brands Chris McDonough has joined Asda as Marketing Director, as the Walmart-owned UK retail giant restructures its marketing department. More
US-based software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies has announced the integration of its solutions with the Fulcrum sample management platform of its partner company Federated Sample. More
President Obama has appointed social science research specialist John Thompson to lead the US Census Bureau, replacing Robert Groves who left last August to take up the post of Provost of Georgetown University. More
In Chicago, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has promoted Heather Briggs to the newly created position of Vice President of Consumer Insights and Market Research; and has announced three other VP appointments in branding and digital roles. More
US web-based software developer Cvent has opened an office in London, from which it will support its existing client base in Europe and continue to expand the business internationally. More
Vision Critical has announced a partnership with Shanghai-based agency N Dynamic Market Research and Consultancy, which will offer its insight community technologies to clients across China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More
Brand and communications researcher Hall & Partners has appointed Jim Forrest as Global Partner, Digital Innovations, based in New York, with a remit to drive digital strategy and the creation, global roll-out and integration of digital capabilities across the company. More
UK-based market research recruiter RP Cushing is to open an office in Hong Kong in the summer, two years after the launch of its Singapore branch. More
Tokyo-based Research Panel Asia (RPA) has chosen Singapore for the location of its sixth office, which it says will act as a hub for marketing research across the APAC region. More
April Jeffries has been promoted to the role of President of Ipsos UU, Ipsos Marketing's qualitative research arm in the US. She is based in the firm's office in Mahwah, NJ. More
Millward Brown has appointed Travyn Rhall as Global CEO, succeeding Eileen Campbell who is stepping down in mid-July for personal reasons. More
In the US, the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has appointed Nestle Purina PetCare insights exec Jill Donahue as its 2013-2014 Chairman. More
In the US, MR holding company MVL Group has sold its full service agencies 3Q Global and Discovery Research Group, and its qual and quant data collection agency Quick Test/Heakin to Morgan Investors for an undisclosed sum. More
Nielsen has opted not to participate in a tender put out by the Audited Media Association of Australia (AAMA), for a new range of metrics to be included in its Web Audit Service. The measurement giant says the ad industry has made clear its preference for a single metric. More
In Moscow, independent polling agency the Levada Centre faces the threat of closure, according to its head Lev Gudkov, after government officials insisted it register as a 'foreign agent', involved in political activity and in receipt of foreign funds. More
In India, Nielsen / WPP joint venture TAM Media Research has set up a 'vigilance desk', headed by a former senior policeman, and a 'transparency panel' of regulation experts, aiming to guarantee the impartiality of its methods and ratings. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates has announced two key hires. Robert Ramirez joins as SVP, Strategic Development for the US-based Global Management Solutions service, while Tim Holley is appointed as Director, Specialty Panels and Recruiting. More
In the UK, fieldwork division ICM Direct has expanded its Bedford Call Centre by 20 percent, responding to 'increased client demand for fieldwork services'. More
WPP brand and media specialist Millward Brown has opened an office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, headed by Samina Afrin, who recently joined the company from Nielsen. More
Emanuel Maxl, the Chairman of Austrian MR body VMÖ, has set up a new consultancy called Context Research, based in Vienna. More
Healthcare consultancy Double Helix has opened an office in Munich, where it has appointed Thomas Becker as 'Head of Germany for Global Market Research'. More
In the UK, Cello-owned healthcare agency Insight Research Group has launched a Digital Business Team, to help clients understand the impact of new digital channels. Research Director Damian Eade will lead the new initiative. More
In the US, online sampling and technology company uSamp has appointed former Ticketmaster SVP Carl Trudel as Chief Technology Officer, to oversee existing platforms and help it navigate developments in areas such as virtualization, the cloud, big data and data management. More
Healthcare consultancy Double Helix has put together an APAC market research team, which will be led by former IMS Health exec Diana Tan and will work out of its Singapore offices. More
Former Ipsos MORI Scotland exec Margaret Frazer has opened a new agency called 9 Dots Insights, with bases in Edinburgh and London and offering market, brand and communications research as well as strategic marketing consultancy. More
US ad agency veteran Sheree Johnson has launched a firm called SJ Insights, which will offer market intelligence and analysis, proprietary market research, media planning and buying, along with marketing and advertising related consultancy services. More
GfK has issued an ad hoc statement on preliminary figures for the first quarter, showing organic sales growth of only 0.6 percent, and adjusted operating income and margin down on Q1 2012. However the global group says order levels are good and it should meet annual forecasts of 3-4 percent sales growth. More
Minneapolis-based custom qual provider Gordon Weiss Research has rebranded as Sivo Insights with immediate effect. More
London-based research panel and online community specialist Verve has moved to a new loft space in The Leather Market near Tower Bridge, in preparation for substantial growth during the year. The firm has also appointed Georgina Botting and Sali Turner as Directors. More
In the US, remote usability testing specialist YouEye has raised $3m from angel investors, and plans to develop existing and new products, while expanding into new markets. The firm has also released the beta version of a user experience solution called Insite. More
Research Now has joined online community specialist Vision Critical's Global Partner Program, in order to offer the latter's insight community technologies to its own clients and prospects around the world. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 5.1% increase in Q1 revenue to $111.8m, compared with $106.4m in the prior year period. Earnings are slightly down - Q1 EBITDA was to $34.7m vs $36.6m a year earlier - due the firm says to the costs associated with the planned Nielsen merger. More
Mobile marketing firm Brandtone has signed a one-year partnership with TNS, which will give the research company exclusive access to its database of engaged consumers in developing and emerging markets. The initial partnership will cover South Africa, Turkey, Russia and Brazil. More
Specialist healthcare fieldwork consultancy Ipsos Healthcare Field Services has returned to its former name, Fieldwork International, in the UK. More
Mobile technology start-up TenFarms has raised $2.7m from undisclosed angel investors, which it will use to further develop its Photopoll instant polling app. More
The Audited Media Association of Australia (AMAA) has put out to tender a contract to measure a new range of metrics to be included in its Web Audit Service. The organisation's existing service has been audited by Nielsen for the past four years. More
US company MarketVision Research has appointed Frank Gutowski as Research Director, Jennifer Hall as Manager of Quant Field Operations, Scott Hanson as VP of Client Services, and Ashley Ice as a Programmer. The firm has also promoted Tom Donnelly and Renu Dalal to VP roles. More
Harris Interactive has reported third quarter revenue down 2% to $33.6m, and bookings down 13% to $34.4m. However, profits climbed and operating income was $1.1m, compared with a loss of $371k a year previously. More
Millward Brown has appointed Surekha Poddar as Managing Director in charge of its Mumbai operation - the firm's largest in South Asia. She replaces Muder Chiba, who is leaving 'to pursue other interests'. More
Online research community specialist Vision Critical and full service agency SKOPOS in Germany have hooked up to offer their respective services to clients. More
GfK has acquired the remainder of subsidiaries GfK Etilize in the US, media control GfK International in Germany, and GfK UK Entertainments in the UK. More
Sampling and data collection provider reInvention, having recently acquired New York-based competitor Authentic Response and software technology firm Critical Mix, has adopted the latter's name as its own. More
In Australia, Sarah Keith has left Fairfax Media after just nine months, to re-join her former employer TV broadcaster Channel Ten as Head of Research, Analytics and Inventory Management. More
Alan Gould, the co-founder of IAG Research, has joined online sampling and technology company uSamp as Chief Executive Officer, while the firm's founders Matt Dusig and Gregg Lavin will continue to operate the firm's core sampling business. More
London-based mobile research tech specialist Lumi Mobile has expanded to Asia with the opening of a subsidiary in Hong Kong. More
US-based research technology firm Decipher has appointed Jeffrey Bergman for the newly created role of Chief Financial Officer, based in the firm's Fresno headquarters, while Jonathan Tice joins as SVP of Client Development in New York. More
In the US, RetailNext has completed a $15m Series C round of financing, which it will use to expand its engineering team, deliver new detection and predictive analytics capabilities, and grow its operations in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. More
In London, Kate Anderson has been promoted to the position of Joint MD of Cello-owned RS Consulting Group. She replaces Phil Stubington, who will now focus on developing the group's key accounts, while leading its innovation development programme. More
Ipsos Healthcare has announced the launch of SEES, a range of disease-specific syndicated ethnographic studies, examining patients' experience and views. Initially available in the UK, France, Italy, Spain and the USA, the firm says the studies will 'bring to life the day-to-day challenges of living with a chronic disease'. More
Healthcare research specialist the Research Partnership has expanded its US operations with new offices in Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco; to be led respectively by Claire Richardson and new arrivals Christine Naegle and Birgit Eschmann. More
In Liverpool, UK, MR agency Curiosity Insight and social networking site AllJoinOn.com have launched CrowdZoo, described as the country's 'first' MR solution combining 'a feature-packed, easy to use online bulletin board' and 'the research participants to use it'. More
WPP's Consumer Insight division has reported a 3.2% increase in revenue from £569m to £588m for the first quarter. Like-for-like - allowing for currency changes and the effect of acquisitions - the rise was only 1%. More
In the US, GfK is to increase the size of its KnowledgePanel by a third in 2013, in a bid to provide greater access to those populations that are often difficult to reach using traditional survey methods. More
Online insight community specialist Tuned In has opened an office in New York City, where it has relocated AD Matthew Ayers and Research Manager Katie O'Driscoll. More
Ipsos has reported a 5.3% drop in first quarter revenues to EUR 359.6m, which equates to a 2.7% drop at constant scope and exchange rates. The firm says these figures reflect a decrease in commercial activity in the final quarter of 2012. More
London-based qualitative insight consultancy Sundance has opened an office in Singapore, led by Account Director Jessica Bower. More
Ipsos has been awarded a further year's contract to track Italian radio audiences, using its mobile radio audience measurement system MediaCell. More
Online sampling and technology company uSamp has opened an office in Paris, France, where it has appointed former SSI exec Franck Pernez as Sales Director, to support its expansion in Europe. More
Kantar Media has won a multi-year contract to measure subscriber behaviour for Indian Direct to Home (DTH) TV provider Tata Sky. The service, launching later this year, is billed as the first Return Path Data audience research service in India. More
UK-based insight group Creston plc has issued a trading update covering the year ended 31st March 2013, ahead of full year results which are due on 12th June. Group revenue was flat at £75m, but Creston said the recovery in its Insight division continued during the second half. More
US data collection agency MRops has appointed former Toluna exec Bill Guerin in the newly created role of Chief Client Officer, while industry veteran Jon Harding joins as EVP, focusing on expanding partnerships into the Mid-West and Central regions. More
Web-based e-mail company Emma, Inc. has partnered with DIY research firm SurveyMonkey to help clients of both firms distribute surveys and gather feedback in an 'aesthetically pleasing way'. More
In the UK, shopper and leisure sector research consultancy Touchstone Partners has appointed former Johnson & Jonson director Sarah Lacey as Head of its Shopper Consultancy division. More
In France, Denis Gaucher has been promoted to the position of Managing Director Europe for Kantar Media's recently formed Ad Intelligence arm. More
IAB Australia has extended its national online audience measurement contract with Nielsen, without going out to tender. More
Emotional response measurement specialist Forbes Consulting Group has announced a partnership with Arab research boutique iQual, to bring 'cutting-edge applied neuroscience and emotional insight to businesses throughout the Middle East'. More
Sticky, which uses web-cam based eye tracking technology to measure ad effectiveness, has raised $3m in new funding. More
London-based business information provider Duedil has raised $5m (£3.3m) in Series A funding, which it will use to expand into new territories and develop its product offering by tapping into additional data sets. More
UK-based consumer insight and strategic consulting firm The Future Foundation has expanded to the US with the opening of an office in New York, where it has relocated Heather Corker in the role of VP, Consumer Trends, North America. More
Shopper marketing specialists Jim Cusson and Jared Meisel have set up a new agency called Theory House in Charlotte, North Carolina. More
US online research specialist InsightExpress is adding Affectiva's Affdex facial expression analysis technology to its CreativeImpact copy testing solution, to enable brands to optimize their TV ad campaigns using quant neuromarketing techniques. More
Online research community specialist Vision Critical has announced an agreement with Dentsu Marketing Insight Inc., a subsidiary of the Japanese advertising giant, which will develop communities in Japan. More
London-based brand and comms research specialist Hall & Partners (H&P) has made two senior hires in its European healthcare team: ex-Kantar Health exec Chris McPartland and former medeConnect Research Director Lucy Ireland. More
Sydney, Aus-based Q Research Software is to open an office in New York later this month, and has appointed former Illuminas SRE Steven Kawalek to lead it. More
Healthcare research specialist WorldOne has secured $35m in funding, most of which it will use to expand its Sermo online physician community. More
Ipsos has sold its theatrical research division the Motion Picture Group (MPG) to a private investment company led by former MPG President Vincent Bruzzese. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
US-based ActiveGroup, which provides video streaming to the market research industry, is reportedly to cease operations on April 5 after fourteen years in business. The firm is part of MVL Group, which also owns companies including PhoneBase and QuickTest/Heakin. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has relocated to larger premises in central London following a year in which turnover increased by 66% and staff numbers were up 30%. More
US-based healthcare and government researcher Abt Associates has promoted Scott Royal to the new position of President and CEO of its survey research and data collection arm, Abt SRBI. More
Technology research specialist Richard Noden has returned to ORC International as Research Director in its London-based Customer Strategy and Technology department. More
UK custom panel and community specialist EasyInsites has reported a 40% year-on-year increase in first quarter revenue to more than £300k. The firm has also promoted two members of staff and hired Martin Levett as Web and Survey Programmer. More
Down Under, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and Circulations Audit Board (CAB) have merged into a unified legal entity known as the Audited Media Association of Australia. More
SPA Future Thinking Group Managing Director Richard Hepburn is to leave the company to become Divisional MD at engineering and environmental testing business ALcontrol Laboratories. More
Online research and polling firm YouGov has reported strong results for the 6 months ending January 31st, the first half of its financial year, with like-for-like revenue growth of 5% and adjusted profit before tax up by 16% to £2.6m. More
Millward Brown has announced changes to its AMAP (Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific) Executive Board, including changed roles for Shishir Varma and Deepender Rana, and the addition of newly promoted South Asia MD Prasun Basu. More
London-based Realeyes, which measures facial expressions and quantifies people's emotional reactions through standard video devices such as webcams and in-store cameras, has completed a $3.2m round of investment. More
Australia and UK-based digital consumer insights specialist Watch Me Think has expanded to the US, where it has appointed Kevin Gould as President. More
Canadian marcoms agency Donovan Creative has opened a focus group testing facility at its offices in Edmonton, Alberta. More
For the first time since it was founded in 2000, online specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 'poor year', citing a combination of flat sales and cost increases for a 45% drop in operating profit to £1.5m from £2.7m in 2011. Revenues increased very slightly to £20.8m. More
Juniper Consulting Group (Junicon) has appointed Michael LoPresti as Managing Director of its Tokyo-based healthcare marketing research and consulting company Junicon K.K. More
eCGlobal Solutions - which provides online communities and panels across Latin America - has partnered with social software company Ramius, owner of the online qual marketing research platform Recollective. More
UK-based telephone research specialist Facts International has expanded into the APAC region, with the opening of an office in Sydney, Australia. More
US-based online community specialist Passenger has appointed former GfK exec Thomas Finkle as President and Chief Operations Officer, with a remit to help expand its domestic and global client base. More
GfK has launched its Brand and Customer Experience practice (BaCE) in the UK, and promoted Iain Stanfield to lead it. More
Panel firm Research Now has announced an international deal with Experian Marketing Services, the data giant's insight and targeting wing, combining online behavioural data with the ability to survey the same individuals. More
Facial imaging specialist nViso and US-based neuroscience firm Sands Research are to combine their software on a single platform and service offering. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed. More
TNS will run the Eurobarometer Qualitative studies for the EC and European Parliament for another four years. 'Believed to be the world's largest qualitative research programme', the EUR 18m win saw TNS beat competition from Ipsos, GfK and Gallup. More
Healthcare fieldwork firm M3 Global Research has hired eight former employees of Epocrates, following the latter's acquisition by electronic health record provider athenahealth, and the subsequently closure of its QuickRecruit service. M3 has also made ten further appointments and three promotions. More
A new agency called Wess Digital has been set up in the UK, to offer political parties and campaign groups access to data on people's political voting preferences and their support for specific issues-driven campaigns. More
TNS has officially opened an office in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), claiming to be the first international consumer insights consultancy to secure a licence to officially conduct business in the country. More
Ipsos has set up a new Employee Relationship Management (ERM) practice in APAC, helping clients with talent attraction, employer branding, leadership development and staff retention strategies. More
UK-based insight and marketing group Cello has reported 'solid overall performance' in 2012, with revenues of £135.1m, up 5.8%, and headline profit before tax flat at £7.0m (2011: £7.1m). The firm's Health division outperformed Consumer, but the latter enjoyed a good second half. More
GfK has confirmed a 10.2% increase in 2012 sales to EUR 1.5 billion, exceeding its target of 9%. 'Strong' organic growth of 3.1% is cited as a key reason for beating the target. More
Turkish online research and data collection specialist HoraCore has signed a deal to offer DigitalMR's eCommunities platform and social media research services to clients across its home country. More
US research provider Gongos has formed a new division, O2 Integrated, dedicated to 'fusing enterprise data and primary research to reshape customer-centric decision making for Global 1000 companies'; and has appointed Jason Raguso to lead it. More
UK-based research and consulting firm Populus has added mobile-only households to the sample for its telephone-only omnibus. More
With the planned acquisition by Nielsen approaching, Arbitron has set out details of remuneration packages for its senior execs including recently appointed President and CEO Sean Creamer. More
TNS has appointed former Ernst & Young Partner Richard Ingleton as its new Global Chief Executive Officer, replacing Eric Salama who previously combined the role with his leadership of Kantar. More
The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted consumer insight technology firm Lumi Mobile three patents, which the firm says will protect its core technologies. More
Global research and analytics outsourcing firm Cross-Tab says it is planning to recruit a further 1400 staff in India, adding to its existing 600-strong headcount based in Bangalore and Mumbai. The company has also launched a new research platform called ctOS. More
New York's Supreme Court has ruled that the $1 billion lawsuit brought by New Delhi Television (NDTV) against Nielsen and WPP should be heard in India. The broadcaster alleges that staff at the firms' TAM joint venture took bribes in exchange for overstating ratings. More
Revenue at Chime's Insight and Engagement division rose more than 50% to £13.6m in 2012. Operating income was up 53% to £7.6m and operating profit more than tripled to £2.2m from £0.7m. More
Media and ad research exec Lauren Bronchtein has been named SVP, Research and Insights at MPA - the Association of Magazine Media, replacing Wayne Eadie who is retiring after 40 years in the magazine sector. More
The Ukraine Television Industry Committee (TIC) has awarded Nielsen a new audience measurement contract, apparently cutting short an agreement with previous incumbent GfK Ukraine after unproven allegations that the latter had bribed panellists. More
Toluna has promoted Mark Simon to MD of North America, allowing previous incumbent George Terhanian to focus on his other role of Group Chief Strategy and Products Officer. Paul Twite replaces Simon as UK MD, while former Ipsos exec Julie Paul also joins the firm. More
In Australia, former GfK Blue Moon execs Claire Duffy and Craig Smith have set up a new qualitative market and social research agency called Snapcracker Research + Strategy, in Willoughby, north of Sydney. More
Ipsos Marketing has announced a strategic partnership with Bounty, the UK's largest parenting club. The deal gives Ipsos clients access to Bounty's 37,000 strong Word of Mum Panel, comprising mums-to-be, new mums and those with pre-school age children. More
DIY online survey firm SurveyMonkey has announced the launch of a developer portal and a new set of data APIs, powered by software firm Mashery, which it says will help users integrate its products into mobile and web applications. More
WPP has announced preliminary results for 2012. Group revenues rose 3.5% to around £10.4bn, and headline EBITDA rose 7% to £1.76bn; but in the Consumer Insight division, like-for-like revenues rose just 0.8%, with gross margin down 1.1%. More
Ipsos has reported 2012 revenues of EUR 1.8bn, up from EUR 1.4bn in 2011, but disappointing given the addition of Synovate. Accustomed to rapid growth, the group blamed the stall on politicians, the integration process and competitor poaching of senior staff. Profits however remained solid. More
The UK's National Readership Survey (NRS) has awarded comScore the online audience measurement contract for its print and digital data product NRS PADD. More
Lauren Demar has been promoted to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, with responsibility for two Ipsos Marketing divisions: InnoQuest and MarketQuest. More
UK out-of-home measurement body Postar (Poster Audience Research) has been renamed 'Route', as it launches a new audience research system costing industry investors around £19m. More
Automotive customer feedback specialist Vital Insights has opened two new regional offices near Paris and London, complementing its existing offices in Germany and the Czech Republic. More
Consumer specialist The NPD Group has reorganized its senior management team as part of its strategy to 'accelerate growth and innovation'. More
GfK has integrated its 'EMO Scan' facial expression measure into its existing ad testing system, to help clients understand consumers' spontaneous emotional response to advertising. More
US provider Strategy Analytics, which focuses on clients in the technology sector, has opened a new Consumer Insights Practice (CIP) led by Motorola Mobility's former Head of Consumer Insights Joy Ganvik. More
Swedish eye tracking technology firm Smart Eye has secured a SEK 25m investment (c.EUR 2.9m), which it will use for further product development and market expansion. More
In New York, online ad verification service DoubleVerify has received accreditation from the Media Rating Council (MRC) for its suite of verification and viewability products. More
Shopper analytics specialist Euclid has closed a $17.3m round of financing, which it will use to further service its growing customer base. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical and full service agency Morpace have extended their partnership, to add insight community technology to the latter's mainland China offer. More
Chris Paxton has left the Sydney office of Australian custom researcher The Leading Edge, to return to his native UK as Managing Director of the London office. More
Central London-based qual/quant agency Vision One has opened an office in Liverpool from which it will service clients in northern England and Scotland. More
After 66 years delivering Australia's radio ratings, Nielsen Media has lost the contract to GfK, to whom national industry body Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has awarded a three-year deal starting next January. More
Online charity fundraising site Goodsearch has partnered with social media sampling firm Peanut Labs to launch an initiative called Goodsurveys, through which participants can take short surveys while earning funds to support their favorite cause. More
Nicky Forsyth, the MD of Surrey-based sampling and panel management software firm MARSC, is to leave at the end of March, and will look for 'new opportunities' later in the year. From April, the firm's Director of Consultancy Julian Simpson will take over the position of MD. More
Intel has announced it will launch a chip-powered television product which will tailor content to the viewer, based on a facial-recognition assessment of who is watching, by the end of this year. More
Here are the best set of mean salary stats for the UK MR industry you're ever likely to see. Best as in good, solid bases and careful compilation; and the average rise is not bad either. But there's one shocker, and it doesn't take a great analyst to spot it. MrWeb's Nick Thomas continues our celebrations for job no. 100,000. More
GfK is believed to be planning a move from current New York premises in Chelsea Market to a 75,000 square foot office in the World Financial Center. More
In Dubai, Yahoo! has confirmed that from 1 April, its online research business Yahoo! Maktoob Research will no longer offer external support to clients, but instead focus on providing research services to the group's own advertising clients. More
Millward Brown has developed a model which it claims 'cracks the code' for how brands drive financial growth for their organisations. More
Is it possible to talk about the mass of new skills and techniques bombarding the profession without feeling depressed about the traditional skills of the market researcher? Most definitely, says MrWeb co-founder Nick Thomas, continuing our celebration of 100,000 MR job ads. More
Market research was once said to be 'recession-proof', but we don't hear that quite so often these days. Are we in a 'double-dip'? And in our new, more cautious mode, who are we recruiting and how many of them? Nick Thomas looks at the stats for 2005-12 as we celebrate our 100,000th job ad this week. More
Kadence International has reported gross revenues up 48% to $14.5m for the first six months of its financial year from July to December 2012 – up from $9.8m in the previous year. UK and US offices both played a key role in the impressive performance. More
Pierre Le Manh has stepped up to the role of CEO of Ipsos in North America, replacing Jim Smith, who becomes Special Advisor to co-Presidents Jean-Marc Lech and Didier Truchot. More
Curiosity Research founder Andy Cumming and his former employee Sally Lewis have joined UK-based consumer insight agency Join the Dots, in Manchester, as Research Director and Senior Research Manager respectively. More
Today we reach the milestone of 100,000 job ads on MrWeb. It's taken just over fourteen years and 1,806 different advertisers, and in that time we've seen many changes in the way researchers are recruited, and the skills in demand. Co-founder Nick Thomas starts an in-depth review today. More
UK-based BDRC Group has added a China office to its existing overseas locations in Singapore and Sydney. Based in Beijing, the new office will be led by former B2B International China Deputy GM Siew Wong. More
New York-based Radius Global Market Research has opened three new offices, in Detroit, Chicago and Princeton, NJ, focusing respectively on work in the automotive, Rx-pharma and financial services industries and led by newly appointed VPs Jeff Zboril, Kathleen Relias and Glenn Staada. More
Gallup has brought in political scientist Dr Michael Traugott to help review its polling processes, following problems with its tracking of the recent US presidential election. More
US-based research technology firm Decipher has opened a new office in the central region of Oregon, on the back of what it describes as a 'year of record growth'. The firm says it has recruited 22 new members of staff across its network of locations. More
Harris Interactive has once again reported a drop in revenue and a rise in profit. Fourth quarter revenue fell 5% to $37.1m, but 18 months into its 'business turnaround' initiative, company profits have risen 81% to $2.9m. More
In the US, CfMC Research Software has appointed Mary McDougall as President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Danny Wong, who will remain on the leadership team as Chief Technology Officer and an active member of the Board. More
GfK has named four senior leaders for its operations in the CEE-META (Central and Eastern Europe Middle East, Turkey and Africa) and APAC (Asia and the Pacific) regions. More
Digital audience analyst comScore has expanded its mobile measurement offering, to include unduplicated data on more than one million smartphone users, 400,000 tablet owners, and 150,000 households with connected home devices such as games consoles and smart TVs. More
Data collection and sampling solutions specialist SSI has promoted Fieke Kreischer to the role of Managing Director, Benelux. She replaces Joost Philips, who has held the position since 2009 and is moving to a new role within the firm. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has named Donna de Winter as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Gord Baizley who has moved into the role of Chief Strategy Officer after seven years with the firm. More
The Access Partnership has made key appointments on both sides of the Atlantic. Kevin Mayo joins as EVP of its US office in Philadelphia, and Pascal King as Global Director at its London HQ. Thalia Nikoglou and Ahmed Edathodu have also joined as Consultants. More
US media intelligence specialist Aggregate Knowledge (AK) has acquired customer behavior analytics specialist Quantivo for an undisclosed sum. More
Millward Brown (MB) has announced plans to open a new office in Myanmar (Burma) during the first quarter of 2013, subject to the approval of the local authorities. The new office will be led by Compass Research co-founder Lyndal Pearce. More
UK-based mobile data collection specialist OnePoint Global has formed a partnership with South African firm Customer Experience Agency (CE Agency), to expand its capabilities across Africa. More
Preliminary results indicate that GfK's full-year revenue rose 10.2% in 2012, to approximately EUR 1.5bn, with organic growth of 3.1%. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron has filed a lawsuit against Gannett-owned WKYC-TV/Cleveland, claiming up to $6.3m for unauthorised use of its audience estimates and trademarks. More
GfK has 'reconfigured' its North American Brand, Customer Experience and Innovation teams, and appointed Eric Villain as Managing Director of the US Brand and Customer Experience (BaCE) division, which now incorporates Customer Loyalty and Brand & Communications. More
UK pharma researcher and communications consultancy Mash Health Limited and its US business Mash Health, Inc have been acquired by the UK's Cello Group plc, for an initial consideration of c.£0.6m. Separately, Cello has reported 'solid full year performance' for 2012. More
The UK-based Market Research Society (MRS) has chosen today - officially Data Privacy Day - to launch a new kite mark scheme, Fair Data. The mark identifies organisations which 'collect, use and retain personal data properly and ethically'. More
In the UK, Cello healthcare agency Insight Research Group has launched 'IQ', a new practice dedicated to high-end quant market research. Directors Philip Dunn and Gracie van Kemenade will head up the new business. More
UK-based consumer insight agency Join the Dots has appointed former TNS director Mark Walton and former Buzzback manager Ed Wheeler to drive new business across all areas of the company, from its newly established office in London. More
London-based book publisher HarperCollins has appointed former EMI Music SVP of Insight David Boyle, to bring consumer insight to 'every aspect of the publishing process', from acquisition and content development to sales and marketing. More
Enterprise feedback management (EFM) technology specialist QuestBack has appointed Hilarius Dressen as CEO, responsible for the company's operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He succeeds Frank Michael, who is leaving to set up as an independent consultant. More
US-based research software provider Revelation has appointed Todd McLean as Chief Operating Officer, to work alongside CEO Steve August on the firm's planning and expansion initiatives. More
Multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak has extended its International Box Office Essentials service to India, through a partnership with Asian MR firm Majestic MRSS, which will collect daily theatre-level attendance and ticket sales information across the region. More
After a twenty-year partnership, USA Today and Gallup are going their separate ways, citing differences of opinion and a 'changing and evolving' relationship. The paper says it is already well advanced in talks with a replacement pollster. More
Healthcare specialist The Research Partnership and its recently launched market access consultancy The Access Partnership are moving to a new UK headquarters in Fulham, London on Monday. More
Online specialist BrainJuicer has made 9% of its workforce redundant, saving £0.8m in costs following 'disappointing' trading in the final months of 2012. More
DIY research firm Survey Monkey has raised $800m in debt and additional equity funding, partly led by Google's new 'late-stage' investment arm and CEO Dave Goldberg. More
Millward Brown has announced a major expansion of its Link and Facial Coding technology, and says two of its biggest clients, Unilever and The Coca-Cola Company, will use the technique for all their ad testing in 2013. More
Japan-based GMO Research has announced an ambitious Chinese JV with Internet research specialist Horizon E-lab Ltd. A new company, GMO E-Lab Marketing Research (Shanghai) is scheduled to open in April and aims to be 'number one' in the region 'within three years.' More
US-based Market Strategies International has hired former Kantar Operations EVP Kevin Orians as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's research services, quality, analytics and research management functions. He reports to company President George Wilkerson. More
US-based fieldwork group Schlesinger Associates is to provide recruiting and management for a new qual research facility, The Insight Lab, in downtown St. Louis. More
In the UK, mobile network O2 has lost its Marketing and Consumer Director Sally Cowdry to National Lottery operator Camelot, where she will take the same title, with a role including consumer insight. She joins her new employer in 'a few months' after helping O2 with the transition. More
Dubai-based researcher POINT Consultancy has launched a specialist FMCG division, Ignite, which will focus on the MENA region and offer a number of proprietary tools and approaches. More
DIY survey firm Survey Monkey has signed on as the anchor tenant for a new development in its home city of Palo Alto, California, as it looks for room to grow. The move is scheduled for early 2014. More
Online specialist Lightspeed Research has announced new roles for three of its senior managers, following the integration of sample and research tech firm GMI. Andrew Cayton becomes Global COO, Martin Filz CEO EMEA and Efrain Ribeiro Global Chief Research Officer. More
Online panel and surveying technology company Netquest has opened a new office in Santiago de Chile, led by Enric Cid and assisted by Jordi Quirós. More
Consumer insights specialists Cristina de Balanzó, Siemon Scamell-Katz and Rafal Ohme have set up a new London-based neuroscience consultancy called The Walnut Group. More
Miami-based sales performance agency The Retail Outsource Companies has launched a new sister company called 'The Consumer Insight' (TCI), which will offer a range of mystery shopping, customer surveys, compliance audits and competitive intelligence services. More
In Canada, panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical and research-based marketing consultancy Academica Group have teamed up to launch a new panel called StudentVu, which offers clients access to the opinions of university and college students. More
UK-based market research agency ICM is relocating to parent company Creston's new Soho headquarters, along with the group's two other London-based agencies TMW and Nelson Bostock. More
Full service agency Market Strategies International (MSI) has opened an office in Singapore, led by David Ying Hon Ho, currently the company's Research Director and International Research Specialist. More
US-based InsightExpress has promoted Drew Lipner and Marc Ryan to the role of Co-Chief Executive Officer, succeeding William Lipner who is retiring from active management of the company. More
UK researchers' confidence for the year ahead has dipped, with more predicting a deterioration in the sector's financial health than an improvement, according to RSM's latest Research Professionals' survey. More
Concept testing and forecasting software specialist Affinnova has opened an office in the Willis Building (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago, for which it plans to hire additional personnel over the coming months. More
UK supermarket chain Morrisons has promoted Marketing and Operations Director Nick Collard to the new role of Group Marketing and Customer Director. He will join the management board in June. More
Data collection group Schlesinger Associates has launched new viewing facilities at Passerelles Bastille in Paris. More
In the US, audience measurement firm Rentrak has announced a deal to provide local market mobile broadcast TV ratings to twelve major broadcast networks operating the Dyle mobile television service. More
Mobile research tech specialist Lumi Mobile has moved into new offices in London's Fleet Street, as it gears up for growth in 2013. More
In the US, radio broadcaster Cumulus Media Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement for Arbitron's diary and PPM ratings services covering 450 of its stations in 100 markets. More
Nielsen has begun a five-year contract to operate a new Television Audience Measurement (TAM) service in Hong Kong. More
Japanese researcher INTAGE Inc. and Cairo-based ConField MENA have announced a non-exclusive alliance agreement to provide customized research services in their respective regions. More
German TV station partnership the Arbeits-gemeinschaft Fernsehforschung (AGF), has re-commissioned GfK to monitor TV viewing in Germany, initially until 2018. GfK has been providing the service since 1985, and the new contract is valued at around EUR 130m. More
Publicis-owned branding agency Digitas has teamed up with New York University's Movement Lab to open a 3D 'motion capture' unit in its Digitas Lab in NYC, through which the agency will research and develop new apps for digital marketing and advertising. More
Research industry staff recruitment firm Asia Talent has opened an office in Hong Kong, where it has appointed Ying Tong-Perrett as Partner for Greater China, with a remit to further develop the company's portfolio of clients in the region. More
Nielsen and Twitter have reached a multi-year agreement to produce a new metric, the 'Nielsen Twitter TV Rating', for the US market, covering the reach on Twitter of conversation about TV programmes. The first figures will be commercially available from the fall of 2013. More
Sean Creamer, currently Arbitron's EVP Chief Operating Officer, is to succeed Bill Kerr as the company's President and Chief Executive from January 1st. More
Research consultancy and STW Group subsidiary AMR Australia has promoted Oliver Freedman to the role of Managing Director, following the departure of Gary Wilkinson, who has left to set up his own agency, Bliss Point Research. More
Kadence International has opened a second office in the US, in Boston's Downtown Crossing area, complementing its existing facility in Framingham. The firm has also announced plans to increase US headcount by 100% by 2014, beginning with a 'significant graduate intake' in early 2013. More
GfK NOP, ABA and Research Bods scooped three of the major categories at this year's MRS Awards ceremony held in London last night, while mobile crowdsourcing innovator Nathan Eagle received the inaugural MRS President's Medal. More
Global wine and spirit brand Pernod Ricard has launched an internal social network called Chatter, through which employees will be encouraged to generate and share new ideas for the business. More
Jo Winning, the co-founder of custom panel and community specialist EasyInsites, has left to join London-based Verve as Business Development Consultant. More
UK-based fieldwork agency Facts International has promoted Emily Kettle to the new position of Managing Director, adding responsibility for potential M&A activity and international expansion initiatives to her existing duties as Group Client Services Director. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has partnered with Delta Marketing Dynamics (DMD) and extended its existing collaboration with ImpactRx, in order to expand its access to the opinions of US healthcare professionals. More
Bob Barocci, the President and CEO of the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), is to retire at the end of the year and move to a senior advisory role after his successor is named. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has begun auditing the two main ratings services of Rentrak Corporation, TV Essentials and StationView Essentials. More
Canadian firm Converge Consulting Group has been awarded trademark protection for its Voice of the Employee approach, which seeks to move the industry forward from 'the flawed practice of reporting employee survey findings based on statistical significance tests'. More
Ipsos has appointed Harald Hasselmann as Country Manager of its South African operation, succeeding Jake Orpen who is leaving the company. More
UK-based researcher Neil Cary has launched a new business, Asia Opinions Ltd, offering research services to British and Asian companies, including access to consumer panels, and its own online survey tool, Surveygoo.com. More
London-based consumer agency Firefish has expanded its quant team with four new appointments, including Paul Harvey as a Director, plus Jen Culby, Tom Birch and Louise Dinesen. More
UK-based YouGov has moved its SVP & International Head of Omnibus Ray Martin from London to New York, where he will lead the launch of US Omnibus services. More
Canadian professional body the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA) has censured pollster Campaign Research for what it calls 'a blatant contravention' of the Professional Responsibility provisions of the MRIA code of conduct. More
Digital TV solutions provider NAGRA is to collaborate with Kantar Media to offer clients subscriber data from in-home devices. The service will be pre-integrated with NAGRA's OpenTV 5 media convergence platform. More
UK-based agency MMR Research Worldwide, which focuses on the food, drink, personal and household care sectors, has announced seven new appointments including Client Services Director Janine Gamon and ADs Dan Hibbs, Tim Button and Tom Pile. More
Research software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies LLC has announced a strategic partnership with its client StartSampling, which will offer users end-to-end in-home product testing services. More
UK store group The John Lewis Partnership has announced that current Lloyds Banking Group Customer Value chief Paul de Laat will move to the retailer in January to become its first Customer Insight Director. More
In the UK, former AQR Chair Peter Lovett has announced the closure of Consumer Profile Ltd, the Oxfordshire based full-service agency he founded in 1986. He will remain in the industry via a new consultancy, Bespoke Qualitative Research. More
Former Nielsen NeuroFocus MD for Europe Thom Noble has set up as an independent consultant with the establishment of a new firm, NeuroStrata, focusing on the application of neuromarketing and biosensory techniques. More
Canadian crowdsourcing tech firm Chaordix has appointed Carey Houston as Chief Operating Officer, replacing Jim Gibson who has moved into the revenue-generating role of Executive Vice President, Global Markets. More
UK-based sampling solutions firm Sample Answers is to open an office in Colombia, South America led by current MD Mark Dent, while Business Development Director Neil Whelpton will move into Dent's former role in the UK. More
In London, specialist social research division TNS BMRB has opened a 'Centre for International Development Research', which will draw on methodological expertise from across the group in order to help clients bring about policy change on an international level. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has opened a new office in Tokyo, Japan, led by former MROC Japan CEO Shigeru 'Shiggy' Kishikawa. More
In the US, mystery shopping app provider Mobee has launched out of private beta, with $1.1m in seed funding. More
Trading in the final months of 2012 is proving 'disappointing' for online specialist BrainJuicer, according to the firm's interim statement issued earlier today. Revenue during the last quarter is likely to fall 'significantly below' 2011 levels. More
UK agency Ci Research has been renamed Mustard Research as part of an overhaul of its brand identity. More
UK consumer insight and sensory specialist MMR Research Worldwide has partnered with consumer-generated video insights firm 'Watch Me Think', which offers panellists financial rewards in exchange for submitting smartphone videos containing their feedback on specific topics. More
In the US, the Pew Research Center has promoted pollster Michael Dimock to the role of Director of its 'Center for the People & the Press', replacing founder Andrew Kohut who announced his resignation earlier in the year. More
Canadian research software provider Voxco has inked a deal for British survey software developer Merlinco to distribute its products in the UK and Ireland. More
Former mruk MD Jim Law has launched a new agency in Glasgow, Scotland, called Wild Heather Digital Research, which aims to combine a technological focus with sound research methods. More
GfK has reported 'a significant sales increase' of 9.8% to EUR 1,096.8m in the first nine months of 2012, with much of the rise however due to currency effects and acquisitions. Q3 revenue was up 11.3% to EUR 376.7m. EBITDA fell 18.5% to EUR 50.6m. More
Local market specialist Scarborough Research has formally announced its entry into Puerto Rico with a new insights service combining extensive attitudinal data and consumer behavior-based measures. More
Millward Brown is boosting its support for clients in North Africa via a Cairo office, its third new location in the Africa and Middle East region this year, and led by Praveen Abraham. More
GfK has announced the formation of a new global Market Opportunities and Innovations practice, which will promise marketing professionals 'the critical foresight needed to successfully tap into future markets'. Marilyn Raymond will lead the new division. More
WPP has announced further details of its proposal to return its headquarters from Ireland to the UK, including a timetable which sees shares in 'New WPP' trading on the LSE at the start of 2013. More
Mobile app optimisation specialist Swrve has raised $6.25m in a round of financing led by Atlantic Bridge Partners and Intel Capital, and says it will create 100 new R&D jobs in its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. More
New Zealand company Key Research is to create fifty jobs in a new call centre, opened this week in its home city of Tauranga. More
Five US research veterans - Lenny Murphy, Gregg Archibald, Jason Anderson, Bill Weylock and David Bernstein - have announced the launch of a new company, Gen2 Advisors, which will combine regular reports on leading edge marketing and insights areas with advisory and consulting services. More
In the UK, Lloyds Banking Group Head of Retail Strategy Alex Owens is leaving to take up the role of Head of Insight at supermarket chain Sainsbury's. He starts the new job in January. More
In the US, consumer research specialist Key Lime Interactive (KLI) and mobile app development firm Crucian Point have partnered to launch a new company called KLUE Labs, offering a tool that captures mobile user interaction with web sites. More
Online data collection specialist Schlesinger Interactive has teamed up with usability and testing technology provider Interactive Video Productions (IVP) to launch a network of Biometric Research Labs across the US. More
Andera Gadeib, the CEO of co-creation and branding specialist Dialego, has set up a new company to offer her firm's existing SmartMunk qual and quant online tool for use in co-creation projects. More
Netherlands-based online researcher MetrixLab has opened a new office in Shanghai, China - led by former Ipsos leader Edwin Song - from where it will focus on Chinese and regional clients. More
UK radio research body RAJAR has commissioned Ipsos MediaCT to extend its Radio Listener Panel for a further year, as it continues to evaluate the agency's MediaCell smartphone measurement system. More
Former Synovate Global CEO Adrian Chedore has joined Asia-focused MR consultancy ABN Impact as Chairman. More
UK research provider BDRC Continental has launched a Sports & Sponsorship division and appointed Director Mark Long to lead it. More
Harris Interactive has reported a 12% drop in revenue to $33m for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $37.8m in the prior year period; but has turned loss into profit as it continues its 'turnaround' and 'rightsizing' activities. More
US-based healthcare specialist MedSpan Research has appointed Michael Epstein as Director, Research Services. His duties will include opening and leading the company's second office, in Rochester, NY. More
The Merlien Institute - which runs conferences and events for market research professionals - has appointed Jens Cornelissen as Managing Director Europe and North America. More
UK out-of-home measurement body POSTAR is set to launch a new GPS-enabled 'currency' next February, covering a wide range of outdoor environments including road, tube and rail. The launch has been made possible with a £19m investment from companies in the sector. More
Survey software firm Voxco is planning a recruitment drive which will result in a 20% increase in headcount at its headquarters in Montreal, Canada - driven it says by 'record revenues' in the first quarter of its 2012-13 financial year. More
Data collection specialist Interviewing Service of America (ISA) has launched a standalone online sampling company called SoapBoxSample, offering a combination of resources such as opt-in panels, routing techniques, social media and live sample. More
Former Arbitron researcher Bob Michaels has died, reportedly from a heart attack while vacationing in Key West, Florida. As the measurement giant's first ever ambassador to radio programmers, he was known for a unique combination of software skills and understanding of the ratings themselves. More
WPP has reported third quarter consumer insight revenue of £591m, down from £593m in the prior year period and up just a fraction ( 0.8%) on a like-for-like basis. More
European online specialist InSites Consulting has unveiled a network of more than 150 experienced qual moderators across 30 countries, to help run its market research online communities (MROCs). More
Ipsos has reported 9-month revenues of just under EUR 1.28bn, up 45.1% on a constant currency basis since gobbling up Synovate a year ago. The firm says now that the integration is complete, it will 'resume its focus on growth' and on meeting its service quality and profitability targets. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has reported an 8.3% rise in third quarter revenue to $114.3m, while net income increased to $15.8m from $15.4m. More
Consumer and retail specialist The NPD Group has restructured its European management team in response to what it describes as the 'changing needs' of clients and retail partners. As part of the reshuffle, David Pritchard has been named General Manager of Commercial Activity. More
US-based video analytics firm Visible Measures has opened a research center specifically to analyze the impact of choice-based video campaigns - those where a person has to press the 'play' button to watch - against those on mainstream media such as television or online video. More
Ipsos MORI and King's College London are to bring together some of their researchers to develop new studies and maximise learnings from existing research. More
Aegis-owned digital creative agency Visual Jazz Isobar (VJI) has extended its NowLab innovation unit network to Melbourne. The lab will help the firm to identify, research and prototype new technologies and platforms for clients across Australia. More
Nielsen has announced third quarter revenue up 5% year-on-year, on a constant currency basis, to $1.423bn, with its Buy (4%) and Watch (5%) segments both contributing. Adjusted EBITDA rose 7% on the same basis to $424m. More
Kantar Retail is to open its first South American office, in Brazil, where it will team up with WPP sister company TNS to use the latter's primary shopper research capabilities. Former Mars and LVMH executive Eric Debarnot will head up the new office as MD. More
Indian television measurement body TAM is suspending publication of its viewing data from week 41 (October 7th) onwards, for 8 weeks while four of the country's biggest cities switch over from analogue to DAS. More
'Holistic' web-based MR firm DigitalMR is moving into a larger London office, reflecting UK headcount more than doubled in the last twelve months. More
In the US, Brain Surgery Worldwide, which specialises in what it calls describes as 'emotion based behavior insight', has made three key appointments in its senior management team. More
Panel exchange operator Cint is looking for further expansion with the help of EUR 6.9m ($9m) raised from its existing owners, Prime Technology Ventures and Nordic venture capital firm Creandum. More
The Emirates Media Measurement Company (EMMC) has officially launched its tview television ratings and audience measurement system in the UAE, following approval by external TAM auditors and consultants Hulks & Ruud. More
In San Francisco, Adam French and Anne Lacey - who previously worked at M&C Saatchi-owned brand consultancy Clear - have joined forces with former Unilever insights leader Dr Nick Anderson to launch an innovation and insight company called Antedote. More
Lieberman Research founder Seymour 'Sy' Lieberman, died on October 1, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. More
US-based Paradigm Sample has opened an office in Gurgaon, India, from which it will provide operations, project management and panel management support to clients across the US, Europe and Asia. More
London-based researcher and music aficionado Dave Beal died suddenly on Monday 27 August at the age of 60, after a long illness. More
UK mobile phone retailer The Carphone Warehouse used misleading research-based claims in an ad on its web site for a child-safe network, Bemilo, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled. More
In London, Optimisa Research has moved into larger offices south of the Thames after just two years, reflecting the growth of the business. More
Twitter has partnered with Nielsen to launch a service which will enable brands to create surveys directly within the social networking site, in order to gather data on users' purchase intent and brand awareness. More
A year after returning to TNS Jan Hofmeyr has refined his ConversionModel, to help clients identify how people feel about their brand and determine how external barriers like price and availability affect consumer spending. More
Research consultancy Kadence International has recorded 'dramatic growth' in Indonesia, where revenue rose 120% to $5m for the year 2011-12. Overall, company revenue has increased for the tenth consecutive year, with sales up 15%, and net revenue has doubled in the last four years to $20.1m. More
Paul E. Green, Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and market research specialist, died recently at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. More
Nielsen-funded independent think tank the Council for Research Excellence (CRE) has initiated a study to determine how social media impacts television viewing. More
Nielsen and the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) have formed an 'Innovation Committee' to develop and test potential new approaches to mobile television audience measurement for Nielsen's mTAM initiative. More
Ad intelligence provider Exponential Interactive has partnered with MasterCard's analytics arm to incorporate retail-level consumer spending behavior data into its online audience targeting services. More
Crowdscoured media specialist Against All Odds Productions is to release data from a new global study, the 'Human Face of Big Data', for general consumption. Currently underway, the project aims to combine passive and contributed data from 'millions' of individuals worldwide. More
In the UK, Google has partnered with GfK's usability research specialist nurago to launch the 'Screenwise Trends Panel', to explore how people consume media and examine their attitudes towards brands and ads across different media platforms. More
UK-based data collection agency Perspective Research Services (PRS) has opened a new call centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, following the closure of its operations in Acton, west London. More
Research outsourcing and panels company Pulse Group says it can no longer justify the costs associated with listing the company on the loss making PLUS-quoted Market (part of the PLUS Stock Exchange), and is therefore planning to delist its ordinary shares. More
GfK has appointed seven leaders in China, Korea, Malaysia and Japan, as part of a strategy to expand its global research solutions across the Asia Pacific region. More
Qureshi Market Research MD Bob Qureshi has opened a new facility in London's West End, offering eye tracking, dial testing and NeuroFocus services. The five-studio facility also provides access to a bar for use in drinks research projects. More
Online specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 14% increase in revenue to £10.37m for the first half of the year, and operating profit also up 14% from £628k to £716k. More
UK-based insight and marketing group Cello has reported a 2.8% increase in revenue to £63.3m for the first half of the year, but has noted a 'marked slow-down' in qual and quant client research activity across its Consumer division. More
In the US, Harris Interactive is partnering with Google to launch a new service allowing users to compare themselves to industry benchmarks. More
Michael Berland has left WPP-owned MR and political polling specialist Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) to join PR giant Edelman as CEO of a newly-named research and analytics business, Edelman Berland, into which the group's existing research firm StrategyOne will be integrated. More
Former Ipsos Reid President Steve Mossop has launched a full service agency called Insights West, based in Vancouver and servicing private and public sector clients across Western Canada. More
Global data collection specialist Cido has opened a new operation in Shanghai, where it has appointed former Nielsen exec Linda Ho as General Manager. More
Survey software firm Voxco has partnered with panel access provider Cint, whose OpinionHUB insight platform will give Voxco clients access to more than seven million individuals worldwide. More
Panel and research technology provider Vision Critical has appointed Jim Cravens as Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources, to help further its plans for global growth. More
WPP has reported revenue up just 1.2% to £1.19bn in its consumer insight division in the first half of the year, while headline operating profit fell slightly to £84m. The group has also confirmed that following tax changes, it plans to move its HQ back to the UK from Ireland. More
Data collection and sampling solutions specialist SSI has partnered with Danish online specialist Interresearch to launch a joint venture, SSI Denmark. More
In the US, video and media market analytics specialist Multimedia Research Group (MRG) has partnered with the magazine ScreenPlays Information Marketplace to offers clients of both firms additional industry and market intelligence, and thought leadership. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron has appointed Chief Operating Officer Sean Creamer to its Board of Directors, after seven years with the company. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has appointed Nielsen veteran Manish Bhatia as Executive Vice President, New Product Innovation, to direct the firm's cross-platform initiatives and lead teams tasked with developing non-radio research services. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has secured a $20m investment, which it says will be used to expand its product lines and support infrastructure, and further execute its global growth plans. More
WPP-owned market research and political polling specialist Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) has opened its second Indian office, in Mumbai, following its launch in Gurgaon last year. More
Digital research agency MobileMeasure Consultancy has expanded to Singapore through a partnership with Anila Shrivastava, the founder of eye tracking and semiotics specialist idStats. More
India's News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has asked the government to suspend reporting of TAM data, in the light of the ongoing row between broadcaster NDTV and Nielsen and WPP's joint venture. Meanwhile Nielsen is reportedly the front-runner for the forthcoming RSCI readership measurement pitch. More
Music and media writer, researcher and analyst Jeff Green is launching a new Nashville-based firm called Stone Door Media Lab, which will provide ratings research, digital media consumption analytics, market analysis and business intelligence for the entertainment sector. More
Indian broadcaster NDTV has hit out against a statement issued by WPP yesterday, and its use of the word 'hypothetical' to describe NDTV's claims of ratings fixing at the TAM Media Research joint venture. More
Japan-based GMO Research and its subsidiary GMO Japan Market Intelligence (GMO Research/JMI) are to open the group's first operations centre in India at the end of August, led by former GMI exec Anupam Kaul. More
WPP is considering proceedings against Indian broadcaster NDTV for defamation, following the latter's claims that staff at its TAM Media Research joint venture took bribes in exchange for overstating television ratings. More
UK-based user experience consultancy Foviance has announced it is to merge with service design agency Seren Partners. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
Online research software and solutions provider Confirmit has acquired the CustomerSat enterprise feedback management software business - previously owned by MarketTools - from investment house TPG Growth. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
A group of companies has launched a new service called Dominican Pulse, to gauge opinion among the residents of the Dominican Republic on subjects ranging from public affairs issues and politics, to music and culture. More
In the UK, data collection agency Peak Answers has reported sales of more than £1m during its first year of trading. More
Irish sports betting chain Paddy Power has appointed former BskyB exec Danny Russell as its first Insight Director, and former Domino's Pizza director Robin Auld as Brand Director. Both commence their new roles in mid-October. More
Consumer research agency rdsi has promoted ten members of staff, including Research Directors Emma O'Connell and Tim Gowing (pictured) who join the Senior Management team. More
Harris Interactive has reported an 8.2% decline in revenue to $147.5m for the full year fiscal 2012 - a majority of which the firm says was part of a 'right-sizing' plan. More
UK government social scientist Barbara Adams OBE, a pioneer of public consultation research, has died in London at the age of 89. More
Eric McDowell, the founder of Alaska-based research and consulting firm McDowell Group, died on Monday in hospital in Seattle, following a brief illness. He was 69 years old. More
In New York, Ipsos has moved David Lansanah to the position of Global Managing Director of its product research and development arm MarketQuest. More
New York-based consumer behavior research and consulting firm Envirosell has opened an office in Istanbul, Turkey, led by recently appointed telecoms specialists Melik Karabiyikoglu and Burc Tutanc. More
Digital agency XM Asia Pacific has opened a Consumer Experience Lab in Singapore. The facility will use Tobii eye-tracking technology, heuristic techniques and usability metrics to examine how Asian consumers absorb the information they see in digital ads and traditional media. More
New York-based speech and text analytics specialist Verint - which owns survey management software firm Vovici - is to acquire its holding firm Comverse Technology Inc (CTI), thus eliminating CTI's majority ownership of the company. More
Healthcare research specialist WorldOne has integrated data from online patient data specialist Treato into its own MedLIVE FastReponse market intelligence platform, promising clients access to aggregated real-time patient feedback. More
GfK has reported a 9.1% increase in sales to EUR 720.1m for the first half of 2012, most of which comes from currency effects and acquisitions. Organic growth of just 1.7% results from a healthy 4.2% rise in the Consumer Choices business combined with flat performance from Consumer Experiences. More
In the US, former MarketQuest CEO Mary Beth Lake and Chief Research Officer Paul Holtzman have joined Chicago-based full service marketing and sensory research firm Peryam & Kroll Research (P&K) as Senior Vice Presidents. More
India-based MR technology and operations company Annik has partnered with mobile home screen messaging specialist Mobile Posse, to provide access to the fifteen million consumers who have signed up to receive offers and content via the latter's pre-loaded software. More
London-based online qualitative agency nqual has hived off its DIY software solutions to sister research consultancy Netfluential, which specialises in helping clients connect and 'co-innovate' with customers. More
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced the appointment of Johns Hopkins University professor Thomas A. Louis as the new Associate Director for Research and Methodology and Chief Scientist, effective January 7, 2013. More
Brand and communications specialist Hall & Partners has promoted Caroline Dukes to Managing Partner in its London office, and Joann Schaumann to Managing Partner in New York. More
Full-service MR agency and panels and online tech specialist Toluna have agreed a deal which will give online community and panel solutions to CMI's clients worldwide. More
Following Indian broadcaster NDTV's legal action against Nielsen and Kantar Media Research over bribery claims, the Indian government has now stepped in with its own investigation. More
American public opinion pollster and author Scott Rasmussen has signed up to host a nationally syndicated TV show called 'What America Thinks', which will draw on his data on the latest political, economic, business and lifestyle issues. More
UK charitable trust The Nuffield Foundation has appointed Ministry of Justice Chief Researcher Teresa Williams as Director of Social Research and Policy. She takes up her new position on 29th October. More
US-based emotion measurement specialist Affectiva has raised $12m in Series C financing, which it plans to use to accelerate development of its Affdex facial expression analysis technology for use across all forms of online video content. More
In South Africa, marketer John Laurence and radiologist Dr Gary Sudwarts have set up a new agency called HeadSpace Neuromarketing, using EEG technology to provide biometric markers of consumer response to advertising. More
Multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak has partnered with product placement analysis firm iTVX, to help brands and programmers understand the impact on audiences when a TV show uses a brand in a story line. More
In the UK, global marketing and technology agency LBi has appointed Michele Chang-McGrath as Head of Research. Her role includes launching a series of initiatives to understand emerging digital behaviour in mobile, eCommerce and online content. More
Technology specialist ABI Research has opened a new UK-based research and forecasting facility in Wellingborough, Northants, to house its growing team of analysts and to support local clients. More
In the UK, researcher Gemma Stokes has set up an agency called Podengo, to recruit consumers for qualitative research studies. More
French ad network Havas has increased its stake in UK-based insight and communications group Creston to more than 6%, just days after buying a 5% share of the business. More
US-based TV data collection and analytics specialist FourthWall Media has opened a new division called 'MassiveData', which combines TV viewing data with data mining technologies to deliver audience analytics. More
In the US, the ongoing Apple vs. Samsung patent lawsuit is throwing some interesting light on the business style of the iPhone and iPad giant - including the fact that it's not so averse to market research as it has sometimes claimed. More
Eye tracking software solutions firm iMotions has struck a deal with emotion measurement specialist Affectiva, to integrate the latter's wireless Q Sensor into its Attention Tool platform. More
In South Africa two former employees of RI and GlobalEDGE Marketing Consultants, Andrew Johnson and Catherine Read-Fletcher, have set up a new agency, Beyond Insights. More
In Australia, Emelia Millward has left public broadcaster SBS after eight years to take on the same title - Head of Research and Insights - at Seven. More
WPP-owned brand, media and comms research specialist Millward Brown is implementing a new 'service delivery' model across its North America operations, which involves centralizing a number of back office positions, resulting in the loss of around sixty non-research staff. More
Swedish eye tracking solutions firm EyeTrackShop has partnered with Asian research agency Majestic MRSS, to distribute its services across Asia and the Middle East. More
London-based research panel and online community specialist Verve has closed a £0.75m round of funding, which it will use for product development and recruitment purposes. More
Tokyo-based online sampling and data collection firm AIP Corporation has opened an office in Singapore, where it plans to establish a local panel management and resource development team. More
Indian broadcaster NDTV is suing Nielsen and Kantar Media Research over claims that staff at the firms' joint venture TAM took bribes in exchange for overstating ratings. According to the suit, this practice has damaged NDTV's business to the tune of around $810m in the past eight years. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has reported slow revenue growth of 1% for the second quarter of the year, impacted by a poor performance from its research agency ICM. More
IAG Research founder Alan Gould has joined the Board of online sampling and technology company uSamp, along with Sean Moriaty, who is the former CEO of Ticketmaster. More
UK-based market research agency Firefish has reported a 23% increase in turnover to £7.7m for the past 12 months, and has appointed former Hall & Partners exec Majbritt Rijs as Head of Quantitative. More
Specialist face-to-face agency UK Fieldwork Services (UKFS) has changed its name to PeoplePeople UK, and opened a viewing studio called 'The People Place', at a new location in Leamington Spa, to cater for 'outside London' demand. More
Nielsen has partnered with Israeli-based venture capital fund Partam Hightech to launch a subsidiary called Nielsen Innovate, which will help develop and fund business ideas and bring them to market for its clients globally. More
Nielsen has launched an upgrade plan for its Local Audience Ratings, which includes quadrupling sample size across all local markets and doubling it in diary markets. The firm says this will provide broadcasters with 'more granular data' for both programing and ad sales. More
John Gongos, the founder and CEO of Gongos Research, died yesterday at the age of 51, after having been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma last week. More
Customer loyalty specialist Maritz has set up a Business Services division, to focus on the changes being experienced by service industries as a result of the current economic climate, technological breakthroughs, and changing consumer behaviour. More
UK research and marketing solutions firm Progressive Digital Media (PDM) has reported a12.5% increase in first half revenue in its Business Intelligence division, which includes research agencies IDC and the iD Factor. More
Ipsos has reported a 53.4% increase in first half revenues to EUR 837.0m, reflecting the integration of Synovate into its financial statements. More
Nielsen has reported a 1% fall in second quarter revenue to $1.39 billion as a result of weak foreign currency exchange rates - but on a constant currency basis, revenue was up 4%. More
Online sampling and technology company uSamp has joined NBCUniversal's Olympics Lab research initiative, to help the media network track consumers' real-time reactions and behavior during the London 2012 Games. More
In London, specialist social research division TNS BMRB has hired former NatCen director Carli Lessof as Director of Development, and former EdComs Research Director Desiree Lopez as Head of Qualitative Research. More
Yorkshire-based Swift Research has added four wet rooms to its Innervisions viewing and testing facility, through which clients can observe how consumers use and interact with personal care and hair care products. More
US-based online research community builder Communispace has opened an office in Shanghai, through a partnership with Chinese lifestyle research agency Jigsaw International. More
Las Vegas-based research firm Precision Opinion has launched a recruitment drive through which it hopes to find an additional 200 members of staff for its call center in Las Vegas. More
Canadian crowdsourcing technology firm Chaordix has secured an undisclosed amount of Series A funding, which it will use to expand its business globally and further invest in its Crowd Intelligence products. More
UK broadcasting measurement body BARB is to expand the circulation of its Web TV meter, adding another 500 homes to its core panel, currently just 100-strong. The system measures TV viewing via laptops and PCs. More
Japan-based GMO Research has appointed Sarah Jang as a Senior Business Development Director for North America, charged with setting up the company's first office in the region. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has reported second quarter revenue up 9.1% to $104.4m, with a 31.4% increase in net income to $10.0m. Separately, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has accredited its ratings service in five additional markets. More
EMI Music is to release parts of its 'EMI Million Interview Dataset' to around 150 data scientists from non-profit organisation Data Science London, who will study what EMI describes as the 'most extensive collection of data on music consumers ever shared'. More
ORC International veteran Warren Frankel has taken up the post of President of specialist data and delivery business Ipsos Observer in America, responsible for overseeing domestic teams while working closely with the rest of the Ipsos network. More
US neuroscience specialist Sands Research Inc (SRI) is relocating its headquarters from Texas to Los Angeles to be closer to its West Coast clients. It will also seek funds from the Californian investment community to fuel future growth. More
Arbitron's mobile measurement arm has joined forces with online specialist iResearch Consulting, in China, to jointly operate a syndicated mobile media research service across the country, based on an opt-in panel of around 10,000 people. More
Online sampling and data collection firm Research Now has completed its rebrand and integration of mobile research specialist iPinion, which has been renamed 'Research Now Mobile'. More
In the US, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) has partnered with Symphony Advanced Media (SAM) to test new approaches to measuring cross-platform ad effectivness, directly linking figures from passive measurement of actual ad exposure to consumer response data. More
Finnish shopper and visitor analytics specialist RapidBlue Solutions has been granted an EU-wide patent for profiling consumers based on their historical and current movements, gathered anonymously using radio frequency technologies. More
UK field agency Face Facts Research has re-located to larger premises in Leeds, where it has appointed former Quaestor field exec Julie Gaughan as Operations Manager. More
In the US, Georgetown University has established a new Institute for Consumer Research, centred around technology-focused consumers and how to market to them. More
US-based agency Food Insights has been re-named 'Research Between the Lines' (RBTL), reflecting a shift in the company towards more integrated qual/quant methodologies. More
After more than six years in its office in Charing Cross Road, London-based brand and communications research agency Hall & Partners has returned to its Soho, where it was founded more than twenty years ago. More
Argentinian full service research agency DatosClaros and mobile data collection specialist OnePoint Global have partnered to expand their mobile research capabilities across Latin America. More
Research group Cello has revealed that it has spent £600k in the last year on consolidating operations and reducing headcount in its Research and Consulting division; and is now splitting its business into two new divisions. More
Nielsen has launched an initiative called the Innovation Lab, through which it will combine its existing research with external data - from clients, industry groups and academia - to develop what it describes as 'ground-breaking ad effectiveness measurement'. More
Harris Interactive has closed its Princeton, New Jersey office, as part of an ongoing review of its leased office space needs. More
Research Panel Asia (RPA) has relocated its Los Angeles, US office to the Century City business center, which it says is nearer many of its clients. More
Austrian market research company Klufamily has gone into receivership after twenty years in business. More
Two US researchers, Adam Weinstein and Nathan Lynch, have launched a new company, Synapse Research, providing global access for B2B and B2C projects using a proprietary data collection process, Smart Sourcing. More
In Canada, multi-cultural marketing specialist Monsoon Communications has opened an MR agency called Third Eye, to deliver insights into the ethnic audience it defines as 'Zero2Five New Canadians'. The firm will be led by former TNS leader Gautam Nath. More
In the US, M3 Global Research has appointed healthcare research veteran David Deutsch as Head of Syndicated Products, while eRewards' former CMO and Chief Panel Officer Bill Russo has joined as President of Market Research. More
In the US, telephone fieldwork company Issues & Answers has acquired Eastern Research Service's (ERS) 78-seat call center in Florida, following the latter's closure earlier in the year. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. More
US-based mobile analytics service PercentMobile is to close at the end of this month, with its founders channelling their energies into a new service, Delivr.com, which will provide campaign management, analytics and other services for smartphone marketing. More
In the UK, Manchester-based sister agencies Acumen Fieldwork, Aspect Viewing Facilities and Research Opinion have hooked up to form a new umbrella organisation called Fuller Research Group, offering a complete range of recruitment, fieldwork and viewing facilities. More
Canada-based online data collection specialist itracks and rival firm Artafact have reached a 'mutually agreeable' settlement on the patent infringement lawsuit the former filed against the latter in 2008 - but have not disclosed its terms. More
US-based Mobile Posse - which provides mobile marketing, CRM and research solutions for the 'home screen' of mobile phones - has closed a $5m Series C funding round. More
In the US, Democratic pollster Alan Secrest is closing his company for financial reasons. More
Online market research specialist Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) has opened an office in Dubai, where it has appointed former Maktoob Research exec Dima Hijjawi as an Account Manager. More
Behavioural research consultancy SimpleUsability has provided UK reality TV show Big Brother with its eye tracking technology, which was used in last night's coverage as part of a challenge given to housemates. More
In the UK, media group Future Publishing has recruited former T-Mobile insights leader Simon Wainwright for the newly created role of Market Research Director, with responsibility for driving its consumer insight strategy. More
The fifty largest research firms reported a 5.1% increase in US-based aggregated revenues to $9.2 billion in 2011, according to the 39th annual report by industry authority Jack Honomichl. More
Kantar Media TGI and Nielsen have teamed up to launch a new media analysis tool in Ireland, combining Nielsen's TV data with the TGI survey of consumers' brand and product use, attitudes and media habits. More
TNS has opened its first office in Cambodia, through a partnership with local market and social research firm MSD, which has a network of locations across the country. More
US-based charity-focused panel specialist Op4G (Opinions For Good) has appointed Frank Nappo as President and CEO, and Chris Stearns as CTO; and hired former Toluna execs Frank Hayden - as COO - and Archie Ignacio, as North American VP of Client Services. More
In the UK, consumer specialist Leapfrog Research has closed its Windsor-based headquarters and moved into sister agency RS Consulting's offices in London. Parent company Cello says the move follows an agreement between the two agencies to form an 'alliance'. More
London-based research technology firm Cobalt Sky has taken a 25% stake in Discovery Group's online qual research tool The Thinking Shed, which has now been spun off into a separate limited company. More
Research group Majestic MRSS has signed a deal to become a 'certified partner' for panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical, and will offer its suite of tools and Sparq benchmarking software to clients across Asia. More
WPP shareholders have voted against a proposed 60% increase in CEO Sir Martin Sorrell's pay package. Separately, WPP says its Consumer Insight arm has been 'stable' in the first four months of 2012, with a 3.3% revenue rise adding to the group's £3.2 billion turnover. More
The Insight division of UK-based Creston has reported a 7% drop in revenue to £13.8m for the year ended 31 March 2012, compared with £14.8m in 2011. During the period, headline pre-tax profit was almost halved from a year ago at £2.1m, down from £4.1m. More
Nielsen has revised its full year 2012 revenue guidance downwards, following what it describes as 'changes to operating conditions' in its Buy consumer purchase behavior division outside the US. The company is now expecting constant current revenue growth of 5% to 6% for the full year. More
The US Congress is considering a bill to ensure federal agencies treat paid research respondents as at most independent contractors, and not as employees of research companies. More
UK-based researcher SPA Future Thinking is in 'final negotiations' to form a joint venture with French customer relationship specialist Groupe Acticall. The JV will be launched as Future Thinking France and be led by Stéphane Marder, previously Managing Director of French agency LH2. More
The UK's Optimisa Research has moved its Leeds team to new offices in the city centre, reflecting ongoing expansion. More
In the US, full service agency Delve Marketing Research has announced plans to expand its online data collection and panel capabilities and has recruited Wally Balden as Managing Director of the online division. He joins from CPG specialist InsightsNow. More
Research consultancy Kadence India has appointed former Hansa Research General Manager Maninder Khurana as Vice President - Consumer Insights. More
Magazine ratings provider GfK MRI and word-of-mouth consulting firm Keller Fay Group have combined data from their syndicated research databases to form a new product called TalkTrack/GfK MRI Data Fusion. More
Ipsos MORI has transferred Rob Myers from his role as President of Marketing in the US, to the post of Managing Director for Ipsos Marketing in the UK. He replaces Susan Malcolm who is relocating to Australia for personal reasons. More
Asia Pacific-based marketing and brand research consultancy Cimigo has promoted Winnie Yeung to the role of Managing Director in Hong Kong, responsible for overseeing strategy and business development while leading the regional team. More
Nunwood has re-launched its UK, US, Australian and New Zealand businesses with a new model which focuses on 'insight-powered customer experience management' (CEM). More
In New York, Kantar Health has partnered with online physician community provider Sermo to offer research services to life sciences companies. More
US-based kiosk firm smartDIGITAL has raised $2.7m in Series A funding, which it plans to use to expand its presence in Chicago with the launch of a new product line. The company makes interactive display units that store and analyse consumer behavioral data. More
Britain's market researchers are forecasting higher revenues for the next 12 months, according to the latest RSM 'State of the Industry' survey. More
Former ICM Group Chairman Justin Sampson has been appointed as CEO of UK television measurement body BARB, succeeding Bjarne Thelin who announced his resignation in February after nine years in the role. More
US-based Federated Sample has appointed former Greenfield Online MD Andy Ellis as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development. More
US-based data collection firm Focus Pointe Global (FPG) has received an undisclosed amount of funding, while appointing Noel Sitzmann as its new CEO, guiding future expansion. More
Researchers Dorothy and Ray Parker have set up a new marketing research and competitor intelligence company called 4insight in St Helier, Jersey, which offers what they claim to be the Channel Islands' first professional viewing studios. More
In the US, the Missouri School of Journalism has partnered with HCD Research to conduct studies combining biometric and eye tracking measures to further understanding of consumer choices. More
In the UK, leading edge research firm BrainJuicer has announced that Simon Godfrey intends to retire from the company's board of directors at the end of September this year. He will be replaced by Graham Blashill, who joins from a career with Imperial Tobacco. More
In the UK, MR veterans Hashim Emadi and Steve Elliott have launched a new company, RSVP Research, which will use a 'virtual office' setup to offer clients fast turnaround and low cost work. More
Facebook has bought out San Francisco-based user experience research and design firm Bolt Peters (BP). Survey intercept provider Ethnio will step out from under the BP wing as an independent company, while some or all the remaining BP staff will join the social media giant's own design team. More
GfK has announced two senior marketing science appointments which it says 'sharpen its focus on rigorous yet innovative analytics'. Knowledge Networks' Ellen Veccia become Chief Marketing Science Officer while Mike Conklin has rejoined from MarketTools as EVP of Marketing Science. More
GfK is integrating elements of its brand, communication, satisfaction and loyalty research into a new global practice, Brand and Customer Experience, and has appointed Helen Zeitoun to head it up. More
In the US, cable TV and Internet provider Comcast has partnered with Nielsen to test ratings measurement on portable devices such as iPads, tablets and mobile phones - currently a gap in the research giant's 3-day playback ratings offer (C3). More
UK Yellow Pages owner Yell has announced it is to rebrand as 'hibu'. Also this week, the company has reported a significant decline in revenues and the departure of Group Chief Marketing Officer Jenny Ashmore after just seven months. More
South Africa's professional research body SAMRA has appointed a new CEO, Leonie Vorster. In addition to serving as MD of Evolutions Research Solutions, she is a former SAMRA chair and council member. More
Recent formed standards and guidelines partnership The Trust Alliance has been joined by online US physician network Epocrates. More
Radio ratings provider Arbitron has expanded its operations in Kochi, India, with the opening of a new 20,000 sq ft facility. More
Valient Market Research has opened a new regional office in Williamsville, New York to support a growing client base in the Buffalo-Niagara region. More
Kees de Jong, the CEO of data collection and sampling solutions specialist SSI, has moved to the role of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. He has been replaced by Chris Fanning, who joined the firm in February as President and COO. More
In Australia, marketer Jonah Cacioppe and software engineer Mike Kruger have launched a DIY survey app called Floq, which enables users to gather feedback from web-based surveys and benchmark results against companies in similar sectors. More
US-based Qualtrics, which provides software for DIY data collection and analysis, has received a $70m investment from venture capital firms Accel Partners and Sequoia Capital. The funds will be used to expand its SaaS products 'beyond market research'. More
Swedish firm EyeTrackShop has closed a $3m funding round, which it will use to accelerate its international expansion plans. More
GfK has reported an 11.3% increase in sales to EUR 345.1m for the first three months of 2012, with organic growth of 4.9%. Adjusted operating income rose 10.2% to EUR 33.5m. The firm says its new 'Own the Future' corporate strategy has contributed to the healthy figures. More
US-based sports broadcast measurement specialist Repucom has hooked up with Grupo IBOPE and Kantar Media joint venture IBOPE Media, to launch a sports research business in Latin America, excluding Brazil. More
US-based online community provider Passenger has entered the Japanese market through a partnership with online survey and panel provider Rakuten Research, which is headquartered in Tokyo. More
Nielsen has written to inform clients it is developing a range of new audience meters and digital tracking codes, for possible deployment in or after 2004. More
In Mumbai, consumer goods giant Unilever has set up its first Indian Customer Insight and Innovation Centre to study how consumers shop for FMCG products. More
In the UK Alki Manias, a veteran of firms including GfK Roper and YouGov, has launched a new consultancy, Alkman. The firm will partner with research software provider Gamma Associates to launch a new automated reporting tool called mTABView. More
Zodiak Kids, the children's division at Zodiak Media, has created an international research department, 'The Research Lab', and promoted François Vallerian, Research Manager at Marathon Media, to lead it. More
Online research software provider Confirmit has reported a buoyant first quarter for the year with more than $15m in revenues, and strong growth in mobile solutions following its acquisition of Techneos. More
Nielsen funded client think tank the Council for Research Excellence (CRE) is to conduct a three-market study of response bias in address-based audience samples, with the aim of improving diary-based TV-audience measurement. More
In the UK, Discovery Group has promoted Alan Hathaway, who joined the firm as its first graduate trainee, to the newly created position of Managing Director of its research division. More
In Singapore, Nielsen has launched an Asian 'innovation hub' incorporating divisions for neuroscience (NeuroLAB), virtual, mobile and eye-tracking technologies (ShopperLAB) and market measurement and consumer information (MSciLAB). More
Harris Interactive CEO Al Angrisani has reiterated his confidence in the firm's turnaround program, after reporting a drop in net loss to $300k for the three months ending 31st March, from $2.3m a year earlier. However, during the period, revenue fell 8% to $34.1m from $37.0m last year. More
In the US, full service food testing company Northland Laboratories has launched a sensory insights division, to offer sensory research services to manufacturers, developers and marketers of food and beverage products. More
Canadian digital marketing agency BAM Strategy has opened its own UX (user experience) Lab in Montreal, through which it will monitor and analyze users' reactions, expressions and behaviors while visiting web sites on a computer or mobile device. More
Canadian sources are suggesting that almost half the c.5,000 people working at the country's national information office, Statistics Canada, may be at risk of redundancy. More
UK-based group Creston plc has issued a trading update for the year ended 31 March 2012. Like-for-like revenue increase is only 'marginal', although the reported figure is up 11% to £75m and the group says it has completed its programme of reducing operating costs. More
WPP has reported first quarter revenues up 7.4% at constant currencies, to £2.39 bn. Organic revenue growth was 4.0%. However the consumer insight division once again lagged behind with revenues up 3.3% on a constant currency basis, or 1.3% excluding acquisitions. More
In the UK, behavioural research and usability consultancy SimpleUsability has announced the addition of a new laboratory and observation room to its Leeds office, and the appointment of Steven Lilley as Head of Technology. More
Las Vegas-based Precision Opinion has announced the addition of a hundred new CATI stations - its fourth expansion in four years. More
In the UK, market intelligence consultancy PFA Research has relocated within Cornwall from its original offices in Bodmin to the Tremough Innovation Centre (TIC) in Penryn. The company cites advances in technology which allow a more decentralized business model. More
Ipsos has reported a 46% increase in first quarter revenues to EUR 379.9m, reflecting the addition of Synovate's business. However, it admits the need to integrate the two businesses has slowed expansion: volume of sales was down slightly on Q1 2011, and organic growth of just 2% is expected this year. More
National Research Group (NRG) co-founder Catherine Paura has set up a new firm called Capstone Global Marketing and Research Group, with the aim of 'interpreting the tastes and behaviors of the 21st century entertainment consumer'. She is joined by her sister Angela, former NRG COO, in the new venture. More
In Belgium, the Centre for Information on the Media (CIM) has awarded Kantar Media-owned TNS its new National Internet Measurement contract, with traffic from mobile devices and online TV viewing figures included for the first time. More
Nielsen has reported a 3% rise in revenue to $1.3 billion for the first quarter ended March 31. Growth was fairly even in its Buy consumer purchase behavior segment (up 2.7% to $800m)and its Watch media research division (up 2.6% to $480m). More
Web-based consumer researcher BuzzBack has partnered with Swedish eye tracking solutions firm MRC international, to offer new ways for marketers to evaluate their packaging and communications. More
US-based data collection firm Schlesinger Associates has appointed Ipsos ASI's former Global President Anne Hedde as Managing Director of its online data collection arm, Schlesinger Interactive. More
Steve Henke, the President of online qual specialist 20|20 Research, has resigned to set up a consulting firm called Harpeth Marketing, which will help MR companies to market themselves effectively. More
North of England MR agency DJS Research has reported a 26% increase in turnover to £1.9m for the year 2011, compared with £1.5m in the previous year. The company is also moving to larger offices at the end of April, to accommodate its short and long-term growth plans. More
In the UK, book publisher Harper Collins has appointed the BBC's Head of Digital Insight Rufus Weston as Customer Insight Director. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 5.5% increase in revenue to $106.4m for the first quarter. Operating income rose 7.4%, to $31.2m, and net income 9.6% to $17.8m. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron has introduced a mobile measurement service called the Arbitron Mobile Trends Panel, with a meter using proprietary software to examine how consumers use their phones to surf the web, engage with social media and act on mobile advertising. More
India's Hansa Research has partnered with Ipsos to make a joint bid for the new Indian Readership Survey (IRS) contract, which will start in 2013. More
DIY research firm SurveyMonkey has opened a new operation in Brazil, where it has appointed Monster's former Director of Sales Rodolfo Ohl as Country Manager. More
Martin Filz has been appointed as Managing Director for the EMEA Region at panel and research software company GMI, recently acquired by Lightspeed Research. He was previously MD for EMEA and APAC at Research Now. More
Access panel provider Cint has announced partnerships with Chinese panel Tudou, and News Corporation subsidiary STAR TV of India. The new panels will be available on Cint's OpinionHUB and the alliances are in collaboration with Swedish online tracking specialist Nepa. More
In New York, global media agency McCann has appointed Lynn Teo to the new position of Chief Experience Officer (CXO), to build the firm's first Experience Design department. More
Publicis Groupe company VivaKi has named Kurt Unkel as President of its digital media and marketing solutions division Nerve Center, replacing the departing Curt Hecht. More
UK television broadcaster ITV has commissioned custom panels specialist EasyInsites to expand its 'Viewback' panel to cover all its daytime shows, including Daybreak, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. More
Richard Surratt, the Chief Financial Officer of radio ratings giant Arbitron, is leaving the company for 'personal reasons' after just 14 months in the post. When he leaves on May 11, Surratt's duties will be assumed by COO Sean Creamer until a replacement is found. More
In Canada, research firm Hotspex has partnered with strategy specialist LEVEL5 to design BrandMap, an online tool that quantifies and links the emotional and rational drivers of brand usage. More
Asia Pacific-based marketing and brand research consultancy Cimigo has opened new offices in Jakarta and Singapore, to enhance local support for its clients. More
IBOPE Zogby (formerly Zogby International) has been re-named IBOPE Inteligência, a name which the firm says better reflects its parent company IBOPE Group's geographic reach in the Americas and globally. More
Dr Robert Groves, the 23rd Director of the US Census Bureau, has resigned his position in order to take up the position of Provost of Georgetown University in late August. More
Following the acquisition of Synovate, Frank Guo has been promoted to the position of Director, Healthcare China for Ipsos Healthcare, in charge of the division's business across the country. More
In the UK, broadcaster Channel 4 has appointed former Red Bee Media exec Clare Phillips for the new role of Head of Audience Research and Insight, leading a team which provides support to the programming, marketing and strategy teams. More
Ipsos has expanded in the Middle East through a joint venture with family-owned business group Darwish Holding, which is headquartered in Qatar. The new Doha-based initiative is led by Ipsos Qatar Managing Director Elie Nawar. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has appointed former Synovate North America CEO Scott Miller as President and COO of International Business. More
New Jersey-based Bowker, which provides information for the publishing industry, has merged its US-based PubTrack Consumer and UK-based Book Marketing Limited (BML) under a new global brand, named Bowker Market Research. More
In London, Creston Group company ICM has finalised a series of senior appointments and a major re-organization with the promotion of Operations Director Neil Sykes to the Board and the appointment of David Reeves as Production Director. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron has reached a $7m legal settlement with a shareholder, regarding claims that the company misled investors about the rollout of its Portable People Meter service (PPM). More
Harris Interactive has been told it can continue trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange, after achieving the necessary share price of $1+ for more than ten consecutive days. More
Consumer specialist The NPD Group has appointed Mike Leahy President in Canada, overseeing all aspects of its technology, home, fashion, food and custom market research business in the country. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has opened an office in Hong Kong, which will form its Asian headquarters. The new office - the firm's eleventh in all worldwide - will be led by Bruce Wells, who joined earlier in the month from Synovate. More
Recently established online physician research body The Trust Alliance has produced guidelines for post-field reporting by healthcare data collection firms. More
In the US, MR technology and operations company Annik has promoted former Greenfield Online CEO Rudy Nadilo to the position of Senior Partner, in charge of its Global Research Practice. John Bird is also promoted to the role of Partner in the practice. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron has agreed to pay $400k to settle a lawsuit in California in which it was alleged to have under represented black and Hispanic listeners in California, Los Angeles and San Francisco. More
Chip maker Intel has invested $21m in technology firm Tobii, to help the company move its eye tracking and gaze interaction solutions to 'mass-market' applications such as mainstream computers, cars, games and other consumer products. More
European MR industry body efamro has elected TNS-Gallup EVP Andrew Cannon as the new President of its Executive Board, for the period 2012 to 2015. More
London-based insight consultancy Truth has celebrated its fifth birthday with annual revenues of £9m, up 25% from the previous year. More
UK field agency Face Facts Research has reported a 370% increase in sales for the past six months, compared with the six months following its launch in September 2010. As a result, the firm has hired new staff for its project management, telephone operations and marketing teams. More
US-based research and consulting firm The Pert Group has promoted Doug Guion to the position of President, responsible for the firm's day-to-day operations. He takes on these duties from CEO Dale Lersch, who will continue in her current role with a specific focus on international development. More
In the US, Hispanic telephone fieldwork company Eastern Research Services (ERS) has been closed down by parent firm Hispania Capital Partners (HCP), leaving an undisclosed number of staff out of work. More
In New York, Ipsos MediaCT and biometric measurement specialist Innerscope Research have designed a new methodology, emoTV, which measures both the conscious and unconscious responses of audiences to TV shows. More
In the UK, TNS has promoted Joseph Webb - who joined the company as a graduate trainee as recently as 2007 - to the position of Head of Digital. More
Online healthcare data collection firm WorldOne has expanded its network in Asia with the opening of a new office in Shanghai, China, adding to its existing presence in Hong Kong and Tokyo. More
The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong (HK4As) has awarded Nielsen a five-year Television Audience Measurement (TAM) contract for the period 2013 to 2017, incorporating measurement across multiple platforms. More
Online specialist BrainJuicer has reported results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2011, confirming 27% revenue growth to £20.71m and profit after tax up 25% to £1.85m. More
Online sampling and panel exchange firm Cint has announced a new partnership with UK online parenting community Netmums Ltd, giving its clients access to an 'unrivalled' number of individuals in the 'Mothers of Babies' category in the UK. More
In the US, client side research veteran Steve Babcock has turned provider with the launch of INSIGHTS Market Research, a full service firm with an emphasis on helping clients to succeed through innovation. More
Entertainment giant Twentieth Century Fox has boosted its marketing and research team with the appointments of former Warner Bros and CBS Films exec Debbie Miller, and former MarketCast MD Kevin Yoder. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has appointed former Synovate exec Bruce Wells as Managing Director and President of its operations in Asia, based in Hong Kong. More
WPP's GroupM is working with Nielsen to develop a new cross-platform measurement service, integrating media planning and measurement across television and the Internet. More
Ipsos has announced the appointment of Synovate veteran Jenny Broughton as a Global Talent Management Partner, and separately has given more details of the structure of its new InnoQuest Practice. More
Location analytics firm Placed, Inc., formerly known as Sewichi, has completed a $3.4m Series A round of funding, and announced beta availability for its forthcoming 'Placed for Developers' solution. It has also recruited Andrea Eatherly as Director of Marketing and Operations. More
In the US, Audience Insights founder Kevin O'Neill and creative veteran Christopher Korody have announced the formation of a new partnership, Audience Metrix LLC, dedicated to measuring and analysing marketers' ROI from customer events. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has announced that former GfK NOP Head Phyllis Macfarlane will become its new Chairman in April, following the completion of Vanella Jackson's two-year term. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical has announced revenue growth of 17% to $CAN 72m in 2011. More
UK firm Progressive Digital Media (PDM) has reported 'disappointing' 2011 results in its B2C division, revenues falling to £6.2m from £8.5m and contribution from £2.3m to £1.4m. However, the group said research agencies The iD Factor and ICD Research, which sit within the division, stood up well. More
A suit filed in the US by Tom Robinson and Marianne Grogan, the founders of recently closed media measurement specialist Affinity, claims GfK Mediamark Research & Intelligence (GfK MRI) stole trade secrets while in the midst of acquisition talks, and proceeded to drive their firm out of business. More
For the year 2011, UK-based research group Cello has reported 'continuing strong performance' with revenue up 7.2% to £133m and a 6.6% increase in gross profit to £64.3m, driven by its Research and Consulting division. More
In the US, research software and services firm MarketTools has partnered with new product forecasting specialist Top Box Associates, to provide a 'one-stop approach' to forecasting for new product launches, line extensions and re-launched products. More
Ipsos, continuing its integration of Synovate, has reorganised its largest global business line, Ipsos Marketing - which accounted for nearly half the group's revenues in 2011 - forming four distinct practices. More
In the UK, user experience (UX) design specialist Foolproof has appointed Leslie Fountain to the post of Managing Director. Fountain has served as Experience Design Director with the company since last year. More
London-based OpinionPanel - which specialises in the youth, student and young professionals sectors - has been re-named YouthSight, which it says reflects a broadening of its range of services from its original student panel focus. More
UK-based mobile data collection specialist OnePoint Global has appointed former Synovate Global CEO Robert Philpott as Global Managing Director, based in the US with a remit to position the company for 'aggressive growth and scale'. More
UK-based group Chime PLC has partnered with two current leaders of its Insight and Engagement Division (CIE), Chairman Nick Lamb and CEO Crispin Beale, and its former Group Operations Director Mark Squires to launch a new digital MR agency, Watermelon Research. More
Kantar Media has expanded its Global Target Group Index (TGI) network of syndicated marketing and media studies through the addition of TNS Media Belgium's Brand Media Monitor (BMM) study. More
UK Group Chime Communications has reported a 17% revenue hike for its Insight and Engagement division (CIE), to £12.1m for the year 2011. Operating income rose 8% to £7.9m. More
US-based online survey and analysis tool provider SurveyGizmo has partnered with customer experience analytics specialist ClickTale to add survey heatmaps, mouse tracking and respondent recordings to its solutions. More
Nielsen and its partners TV ad sales firm Atmedia and cable operator UPC Polska have been awarded a contract to launch what is described as the largest TV audience measurement panel in Poland. More
Manchester, UK-based B2B International is gearing up for the April launch of a new consumer-focused agency called 'deep see', which aims to 'get to the bottom of what customers really think'. More
Cara Longo, VP of Operations at MR outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions, has died after a two-year battle with cancer. She died on Monday 6 February at her home in Fairport, NY, surrounded by members of her family. More
In the UK, Dipsticks Research's data collection arm Field and Fab has expanded its in-house CATI unit from 20 to 50 seats, in response to what it describes as increasing demand from its national and international client base. More
Ad and brand research specialist Hall & Partners has appointed former Synovate leader Andy Waller as Global Chief Operating Officer. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has reported full-year 2011 revenue up 6.8% to $422.3m, and operating income up 29.6% to $85.1m. For the quarter, ended December 31, revenue was up 7.6% to $120.1m and operating income up 8.8% to $20.7m. More
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has fallen foul of Nielsen after tweeting a request to its panelists on Sunday, urging them to watch her cable network OWN instead of the televised Grammy awards. More
US media network NBCUniversal (NBCU) has partnered with Google and comScore to explore new ways to measure single source consumption of video content on TV, PCs and mobiles / tablets during the 2012 London Olympics. More
WPP agencies tenthavenue and GroupM have linked up in China to acquire full service mobile marketing agency Wisereach, and launch a new company, MJoule, providing a 'holistic view' of mobile consumer behavior. More
According to reports in the press, the BBC's Director of Marketing & Audiences Helen Normoyle is leaving the broadcaster in May, to become Chief Marketing Officer at furniture retailer DFS. More
Nielsen Media Australia MD Peter Cornelius has left the company, following a restructure which has resulted in the firm integrating its Watch (media) and Buy (consumer purchase behavior) divisions under the leadership of former MD, Pacific, Chris Percy. More
Arbitron's Julian Davis is retiring, after twenty-two years in various roles including Director of Urban Radio and Director of Urban Media Services. More
The co-founder and President of Asian agency Majestic MRSS Raj Sharma has partnered with former Nielsen MD Sarang Panchal to launch a new full service agency called MRSS India. More
Multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak has reported a 20% revenue increase to $9.9m for its Advanced Media and Information (AMI) division during the quarter ended December 31 - but due to continued decline in its Home Entertainment wing lost $1.9m overall in the period. More
In the US, Greenfield Online veterans Hugh Davis and Keith Price have officially launched reInvention, a global sampling and data collection services firm founded last summer and promising 'a more human-to-human' approach to sample acquisition. A London office is planned soon. More
Nielsen has reported good growth and profit with full year 2011 revenues up 8% (6% at constant currencies) to $5.53bn and adjusted EBITDA up 10% (8%) to $1.546 bn. More
Retail and mall foot-traffic counting specialist ShopperTrak Corporation has boosted its planned expansion in Europe with the appointment of a European CEO. Former company COO Todd Starcevich moves from the Chicago headquarters. More
Ad and brand research specialist Hall & Partners has appointed Kevin Ford as Global Head of Research Solutions, based in London and reporting to Global CEO Vanella Jackson. More
Troubled agency Harris Interactive has announced second quarter results, with net income rising to $1.6m from $0.3m in the prior year period; but revenues falling 13% to $39.1m from $44.9m. More
In the US, retail performance consultancy Claris Solutions has joined forces with data analytics start-up Euclid Elements, to offer a solution that uses mobile sensors to map shopper traffic patterns in retail spaces. More
North of England-based Dipsticks Research has opened two new divisions - travel and tourism specialist 'explore research', and bespoke consumer solutions unit 'fmcg insights'; and appointed Katie Bryan-Brown and John Vincent to lead them. More
The Dutch radio association NLO (Nationaal LuisterOnderzoek) has extended Intomart GfK's contract for national radio audience measurement for another four years. More
Following its acquisition of Synovate, Ipsos has appointed a new management team in Poland, led by Kurt Thompson, Synovate's former CEO for Central/Eastern Europe & the Middle East. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council has withdrawn accreditation for Arbitron's monthly PPM-based AQH radio ratings data in five markets. The reverse means Arbitron now has just nine local markets accredited out of a total of 48. More
Manchester, UK-based B2B International is to open an office in Chicago, adding to its New York business opened in 2008 and helping the business research specialist service clients in the mid-west and beyond. More
GfK has announced revenue up 6.2% to EUR 1.374 billion in 2011, in preliminary figures released today. Almost all (5.8%) was organic growth. Operating income grew relatively little due to specific items including write-downs and recruitment of a new CEO. More
Crowdsourced market intelligence specialists Chaordix and crowdsourcing platform providers Genius Crowds have today announced the launch of a new service which allows consumers, product experts and marketers to collaborate on new product ideas. More
Belgian agency InSites Consulting has announced revenue growth of around 28% to more than 16 million Euros; office openings in Timisoara, Romania and in New York; expansion to 120 employees; and a number of senior appointments. More
In separate developments today, two companies - digital advertising firm CPX Interactive and device identification tech specialists BlueCava - have announced new tools for circumnavigating the Euro Cookie Directive, to be enforced from May 25th this year. More
Millward Brown has partnered with emotional measurement company Affectiva to offer clients deeper insight into the emotional impact of their TV advertising. Affectiva's facial expression analysis technology Affdex will be integrated with MB's LINK copy testing and optimization solution. More
Japanese research and online panel provider GMO Research/JMI has today announced the opening of its first UK office, and the appointment of veteran researcher Jonathan Sheldrake as European Sales Director. More
Creston has reported 'good' third quarter revenue growth in its Insight division, following the addition of new clients in the first half of the year. However, the Board says it anticipates a decline in Q4 and will make changes to reduce operating costs accordingly. More
US firms HealthLink Dimensions and Billian's HealthDATA have formed a strategic alliance, which will combine the former's hospital-affiliated physician information with the latter's data on the inpatient, outpatient and long-term-care markets. More
In Germany, Bernd Wachter has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of qual specialist The Psyma Group, succeeding Fargel Matthias who is retiring after ten years in the role. More
Media and entertainment giant Time Warner has opened a media lab in New York, aiming to provide a 360 degree view of consumer behavior. The Lab features biometric monitoring and eye tracking, a 50-seat screening room, in-home living room simulation, and a live broadcast capability. More
British polling and research specialist ComRes has hired former KRC director Pru Shelton to manage its quant research team. The firm has also made two senior promotions and is increasing the size of its London-based office to accommodate its plans for growth over the next few years. More
Retail analysis giant SymphonyIRI has partnered with UK independent grocery comparison web site mySupermarket, to provide what the firms describe as 'the first' multi-channel view of shoppers' behaviour in the UK - both online and in-store. More
WPP-owned international communications consultancy Hill+Knowlton Strategies has launched a new unit called Research+Data Insights (R+D Insights), offering both data analytics and primary research. More
US consumer privacy organization TRUSTe has secured a $15m Series C financing round, earmarked for expansion of its product suite, which helps companies handle customer data from online ads, cloud services, mobile apps and web sites. More
German research software firm Globalpark has promoted its MD Frank Michael to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing founder Lorenz Gräf who has stepped down following the acquisition by survey software firm QuestBack. More
UK supermarket Sainsbury's has finally filled the vacant role of Marketing Director, appointing Heineken's UK Marketing Director and former Innovation Director Sarah Warby. More
In the US, online sampling and data collection company Research Now has made changes to its senior team with three promotions: Craig Stevens to CRO for the Americas; Martin Filz to MD for EMEA and APAC; and Konstanze Just to SVP of Global Marketing. More
In an interim trading statement, research group Cello has announced a 'solid' full year performance for 2011 and says its growing focus on the resilient pharmaceuticals sector is 'paying off'. More
US-based software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies has announced 2011 organic revenue growth of more than thirty percent, along with the relocation both its Austin, Texas headquarters and its European HQ in London. More
WPP-owned healthcare panel and data collection agency All Global has appointed Hilary Fischer as Chief Operating Officer, US, and Kerry Haynes as Director of Operations, Europe. More
In the US, former NielsenConnect President Jon Mandel has joined TV ad targeting and measurement firm PrecisionDemand as its new CEO, replacing Tyson Roberts who assumes the role of Chief Revenue Officer. More
International online specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 26% increase in full year revenue to £20m, for the 12 months ended 31 December 2011. In a trading update, the firm says this increase was primarily fuelled by continued growth in the US. More
Cint has re-branded its product names to reflect its twin focus on sample access and panel management solutions - and also has a new logo. Separately, the firm has appointed former SSI exec Anita Haddu as Director of Panel Development, Europe. More
US healthcare consultancy Quintiles has launched a business process outsourcing (BPO) and project management center in Dalain in the northeast of China, with a multilingual workforce to serve clients in the Japanese, Chinese and South Korean biopharmaceutical markets. More
Multimedia entertainment group Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has promoted Christian Kurz to the post of Vice President of Research, Insights & Reporting, expanding his current management of Nickelodeon's international research to cover all VIMN brands. More
UK-based custom panel solutions specialist EasyInsites has reported a 37% increase in annual revenue to £750,000 for 2011. The firm has also moved into new office space and doubled the size of its team with the appointment of four new members of staff. More
In the UK, full service consultancy FreshMinds Research has expanded its senior management team with the appointment of Rosaleen Goldrick as head of its Consumer Goods and Gaming team, and Ross Antrobus as head of the Retail and Automotive team. More
Online sampling and data collection specialist Research Now has opened a new office in Rotterdam, where it has appointed former Sample Answers exec Kerem Köksal as Client Development Manager, Benelux, responsible for driving growth in the region. More
US-based word-of-mouth specialist Bazaarvoice has relocated Chief Client Officer Mark Riggs to London, where he has taken up the post of General Manager for Europe, tasked with raising the profile of the company's solutions across the continent. More
In the UK, former JRA Research Associate Director Stuart Green has launched a new consultancy, fresh research. The company will specialize in integrated qual-quant projects. More
UK-based Research Runner - the MR support agency set up by former Opinion Health sales specialist Julian Haste - is expanding to new premises today, after just a year in business. More
In the US, online survey and analysis tool provider SurveyGizmo has reported a 54% increase in revenues to $5.2m in 2011. More
UK-based market research agency Firefish is planning to expand to Amsterdam next month, with the opening of its first international office headed by former Synovate Qual Insights Director Kees Van Duyn. More
US-based video research solutions provider Qualvu has closed a $1.85m Series B round of funding, which it plans to use to support and expand its European client base, as well as its global operations and processes. More
US-based firm InCrowd - which offers market research to the life sciences sector - has secured an undisclosed amount of Series A seed funding, which it will use to expand its real-time research platform for the healthcare sector. More
Database101 - the firm set up by sacked Infogroup founder Vinod Gupta in 2010 - has opened ResearchUSA, a business dedicated to managing its parent's proprietary business database. As part of the launch, the firm plans to hire 60 researchers for its new call center. More
Hong Kong-based Radar Global has extended its reach into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with the launch of an Arabic language division. The firm is also planning to launch a Spanish language operation in the middle of the year. More
Consumer and sensory specialist MMR Research is expanding into Asia, with the opening of an office in Singapore, where it has appointed former TNS sector CEO Clive Little to lead the operation; and a Sensory Science Centre in Shanghai. More
Online healthcare data collection firm WorldOne has partnered with Physicians Interactive (PI) to provide clients with access to what it describes as the 'largest' panel of physicians in the US. More
European industry body efamro has appointed former Millward Brown CEO Jan Oostveen as Director General, replacing Lex Olivier who stepped down in 2011 after six years in the role. More
DIY research tech firm SurveyMonkey is selling stock to the value of $65m, according to a filing lodged with the SEC yesterday. More
Ipsos has launched its first online panel for the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia. The move coincides with the opening of Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) MENA, lead by Director Nader Kobeissi, in the region. More
Every month Daily Research News publishes over 150 stories from the market research industry and 2011's grand total of items was 1,886. So which of them grabbed you? Features Editor Teresa Lynch looks at the most read stories. More
In Chicago, web based 3-D virtual store research specialist InContext Solutions has received $1.5m in venture capital investment from a consortium co-led by newly launched Hyde Park Venture Partners (HPVP) and Hyde Park Angels, and including graphics and computing company AMD. More
US-based CETRA Language Solutions - which specialises in providing translation and interpretation services to the market research sector - has opened a new European Service Centre in Limerick, Ireland with plans to hire a staff of 20 linguists. More
Healthcare market research solutions provider Medimix Europe has moved its London operation to new offices in the City, close to St Paul's Cathedral and the Museum of London. More
UK privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch has called for foot traffic monitoring firm Path Intelligence to give consumers the chance to opt out of its system, which tracks their mobile phone signals as they move around shopping centres. More
In the US, insurance and investment management business Lincoln Financial Group has set up a new Consumer Insights division, with a team of six qual and quant researchers headed by Emily Pachuta. More
Market research sample providers Epocrates and M3 Inc have partnered to create what they describe as 'the world's largest physician and healthcare provider panel' comprising 1.7 million panellists. Separately, M3 owned network Doctors.net.uk has promoted Dr Tim Ringrose to the post of CEO. More
In the US, research veterans Sanjay Vrudhula, Lyle Durbin and Tod Higginbotham have set up a new firm, Reconnaissance Market Research (ReconMR), targeting Texas-based companies with $1 billion or more in revenue. More
UK-based market research recruitment specialist Hasson Associates has continued its expansion with the appointment of former Major Players insight team leader Joel Naftal as Senior Associate. More
Social statistician and NatCen co-founder Professor Sir Roger Jowell died on Christmas Day after a heart attack, at the age of 69. More
The team at MrWeb would like to wish all our readers and friends around the world a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. More
CIM, the Belgian Joint Industry Committee responsible for the country's audience measurement, has awarded Nielsen a four-year contract to supply its 'TV Events' measurement system, from 1 January 2013. More
In the US, Nielsen and comScore have settled patent infringement lawsuits relating to both firms' online measurement copyrights, and as part of the deal, Nielsen has acquired $19m of comScore common stock. More
Reports in the Turkish press claim that the country's Television Audience Research Committee (TÃAK) has severed its agreement with AGB Nielsen, following claims that staff at the firm leaked a list of panel members to TV producers who then bribed them in order to manipulate TV ratings. More
Paul Walton, the co-founder and CEO of Cello-owned brand development consultancy The Value Engineers (TVE), is to retire at the end of the year. More
Harris Interactive is to request a hearing to avoid delisting from the Nasdaq Stock Market, after its shares failed to repass the market's $1 threshold in 180 days since its last warning. More
In the US, EmSense's Chief Analytics Officer Elissa Moses has left the company to join Ipsos as EVP for Neuroscience and Emotion. She starts her new job on January 3rd. More
Dr Alex Gofman, VP and CTO of US brand research and consulting firm Moskowitz Jacobs, has died at the age of 54, after a long battle with cancer. More
TNS Global Chairman Jamie Hall is to retire next week, after nearly 30 years in the market research industry. More
Waltham, Massachusetts-based engagement marketing specialist Constant Contact has opened an office in London through which it will provide UK support for its suite of e-mail, social media and event marketing tools, and its online survey solutions. More
Canada's professional association the MRIA is looking into a number of complaints about the conduct of Campaign Research Inc., a Conservative pollster accused of carrying out biased and misleading surveys regarding voting intentions. More
In the US, Nielsen has announced the appointment of Rick Kash as Vice Chair and Mitchell Habib as Chief Operating Officer. Both appointments are effective from January 1st 2012. More
In the US, data and analytics company InsightExpress has followed up last week's deal with SymphonyIRI by announcing a partnership with Kantar Shopcom, further expanding its Ignite CPG product. More
Emirates firm SWAT Research Field Force is opening a branch in Abu Dhabi, and has appointed Ghassan Ayan as General Manager for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Northern Emirates. More
Italy's competition watchdog the Antitrust Authority has fined TV ratings agency Auditel EUR 1.8 million ($2.3m) for abusing its 'monopoly position' and using 'anticompetitive' practices, following a complaint made by Rupert Murdoch-owned broadcaster Sky Italia. More
Ipsos has set up a new operation in Pakistan, led by former MEMRB Country Head Abdul Sattar Babar, who is supported by a team of 30 full-time marketing and media researchers based in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. More
In the UK, TNS has appointed Rebecca Wynberg as CEO of its qualitative business. She returns to Kantar to take up her new role in January. More
SPA Future Thinking's Research & Innovations Director Chris Handford has left to set up a digital research consultancy called Resound Digital. More
Marcoms giant WPP has increased its stake in Chime Communications to 17.17%, with the acquisition of around 13.9m shares at £0.25 each, or nearly £3.5m. More
In the US, digital specialist Specific Media has partnered with ad performance specialist Nielsen Catalina Solutions to launch 'Shopper Access', a service which combines off-line purchase behavior with online ad data to provide insights into how advertising influences consumer purchases. More
Panel and research technology provider Toluna has named Harris Interactive veteran Jim Fredrickson as Group Chief Operations Officer. More
Jeremy Philips has resigned as CEO of the Photon Group, the parent company of insight firms The Leading Edge and Jigsaw Research. Philips was brought in to save the debt-laden group 18 months ago, and 'though challenges remain, leaves with a sense of 'mission accomplished'. More
In Switzerland, joint industry committee Mediapulse has awarded Kantar Media the country's Television Audience Measurement contract for a period of six years, starting in 2013. More
Nielsen has postponed the launch of its radio ratings service in Tasmania, Australia - reportedly less than 24 hours before results were due - citing problems with sample. More
In the UK, field and tab specialist Facts International has partnered with survey software and services provider SNAP, to offer clients an instant and 'unique' update service on tablets and smartphones. More
Healthcare panel and data collection agency All Global has partnered with patient community host Inspire.com, to provide its clients with access to 'difficult to reach patients' across a number of therapeutic areas. More
Swedish market research technology provider Dapresy is expanding its team across Europe, after winning a global partnership agreement to supply GfK with its Dapresy Pro online dashboard and reporting solution. More
GfK has won a series of contracts to provide countrywide audience measurement across Romania, the Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. More
WPP Chief Exec Sir Martin Sorrrell has told the UK government that its proposed tax reforms do not go far enough to lure his business back from Ireland to its original UK headquarters. More
Ipsos has announced its new senior leadership line-up for the UK, following the Synovate acquisition. Former Synovate senior execs Dave Hannay, Hilary Worton, Paul Stamper, Deborah McCrudden and Yusuf Ramadan are all included in CEO Ben Page's team. More
Following its acquisition of Synovate, Ipsos has promoted Grant Bertoli to the position of CEO for South East Asia (SEA), and confirmed the appointment of Synovate's Singapore MD Miranda Cheung as MD of Ipsos in Singapore and SEA. Senior European and US roles have also been finalised. More
IBM veteran Matthias Hartmann has officially taken up the post of Chief Executive Officer of GfK, replacing Professor Dr. Klaus L. Wübbenhorst who has stepped down. More
Robin Shuker, one of the founders of UK-based online qual research tools provider ChatCloud has resigned as MD to 'pursue other interests', just a year after co-founding the company. More
In Canada, In-Touch Insight Systems has reported a 63% increase in revenue to $2.76m in the third quarter, up from $1.69m a year previously. More
In the Netherlands, a consortium of outdoor specialists made up of advertisers and media agencies has rolled out a system which calculates the number of people who actually look at outdoor adverts, as opposed to measuring all those who walk past them. More
GfK has announced a global partnership with online and mobile research software provider Revelation, to power and roll out an online qual research solution it calls GfK SocioLog.dx. More
In London, Kantar has announced a deal with app software firm Lumi Mobile, whose mobile phone-based consumer insight technology it will help to commercialise. Kantar also takes a minority equity stake in the business. More
In the UK, full service consultancy FreshMinds Research has expanded in London with ten new staff appointments. More
Six former employees of Harris Interactive in Hong Kong have set up Anovation Asia, a new full service agency which is majority owned by data specialist Anovation. More
US-based mobile phone intelligence firm Carrier IQ has withdrawn its threat of legal action against security researcher Trevor Eckhart, who claimed last week that the firm's software logs actions taking place on a phone without users' intervention or control. More
North of England-based online research supplier Panelbase has officially opened its new office in London, where it has appointed former Lightspeed Research exec Andrew Pringle as Client Development Manager. More
Synovate Retail Performance (SRP) has partnered with Norwegian shopper tracking specialist Track & Trace, to provide retailers and brand owners with a behavioural solution for monitoring customer experience and satisfaction. More
In the US, Ipsos Loyalty has partnered with research software specialist Survey Analytics, to offer clients mobile panel capabilities. More
In the UK, full service agency SPA Future Thinking has made five top level appointments, including Kimberley-Clark's Shelley Watson as Research Director, plus heads of business development, field operations, HR and finance. More
Online healthcare fieldwork firms All Global, M3 USA and Medefield have partnered to launch 'The Trust Alliance', which will promote trust in online physician research through advanced industry standards and the development of best practices. More
In New York, trade organization the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau (CAB) has partnered with BigInsight parent firm Prosper Business Development, to launch a new resource to provide advertisers and publishers with insights on African-American consumers. More
Vin Gupta's Database LLC has filed its expected countersuit against his former company Infogroup, alleging sabotage, interference and promotion of 'false rumors' by a company it says is 'not competitive in the marketplace'. More
In the US, out-of-home media buying giant Kinetic - a part of WPP - has announced it will no longer deal with suppliers who don't subscribe to the industry's 'Eyes On' measurement system. More
In the Netherlands, the JIC STIR joint industry body has awarded comScore and Intomart GfK a three-year contract to provide the country's Internet audience measurement currency. The first results are expected in 2012 and the deal runs to 2014. More
London-based insight agency Matt & John has been re-named - or renumbered - 7bn, reflecting the recently passed global population milestone. More
Millward Brown has opened a new office in Munich, Germany, adding to its existing presence in Frankfurt and Hamburg. More
US media and entertainment company NBCUniversal has appointed former Nielsen exec Jonathan Gibs for the new position of Head of Digital Research, within its Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media division (E&DN/IM). More
Synovate CEO Robert Philpott has left his job as part of a management restructure, following Ipsos' recent acquisition of the firm. It is not yet known what his next career move will be. More
In Poland, opinion and social research specialist TNS OBOP is to merge with ad hoc research provider TNS Pentor in early 2012. More
GfK has reported a good performance for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011. Q3 organic sales growth was 5.2% and the adjusted margin was up slightly on Q3 the previous year to 15.7%. Sales in the first 9 months of the year totalled EUR 999m - up 7.1% (7.0% organic). More
TNS has announced that Maureen Duffy, until this month CEO of the Newspaper Marketing Agency, will take over from Andrew Czarnowski as UK CEO from January next year. More
Sensory and consumer specialist product perceptions has announced a partnership with qual brand developer Deep Blue Research, promising clients richer concept insights and FMCG brand development. More
Eyetracking technology firm Tobii has launched a plug-in which combines eye-gaze data with the metrics measured by TechSmith's Morae usability testing platform, to provide psychological analysis of user behavior during usability testing. More
Panel and research technology specialist Vision Critical and its Russian Partner CreaMetrix have signed a deal to create what the firms describe as the country's first community panel. More
GfK Healthcare is rolling out its syndicated TCD physician studies, until now focused on the US and Europe, to Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). The studies will offer local market treatment perspectives across cardiovascular, psychiatry, respiratory and rheumatology/pain specialisms. More
In the US, Interpublic's media innovation arm IPG Mediabrands has opened an 'immersion and exploration center', where clients and IPG staff can collaborate on technology-enabled marketing programs and data systems. More
GfK Custom Research North America has appointed former GfK Brazil researcher Rogerio Monteiro as Managing Director of its Business & Technology division, based in New York. More
In the US, Federated Sample has raised $2.8m in Series A funding, which will be used to accelerate the roll out of features in its sample management platform, Fulcrum. The investment will also be used to hire new sales, service and technology staff. More
In the UK, marcoms group Chime Communications has reported continuing recovery in its Research & Engagement division, which includes Opinion Leader Research, Facts International, acefieldwork, CaucusWorld, Naked Eye, Brand Democracy and Tree. More
In Los Angeles, US a new social media analytics firm, StatFly, has officially launched with the introduction of a DIY platform for live monitoring and reporting of social media strategies. More
In the US, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is evaluating software giant Adobe's digital audience measurement tool AudienceResearch, which it says can help its newspaper and magazine publishers to report web site, mobile app and digital publication data. More
In the US, multi-screen measurement firm Rentrak has reported a 17% rise in revenue for its AMI (advanced media information) division to $9.3m for the three months to the end of September. Group revenue dropped 9% to $21.9m during the period. More
In the US, a team including Google Analytics co-founder Scott Crosby has launched a new analytics platform called Euclid Elements, with a $5.8m Series A round of financing. More
Following its recent acquisition of Synovate and in line with plans to withdraw the Synovate brand in January, Ipsos has restructured its team in China. Five 'Combined Country Managers' will ready the businesses for integration while ensuring they run separately until the end of the year. More
Former Harris Interactive managers Amrita Banta and Asha Choksi have opened their own full service agency, Agility Research & Strategy, in Singapore. The firm will focus on research across Asia using online and digital data collection tools. More
Australian research and marcoms group Photon - which owns MR agencies The Leading Edge and Jigsaw Research - has cleared its debts through the sale of its field marketing and retail agencies to equity firm Navis Capital Partners for the sum of $AUD 146.5m. More
Brand and communications research specialist Hall & Partners has opened a mobile market research lab in the back of a London taxi cab. More
London-based full service agency Opinium Research has launched a new division focusing on the healthcare sector. More
Brand specialist Oracle Added Value has named ex-Illuminas MD Matthew Carr Deputy Managing Director of its Hong Kong office; and promoted Arthur Tam to the new role of Head of Talent Development, Greater China. More
In the US, retail analysis giant SymphonyIRI has partnered with online ad marketplace Legolas Media to enable marketers to buy online ads based on user-level in-store purchase behavior, and then use actual product sales data for ongoing ROI measurement. More
In the US, pharma market research firm ImpactRx has appointed former IMS Health VP David Gascoigne, to lead the development of its Consulting and Analytics practice as EVP Consulting Analytics, Innovation and Alliances. More
In the US, Qessential Medical Market Research has acquired an 1890's farmhouse in the historic town of Exeter, New Hampshire, where it has re-located its growing team. More
Harris Interactive has reported a 3.5% increase in first-quarter revenue to $38.3m. Bookings however were down 11% for the quarter and CEO Al Angrisani says the firm is still facing 'major challenges' with sales. More
JD Power and Associates and Kantar Media have partnered to integrate auto buyer data with stats on television viewing behavior, promising clients the ability to identify the most-watched shows among buyers of particular vehicle types. More
In the US, the Federal Trade Commission says the parent company of IMS Health must sell two product lines if it is to proceed with its acquisition of rival data provider SDI. More
Kantar Media has won a six-year contract, beginning in August 2012, for the provision of a new electronic radio measurement service in Sweden, using PPM technology licensed from Arbitron. More
Vision Critical has announced a partnership agreement with fieldwork firm Tiburon Research, establishing the 'Springboard Russia and Ukraine panel', which gives it direct access to over 300,000 new panellists in those countries. More
WPP has reported third quarter revenue of £2.46bn, representing like-for-like growth of 4.7%, but says its insight division grew much slower than any other, revenues rising less than 1%. More
In the US, gamification company BunchBall has announced substantial growth in Q3, and has appointed Lori Macias as VP of Market Solutions and Barry Kirk as VP of Channel Management. More
Nielsen has announced good results for the quarter ended September 30th, including revenues up 10% (6% at constant currencies) to $1,413m, and adjusted EBITDA up 7% in real terms, at $408m. More
Ipsos - now the world's third largest market research company - has reported organic growth of 6.0% for the first nine months of the year, with revenue rising to EUR 845.8m. Growth slowed slightly in the third quarter and the firm is hunkering down for tough economic times ahead. More
In the US, online sampling and technology company uSamp has launched a free self-serve platform offering unlimited authoring and data collection with optional use of the company's 6.5m panellists. More
California-based web analytics and online research specialist Crowd Science is moving to larger offices in San Jose, as it continues to expand its team. More
Radio ratings firm Arbitron has reported third quarter results, with year-on-year revenue up 6.1% to $105.6 million and EBITDA of $33.6m, up from $25.4m the previous year. More
Online measurement firm comScore has failed in a bid to dismiss a privacy case against it, or to have it moved to a court on its home turf of Virginia. A federal judge said the case should go ahead and should remain in an Illinois court local to one of the plaintiffs. More
Boutique MR firm Axen Research has appointed Giovanni Riggioni - previously Executive Director of Global Research at Warner Home Entertainment - as Managing Director. More
The Australian Market & Social Research Society (AMSRS) is conducting an investigation into the methods and claims of member company McCrindle Research after a critical report on last Monday night's Media Watch television programme. More
Online specialist YouGov has today announced the launch of YouGov France, based in Paris, and appointed Julien Chevignon to lead it. More
In New York, Ipsos Loyalty Research has introduced the 'Wallet Allocation Rule' (WAR); a new research model to help businesses track their share of consumer spending. More
Former Toluna exec Ashish Nijhon has opened Annette Research, a new firm based in Gurgaon, India and offering data collection and analysis, survey programming, panel aggregation and translation services to both corporate clients and MR agencies. More
In the UK, telephone research specialist Facts International has expanded the capacity of its Ashford, Kent-based CATI call centre, increasing the number of seats to around 200 and introducing round-the-clock operations for large-scale international projects. More
In the US, media research veteran Stacey Schulman is leaving her role as SVP, Entertainment, Animation, Sports & Digital Ad Sales Research at Turner Broadcasting, where she has worked for the past four years. More
Mumbai-based online feedback and survey tools provider Webklipper Technologies has raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding, which will be used for product development, hiring sales and marketing teams, and for expanding its operations beyond India. More
Synovate Retail Performance (SRP) has partnered with face recognition specialist Firs Technology in Greater China, to provide retailers and brand owners in the region with access to technology and data reporting for stores. More
German product, pricing and marketing strategy specialist Simon-Kucher has seen a 19% increase in revenue for the first three quarters of 2011, to EUR 86.5m. More
In the UK, consumer insight specialist Engage Research has reported a 13% increase in sales for the year ended 31 March 2011, with turnover up to £2.7m. More
TNS has today announced the appointment of Kristin Sharp as global COO of its qualitative business, starting immediately. She joins from Ipsos' US qual division Understanding UnLtd, of which she was CEO and President. More
Aegis Media has launched its communications insight and evaluation company aevolve in Malaysia and appointed Mark Chaves to lead it as Chief Insight Officer. More
Maritz Research has moved into its new offices in High Wycombe, UK, making room as it continues rapid European growth. More
The Czech Association for Internet Advertising (SPIR) has withdrawn its three-year online audience measurement contract with comScore, and given the project back to former provider Gemius and partner Mediaresearch. More
Full service agency and fieldwork provider Focus-Suites Asia (FSPL Asia) has opened a new operation in Sri Lanka, offering one-way-mirrors, usability testing labs, online panels, eye tracking services and mystery shopping. More
Fast-growing UK-based consultancy Truth and its start-up investor The College Group have announced a 'major new investment' - thought to be between £20m and £25m - from venture capital fund Vitruvian Partners LLP. More
In the UK, YouGov has announced preliminary results for the year ended 31 July 2011, with revenue growing 26.9% to 56.1m and adjusted operating profit 39.5% to £5.3m. The results reflect organic revenue growth of 9% as well as US acquisitions. More
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, former senior execs of Ipsos and Synovate have launched a new research consultancy, Animux, along with an immediate strategic alliance with consumer behaviour and emotion assessment specialist Hotspex. More
Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy has formally launched his new company WayIn, which he describes as 'a little bit of Facebook, a little bit of Twitter, and a big chunk of SurveyMonkey.' More
Danish toy manufacturer LEGO has rolled out an online 'open innovation' and crowd sourcing platform, through which consumers can submit and vote for their favourite new product ideas. Consumers who have their ideas chosen will earn 1% of the total net sales of the product. More
In the US, the Board of call center outsourcing giant Convergys has approved a program to repurchase up to $200m worth of stock, using cash generated from the business and proceeds from asset sales. More
Arthur C. Nielsen Jr. - the son of the research company's founder Arthur C. Nielsen, and former Chairman of the business - died in Winnetka, IL on Monday, at the age of 92. More
US-based customer feedback specialist Mindshare Technologies has closed a $20m investment deal, supporting its strategy of 'rapid growth through innovation and new product development'. More
Global pharma data collection specialist WorldOne has appointed former Medefield MD Gerald Wackert as MD for its recently opened German operation. More
London-based BDRC Group - which in the UK includes BDRC Continental and Perspective Research Services - has opened an office in Singapore, headed by former employee Piers Lee who recently left his role as MD of Kadence Asia Pacific. More
TNS has appointed Research International veteran Mark Kingsbury as Global Head of Marketing Sciences, based in the UK and responsible for building the firm's existing technical capabilities and developing new solutions. More
UK agencies Ci Research and Brand Vista have launched the Brand Alignment Monitor (BAM), a tool promising a 360 degree analysis of how well a brand measures up to its vision and values. More
Japanese consulting services specialist Nomura Research Institute (NRI) has acquired a 25.1% stake in New Delhi-based Market Xcel Data Matrix, through which it plans to expand its research and consulting business activities to India. More
California-based Democrat pollster André Pineda died last Tuesday at the age of 46, reportedly jumping to his death from Pasadena's Colorado Street Bridge. More
Research outsourcing and panels company Pulse Group has reported a drop in operating profit from $271k to just $50k for the financial year ended 31 May 2011, on a reduced revenue of $1.6m (down from $1.7m). More
In the US, multi-screen measurement company Rentrak has announced an agreement to integrate its StationView Essentials TV ratings data into the media software solutions of communications and IT specialist Harris Corporation. More
Research agency BrainJuicer has moved its Dutch office from Rotterdam to Amsterdam in order to be closer to existing clients. More
Harris Interactive's results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2011 show a further decline in revenues in real terms, and a significant rise in operating loss. Recently appointed Interim CEO Al Angrisani says there is 'not going to be a quick or easy fix' for the company's problems. More
Ipsos has successfully completed the EUR 200 million rights issue it announced three weeks ago, reporting strong demand for the shares. The money will be used to part-fund the company's acquisition of Synovate, alongside existing cash and credit, and a EUR 250m loan. More
Research software provider Voxco has announced three senior appointments strengthening its presence in France and Germany. More
In the US, ORC International has enhanced its suite of CARAVAN omnibus surveys with the addition of a youth service targeting teens and younger adults, and a parent omnibus. The firm has also expanded its Online CARAVAN International service into 12 new countries. More
US-based customer feedback specialist Mindshare Technologies has reported 33% revenue growth to $1.6m for the year 2010, and claims to be on target for 40% growth in 2011. More
In New York, pharma data collection specialist WorldOne has appointed Mergemarket co-founder Richard Hall as Chief Operating Officer, focused on managing and expanding the firm's operations. More
A New York federal judge has rejected TRA's attempt to block the roll-out of Kantar Media's RapidView media planning tool, which TRA claimed was a direct 'rip-off' of its own Media TRAnalytics tool. More
Former Nielsen exec Christine Earl has been granted a federal appeals court ruling to press ahead with her discrimination case against her former employer, who she claims sacked her because of her age and health problems. More
Social media management firm Spredfast has raised a further $12m, which it will use to expand its social media management, monitoring and analysis platform. More
US-based customer intelligence firm Market Force Information has raised $15m, which it plans to use to grow both organically and through acquisitions. This follows last week's acquisition of UK-based mystery shopping specialist Retail Eyes. More
In the US, Kurt Knapton has returned to e-Rewards as President and CEO, following the recent resignation of Chris Havemann. More
Research consultancy Kadence International has promoted Greg Clayton to MD for Singapore, replacing the departing Piers Lee; and is gearing up to expand in the region with the relocation of Phil Steggals from the UK, the hiring of Natalie Sew Hoy and a major office refurbishment. More
Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to former Millward Brown MD Tony Copeland, who died recently aged 66 after a short illness. Copeland is credited with leading the development of the agency's international network of offices in the late 1980s and 1990s. More
Nielsen has moved to reassure clients and investors that an error in the set-up of its NPower data processing system will have no impact on its commercial data, ratings and projections, after potential problems were apparently overplayed on Wednesday. More
York, UK-based agency Qa Research is opening a new office in Glasgow, to enhance its service for potential new clients in Scotland More
Kantar Media has announced the promotion of Antonio Carvalho to Chief Research Officer, heading up a new London-based Audiences Central Research Unit. He reports to Global Head of Products and Services, John Gill. More
Kathy Pilhuj, SVP of Data Collection at Scarborough Research, has died aged 61. She spent 23 years at the firm, recently managing its two telephone interviewing centers where she was responsible for a number of innovations. More
In the US, Thinkspeed, a crowd sourcing platform for the IT industry, has announced its receipt of seed funding from private equity firm Virgo Capital. More
Fast-growing innovation technology firm Affinnova has announced three senior promotions. Lang Leonard adds the title of COO to that of CFO; Amit Dhand becomes EVP heading the Global Client Services team; and Kevin Karty becomes VP of Analytics. More
In the US, six shopper research specialists have formed an alliance to offer marketers an integrated resource for shopper insights. The new organization will be called Mindtap Insight Network. More
US-based neuromarketing firm Innerscope Research has closed the final tranche of a $9.4million round of Series A funding. More
Neuromarketing specialist EmSense may be sold and/or broken up, according to reports in the press and comments by one of its senior execs. The firm is said not to be taking any new project work, pending the results of sales negotiations. More
Gloucestershire-based medical data collection specialist Gillian Kenny Associates (GKA) has branched into consumer and b2b research with the launch of a new company, Angelfish. More
Database giant and former ORC parent Infogroup is suing its founder and former CEO Vin Gupta for illegal practices including the alleged theft of its database. More
TNS Gallup, part of the Kantar Media network, has won a continuation of its contract to provide the currency for measurement of TV audiences in Denmark, taking it up to the end of 2015. More
Mike Moran, EVP of Audit Services at the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), is about to retire after more than 30 years with the organization. He will be replaced by colleague Scott Hanson, who currently serves as SVP, Electronic and Centralized Auditing. More
Online sample provider uSamp has hired eight new members of staff to support the growth of its recently opened London office. More
Northumberland, UK-based online research supplier Panelbase has appointed former Ugam Research Solutions manager Joerg Schymczyk as Sales Director, responsible for setting up a London office and developing international business. More
US-based data collection agency Metro Research Services has moved its focus group facility across town in Alexandria, VA, to larger premises. More
Full service agency InsightAsia has launched in Europe as Insight International, and appointed former ActiveGroup European MD Dan Foreman as Chief Executive Officer, based in London. More
In Australia, STW Group's research consultancy AMR has opened a new office in Brisbane, and expanded its teams in Sydney and Melbourne with a number of new appointments. More
UK polling firm Populus has appointed ICM founder Nick Sparrow as a Special Advisor, providing guidance on business growth and methodological innovation. More
Private investor Fieldstone Equity is backing US-based Paradigm Sample with an undisclosed sum, for use in accelerating growth in the mobile data collection and sample re-sale sectors. More
The market research industry has returned to growth following two 'very challenging years', according to ESOMAR's Global Market Research 2011 report. Global turnover rose to US $31.2 billion in 2010, representing a total year-on-year growth of 5.2%, or 2.8% allowing for inflation. More
International online specialist BrainJuicer has reported a 26% increase in revenue to £9.09m for the six months ended 30 June 2011 (H1 2010 £7.21m), driven by 'strong growth' in the US, which accounted for 33% of total revenues. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has opened a new office in Japan, where it has partnered with technology-based market research firm Borders, to offer access to more than 500,000 panellists across the country. More
The Research & Consulting division at UK insight and marketing group Cello has seen a 6.0% increase in gross profit to £19.6m and a 16% rise in headline operating profit to £3.7m for the first six months of the year, despite a 1.3% drop in revenue to £31m. More
Survey reporting and distribution company Dapresy has formed a new global support operation, headed by former Kantar exec Raymond van Loon as Senior After Sales Manager. More
Edinburgh-based George Street Research has entered liquidation after more than two decades as a significant player in Scottish MR. More
In London, Ipsos MediaCT has established a test panel of just over 350 respondents for its mobile phone-based radio measurement system, MediaCell. The move follows successful initial trials of the device. More
Tokyo-based firms AIP Corporation and M3, Inc. have announced an alliance - including a share transfer - to deliver global healthcare research centred in rapidly growing Southeast Asian countries. More
Nielsen has formed a strategic alliance with India-based Informate Mobile Intelligence, which uses on-device metering technology installed on panellists' handsets. More
The son of movie director Oliver Stone has co-founded a new firm which provides TV and film producers with access to a database of 60 million moviegoers willing to participate in pre-launch film and TV test research. More
In the UK, online pollster YouGov has teamed up with Cambridge University to launch a not-for-profit thinktank, through which 'world-class thinkers' can connect with public opinion research. More
Ipsos is planning to issue around EUR 200m worth of new shares, to part-fund its acquisition of Synovate. More
Healthcare data collection agency WorldOne has secured a $25m investment, which it plans to use to accelerate global expansion and fund development of new business lines. More
In a move bound to raise a few eyebrows, the Cabinet Office has commissioned The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to study the motives behind those involved in the recent UK riots. More
ADM Processing has opened a new 72-seat CATI telephone centre in Tananarive, Madagascar, staffed by a team of French-speaking interviewers and supervisors. More
Bielefeld, Germany-based online research specialist Interrogare has opened a new office in Berlin, from which to focus on expanding its dedicated mobile research services. More
WPP-owned ad agency network Grey Group has partnered with Eastern Advertising in Taiwan, to offer full service capabilities including market research, strategic planning, PR and a range of advertising and marketing options across the country. More
Panel and research technology firm Vision Critical has partnered with panel provider Nine Rewards, gaining access to more than a million new panellists in Australia and New Zealand. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has accredited the Nielsen Online Campaign Ratings measurement system, launched recently to provide overnight audience reach, frequency, and Gross Rating Points (GRPs) for Internet display and video advertising. More
Online survey and reporting software company Confirmit has acquired mobile survey technology provider Techneos Systems, and will add its solutions to the Horizons reporting tool. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the UK, b2b media group Emap International has appointed Duncan Painter as its new CEO, replacing David Gilbertson, who stepped down in May. Painter is currently MD of customer intelligence provider Sky IQ and previously led consulting group ClarityBlue. More
Indian sources are suggesting that the long-awaited merger of the country's two key print readership surveys, the National Readership Survey (NRS) and the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), could be about to happen. More
YouGov has significantly strengthened its senior team with the hiring of Phil Rance and Andreas Sperling, formerly in leadership roles at Research Now and Millward Brown respectively; and the promotion of Tim Britton from CEO, UK to CEO, EMEA. More
Privately-owned MR agency Kadence International has reported a 37% year-on-year increase in its global revenues to $US 17.5 million for the year ending June 2011, from $12.8m in 2010. More
In the UK, a request to the University of Stirling by tobacco firm Philip Morris International for raw survey data, under the Freedom of Information Act, has drawn angry responses from the University and other quarters. More
Former Major Players insight team leader Joel Naftal is helping to build a new London-based staff recruitment consultancy, Trace, whose specialist areas including marketing, branding and insight. More
German sample and panel provider respondi AG has today announced the opening of a UK subsidiary: respondi Ltd. Christopher Morasch, Chief Sales Officer at respondi AG will take on the role of UK Managing Director. More
In the US, the Associated Press (AP) and the National Opinion Research Centre (NORC) at the University of Chicago have joined forces to launch The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. More
In the UK, specialist research consultancy B2B International has expanded its London presence by moving to new offices on the Euston Road. More
US-based packaging research and eye-tracking specialist Perception Research Services International (PRS) has announced a strategic partnership with Latin American firm Provokers, which has offices in Buenos Aires, São Paulo and Mexico City. More
Tokyo-based full service MR company Research Panel Asia (RPA) has formed an alliance with Beijing-based Data100 Market Research to produce an online panel of 1.6 million respondents China. RPA already has 1.5m respondents in Japan and 150,000 in Korea. More
Research services provider Cross-Tab has expanded its US team with the appointment of former Research Now VP Terry Sweeney as Vice President Operations and Client Services, in charge of its global data collection operations. More
Synovate has reported an 8.4% rise in revenue to £269.7m for the first half of the year, ahead of its forthcoming sale to Ipsos for an agreed £525m. Organic gross revenue growth was 6.6% and operating profit rose 14.9% to £5.4m despite a ten percent rise in headcount. More
Brand and communications research specialist Hall & Partners has entered the South African market through a partnership with Cape Town and Johannesburg-based marketing consultancy Yellowwood. More
Jan Hofmeyr, formerly Synovate's International Director of Innovation, has joined TNS in a 'global thought leadership role', responsible for building the firm's approach to behaviour change and embedding this across the group. More
Huntington, NY-based AMS Market Research has appointed Added Value veteran David Saul as President. More
Nielsen has received Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its Puerto Rico TV audience measurement service, which was launched in April 2010. More
WPP's Consumer Insight division has reported a meagre 2.3% rise in like-for-like revenue (1.3% actual) for the first half of the year, following slower growth in the US, the UK and Japan in the second quarter. However, pre-tax profits rose 37% to £334.3m. More
Technology media firm Ziff Davis has acquired some of the assets of online agency Focus Research, while the agency's CEO Scott Albro and a number of employees have remained with Focus.com to spin it off as a separate business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the UK, former Vivid Interface data and customer research execs Lisa Holt, Jo Walther and Paul Kemp have formed a new quant and qual agency called Zing Insights. More
Canada-based online data collection specialist itracks has set up a digital insights consultancy headed by Jim Longo and offering new full-service options, including an ad and logo design feedback tool and in-depth social media capabilities. More
UK marcoms group Chime Communications has reported a 20% rise in revenue for the first six months of the year, but has warned that while its quant business maintained a 'good performance', its qual business is unlikely to return to profit until the fourth quarter. More
Synovate-owned Marketing Management Analytics (MMA) has opened an operation in Bangalore, India from which it plans to develop advanced predictive and optimization techniques for use with behavioural and attitudinal data. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron and Spanish-language media firm Entravision Communications Corporation have partnered to test the impact of cross-platform ad campaigns running simultaneously on radio and television. More
US-based ethnography specialist Luth Research has partnered with biomedical engineering firm Exmovere, to understand respondents' emotions when they participate in research studies. More
The world's 25 largest research firms had revenues of $18.8 billion in 2010, up 4.9% on the previous 'dismal' year - a 'very healthy turnaround' according to industry authority Jack Honomichl. However, 'real' revenues were not quite back to their 2008 levels, and some companies continued to shrink. More
David Nelems, the founder of market research video streaming specialist ActiveGroup Ventures, has returned to the company as Chief Executive Officer. He left the firm in 2007 following its sale to the MVL Group. More
In the UK, Robin Hilton and Jonathan Clough - who previously worked at youth research and marketing strategist Dubit - have formed a new online panel firm. ResearchBods offers specialist panels for consumer; online qual; and research among youth, kids and families. More
Specialist research firm eyetracker has announced a deal with Royal Mail's Mail Media Centre to create what it calls 'Europe's first omnibus eye tracking research service for the Direct Mail industry'. More
UK success story FreshMinds has appointed Annette Müller as its new Managing Director, following the departure of Alistair Leathwood, announced last month. More
GfK has reported sales of EUR 660.1m in sales for the first half of 2011, reflecting 8.0% organic growth year-on-year. Adjusted operating income rose 16.8% (organic 18.0%) to EUR 83.9m. The Group has also announced the acquisition of a 25% stake in US firm MBI. More
WPP agency MediaCom Worldwide has launched a new division focused on global sports sponsorship, MediaCom Sport, and appointed former IMG Consulting exec Marcus John to lead it. More
Concept testing and forecasting software specialist Affinnova, Inc. has announced sales growth of 44% for the twelve months ending June 2011. More
US firm Kurani Interactive has secured another $4.3m in Series A funding for its Opinionaided iPhone market research app and Q&A community; and has released version 3.1 of the iOS app. More
Echo Research has been appointed as the lead contractor for the provision of EU-related media analysis for the European Commission (EC). The four year contract is valued between EUR 4 million and EUR 7 million. More
In the US, in-store monitoring specialist BVI Networks has closed an $8m funding round, which it will use to support further development of its analytics technology. More
In the US, radio ratings giant Arbitron has expanded Sean Creamer's role to include that of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's day-to-day operations and growth strategy. More
In the UK, Viewpoint Field Services and Rosslyn Research have merged and been re-branded as Viewpoint Field & Studios under the leadership of Gale Blears, following the departure of former Rosslyn CEO Julian Green. More
Panel and research technology firm Vision Critical has appointed industry veteran Ray Poynter as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of its London office, responsible for development of the UK business. More
In the US, online community platform Get Satisfaction has raised $10m in Series B funding, which it plans to invest in product innovation, distribution partnerships and the expansion of its service for global use. More
The three missing fieldworkers from Mexican polling firm Parametria have been released fit and well following their disappearance on Monday, just hours after six from research firm Consulta Mitofsky also turned up unharmed. More
In New York, brand influencer network Crowdtap has partnered with former Millward Brown Optimor CEO Joanna Seddon, to introduce a new metric for measuring the impact of marketing programs. More
Six field workers from Mexican polling firm Consulta Mitofsky have been found safe, after vanishing on Saturday in the violent state of Michoacan. However, three employees from research firm Parametria are still missing. More
A US judge has ordered media measurement firm TRA and WPP to settle their differences through mediation, following their row over alleged patent infringement. More
The co-founders of North of England-based Dipsticks Research, John and Fiona Raglan, have announced they are stepping back from the day-to-day management of the business, which will now be run by their former Operations Director Ivor Knox. More
In the US, following last year's imprisonment of Youth Research President Karen Forcade for falsifying data in connection with child safety tests on cigarette lighters, her colleague Joyce Serventi and two of the firm's former contractors have also been convicted. More
Indian MR technology and operations company Annik is opening a new office in London, led by former Globalpark manager Alex Happe, and an office in Sydney, Australia headed by former employee Meena Kumari. More
Online survey and reporting software company Confirmit has opened its first German office in Cologne, to be led by Business Development Director Dan Starkey. More
GfK has named a successor for Professor Dr. Klaus L. Wübbenhorst, who announced his decision to step down as CEO earlier in the year. Matthias Hartmann, 45, is currently Global Head of Strategy and Industries in the consulting division of IBM Global Business Services. More
Police in Mumbai, India have reportedly arrested the COO of Singapore-based online survey company Speak Asia, along with three other employees, on charges of defrauding investors of $US 294m. More
Healthcare communications agency OPEN Health, a subsidiary of UK-based Chime Communications, has announced the opening of a new market research and brand planning arm, OPEN Plan. Cory Inglis will lead the new division as MD. More
US-based multi-screen specialist Rentrak has signed its first European client for video-on-demand measurement, Spanish digital television operator Digital+. The firm's burgeoning Advanced Media and Information (AMI) division signed the data tracking agreement last week. More
Insight and communications group Creston has reported year-on-year revenue growth in the quarter ending 30th June of over 12%: however like-for-like revenue growth was just 2%. Creston made positive noises about the progress of its Insight division but did not release figures. More
US neuroscience specialist Sands Research Inc (SRI) has partnered with Chinese neuromarketing firm Brain Intelligence Neuro-Consultancy (BI) to provide their services to businesses in China and on a global basis. More
Nielsen has reported a 10% rise in revenue to $1.4 billion for the second quarter, the result of a 14% increase in its Buy consumer purchase behavior segment and a 4% increase in its Watch media research arm. More
Fresh from announcing its deal to buy Synovate, Ipsos has achieved organic growth of 6.3% in the first half of the year, reporting a 5.6% increase in revenues to EUR 558.2m. More
In New York, brand influencer network Crowdtap has secured $7m in Series A funding, which will be used to expand its sales force, scale the engineering team, and fill several other operational and product positions. More
In the US, marketing technology and services giant Acxiom has appointed former Microsoft advertising exec Scott Howe as CEO and President, replacing John Meyer who resigned earlier in the year. Separately, the firm has reported a 6.9% revenue increase to $288.9m. More
Chris Havemann, President and CEO of e-Rewards, is leaving the business to 'pursue new opportunities', but will remain in his current role until a replacement is selected. It is not yet known what his next career move will be. More
Ipsos has agreed to acquire Synovate for £525m (EUR 595m), creating the world's third largest market research company. The deal is to be funded with cash, new debt financing, and a rights offering to Ipsos shareholders. More
According to reports in the UK press, Publicis and WPP are both planning to make bids for the remainder of marcoms group Aegis, once it has completed the sale of its market research arm Synovate. More
In New York, Jeff Cail has returned to Ipsos to head US operations as President and Chief Executive Officer. More
Retail market intelligence provider SymphonyIRI Group is to work with Wal-Mart to introduce an online shopper insights and collaborative planning platform called 'Customer Advantage'. More
In the US, Nielsen has signed a multi-year agreement with Kantar Media to access set-top box (STB) data from the latter's DIRECTView audience measurement panel, for use in its local TV audience measures. More
US tech-based qual researcher Quester and mobile survey software provider iPinion have integrated their systems to enhance their mobile research offering. More
TNS has been awarded the Flash Eurobarometer contract by the European Commission and European Parliament, beating four rival bidders. The four-year contract could be worth up to EUR 60 million. More
Arbitron has today announced second quarter results ahead of many analysts' expectations, with revenue up 8.4% year-on-year to $95.7m. With costs up just 1.1%, profits jumped: EBITDA was up 52.5% to $19.7m. More
In London, ad giant M&C Saatchi has taken a 25% stake in a new data and insight-based marketing consultancy, formed by two former Ogilvy strategists. More
In the US, web-based software developer Cvent has raised $136m, which will be used for 'substantial technology developments', including enhancements to its cloud-based web survey products. More
In London, GfK NOP has appointed former YouGov director Neil Thorington as Deputy MD, GfK Financial, with a particular focus on implementing new digital research tools and techniques. More
Munich-based online fieldwork specialist ODC Services has opened an office in London, as part of its European expansion plans. The firm has appointed Felix Schindler as Project Manager and Maxine Ellison as Sales Manager for the new operation. More
Research consultancy Kadence International has opened 55 fieldwork offices across India, staffed by 225 new permanent members of staff supported by more than 700 telephone and face-to-face interviewers and supervisors. More
Ad research specialist Ipsos ASI has launched a New York-based global practice to help marketers and advertisers better understand the future of digital advertising. The new 'Ipsos ASI Digital' division will be led by former Ipsos Open Thinking Exchange SVP Jim Forrest. More
In Germany, opinion research agency dimap has upped its stake in polling specialist Infratest dimap from 26% to 49%. Infratest dimap is a joint venture formed by dimap and TNS Infratest, which holds the remaining 51% share. More
In London, Synovate has brought together a team of methodologists to investigate the value of non-verbal response techniques, and apply their findings to custom research projects. More
In the Middle East, GfK has promoted Praveen Madawala to the post of CEO, leading the Custom Research business across the region. More
TNS has appointed ad agency veteran and former Lowe and Partners Chief Strategy Officer Abhijeet Dutta Ray as Managing Director of Thailand. More
German user and brand research specialist Eye Square has opened a Social Media Unit (SMU) at its headquarters in Berlin, from which it will conduct and further develop behaviour-based social media user research platforms. More
In Sri Lanka, Kantar-owned LMRB (Lanka Market Research Bureau) has promoted Himalee Madurasinghe to the post of Chief Executive Officer, after 14 years with the firm. More
In the United Arab Emirates, Tamara Deprez is to leave her post as Head of online agency Yahoo! Maktoob Research at the end of July. She has not yet decided what her next career move will be. More
In the UK, former Nebu exec Betty Adamou has launched a new consultancy called Research Through Gaming (R.T.G.), which converts surveys into computer research games through which to collect 'Playspondent' feedback and boost response rates. More
Google has partnered with Kantar to establish a 3,000-strong opt-in panel which will measure TV and online media consumption in the UK. More
In the UK, it has been revealed that Doughty Hanson - which owns the Vue cinema chain - is the mystery company interested in buying Aegis' market research arm Synovate. More
Harris Interactive is planning to sub-let excess space in its US premises in Norwalk, Connecticut and Portland, Oregon, as well as in its UK offices in Brentford, Middlesex, in order to reduce costs. More
UK insight and marketing group Cello has reported that its research and consulting division has continued to 'show good like-for-like revenue growth' despite the loss of two significant retail research contracts, but has meanwhile made a number of staff redundancies. More
Database giant Infogroup has sold off its global market research arm ORC International to a group of the firm's senior managers, backed by Chicago-based private equity firm Lake Capital Management. Terms were not disclosed. More
In the US, media measurement and analytics firm TRA has filed a counterclaim to WPP's recent lawsuit, started over claims that Kantar Media Audiences' RapidView product 'rips off' TRA's Media TRAnalytics solution. More
Jennifer (Jenny) Bowen, co-founder of the MRBA (Market Research Benevolent Association) and a former Chair of the MRS, died suddenly earlier this year at the age of 78. More
In London, Asif Mirza has set up his own firm, Mobile Fieldwork, to offer mobile research and data collection services to market research, marketing, media and PR agencies, as well as end clients. More
India's Star TV has added its 75,000-member panel - managed by Indian online research firm Nepa - to Cint's Panel Exchange (CPX). More
Oxfordshire-based consumer insight and sensory specialist MMR Research Worldwide is planning to open a new office in London in September. More
In Switzerland, facial imaging specialist nViso has partnered with Gordon & McCallum - a consultancy offering specialist services to the market research industry - to accelerate the industry's take-up of its emotional response assessment technology. More
Research and content outsourcing firm Netscribes has opened a 100-seat centre in Gurgaon, India, which will act as a hub for the company's global clients, primarily in the areas of research, analytics and content solutions. More
Lightspeed Research has promoted Frank Kelly to the post of Senior Vice President, Operations, in charge of client and panel operations in the company's Americas region. More
TNS has hired Martin Lambie-Nairn as Creative Director, a new position with a remit to improve the look and feel of the company's deliverables and work with local and global management to develop their creative capabilities. More
European physician community Networks in Health has announced an alliance with Australian counterpart e-healthspace.com.au , expanding its medical research resource by 9,000 doctors. More
Panel exchange operator Cint has announced new partnerships with operators of student panels, the UK's National Union of Students (NUS) and Student Beans, and Irish student panel W5. More
GfK is to restructure its business following a major review, and from next January will operate through two new divisions, 'Consumer Choices' and 'Customer Experiences', under the new tagline: 'Own the Future'. More
In Melbourne, Australia, insight strategist BrandHook and full service online agency Melon Research have joined forces and will now trade under the BrandHook name. More
GfK has strengthened its worldwide presence, buying Thai MR firm MarketWise and completing the buying of GfK-MEMRB Marketing Services in Cyprus. It has also upped its stake in US company Etilize and launched a retail panel in Belarus. More
Yan Xuan has been appointed as President of Nielsen Greater China, reporting to CEO David Calhoun and with a seat on the Nielsen Executive Council (NEC). More
Online panel specialist Lightspeed Research has expanded its Hong Kong presence with the appointment of Paul Wong as SVP, Business Development and a move to new offices in the city's Quarry Bay area. More
Online sample provider uSamp has opened an office in London, to be led by former Greenfield/Ciao director Gaelle Normand. More
Kantar is to roll out MarketTools' TrueSample quality solution across its network, following the breakdown of the Promedius Group, the not-for-profit quality consortium it launched with GfK and Ipsos less than a year ago. More
UKOM, the cross-industry organisation set up to oversee the measurement of online audiences, is to begin a major review of its main audience contract next month, allowing time to consider 'major changes' before the end of the contract - currently with Nielsen - in December 2012. More
Global research association ESOMAR has issued a warning to its members about an online research firm called The Research Express, following complaints about the firm's sub-standard levels of service and its refusal to return deposits. More
In the US, Millward Brown has appointed Susan Steele as Global Chief Human Resources Officer, responsible for leading the firm's human resources and talent strategy worldwide. More
In Hong Kong, former Synovate directors Brendan Shair and Ivy Cheung have launched ShairViews Research, an agency promising clear thinking and 'daring brevity'. More
In the US, online customer satisfaction survey software provider Allegiance has closed a $12m round of Series B funding, which it will use to accelerate the development of new products and services and to expand its sales and marketing efforts. More
In the UK, Ipsos MediaCT has partnered with Finnish mobile measurement firm Zokem to launch the M3 solution; a new app that combines the collection of smartphone and tablet usage data combined with event-based survey polls. More
Stockholm-based information exchange platform Mancx.com has completed a Series B funding round, bringing the total amount received since its launch in April to $1.1m. The new funds will be used to further develop the platform and drive an 'aggressive marketing push'. More
Research firm Kadence International has increased the size of the CATI facility at its London HQ from 50 to 75 stations. More
In the US, the Supreme Court has overturned a Vermont law which banned the use of physician prescription information for marketing purposes. The reform had been driven by IMS Health, SDI, Source Healthcare Analytics and a US pharma research association. More
In New York, a group of executives has formed The Co-Creation Forum, an industry initiative to promote best practice among co-creation practitioners and communities. More
RAJAR, the UK's radio audience research body, has extended its audience measurement contract with Ipsos MORI through to 2014. The agency has conducted the programme since RAJAR was founded in 1992. More
Amsterdam-based online usability testing firm Usabilla has closed a $1m (EUR 750k) funding round. In addition to international expansion, the firm will use the money to scale its technology and ensure compatibility with platforms such as mobile, tablets and television. More
In the UK, the government has confirmed it will scrap the 65-year-old Central Office of Information (COI), and in the meantime has cut its annual marketing and advertising budget by nearly 70% to £170m. More
Nielsen has launched a new approach to helping companies with their product innovation strategies, which it claims will increase the likelihood of new products succeeding to 75%. More
Millward Brown has moved Patty Currie into the role of Global Brand Director for Tracking, based in the firm's Lisle, Illinois office. This is the last appointment in the series of five new senior branding roles announced in January. More
UK-based Creston has reported a 7.5% decline in its Insight Division revenue to £14.8m for the year ended 31 March 2011 from £16m last year, while headline profit before interest and tax dropped from £4.9m to £4.1m. However, other divisions helped the group as a whole to grow. More
In the UK, three former leaders of The Futures Company (TFC) - Crawford Hollingworth, Sian Davies and Sarah Davies - have launched a global insight and research consultancy called The Behavioural Architects. The trio are also planning to open a second office in China later this year. More
Healthcare data collection agency WorldOne has opened an office in Bern, Switzerland - its twelfth location worldwide. The firm has also promoted Corinne Dulles to lead the new operation as Managing Director. More
Marketing services network McCann Worldgroup has hired Marc Schwartz as Global Director of Performance Analytics and moved Laura Simpson from London to become Global IQ Director, heading up a new NYC-based Marketing Sciences practice. More
IBM has announced an expansion of its social media business services including 'Connections', which it claims is 'the industry's first social networking platform that provides organisations with the ability to track and monitor social data in real-time'. More
In the UK, media research agency Other Lines of Enquiry has announced the launch of otherlines.tv, a division dedicated to television research - and appointed sector specialist Penny Browell (nee Rudd) to head it up. More
In the US, Nielsen has formed an alliance with grocery media network and software firm MyWebGrocer, to develop what it says is the 'First Comprehensive View of US Online Supermarket Purchases.' More
Marcoms giant WPP has filed a lawsuit against media measurement and analytics firm TRA, reportedly over claims by the latter that its Media TRAnalytics tool has been 'ripped off' by WPP subsidiary Kantar Media Audiences. More
Panel and sample specialist Cint has promoted Terence McCarron to the role of Managing Director of North America, following the departure of Michael McCrary after just a year in the post. McCarron was previously SVP of North American Sales. More
Online measurement specialist comScore and magazine ratings provider GfK MRI have partnered to develop a new product linking Americans' online media habits with print readership and other media consumption data. More
UK-based co-creation and planning agency Face is opening an office in New York later this month, and has relocated its most senior Research Director Philip McNaughton to lead and develop US operations. More
The UK market research industry all but halted the decline in its revenues in 2010, according to research carried out by the MRS (Market Research Society). Following a fall of 4.7% the previous year, revenues eased off just 0.2% in 2010 to £2.06 billion. More
In the US, the Nasdaq Stock Market has given Harris Interactive another notice of a possible delisting, following a drop in its share price below $1. This news follows last week's shake-up in the firm's leadership, and the departure of Chief Finance Officer Pavan Bhalla. More
US-based product innovation technology firm Affinnova is opening offices in France and Germany, adding to its existing European presence in the UK and Switzerland. In addition, it has hired former Nielsen and Ipsos exec Jerome Simulin to lead its extended European operations. More
US full service agency R/GA has expanded in Europe with the opening of an office in Stockholm. Former Digitas Sweden execs Anders Erlandsson and Kay Höök have been appointed to lead the new business, as MD and Executive Creative Director respectively. More
Former Yahoo! Europe VP Stephen Taylor has become Chairman of Manchester, UK-based call tracking and web analytics firm AdInsight. More
After two years of revenue declines, income from the purchase of marketing, advertising and public opinion research services in the US was up 4.7% from 2009 to 2010, according to industry authority Jack Honomichl's 38th annual report. More
Marketing and customer intelligence software provider smartFOCUS has been acquired by online campaign manager Emailvision, in a deal reported to be valued at £25.3m in cash. More
In Amsterdam, user experience specialist Harald Lamberts has founded an innovation agency called Essense, which aims to help clients use consumer insights to design products aligned with their business strategy and brand identity. More
Synovate has opened an office in Vietnam, where it has appointed Rodolphe Jounot as Managing Director. More
London-based co-creation agency Promise Group has appointed former FreshMinds Head of Consumer Research Phil Burgess as Consultancy Director for its Promise Communities division. More
Publicis-owned agency MediaVest has opened a 'Human Experience' practice in New York, through which it will aim to explore the drivers of human behavior to create 'greater consumer experiences' for clients' brands. More
WPP Chief Exec Sir Martin Sorrell has suggested that the group may double the amount available for acquisitions this year, as it looks to invest in new media and emerging markets and take advantage of better conditions in the ad industry. More
US-based online research community builder Communispace has appointed Sally O'Rourke as Managing Director of Europe. More
London-based consumer research agency Firefish has appointed ten new members of staff - including three execs from Rosenblatt Research - bringing the total number of employees to 48. More
After ten years in Shoreditch, research agency Illuminas is to move its London team to larger premises close to Mornington Crescent tube station. More
Neuromarketing firm EmSense has partnered with store-based shopper research specialist Fifth Dimension, to measure shoppers' emotional and cognitive engagement when making buying decisions. More
UK-based online research specialist BrainJuicer has appointed Matte Wicklin to oversee its activities in the American south and southeast regions. More
Physician-patient feedback firm InfoMedics has expanded with the opening of an office in Paris and appointments to boost its European, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. More
In the UK, Creston-owned ICM Direct has appointed former Research Now panel specialist Pat McCarthy as Head of its online research division. More
Healthcare data collection firm WorldOne has opened an office in Hamburg; and announced the appointment of Rhona Himmelmann as Business Development Manager in Germany. More
UK measurement body RAJAR has added an online self-completion diary and Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) to its range of data collection methods for radio audience rating. The new approaches will be rolled out from next month. More
Perfume and cosmetics giant Estée Lauder has opened an Innovation Center in Shanghai, China, from which it plans to develop products tailored to the specific needs of Chinese and Asian consumers. More
In the US, Hispanic full-service agency Offerwise has launched QueOpinas.com, a web-based panel and survey sampling service with panellists recruited through Spanish language TV commercials. More
The BIG Conference Committee is not known for its lack of confidence, and it didn't shy away from the challenge of organizing a stimulating morning after the night before on Friday 13th of May. Teresa Lynch, Features Editor was in her seat when many were not. More
Online survey and reporting software company Confirmit is to open a subsidiary in Frankfurt, Germany in August, from which it will serve local businesses. More
US polling firm Research 2000 is to pay 'several thousand dollars' to political weblog The Daily Kos to settle a lawsuit in which it was claimed that some or all of the research the agency conducted for the site was 'fabricated or manipulated beyond recognition'. More
In the UK, foods giant Nestlé has opened a £1m extension to its Insight and Learning Centre in York, featuring an Imax cinema, replica living room and working kitchen, full size convenience store, and digital media area. More
London-based qual agency Firefish has launched a specialist children and families research consultancy, 'The Pineapple Lounge'. The service will be led by Emma Worrollo, who specialises in kids, teens and mother-and-baby research. More
In the UK, international healthcare data collection agency Adept Field Solutions has moved to larger offices in Kingston-upon-Thames, where it has appointed former QUIT and Synovate Healthcare exec Andrew Stripp as Senior Project Manager. More
Synovate has announced the global launch of mobile research capabilities including SMS / text and mobile online surveys, as well as app development. Thomas Edwards has been promoted to lead the initiative. More
In Germany, Heiko Leipold and Peter Mahn have set up a new agency called mafowerk, based in Nuremberg, which will offer on-demand market research services, trend studies and consumer behavioural analysis. Both men have worked for GfK and for Information Resources (IRI). More
In Canada, fieldwork firm Delvinia Data Collection has changed its name to AskingCanadians. It remains part of the Delvinia Group, which also includes customer experience design firm Delvinia Interactive. More
The Research & Engagement Division of UK-based marcoms group Chime has announced the launch of the Trust Accelerator, a new tool which allows businesses to identify their trust ratings. The division is also rebranding as CIE. More
Speak Asia, a company recruiting respondents for paid participation in market research projects, has defended itself today against allegations in the online press that its bank accounts have been frozen and that it is under investigation by the Indian Ministry of Corporate Affairs. More
GfK has partnered with its part-owned usability research specialist nurago to launch 'Connected Life.dx', a tool tying in browsing and consumer purchasing behaviour across fixed and mobile platforms. More
Nielsen has won IAB Australia's contract to supply the country's online audience measurement currency, following an eight-month tender process. More
Millward Brown's digital insights division Dynamic Logic has announced the launch of AdRadar, a platform pulling in data from clients' own systems and a range of third party panels and databases to create new ways of measuring digital ad exposure. More
In the north of England, MR agency DJS Research Ltd has reported annual turnover of around £1.5m, another rapid rise after exceptional results the previous year. The company has added eight new members of staff so far in 2011 and recently announced two promotions. More
medeConnect Healthcare Insight, the MR division of doctors.net.uk, is the leading force in a new alliance, Networks in Health, billed as the largest alliance of professional physician communities in Europe. The firm has also hired Nicola Miles in a senior Business Development role. More
Research Now has hired Kevin Murphy in the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He brings nearly 30 years of experience in the IT industry, most recently from ecommerce and payment solutions provider First Data Corporation where he was SVP of Retail and Alliance Services Product Delivery. More
The European branch of The Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA Europe) has appointed Nigel Cover of Grass Roots as its President for the next two years. More
From November, Nielsen will produce all US local ratings for Hispanic TV programming using the same ratings panels used for English language stations. More
Online sampling and panels specialist Research Now has introduced a new smartphone app, billed as the first in a series of mobile data collection capabilities to be launched this year. More
Eye tracking specialist Tobii Technology has launched a new testing solution, which it claims is the first to be specifically designed for usability studies on mobile devices and mobile applications. More
In the US, radio ratings giant Arbitron has revealed further details of its 'Project Leapfrog' approach, which will replace its existing seven-day paper-based diary service with a web and mobile-based data collection system. More
Ipsos has moved its New York HQ from Broadway to the Time-Life Building in Avenue of the Americas, occupying the entire 15th floor of the 48-story building. More
Speech technology specialist VoxGen has been awarded a grant from Germany's Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, to develop tools and processes to help clients design and manage cross-channel customer service strategies. More
In Austria, semantic web technology firm uma has closed a EUR 800,000 ($1.1m) funding round, which it says will help it move 'more aggressively' into the digital signage and display market. More
GfK has reported a strong first quarter in its 2011 financial year, with consolidated sales up 10.4% to EUR 310.2 million and organic growth of 8.0%. More
Kantar has today announced a partnership with online facilities company ActiveGroup Ventures, giving the research giant worldwide access to facility based research via video streaming. More
In London, market research agency BrainJuicer has appointed Federico Trovato, former Head of Consumer and Market Intelligence at Philips - as Chief Client Satisfaction Officer. He will also join the Executive Management Team and will start in August. More
Brand and marketing insight consultancy Added Value has announced four senior promotions, consisting of two newly created Offer Development roles and two moves from Europe to the US. More
Consumer and retail tracking provider The NPD Group has opened a new facility in Athlone, Ireland, for development as a Global IT/Operations Centre. Over the next three years, the firm plans to add another 80 employees to the twenty already based there. More
Research services provider Cross-Tab has announced the launch of a new 300 seat office in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai. More
Lisabeth Couturier has rejoined Las Vegas-based research services firm Precision Opinion as a Vice President, and will lead the re-opening of a major focus group facility in the city, complete with gaming laboratory. More
Synovate has reported 'strong growth' in North America and other regions during quarter one, but says 'difficult market conditions' continue to impact the businesses in Southern Europe while the UK market remains 'challenging'. More
Nielsen has promoted former Microsoft exec Celia Fan to lead its 'Watch' media research division in Hong Kong. More
European market research software firm Askia has opened a new office in Mannheim, Germany, where it has appointed former Voxco director Dietmar Dzierzawa as Managing Director. More
US-based survey and panel management software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies has expanded its London office with the addition of customer and technical support functions for clients based in Europe; and appointed Paolo Marini to head them up. More
In the UK, full service agency FreshMinds has made nine new appointments on the back of what it describes as 'record results' with turnover growing by more than 20% in the past six months. More
Australian research and marcoms group Photon - which owns agencies The Leading Edge and Jigsaw Strategic Research - has reported a 6% decline in revenue to $AUD 289.4m for the 10 months to April 2011, compared with last year's 4% drop. More
Asia Pacific-based marketing and brand research consultancy Cimigo has opened an office in Shanghai, where it has appointed former Synovate executives Daisy Sam as General Manager and Marcos Leung as Director. More
Healthcare specialist M3 Global Research has relocated its UK focus group facility to Hammersmith, London, and opened an office in Princeton, New Jersey. More
WorldOne, the international specialist in healthcare data collection, has announced the opening of an office in Mexico City, and appointed Roberto Varillas, co-founder of Acertiva, as MD for the country. More
Mark Stevens, formerly Research Director at Australian agency SensoMetrics, has set up his own sensory research agency, Sensory Insights, based in New South Wales. More
In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has called off its three-year investigation into Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) device, and claims that it undercounted minority listeners. More
BrainJuicer CEO John Kearon has sold 700,000 company shares and CFO James Geddes 75,000, in response to 'institutional demand' from investors wanting to take a stake in the company. More
TV ratings body TAM Ireland has brought in RSMB TV Research to carry out an independent audit on recent audience figures, following complaints about those supplied by Nielsen. More
US joint venture company Nielsen Catalina Solutions has partnered with mobile advertising network 4INFO, to help CPG brands measure the impact of ad campaigns aired on mobile devices. More
Investment firm Robaco International has launched an online sample marketplace called ex-sample.com, through which panel providers can bid to win projects from market research agencies. More
In the US, Harris Interactive has brought back its former Chief Operating Officer Al Angrisani to advise it on turnaround strategy, following a 9% revenue drop in quarterly revenue. More
MR outsourcing firm Ugam is planning to increase its workforce in India by 30% in the next year, with the majority of new hires at its operation at Saravanampatty, in Coimbatore in Southern India. More
US-based word-of-mouth (WOM) research and consulting firm Keller Fay has opened a UK office in London, and appointed GfK NOP veteran Steve Thomson to spearhead its introduction to Europe. More
Consumer insight revenues at WPP have risen 3.4% on a constant currency basis, to £552.8m in the first quarter of 2011, compared with £542.5m in the prior year period. More
US iPhone and iPad users Vikram Ajjampur and William Devito are suing Apple, following allegations which broke last week stating that the firm tracks users' locations through their mobile devices. More
Nielsen has seen an 8.9% increase in revenue to $1.3bn for the first quarter of 2011. Net income rose from $16m to $64m but the firm reported a $181m loss in Q1 due to $206m costs relating to its recent initial public offering (IPO). More
In Australia, Survey Sampling International (SSI) has appointed former Research Now MD Jason Buchanan as Managing Director of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. He replaces Rene Bos who has decided to return to Europe. More
Ipsos has reported first quarter 2011 revenues up 9.8% to EUR 260.1m, from EUR 236.9m in the prior year period - equivalent to 6.2% organic growth. More
US-based research technology firm Decipher has moved to new headquarters in an 18,000 square foot building in Northeast Fresno, which once housed the HQ of Gottschalks department store. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has seen first quarter 2011 net revenue rise 5.2% to $100.9m, from $95.9m in the prior year period, while net income rose 18.2% to $16.2m. More
DIY survey tool developer SurveyMonkey has acquired Infinity Box, the makers of the Wufoo web application, which is used for creating online forms. Sources value the cash and stock deal at $35m. More
Indian data collection firm Advaith has opened an office in the UK, where it has appointed former Pulse Group exec Jonathan Sheldrake as Sales Director for Europe. More
UK-based full service agency SPA Future Thinking has acquired the Munro Group, the parent of research agencies FDS International, Maven Research, M-Lab, and 3000ft Strategic Insight. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has granted accreditation to Arbitron's TAPSCAN Web, which provides radio ad buyers and sellers with an 'all-in-one' solution with audience data alongside electronic ordering, invoicing and scheduling. More
Moscow-based Online Market Intelligence (OMI), which provides online fieldwork in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and the Baltic states, has opened offices in Finland and Canada, with expansion in mind. More
Darren Smith has been promoted to the newly created post of Operations Director for Synovate Pan-Africa, based in Kenya. More
Unilever has sold its remaining 13.5% stake in online research specialist BrainJuicer, offloading c.1.68m BrainJuicer shares for £2.35 each, and raising around £3.9m in the process. More
Swedish eye tracking solutions firm MRC international has appointed former Neurofocus SVP Jeff Bander as SVP of Client Services, to head the firm's newly opened New York City office. More
In the UK, insight and marketing group Cello has promoted Insight Research Joint MD Jane Shirley and John Rowley, the CEO of its comms division, to the posts of Joint Group Managing Directors, reporting to the main Board. More
Australian market research and polling company Roy Morgan Research is to open an operation in India, following the roll out of its Single Source survey across the country. More
In the UK, herb and spice firm McCormick has invested £1.5m in a new Technical Innovation Centre (TIC), which will feature a sensory lab for product evaluation. More
TNS has opened an office in Miami to serve regional clients across Latin America. The operation will be led by industry veteran Gustavo Alvarez, who joins as Regional Accounts Director, Latin America. More
In the UK, Infogroup-owned ORC International has launched a new Data Solutions group, which will help clients handle large amounts of complex research and administrative data. More
French-based global healthcare group Cegedim has reported results for the full year ending December 31, 2010, with revenue up 6% like-for-like to EUR 926.7m and operating income of EUR 107.2m, down 3.9%. More
Online panel and survey tech firm Toluna has announced two senior hires: John Bremer joins as Chief Research Officer (CRO) and Peter Shafer as Senior Vice President, Enterprise Solutions. More
In the UK, consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has promoted SVP of Category Development Rakesh Kapoor to Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Bart Becht. The firm's Board of Directors described Kapoor as its 'unanimous choice'. More
US neuromarketing firm EmSense has launched what it describes as the world's first 'in-home' research panel employing neuroscience technology, using its EmBand headset device to measure positive/negative emotional response and cognitive engagement. More
Synovate has appointed former TNS researcher Matthew Chang as Executive Director, serving as head of its operations in Taiwan. More
In New York, B2B comms agency Penton Media has launched Penton Marketing Services; a division which will use the company's proprietary database of more than five million businesspeople to access an audience willing to participate in market research studies. More
Online sample provider uSamp and DIY online research firm Ask Your Target Market (AYTM) have partnered to make uSamp's panel of more than 1.7 million US survey respondents available to AYTM clients. More
Media research specialist Vivien Marles has joined global research-based consultancy InterMedia as Managing Director of its new Kenya office, which will open at the beginning of May. Her previous roles include Head of Research and Planning at the BBC. More
US-based online measurement firm comScore has received Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its 'comScore Direct' service, which provides filtered census-level data. More
In the UK, broadcaster ITV has hired Channel 4 marketer Rufus Radcliffe for the newly created role of Group Marketing and Research Director, with overall responsibility for marketing strategy, brand development, research and customer insight. More
European online research specialist InSites Consulting has announced plans to open an office in the US next year, adding to its existing presence in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, the UK and Romania. More
UK-based global agency Kadence International has launched what it describes as the first Hong Kong viewing facility located within easy reach of the central business district (CBD). More
In the US, Triton Digital Media (formerly known as Ando Media) - which provides digital services to the traditional and online radio sector - has received Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its Webcast Metrics digital audience measurement platform. More
In the US, Alan Gould, the co-founder of ad effectiveness measurement firm IAG Research, has joined Harris Interactive's Board of Directors, to chair the firm's newly established Board Committee on Product Innovation. More
Panel and survey technology provider Toluna has launched an iPhone app to facilitate survey response from its four million panellists. More
Margaret Feit, who as Margaret Hicks owned and ran US fieldwork firm Jackson Associates, died peacefully on Monday at the age of 66. More
In the US, crowdsourcing specialist txteagle has raised $8.5m in Series A funding, which it will use to roll out a market research and advertising platform designed to reach consumers in less developed countries via text message. More
In the UK, Facts International Chairman Nick Lamb is selling his 25% stake in the business to the firm's parent company Chime Communications for £1.7m. More
In the US, online research community builder Communispace has partnered with media network Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) to launch a joint consumer insight community focusing on the Hispanic market. More
Two social media specialists - ad network Adknowledge and Experian-owned technology firm Techlightenment - have paired up to launch a platform to help brands research what users are doing on Facebook. More
In the UK, medical market research agency Purdie Pascoe has re-located its office within London SW11, and appointed Debbie Higham as Research Director. More
UK-based pollster and online MR firm YouGov plc has agreed to acquire Portland, Oregon-based Definitive Insights (DI), for an initial consideration of $1m and further performance-related payments adding to an anticipated $4.8m. YouGov also announced half-year revenue up 26.8% with an improved profit margin of 8.1%. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has accredited the monthly average-quarter-hour radio ratings data produced by Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) in 11 more markets. More
For the financial year 2010, GfK has reported an 11.1% rise in income to a record EUR 1.29 billion. Adjusted operating income climbed from EUR 147.2m to EUR 185.0m with operating margin also at a historical high, 14.3%. More
In the US, John Meyer has resigned his post as CEO of marketing technology and services giant Acxiom, and been replaced by director Jerry Gramaglia on an interim basis until a new recruit can be found. CFO Christopher Wolf has also resigned 'for personal reasons'. More
In the UK, Holden Pearmain co-founder David Pearmain has returned to agency life after a year as a consultant, joining Impact Research, a company started by two of his former employees. More
TNS has appointed Ivan Browne as Head of its Retail & Shopper Sector, based in London. He leaves GfK NOP, where he served as Business Development Director for the consumer products and retail division. More
French financier Vincent Bolloré has indicated that he may be willing to sell his 26.5% stake in Synovate's parent firm Aegis, according to a report in the UK's Guardian newspaper. More
In the US, polling software firm CivicScience has raised $1.2m in funding, which it plans to use to expand its online polling platform iQpoll and hire additional team members. More
In the UK, consumer insight and sensory specialist MMR Research Worldwide has promoted Mark Sismey to the newly created role of Innovation Director, tasked with identifying, evaluating and delivering the latest technology and data collection tools. More
Global online sampling and data collection firm Research Now has moved Martin Filz from Sydney, Australia to the position of Managing Director in the UK. He is replaced in his previous role as Managing Director for Asia Pacific by James Burge. More
US-based DIY survey firm SurveyMonkey has partnered with online loyalty program specialist ePrize, to enable survey creators to provide their respondents with a variety of incentives such as coupons and sweepstakes in exchange for participating in studies. More
Online research firms Gemius and the Market Watch Institute, together with media marketer Erez Bahat, have signed a four-year contract with the Joint Industry Committee (JIC) of the Israeli Association for Internet Rating Measurement, to provide an online media currency for the country. More
Three advertising technology companies have combined to found the Council for Accountable Advertising, aimed at setting standards and 'making it easier for marketers and publishers to manage and measure their resources'. More
Research provider Majestic MRSS has announced the expansion of its presence in greater China, where it commenced operations in 2008. More
Online marketing software start-up Motista has received a $4.5m Series A investment from El Dorado Ventures. The firm is also relocating its corporate headquarters from Rockville, MD to San Mateo, CA. More
Panel and sample specialist Cint has announced two new partnerships centred around its newly acquired DIY mobile relationship marketing platform, Thumbspeak. More
Healthcare data collection specialist WorldOne has completed the expansion of its London office. More
Australian consumer insights specialist Edentify has opened a new office in Auckland, New Zealand to work with existing clients based in the country. More
Aegis has reported a return to full year growth in its research arm Synovate, where takings rose 9.8% to £572.6m and operating profit (at constant currencies) increased 19.4% to £45.6m. More
In the US, Ipsos and biometric measurement specialist Innerscope Research have partnered to integrate measures of unconscious emotional engagement into Ipsos' products. More
In the US, client-side researchers have reported a 13% increase in the number of suppliers they worked with in the last quarter of 2010, according to the MRA's Research Industry Index (RII). This, says the MRA, is perhaps an indication of 'good things to come' for suppliers in 2011. More
In the US, ad agency trade body the 4As has partnered with TV ad solutions firm BlackArrow and a large number of media firms to launch a research initiative that will measure the impact of ads within free video on demand (VOD) TV programs. More
In Germany, former K & A Brand Research execs Manfred Zerzer and Karen Döring have set up PsychoLogik, a full-service market research agency which applies the science of psychology to the analysis and logical understanding of consumer behaviour. More
In New York, youth specialist The Sound Research has opened a new Diversity Unit to provide research and consultancy on diversity and the 'Millennial generation'. The Unit will be led by qual/quant researcher Dr Vanessa Anderson. More
UK-based insight and marketing group Cello has reported flat revenue for the year 2010 (£59.9m), but also a return to operating profit of £5.5m from a 2009 loss of £1.5m. Cello has also announced it will buy US healthcare communications company MedErgy HealthGroup from its owner DVC Worldwide. More
In the US, Survey Sampling International (SSI) has launched a new healthcare sampling business to support health-related market research projects. Company veteran Chris DeAngelis has been appointed to head the new division. More
In the US, radio ratings giant Arbitron has unveiled plans to roll out a new 'experimental approach' that features a web and mobile-based system as the main means for collecting data, instead of its existing seven-day paper-based diary service. More
In New York, WPP-owned youth marketing agency Geppetto Group has launched G-Nome Research, a full service quant division which the firm claims offers a 'different approach to decoding the consumer opportunity'. More
In Australia, The Newspaper Works, the print media industry body, has appointed Greg Hywood of Fairfax Media as Chairman. He replaces Brendan Hopkins, former CEO of APN News & Media who retired last year. More
Research technology firm Vision Critical has reported continuing rapid organic growth in 2010: total revenues rose 36% from 2009 levels, on a constant currency basis. The year also saw the launch of three new web-based products and the hiring of 185 new employees. More
Panel and survey technology provider Toluna is planning the launch of a Tunisian site, 'in support of the country's nascent democracy'. More
Sample exchange operator Cint has announced two partnerships this week, integrating its CPX exchange with DIY online tool SurveyGizmo and with the advanced questionnaire design and data collection services of Action Dialog Partner (ADP). More
London-based online co-creation platform The Sense Network is relaunching after a decade, with a new site architecture facilitating collaboration with other agencies and allowing its 2,000 members to take a more active role, launching and managing their own collaborative projects. More
Brazilian research agency IBOPE Group has rebranded public opinion polling and market research firm Zogby International in preparation for entering the US market, following its acquisition of 51% of the company from pollster John Zogby last year. More
Newspaper publishers in Australia have agreed to start reporting daily circulation data through industry body The Newspaper Works. Daily figures have previously only been released for Saturday and Sunday editions. More
UK-based Verve has appointed two former Vision Critical execs - Steevan Glover as Director of Commercial Development and Andrew Reid as Managing Director. Reid replaces Jeannie Arthur who is leaving to set up a new business. More
UK marcoms group Chime has reported that its research arm is back in profit and growing again, with 2010 revenue up 18% to £10.3m and operating income climbing 26% to £7.3m in the past 12 months. More
The Council for the Association of German Market and Social Research has reprimanded Leipzig-based Omniphon for what it describes as a lack of distinction between the firm's market research and interactive marketing operations. More
Online panel firm Toluna has reported 2010 group revenues of £73.6m, up from £49.5m in 2009 - but on a pro forma basis allowing for the Greenfield ISS acquisition, the rise was just 2%. Profit after tax, however, jumped to £6.6m from £1.6m in 2009. More
US-based Omnicom has integrated its Whybin TBWA Tequila ad agency into its shopper marketing agency brand Integer, which it has launched in Australia with branches in both Sydney and Melbourne. More
In India Bharat Kapadia, who is a Director of Lokmat Newspapers, has stepped down as Vice Chairman of the MRUC (Media Research Users Council), citing 'personal reasons'. He has been replaced by Mumbai Samachar newspaper proprietor Hormusji Cama. More
London-based firm Qriously has broken cover with the introduction of a survey app, which provides a measure of real-time, location-based public opinion. More
UK-based medical professionals' network doctors.net.uk has partnered with coliquio, a firm which runs online physician communities for the German speaking countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More
In London, Progressive Digital Media (PDM) - the parent of online research firms The iD Factor and ICD Research - has reported a 29.4% rise in group revenue to £48.0m for 2010 (2009: £37.1m). More
In the US, Abrams Capital Management has sold 250,000 shares in radio ratings giant Arbitron, and raised $10.01m in the process. More
Marcoms giant WPP has recorded a 4.4% increase in 2010 revenues to £2.43 billion in its Consumer Insight division. Meanwhile operating margins improved by 1.1 points to 9.7%. More
US-based facial recognition technology firm Affectiva has been awarded a grant to develop an online version of its software, which enables computers to recognize human expressions and deduce emotional and cognitive states. More
Online sample exchange Cint has moved to bigger premises in Farringdon, London, having outgrown its previous offices in Oxford Circus where it moved just two years ago. The firm has also relocated its Southern Europe team to new space in Barcelona. More
According to reports, the MRUC (Media Research Users Council) - which conducts the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) - has terminated its agreement with Australian firm Roy Morgan Research to launch a single source survey in India. More
In Malaysia, Sun Media Corporation (SMC) is taking legal action against Nielsen for publishing what it describes as 'false and misleading readership estimates' for its newspaper theSun. More
In the US, market research consultancy Jerry Henry & Associates and theme park corporation Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE) have partnered to launch a new agency called H2R Market Research, which will focus on the travel, tourism and leisure sectors. More
In the US, technology firm Kurani Interactive - developer of the Opinionaided iPhone market research app and Q&A community - has secured a further $1m in funding for expansion of its mobile real-time feedback service. More
Paris-based marketing and sales consultancy SalesLab has opened a customer and market research division called SalesLab Insights, which will offer in-depth data based on the work of a network of 2,500 analysts worldwide. More
Nielsen has reported 2010 revenue of $5.13 billion, a 6.1% increase on a constant currency basis. Net income of $132m for the year compares well with a loss of $489m in 2009. More
In London, former Hall & Partners researcher Richard Owen has founded CrowdLab, which offers a mobile sampling and research platform as well as full qual/quant agency services. More
In Malaysia Kym Wong, former Pulse Group COO, has set up Raydar Research, a new company offering data collection through mobile and online platforms. More
Pharma services group P\S\L has appointed former Synovate M&A leader Peter Chopra to a newly created position, Chief Strategy Officer. Research companies are likely to be among its initial acquisition targets. More
San Diego-based data collection, analysis and ethnography firm Luth Research has announced a 50% increase in revenues in 2010 and, in the same period, an additional 47 full time staff. More
Research software company Confirmit has announced record revenues for 2010, with double-digit organic growth leading to fourth quarter revenue of US$16m. More
In the UK Jonathan Francis, the founder of forecasting specialist Market Dynamics, has set up a new consultancy called Tresell, focused on improving clients' return on marketing investment. More
Manhattan-based quant market research specialist Eric Marder Associates (EMA) is to close after more than 50 years in business. Founder Eric Marder, who is now in his 80s, has decided it's time to 'pursue other interests'. More
In New York, digital ad platform MediaMind Technologies has gained accreditation from the Media Rating Council (MRC) for its 'Unique Impressions and Average Frequency' metrics, which statistically adjust for cookie deletion to project the actual number of users who see an ad. More
In the UK, media research veteran Roger Gane is to retire from his post as Research Director at RSMB in March, after a 40-year career in the market and media research sectors. More
In the UK, market information specialist CACI is to hold a service on Thursday 10 March to remember the life of Gordon Cousland, a consultant with the firm who was killed in the Domodedovo Airport suicide bomb attack in Moscow in January. More
MR outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions has partnered with mobile survey technology provider Techneos, to deliver access to new audiences and behavioural data through mobile phones. More
UK agency HPI Research has launched a new division called Mobilocity, to conduct market research via mobile phones. More
Ipsos has opened an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will be led by Country Manager Steve Murphy. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now has relocated its office in Auckland, New Zealand to a bigger facility, to support anticipated growth in the Asia Pacific region. More
US retail giant Wal-Mart Stores has promoted Cindy Davis to the position of Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Insights, leading a newly created team which will analyze broad consumer trends and provide insight into customer needs. More
Media ratings giant Arbitron has extended CEO William Kerr's employment agreement for a further year to January 2013, in recognition of the leadership role he has played during a year of 'extraordinary events'. More
Online panel and research technology firm Toluna is to be taken private, in a deal valuing the company at £161m ($259m). Toluna's third-largest shareholder, family-owned Belgian company Verlinvest will fund the acquisition from its own assets and has formed a company called ITWP to complete it. More
Harris Interactive, which is in the process of restructuring its UK business following a major contract loss, today announced the appointment of Steve Reiman, an expert in managing online communities and usability trials, as Head of Qualitative Research. More
In the US, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) has announced two independent 'proof-of-concept' tests to measure content and advertising across television, Internet and mobile. The tests will tap the skills and panels of Arbitron and comScore. More
Market Probe has announced a major push into key developing countries with the launch of strategic partnerships around the globe; a new office in Hong Kong; senior hires for brand equity and customer research; and development of a new customer advocacy model. More
UK-based Ipsos MORI has appointed Dr. Denise Fairhurst as Head of Employee Relationship Management, while parent company Ipsos has appointed Sonia Pall as its new Country Manager and CEO in India. More
Property sales and marketing consultancy The Marketing Group of New England (TMG) has branched out with the launch of a focus group product for residential developers. The service aims to help them design and build the right product for the current market. More
GfK CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) has expanded its use of shopper specific technology by investing in Tobii Technology's entire range of eye tracking tools to perform projection, on-screen and real world studies in lab and shopping environments. More
In the UK, citizen engagement specialists Jonathan MacDonald and Tayo Medupin have set up a marketing platform called Human Dialogue, which offers panellist feedback and consultancy advice to help companies optimize their mobile marketing campaigns. More
US neuromarketing firm EmSense has appointed industry veterans Meinhard Hausleitner, Andrew Kennelly, Lynn Sarnoff and Valerie Gauthier to its market research team, which is led by Chief Analytics Officer Elissa Moses. The firm has also outlined a number of new product initiatives. More
CASRO's Institute for Research Quality (CIRQ) has awarded its first certification for the ISO 26362:2009 panel quality standard, to online physician community specialist M3 USA. More
US online survey management software firm Vovici has established a European presence with the opening of an office in Kingston-upon-Thames in the UK. More
Online research specialist YouGov has hooked up with digital marketing agency Adform to offer a service which tests how one or more banner ads are received by a target group prior to a campaign being launched. More
In the UK, game industry specialist Chris Wright has launched a company helping online game publishers with data mining and monetisation. Services include real-time behavioural analytics, predictive modelling and individual targeted in-game marketing. More
Kantar Media has launched an Irish sponsorship division, complementing existing offerings in the UK, France, Spain and China. More
GfK Ukraine has extended its agreement with the country's Television Industry Committee (TIC) and will provide TV audience measurement currency for two more years, to the end of 2014. More
In Australia, non-profit body The Readership Works has appointed media specialist Mal Dale for the newly created position of General Manager, responsible for developing, launching, and managing the country's new print readership metric. More
In the US, GfK has added cell phone sampling to its Super OmniTel telephone omnibus. More
In the US, Internet services giant Yahoo! has launched AdLabs - a group focused on accelerating innovation in digital advertising products, and tapping into the services offered by its existing Yahoo! Labs research unit. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has reported like-for-like revenue growth of more than 6% for the nine months to 31 December 2010. More
French co-creation agency eYeka is expanding to the States, where it has already appointed full teams covering both the West and East coasts, based in New York and San Francisco. More
US-based customer feedback firm Mindshare Technologies and Munich-based mystery shopping specialist International Service Check have partnered to launch a new venture called 'Fast Insight', which they plan to roll out across Europe and the Middle East. More
In the US, research technology specialist Decipher has partnered with public opinion consulting firm DHM Research to develop custom online panels to help public sector organizations, nonprofits, foundations and universities engage with their communities. More
Consumer insight and sensory specialist MMR Research Worldwide has appointed nine new recruits for its UK and US operations, since the start of the year. More
In London, Language Connect - a specialist in language services for market research - is relocating its head office from Borough to larger premises near Bermondsey Square, in preparation for the expansion of its UK team to 50 staff by the end of the year. More
In the UK, London Underground Ltd (LUL) has been criticised for spending nearly £1m on the recruitment of 'fake' passengers by GfK to mystery shop its service. More
The US office of market research and insight agency Kadence International has reported a 98% increase in insight-driven revenues to $1.4m for the last six months of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009. More
In the UK, former BBC digital strategist James Micklethwait has been hired by commercial broadcaster ITV for the newly created role of Director of Product Strategy, overseeing product development, audience research, and web analytics. He starts in April. More
Millward Brown has announced the appointment of Ronald D. Markham as Chief Information Officer; and the setting up of a Client Advisory Board to keep the company truly customer-focused. More
In Sydney, the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Australia (IAB) have whittled down the original twenty-one companies bidding for their online audience measurement contract to a shortlist of five. More
In Denmark, Gallup has called time on its new analysis product 'Webprofil', after a documentary suggested that opt-in participants had not fully understood their obligations in terms of cookie installation. More
Dulles, VA-based software firm Vovici has signed a lease for a new headquarters building at Presidents Plaza I in Herndon, and plans to move its 100 plus employees there in March this year. More
Harris Interactive has announced revenue up 2% at constant currencies to $44.9m, along with a small profit, for the second quarter of its fiscal year 2011. More
Harris Interactive has appointed Nathalie Perrio-Combeaux and Patrick Van Bloeme as co-CEOs of its UK operations, replacing Robert Salvoni whose position as President, International has been eliminated as part of a 'shake-up' of the UK business. More
In the US, fast food giant McDonald's has promoted Kevin Newell to the new position of Executive Vice President - Global Chief Brand Officer, responsible for marketing, consumer insights, menu innovation and restaurant design. More
Washington, DC-based APCO Insight - the research consultancy arm of comms agency APCO Worldwide - has launched a specialized healthcare research division, led by Chrystine Zacherau who has re-joined the firm as Vice President. More
US-based operations specialist Gazelle Global Research has opened a qualitative viewing facility in its Manhattan, NY headquarters. More
Manufacturing giant Kraft Foods has partnered with chip maker Intel to develop a self-service kiosk housing digital signage, which scans shoppers' faces and then (wait for it...) recommends what they should cook for dinner. More
In the US, panel specialist Research Now has relocated its Seattle staff - comprising sales, operations, and external PR teams - to the offices of social media sampling firm Peanut Labs, which it acquired last October. More
Nielsen has priced its forthcoming initial public offering (IPO) at around $1.64bn or $23.00 per share. The shares will trade from today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'NLSN'. More
US firm SurveyAnalytics rolled out a new method of surveying public opinion in real-time during President Obama's State of the Union address last night - combining smartphone-based feedback with comment from social media sites. More
In the US, Sunbeam Television has dropped two charges against Nielsen that claimed the research giant had engaged in unfair trade practices and breach of contract. More
CACI Managing Consultant Gordon Cousland has been named as one of the victims of yesterday's suicide bombing which took place in Moscow's Domodedovo airport. He is one of two Britons and at least 35 people in total killed in the attack. More
After joining the Millward Brown Group last year, Athens-based Research International Greece is to rebrand as Millward Brown RI - offering consultancy and advice in branding and communications research. More
Kantar-owned global trend research consultancy The Futures Company (TFC) has partnered with sister firm TNS to serve multinational and local clients in India. More
US-based Triton Digital Media - which provides technology to the radio industry - has opened a research center for broadcasters looking to study the key factors driving on-air and online audience engagement. More
Synovate has opened an office in Geneva, Switzerland to house a team of twelve. They include existing sales and account management staff based in the city, as well as staff who have relocated from the firm's offices in France and the Netherlands. More
Social monitoring and research company Attentio has finalised the acquisition of 365Research - both are based in Brussels. 365 founder Colin Sanders becomes Chief Product Officer at Attentio, which is planning a new version of its 'Brand Dashboard' in the spring. More
Retail behaviour research specialist Shoppercentric has appointed former Marks & Spencer Head of Customer Insight Susie Spencer as a Director. More
In the US, InsightExpress has launched LiveInsights, a real-time campaign measurement and optimization tool for brand marketers. More
In California, uSamp has teamed up with online qual researcher GutCheck to provide automated delivery of screened and qualified participants for moderated, online qualitative research studies. More
US-based full service agency The Dieringer Research Group (DRG) has opened a new 4,000+ square foot 'Focus Center' in its headquarters in the Milwaukee suburbs. More
JD Power and Associates has formed a dedicated digital research team, which will develop a global strategy for integrating digital research - including social media, clickstream, panel, mobile and online media measurement - into the firm's products and services. More
A strategic alliance has been announced between UK-based medical professionals' network doctors.net.uk, and Global Média Santé, owner of Egora, a similar community comprising physicians and other health professionals in France. More
In the US, Ipsos' Omnibus Division has added cell phone dialling to its telephone omnibus, in an attempt to offer clients improved respondent representation. More
In the UK, Chime Communications' Research & Engagement Division has hired Rosy Goodrick, Winston Chesterfield and Laurence Palfreyman for Opinion Leader in London, and Caroline Holman and David Winstone at Facts International in Kent. More
Kantar Media has been awarded a four year TV audience measurement contract by ARMA, Romania's TV joint industry committee, from January 2012. The current service has been operated by GfK Romania since 2008. More
UK-based insight consultancy Truth has promoted Senior Partners Neil Coburn to the position of Head of Global and Leanne Tomasevic to Head of UK, in advance of further overseas expansion planned for later in the year. More
UK-based media and marketing insights specialist Ebiquity has reported a 122% climb in total group revenues to £20.5m (2009: £9.3m) for the six months ended 31 October 2010, partly driven by its acquisition of ad and media intelligence firm Xtreme Information last April. More
In the US, Toluna's Global Chief Strategy Officer Dr George Terhanian has taken on the additional position of President, Toluna North America, following the departure of Jeff Scott who has left the firm after just five months in the role. More
In its 2010 pre-close update, UK-based Cello Group has recorded a 'strong second half' for its market research and consulting business, and says it expects to report a 20% plus like-for-like rise in operating profits. More
Ahead of the official release of its financial results for calendar year 2010, Nielsen has reported an expected revenue increase of between 6.3% and 6.7% to between $5,110m and $5,130m (2009 = $4,808m), equivalent to 5.8% to 6.2% on a constant currency basis. More
In the UK, branding specialists Simon Coker and Nick Burrows have launched Brand Spirit - a new agency which will connect internal and external brand building, while profiling customers' attitudes, motivations and behaviours. More
UK TV broadcaster Channel 4 has promoted Gill Pritchard to the new post of Director of Audience Technologies and Insight, to lead all activities relating to research, data capture, database management and analytics, and their dissemination and use. More
In the US, antitrust charges brought by Sunbeam Television against Nielsen have been dismissed by a Florida federal judge. More
In Warsaw, Poland, public broadcaster Telewizja Polska (TVP) has given Nielsen a four-year contract to provide television audience measurement services, beginning this month. More
InsightExpress has announced the launch of the Ignite Network, which integrates access to sample from a series of online panel provider partners. The firm says it will also improve data integration and methodological rigor in online ad effectiveness and cross media research. More
Innerscope Research has launched a dedicated biometrics and neuroscience media lab in Boston, New England, USA. More
In the UK, user experience design agencies Foolproof and Flow Interactive have merged, to create what they describe as 'Europe's largest specialist UX agency' with 70 staff and initial turnover in excess of £5.5m. More
Paul Krasinski, the former COO of online audience measurement and analytics specialist Ando Media, has joined ratings giant Arbitron in the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Digital Media and Analytics. More
US confectionery giant Hershey's is joining forces with the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to develop a sensory science and consumer research program including a consumer taste test laboratory. More
In the US comScore, dunnhumbyUSA and Accenture have partnered to study the link between consumers' usage of brand web sites and their in-store brand buying behavior. More
In the US, PluggedIN, which specializes in building online research communities, has reported 43% revenue growth in 2010, while profitability was 'up substantially' year-on-year. More
In the UK, sponsorship research specialist IFM Sports Marketing Surveys has sold its sports goods business to one of its directors - John Bushell - and the firm's original founder Stephen Proctor. Terms were not disclosed. More
US-based data collection specialist Opinionology - formerly known as Western Wats - has opened a new service bureau in London, to meet an increase in demand for its European research panels. More
US-based survey and panel management software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies has opened a European office in London, and appointed former NEBU and Intellex exec Tariq Mirza as Managing Director of European Operations. More
UK polling firm Populus has officially launched its new data collection and processing business, Populus Data Solutions; and named Patrick Diamond, who previously led the CATI and online field and tab agency ICM Direct/newvista, to lead it. More
Ipsos has appointed David Richardson as Managing Director of Asia Pacific, to help lead businesses across the India, Southeast Asia, Australia, Japan, Korea and Greater China regions. More
Ipsos has named a new management team in Asia Pacific, led by Lifeng Liu who was formerly CEO of Greater China. More
In the UK, a group of CEOs led by Paul Lindley, the founder of ethical children's food firm Ella's Kitchen, has called for tax relief on investment in consumer insight aimed at developing new products and services. More
In Japan, online research firm Macromill has partnered with ad and marketing services agencies Hakuhodo and Tokyu to form a new subsidiary which will collect and sell data on consumer commodity buying in Tokyo. More
In the US, technology benchmarking firm Gleanster has secured a second round of funding, which will be used to scale its operations, make several strategic hires, and carry out various marketing and brand-building activities. More
In the UK, former Opinion Health sales specialist Julian Haste has launched Research Runner - a business development consultancy for MR firms. More
US translation and transcription tech firm Language Logic is to establish a presence in the European market, to focus on sales of its Ascribe products and services and its soon-to-be-launched text analytics solution. More
Consumer specialist Knowledge Networks (KN) is to more than double the number of young adults (ages 18 to 24) on its online KnowledgePanel, and increase its representation of Hispanics by more than 40% during the year. More
TNS has kicked off the new year with a new 'global positioning' known as DISCOVER, which it says reflects its commitment to 'leading the way in research into new frontiers and making discoveries that help clients to develop opportunities'. More
In the US, Synovate has partnered with Duke University to create the 'Duke/Synovate Shopper Insights Center for Leadership and Innovation', which will focus on advancing research into shopper insights and marketing. More
TNS has acquired a majority stake in the Research and Marketing Services (RMS) group of companies in West and Central Africa. More
Nielsen's Chief Human Resources Officer Roberto (Bob) Llamas is to leave the firm at the end of the first quarter 2011. The firm plans to name a successor during the transition period. More
Online research specialist YouGov's German arm YouGovPsychonomics has disposed of its subsidiary 'Great Place to Work Deutschland' (GPW Germany) through a management cash buy-out of shares valued at c.£800k. More
Nielsen will provide clients early in 2011 with preview reports for its 'Extended Screen' initiative. The approach adds Internet viewing of TV programs into Nielsen's National People Meter (NPM) television ratings, to demonstrate the impact of online viewing on program measurement. More
In the US, Sam Decker, the former CMO of word-of-mouth agency Bazaarvoice, has co-founded a firm that helps consumer brands use real-time conversations, commentary and insights culled from millions of social media activities taking place around the globe. More
Around a quarter (24.9%) of Americans no longer have home telephones, according to a report published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which warns that the potential for bias due to undercoverage remains a 'real and growing threat' to surveys. More
In the US, Mirrus - developer of the 'Mirror Image' digital advertising mirror - has partnered with media research specialist Millward Brown Optimor to study the effectiveness of this technology as an ad medium in airport restrooms. More
In Brazil, software experience tester DeskMetrics has closed a $200k initial round of funding from an unnamed group of regional angel investors. More
In the US, media strategy and measurement agency Geomentum has appointed former Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) leader Sean Finnegan as CEO, and Tony Bombacino as President/Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). More
In the UK Graham Farrant, formerly Operations Director at NatCen, has set up Your Site Check, a firm which applies cognitive methodologies to test and evaluate web sites. More
The MRUC (Media Research Users Council) has partnered with Australian market research firm Roy Morgan Research to launch a single source survey in India. More
In the US, biometrics and emotion measurement specialist Innerscope Research claims to have conducted the first ever biometric monitoring of an audience at an industry conference in real-time, at last week's ANA Creativity Conference. More
In Germany, online sample exchange Cint has moved its existing Berlin-based team to new premises, and opened a new office in Augsburg. More
In the UK, the National Magazine Company (NatMag) has recruited Asos exec Aida Muirhead for its newly created role of Research and Insight Director, responsible for creating, developing and managing its centralised insight team. More
In the US, publishing giant Forbes has partnered with MediaVest and comScore to launch what it describes as 'first of its kind' research to measure print advertising effectiveness using digital tracking methodology. More
The Audit Bureau of Circulation's interactive unit ABCi has teamed with Polar Mobile, to provide audited results for publications in the US and Canada which are read on mobile platforms. More
Rentrak and Paris-based Cine Chiffres have announced the formation of a joint venture which will monitor cinema box office figures throughout France, from 1st January 2011. More
Nielsen has formed a joint venture with China Cable Union Data Services (CCData) to pioneer the delivery of new and more detailed insight on China's growing digital TV market. More
In New York, social engagement company SAY Media and Knowledge Networks' ad effectiveness subsidiary KN Dimestore have announced a new research approach designed to measure the impact of user engagement on brand metrics. More
Nielsen has announced that it is shutting down its diary-based radio ratings service in the US, from the Fall 2010 period. The firm said in a statement that the decision will not impact its international radio measurement services. More
TNS has restructured its operations in Asia Pacific (APAC) to reflect the differing needs of the region's diverse markets, and named its Singapore office as its new APAC regional headquarters. More
Canada-based online data collection specialist Itracks has partnered with a number of panel operators to provide access to a group of more than 1.7 million US and Canadian panelists. More
Andy Dexter's agency Truth scooped the blue riband Best Agency award at last night's annual MRS bash in London. A noisy crowd at the capital's Lancaster London Hotel saw Verve take the Best Newcomer, while innovative agencies Firefish and BrainJuicer took three and two awards respectively. More
Arbitron's week has had its ups and downs but its leaders will enjoy their weekend in the knowledge that its biggest client Clear Channel Radio has signed up for PPM and diary ratings for another five years for a reported $538m. The ratings firm's share price has leapt accordingly. More
Following its admission last month of a flaw in the measurement of web traffic due to pages with 'very long URLs', Nielsen has now notified clients that it will 'restate' ratings for nine TV stations in four of its metered markets due to problems with 'software logic'. More
An independent study of Arbitron's PPM (Portable People Meter) panellists has uncovered how some try to 'beat the system' in order to earn more monthly payments. More
In the US, consumer specialist Knowledge Networks (KN) has partnered with mobile survey technology provider Techneos to roll out a solution that uses smartphones both for traditional information gathering and for 'on the go' and 'in the moment' research. More
Vision Critical has hired Mike Stevens, formerly a divisional head at Simpson Carpenter, as Senior Vice President of UK Research. More
Ipsos has unveiled what it describes as the 'largest research-based call centre in Africa'. The firm's decision to invest in building up the English-speaking call centre in Randburg, South Africa was taken in late 2008. More
UK research agency FreshMinds has hired former JRA exec Niall Smith as Head of Research Expertise and Development, responsible for providing methodological expertise to its 40 researchers and working across its diverse client portfolio. More
In Australia, shopper activation agencies Evocatif and iCRE8 have joined forces to expand parent firm STW Group's retail capabilities. More
Web metrics company Quantcast and software firm Clearspring have agreed to pay $2.4 million to settle class-action lawsuits claiming they used Flash cookies to track web users without their permission. Separately, online privacy faces a new threat, 'history sniffing'. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has withdrawn its accreditation for Arbitron's RADAR and Nationwide network and national radio audience services, because they incorporate data from PPM markets that are not accredited by the MRC. More
GfK Custom Research North America has promoted Thomas Finkle and David Krajicek to the role of Co-President, responsible for providing strategic leadership and day-to-day management. More
Ipsos Nigeria has partnered with local news provider THISDAY to conduct political polling in advance of the April 2011 elections. Ipsos says this is the first time a research agency has conducted political polling in the country on such a large scale. More
WPP-owned Millward Brown has partnered with semantic web service OpenAmplify to provide clients with a deeper understanding of what respondents actually mean in their answers to surveys. More
In the UK, semiotics expert Ginny Valentine died yesterday, following a lengthy illness. More
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a group of industry bodies have given Kantar Media a five-year contract to develop and implement the country's first PeopleMeter television audience measurement service. More
WPP has raised its 2011 growth forecast, with Martin Sorrell suggesting the group will also be able to raise its dividend. Separately, the group has reportedly invested in a new consultancy venture launched by former Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. More
Pharma and healthcare insight firms SDI and Cegedim Strategic Data (CSD) have announced the joint launch of a tracker for sales activity in the oncology therapies market. More
In the UK, the BBC is introducing its own 'Live Plus 7' system, which supplements traditional 'overnight' audience figures with numbers viewing the same programmes on any of a number of platforms up to seven days later. More
Kantar has increased the size of its Worldpanel in the UK by 20%, to include data from 30,000 households by the end of 2011. The firm has also announced other enhancements to the overall Worldpanel service. More
Online customer behaviour analysis firm Site Intelligence has received an unknown amount of equity funding from Oxford Capital Partners, while appointing Peter Ryan as Chief Executive Officer. More
In the US, technology firm Kurani Interactive - developer of the Opinionaided iPhone market research app - has secured another $275k in funding. More
In Canada, Destiny Media-owned Clipstream Survey has moved with its parent company to new headquarters in downtown Vancouver. More
OzTAM - Australia's official source of television audience measurement - has appointed Doug Peiffer as its new CEO, succeeding Kate Inglis-Clark who leaves after seven years in post. At this point, the details of Inglis-Clark's next career move are unknown. More
Synovate has launched a dedicated Mystery Shopping business unit in South Africa, led by its former Operations Director Samantha Lloyd. More
Offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) firm WNS has opened a European HQ in London, to support its expansion in the region. More
Online media agency MediaCorp has extended its TV audience measurement contract with Kantar Media to include VirtualMeter technology, which will enable it to view consolidated data across multiple platforms including linear TV and IPTV. More
In the US, research firm Heart+Mind Strategies has opened 'The Richard B. Wirthlin Center for Applied Values-Research in Marketing and Communications' - in honor of President Reagan's former pollster Dr Richard Wirthlin, who is a member of its Advisory Board. More
Marketing content and comms services specialist STW Group has strengthened its insights division with the launch of a specialist market research data collection agency called Touchpoint Research Australia. More
Harris Interactive has launched 'Flash Poll' - a service which provides representative research data on up to 1,000 respondents in 36 hours. Each research project commissioned using the service is treated as a unique piece of custom research. More
In the US, Management Science Associates (MSA) and Paradigm Sample have launched the Convenience Consumer Insights Panel (cci Panel), which gathers consumer information from convenience store (C-store) shoppers. More
Arbitron has announced that Spanish-language broadcasting group Univision Radio has signed multi-year contracts for its PPM (Portable People Meter) ratings services in twelve markets. More
Wi-fi data accidentally collected by Google's Street View cars will be deleted 'as soon as possible', according to the office of the UK's Information Commissioner. Separately, US and UK privacy policy unfolds and is criticised; and Tim Berners-Lee expresses fatherly concern. More
Online sample exchange Cint has announced growth in the Netherlands with the appointment of Maurice Wassen as a Senior Account Manager based in its new Amsterdam office; and the addition of the Motivaction panel. More
In the US, ethnic and multicultural specialist Ebony Marketing Research (EMR) has partnered with ethnic data supplier List Service Direct (LSDI) to enable it to tap into targeted lists for telephone studies. More
US ad industry ratings watchdog the Media Rating Council (MRC) has withdrawn its accreditation for local television ratings in Nielsen's 154 diary-only markets, backdating the withdrawal to 2009. More
In the US, industry researchers Tracy Downing, Mike Lokowich and Lisa Myers have launched Infrared Partners, a new consultancy offering marketing, research and customer experience solutions. More
In Leeds, UK, three former Nunwood Board directors have founded full service agency Boxclever. More
US qual and quant data collection agency Quick Test/Heakin has relocated its West Oaks Mall facility in Houston to new premises, where it has appointed Denise Bryant as Manager. The firm has also announced a number of promotions and appointments. More
WPP is merging its business advisory and public opinion research firm Public Strategies with its international communications agency Hill and Knowlton (H&K), to offer joint capabilities in public affairs, research, digital and financial services. More
In Sri Lanka, consulting firm MTI has spun off its research practice as a separate entity called MTI Market Research. More
In the UK, Chime's Research and Engagement division - which includes Facts International, Opinion Leader Research, CaucusWorld, acefieldwork, Naked Eye and Brand Democracy - says it is expecting increased profit in the second half year. More
In the US, online research community builder Communispace is relocating its headquarters from the current 40,000 square foot location in Watertown, Massachusetts, to an office twice the size, based across two floors of the Atlantic Wharf Building in Boston. More
Lightspeed Research has moved its global headquarters from Basking Ridge to Warren, also in New Jersey. More
A new Netherlands-based research firm is targeting the 'hard to reach' consumers of the GCC region. VNDLGY (pronounced 'Vondology') uses a network of carefully recruited 'TrendSpotters' to provide qual feedback on trends and innovations in the region. More
GfK has announced third quarter organic sales growth of 9.2%, up from an already strong 8.0% in the second quarter and 5.3% in the first quarter; and adjusted operating income up 27% to EUR 48.5m. More
Synovate parent Aegis Group has reported organic revenue growth of 9.7% in the third quarter, and 5.2% for the nine month period, but has warned of slower growth in the fourth quarter. Synovate outperformed the media division with revenue up 11.5% for the quarter and 5.7% over 9 months. More
Australian-based custom research firm The Leading Edge has opened its first in North American office, in New York, and hired former Interbrand and McCann exec Daniel Binns as CEO and Founding Partner. More
Synovate has launched a global analytics consulting practice, Synovate Management Analytics (SMA), promising clients the ability to make holistic, strategic decisions by integrating research, analytics and data sources for each project. More
Online sampling and data collection company Research Now has relocated its headquarters from Dallas to a larger site in Plano, Texas, with future growth in mind. More
The BBC has announced it will re-tender its market research framework contract, compiling a roster of providers for use over a term of two years beginning with the third quarter of 2011. More
In the UK, experienced social and market researchers Jon Batterham and Tom Levesley have launched a new agency - Chrysalis Research - specialising in education, employment and skills, and health. More
In California, events company Patrician has branched out with a real time data capture product called iHAVE5Qs. More
In the UK a subsidiary of courier company TNT has been accused of potentially providing burglars and identity thieves with a goldmine of personal information about survey respondents. The BBC's Watchdog programme says Doordrop Media's approach runs counter to data protection laws which demand such information is handled securely. More
Nielsen has apologised to clients for a 'flaw' in its web traffic methodology which has led to under-counting of web traffic in products including its NetView service. More
In the US, online DIY survey tools firm SurveyMonkey has secured $100m in debt financing from a group of banks. The firm plans to use the funds to reduce debt in preparation for making future acquisitions. More
The Audit Bureau of Circulations' interactive unit ABCi has teamed up with mobile publishing technology firm Spreed, to provide independently audited mobile usage data generated from smart phones, e-readers and mobile browsers in the US and Canada. More
Online panel and technology firm uSamp has appointed a new Chief Financial Officer, promoted two execs, and doubled the number of sales directors employed in its US offices. More
Ahead of its official financial report which will be published on 15th November, GfK has announced a 10.8% revenue increase to EUR 931m for the first nine months of 2010 (prior year: EUR 840.2m), of which 7.4% is attributable to organic sales growth. More
Online sampling and data collection firm Research Now has brought all its New York-based staff together under one roof, at 58 West 40th Street. Overlooking Bryant Park, the new office is more than double the size of its previous space. More
In India, Kantar-owned IMRB has launched the 'Web Audience Measurement' (WAM) system, which uses a panel of people issued with a new custom-built metering device. More
US media measurement firm TRA has introduced a daily service which details the impact of TV campaigns on actual consumer purchase behavior. More
DIY market research solution GutCheck has closed a $2m Series A round of funding. The money will be used to launch its platform, support its sales and marketing strategy, and grow the number of participants in its online panel. More
In the US, JD Power and Associates has partnered with online sample firm uSamp to develop an online panel expanding its existing survey-based customer satisfaction and product quality research. More
Software and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has introduced a new sampling methodology which scientifically 'calibrates, mixes, stabilizes and monitors' multiple or single respondent sources. More
The BBC has axed the role of Director of Marketing, Communications and Audiences (MC&A) held by Sharon Baylay, and integrated her team into an expanded division led by COO Caroline Thompson. More
In New York, Ipsos Loyalty has promoted Ken Peterson to the position of Chief Operating Officer, where he will focus on maximising efficiency and optimising client service. More
Panel provider and research outsourcing firm Pulse Group has made a profit for the first time, for the year ending May 31 2010. More
Three Australian research and technology businesses have pooled their skills to launch a new company, Potentiate, with offices in Australia and Japan. The three are software firm Infotools Australia, panel management and survey deployment specialist Plenari and online sample firm Sampleworx. More
Research Now has opened an office in Milan to provide its 'greatly expanded' base of Italian clients with skilled local account management. Client Development Manager Robinson Leoni will head up the office. More
Japanese electronics giant Panasonic is planning a massive expansion of its R&D centre in Gurgaon, India, as part of its ongoing heavy investment in growing its Indian operation. More
A total of 21 companies have registered an interest in bidding for the Australian IAB's recently announced online audience measurement tender. More
In the UK, online marketing research specialist OnePoll has appointed consumer trend authority William Higham as Managing Director. More
Research and business intelligence firm Majestic MRSS (MMRSS) has opened a qualitative research centre in Singapore, and appointed Fatima Binti Abdul Hakim as its Facilities Manager. More
Online data collection specialist Itracks has released a new qualitative research solution that simulates in-person focus groups, using streaming video technology. More
Research Panel Asia (RPA) has opened its first office in the US in Los Angeles, to support clients based in North America. More
Nunwood has opened an office in Sydney, Australia, headed by former BBC researcher Anna Thomas who joins the company as Joint Managing Director, APAC. Meanwhile Ann Thompson is promoted to Joint MD based in Auckland, NZ. More
Insight firm RONIN has expanded its medical panel offering to Latin America, through the recruitment of medical professionals in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico and Venezuela. More
MR outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions has partnered with medical information provider Physicians Interactive Holdings (PIH), combining its own data collection services with PIH's panel of 170,000 US physicians. More
In the US, a group of 33 crowdsourcing companies has joined forces to create a trade organization to serve as a resource for practitioners, customers, researchers and - eventually - the 'crowd'. More
TNS has re-organised its operations in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA) into two separate regions - TNS Africa and Middle East (AME) led by Kim Macilwaine and TNS Asia Pacific (APAC) headed by Chris Riquier. More
US-based social community software provider Passenger has secured a $7.5m investment, which will be used to support new product development, marketing efforts and sales. More
In the US, Harris Interactive has named Pavan Bhalla as its new Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, replacing Robert Cox who left the firm last year. More
US-based online video research solutions provider Qualvu has opened an office in Dublin, from which to serve its European clients. The new operation is led by former ad agency account planner and research consultant Anne-Marie O'Sullivan. More
TNS has formed a new central division called Corporate Development, incorporating a number of current areas of marketing and strategy expertise. Matthew Froggatt, until now Technology Sector Head, has been appointed to lead the new unit as Chief Development Officer. More
Two of Nielsen's subsidiaries are planning to sell $750m of senior notes which are due in 2018, in order to pay off a proportion of the research giant's debt. More
In the UK, CSA Recruitment - which specialises in market and social research staff recruitment - has appointed former Aquent consultant Bridget Barry as an Associate Partner. More
Former Synovate Healthcare CEO Michael Spedding has returned to the company with the title of 'CEO, Geographies'. More
In the US, digital video recorder (DVR) solutions provider TiVo has begun a recruitment drive to increase the size of its Power||Watch consumer panel from 25,000 to 100,000 households. More
Panels and MR technology firm Toluna has hired former Harris Interactive leader Dr. George Terhanian as its Group Chief Strategy and Products Officer. More
US-based NeuroFocus is to publish 'NeuroStandards', a set of principles for conducting EEG-based, full-brain measurements as part of market research studies. More
TNS veteran Klaus Paur has been appointed as Managing Director of Synovate Automotive in Korea and Greater China. He will take up his new post next January. More
Broadcasting association The Norwegian Radio Industry has awarded TNS Gallup a three-year contract extension to measure electronic radio listening in the country. The contract will now run until late 2013. More
In the US, Ipsos is consolidating its Cincinnati operations into one large office, based in the city's historic Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood. More
GfK is restructuring its healthcare management team under a single brand with the appointment of Stephen Hearn to the newly created post of Global Head of GfK HealthCare, and the transition of Richard Vanderveer from CEO of the division to a consulting role. More
Sample marketplace firm Cint has opened offices in Los Angeles, Princeton and San Francisco and is moving to larger premises in Atlanta and Toronto to accommodate its expanding sales and operations teams in North America. More
Kantar has linked its Worldpanel scanned FMCG household purchase data with data from Kantar Media's TGI consumer insight survey. The resulting service, TGI Worldpanel, promises clients a detailed understanding of the link between media consumption, consumer attitudes and UK purchasing. More
Chime company Facts International has announced the acquisition of London-based acefieldwork, part of Munro Global, for an undisclosed sum. The companies will continue to trade separately under their existing brand names until next year when they will merge. More
Panel firm e-Rewards, Inc. has announced that it is adopting the name of its recent acquisition, Research Now, on a worldwide basis with immediate effect; and is introducing a new corporate identity. More
UK-based supermarket Tesco is Thailand's biggest grocery chain and is now one of four companies bidding for the Thai assets of Carrefour, after the French giant took the tough decision to pull out of a number of Asian markets. In part, Tesco's success is a victory for market research. More
Nielsen has this week told clients it may widen the definition of its new Extended Screen ratings, dropping the absolute requirement that online TV programs must carry the same ads as their original broadcast. Separately, the research giant is said to be piloting a new 'GRP'-style online audience measure. More
UK-based data collection agency Perspective is to merge with Continental Direct, a subsidiary of the former Continental Research, creating a new firm, Perspective Research Services, which will launch officially on 1st October 2010. More
UK-based agency BrainJuicer has formally announced 49% revenue growth to £7.2m for the first half of 2010. Operating profit was up 119%, and profit before tax 108%. More
A US judge has sentenced a woman who falsified child safety tests on cigarette lighters to eight months in prison. More
Biometrics and emotion measurement specialist Innerscope Research has opened a West Coast office in Los Angeles in response to increasing demand, and announced three appointments in support of the opening. More
Ipsos MediaCT has been chosen by Australian non-profit body The Newspaper Works to develop and run a new readership measurement system for the country's newspapers and magazines. More
comScore has launched a social media intelligence service, Social Analytix, giving clients analysis of what is being said about their brands; and announced a collaboration with Equifax company IXI to integrate financial segmentation data into products including Audience Advantage and AdEffx. More
Electronics publications and events firm EE Times Group, a subsidiary of UBM, has partnered with semiconductor MR specialist Merrill Research & Associates to launch EE Intelligence, a robust online research panel focused on electronics research. More
London-based online agency Opinium Research has announced four appointments. The arrival of Jeremy Marshall, Paul Crooke, Gregory Absalom and Ross Leibbrandt will help the firm to expand following strong results in the summer. More
Vision Critical has promoted Monique Morden to the role of President of its Global Partner Program and Chief Operating Officer for National Panels, and says it aims to expand the Program rapidly. More
In the US, the dispute between Sunbeam Television and Nielsen appears to be coming to a conclusion: the parties informed a judge in Miami last week that they are close to resolving the suit. More
US firm Echometrix has paid $100,000 to settle a case with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo over accusations of 'deceptive' selling of information about children's online activity to third parties for market intelligence purposes. Separately, this week another US firm was also accused of mobile tracking without permission. More
George Terhanian, Harris Interactive's long-time European chief and more recently in charge of its US Centers of Excellence, is to leave the firm at the end of the month 'to pursue another career opportunity'. More
US-based research technology specialist Decipher has reported 55% year-over-year revenue growth for the first six months of 2010. The firm is about to move to a new office in Los Angeles, and is planning to open facilities in Manhattan and London in the coming months. More
Online panel and technology firm Toluna has reported a 164% increase in revenues to £36.2m for the six months ended 30 June 2010, which it says reflects the successful integration of Greenfield Online ISS into the group. More
US-based data collection specialist Western Wats has opened a new service bureau in Toronto, to provide local access to the firm's research panels. More
London-based qualitative specialist Firefish has launched a quantitative practice led by former RS Consulting MD, Neil Swan. The agency has also reported sales growth of 69% to £3.3m for the first half of the year. More
In the UK, global data collection agency Field Facts Worldwide has been put up for sale by administrator and business recovery specialist Leonard Curtis. Sources suggest that overseas facilities belonging to the firm have closed. More
AbsolutData Research & Analytics has expanded in the US, with the appointment of Dana Hayman in Dallas, Laura DeYonker in New York, and Carol Franczek in Chicago, while Heather Kluter joins the firm's existing operation in Los Angeles. More
In the UK, Kantar Media has rolled out a new approach to regional readership data collection, which it says offers a 'considerable cost saving' for publishers conducting regular readership research. More
Research Panel Asia (RPA) has opened a 24-hour operations centre in the Philippines, to help accelerate project turnaround. More
Sample marketplace firm Cint has secured a $13m investment, earmarked for expanding the business in both new and existing markets, extending its product portfolio and strengthening its team. More
Out-of-home (OoH) media agency Kinetic has formed a data consultancy division called Meta, to help clients 'unlock' and maximize the value of existing consumer information by linking data from a variety of locations and transaction types. More
Market research and consulting group Cello has reported good overall growth, but says a slowdown in public sector work for its Research and Consulting division will mean redundancies there. More
Media executives Jeffrey Erb and Harold Hambrose have set up Clarity Labs, to provide eye tracking and other usability research services from facilities on both sides of the Atlantic, in Philadelphia and London. More
In New York, global brand and communications research agency Hall & Partners has launched a Shopper Insights and Shopper Engager division, headed by industry specialist Vanessa Hartnoll. More
Harris Interactive has introduced the Body Mass Index (BMI) Speciality Panel, to provide clients with information about underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese US adults. More
WPP-owned Millward Brown has brought all its global qualitative agencies together under a single brand, Firefly Millward Brown. More
UK-based user experience consultancy User Vision has opened an office in Dubai, to service clients in the Middle East and North Africa. More
In the US, Arbitron veteran Pierre Bouvard is to leave his role of EVP of Cross-Platform Services at the end of September, after 23 years with the firm. More
Three former TNS execs - Evette Cordy, Penny Darbyshire and James Redden - have teamed up to launch a new firm based in Melbourne, Australia and rejoicing in the name of Raspberry Innovation Research + Strategy. More
Online panel and technology firm uSamp has reported a 167% rise in revenue for the past year, which it says was driven by an increase in use of global consumer panels and river sampling, along with growth in tracking studies following its recent acquisition of DMS Insights. More
UK-based consultancy Nunwood has hired former Asda consumer specialist Craig Ryder as Global Head of Shopper Insight, Analytics and Activation. More
In the US, MarketSight - a provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market research solutions - has posted a 49% increase in revenue for the first half of 2010. More
US branding consultancy Siegel+Gale has partnered with neuroscience specialist NeuroCompass to pilot the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging technology (fMRI), to uncover consumer feelings about brands. More
In India, full service research agency Market Xcel has launched an omnibus, providing access to respondents in 12 cities across the country. More
US-based online research agency Infosurv has promoted Carl Fusco to the post of Managing Director, responsible for P&L, managing all company operations and leading growth. The firm has also promoted Kyle Burnam, and hired John Barrett and Chet Bertolli. More
US-based HCD Research has partnered with the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) to measure voter sentiment in the run up to the forthcoming fall elections. More
In the UK, full service agency SPA has been acquired by private equity firm Next Wave Partners as part of a plan to merge it with Future Thinking, in which Next Wave holds a 60% stake. More
WPP-owned Kantar Media - which specializes in providing TV, Internet and radio audience measurement services - has hired veteran media analyst Jeffrey Boehme to drive the development of new products and applications for set-top box (STB) data. More
UK-based specialist recruiter Resources Group has hired Rowan Haylett to lead and expand its Market Research & Insight offering in Australia and Asia, working from new offices in George Street, Sydney. More
Austrian online research agency Marketagent.com has opened an office in Maribor, Slovenia, its fourth country to date. More
German user and brand research specialist Eye Square has opened a new office in Tokyo, Japan, as a base from which to support its Asian clients. More
ESOMAR has released its annual report on the global market research industry, painting a sobering picture of the first decline in MR turnover since it began measuring in 1988, but also striking a positive note. More
Dubai-based research firm YouGov Siraj and pan-Arab broadcaster Al Aan will work together to develop a groundbreaking survey examining the socio-economic outlook of Arab consumers via weekly and monthly polls. More
The world's Top 25 research organizations had a 'dismal' year for revenue in 2009, according to market research industry authority Jack Honomichl. During the year, total revenues for the 25 firms who made this year's list were down by 3.1% to $17.4bn. More
Interactive research and technology firm Vision Critical has appointed former Synovate CEO Adrian Chedore to its Board of Directors. More
Research veteran Barbara Cooke has come out of retirement to take up the post of interim Executive Director of Out of Home Media South Africa (OHMSA); tasked with overseeing research designed to drive a change in the perception of OOH across the country. More
London-based MR recruiter Sinead Hasson has expanded her consultancy Hasson Associates with a move to larger premises in the West End. More
Synovate has promoted Enrique Domingo to the position of CEO for Iberia and Latin America: he was previously MD for Iberia. He replaces Ignacio Galceran, who is leaving the firm at the end of this month. More
US-based online and mobile qual software provider Revelation has reported a 300% year-on-year increase in sales for the twelve-month period ending June 30 2010. More
In the UK, TV audience measurement body BARB (Broadcasters' Audience Research Board), has appointed former GfK NOP Media AD Joe Lewis as Research Manager. More
Marketing scientist and consumer behaviour specialist Andrew Ehrenberg died last week at the age of 84. More
In the UK, Discovery Group has reported a 28% increase in half year profit to £175k, and a 6.5% rise in turnover; taking the group's revenues to £1.46m in the first half of 2010. More
Healthcare data collection specialist WorldOne has opened an office in Tokyo, to be led by Katsuhiko Niga and Takahito Asano. More
In India, Sunil Saxena has rejoined Synovate as Director of Field Operations, overseeing 14 fieldwork centres across the country. More
In the US, start-up technology firm Yottaa has completed a $4m investment deal, while also unveiling a suite of free web performance analytics tools. More
Ipsos Observer has restructured its US team into three geographical regions, and promoted Allison Gunn, John Ward and Dennis Barbelet to lead each of the teams. More
Online sampling and data collection firm Research Now has moved to new larger premises in Sydney, Australia, to accommodate its recently expanded team and in anticipation of future growth. More
Aegis Group plc has announced a significant improvement in its 2010 interim results. Total revenue rose 4.2% to £663.3m, representing organic growth of 3.2%. The upturn in large part reflects a rebound at MR arm Synovate. More
US-based online qual specialist Invoke Solutions Inc. has closed a $1.75m mixed-securities offering, with six investors subscribing, according to an SEC filing. More
In the Netherlands, the Rotterdam branch of online research firm InSites Consulting is moving to larger premises next month, to provide space for an increase in staff numbers, and room for hosting industry events. More
In the UK, market research consultancy Touchstone Partners has reported 47% organic growth in the last financial year, with pre-tax profit rising by 55%. To support this growth, the firm is moving to new offices in central Oxford. More
Software and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has partnered with mobile engagement specialist TXT4CRM to develop a new mobile market research solution. More
LatAm and Iberia online panel specialist Netquest has launched panels in 17 Latin American countries, bringing its total number of panellists in the region to more than 300,000. More
Online panel and technology company uSamp is testing a mobile survey platform providing researchers with access to millions of users of smart phones and mobile devices, and exploiting the rise of 'check-in' location sharing for precise geographical targeting. More
In the UK, brand research specialist Millward Brown has hired former Yahoo! HR leader Kerstin von der Brelie for its newly created post of Chief Talent Officer - Europe. More
In the UK, marcoms group Chime has reported a 10.9% increase in its Research and Engagement Division's half year adjusted operating profit to £379k. Operating income rose to £3.5m from £3m in the prior year period. More
Revenue and profits in WPP's Consumer Insight division rose in the first six months of 2010: the former slowly, up 2.4% on a like-for-like basis from a low comparative, but the latter more rapidly with headline profit before interest and tax (PBIT) up 22% to £83.7m. More
Fast food giant McDonald's has promoted UK President and CEO Steve Easterbrook to the newly-created position of Executive Vice President and Global Chief Brand Officer, responsible for marketing, menu innovation, consumer insights and other global brand assets. More
WPP's insight division Kantar has appointed panel specialist Renee Smith as Chief Research Officer in the US, and has moved Tim Kelsall to the role of SVP, Client Strategy, Innovation and Delivery at its brand research division Millward Brown, in the UK. More
In New York, media giant Hearst Magazines is planning to open a mobile media development center called The App Lab, where staff will examine consumer usage of mobile devices and related platforms and applications. More
UK-based Verve, specialist in customer advisory panels and online brand communities, has expanded its Sydney-based team with the appointment of Betty Mai as Partner, Australia and New Zealand; and Chantal Brady as Online Community Manager. More
Market Insight Corporation - which captures real-time shopper preferences through its consumer web site MyProductAdvisor.com - has formed an Asian-based company, Market Insight (Asia) Limited, through which it plans to extend its services in the region. More
Harris Interactive has announced fourth quarter and full-year fiscal 2010 results. In the latter, revenue fell fully nine per cent, showing the scale of problems, but operating loss of $56.4m in fiscal 2009 was all but wiped out following moves to restructure and stabilize the business. More
In the US, Sunbeam Television's lawsuit against Nielsen is back in the news, with mandatory mediation due to start on Monday in Boston. Sunbeam has submitted a long list of individuals it may cite or call upon for evidence, including network execs and current and past Nielsen competitors. More
B2B International is about to open an office in Regent's Place, London, from where it will focus on sales and project delivery in the South East of the UK and mainland Europe. More
New York-based SourceMedia - which publishes The American Banker magazine - has opened a syndicated research and data unit, to operate in tandem with its existing news and analysis, events and custom media operations. More
Communispace - which creates online customer insight communities - has reported a 29% increase in revenue for the first half of 2010, with sales up to $22.5m from $17.4m in the prior year period. The company has also added several new tools to its product portfolio. More
In the UK, Opinium Research has partnered with video production firm Fovea to enable clients to test responses to corporate videos. More
In the US, web usability specialists Brian Krausz and Joe Gershenson have launched GazeHawk, a new technology firm which aims to make eye-tracking 'affordable for everyone'. More
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) has urged its members to boycott the United States Postal Service (USPS) 'Voice of the Employee' surveys, to prevent management from 'manipulating the results' during forthcoming contract negotiations. More
Nielsen has increased the amount it wants to raise by selling stock to $2.01bn, in its initial public offering (IPO) filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm has also added two new categories for measuring TV viewing. More
Pharma market research giant IMS Health has appointed Ari Bousbib as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing David Carlucci who will continue to serve in his other role as Chairman for a transition period. More
Data collection provider Datascension has reported a 49.6% drop in revenues to $1.9m in Q2 2010, from $3.8m for the three months ended June 2009. The firm also recorded a net loss of $840k, compared with a net profit of $210k for the same period in 2009. More
Market research services firm Majestic MRSS has announced plans to expand its footprint in Japan and South Korea in the next two years. More
Australian market research consultancy Fiftyfive5 has appointed semiotics specialist Dr Rob Engels as a Qualitative Consultant, to help shape the firm's qual offer using semiotics, cultural trends and ethnography. More
In the US, market research technology start-up Jackson Square Group (JSG) has launched a sampling subsidiary called Federated Sample, which aims to connect buyers and sellers in an integrated platform. More
Tim Hughes, the founder of Australian marcoms and research group Photon, has left the company as it continues its attempts to recapitalise. More
New Scientist is a publication full of scientific scepticism and not particularly renowned for its love of marketing or market research. So if it says, 'I'm convinced this time there's something in it', we should perhaps listen. MrWeb's Nick Thomas interviews the magazine's Deputy Editor, Graham Lawton. More
Online panel and survey technology firm Toluna has expanded in Europe with a new office in Madrid, Spain, headed by former Nielsen executive Carlos Hidalgo de Morillo Jiménez. More
Online panel and survey technology firm Toluna has rolled out its UPS (Unified Panelist System) globally. Separately, in the US, the firm has hired Jeff Scott as President and promoted Ron Franscella to the post of Chief Revenue Officer. More
Strategic research firm Hotspex has appointed former Millward Brown Canada President James Conrad as Executive Vice President, to lead sales and drive growth. More
CIMM, the coalition of US firms formed last September to promote innovation in TV and cross-platform video audience measurement, is to fund the rollout of the IPA's UK TouchPoints study in the US. It will be fielded by the Media Behavior Institute (MBI) in partnership with GfK MRI. More
Interactive research and technology firm Vision Critical has announced results for the first half of 2010. On a constant currency basis, total revenues rose 43% versus a year earlier and CEO Angus Reid says the company is 'on track to earn approximately $70 million in revenue in 2010'. More
Recent Australian research start-up Fiftyfive5 has appointed former TLE Chief Executive Mark Sundquist as a Partner. He joins his erstwhile colleagues, company founders Karen Phillips and Darren Kemp. More
Caroline Osborne has been appointed Director of GfK NOP Consumer Products & Retail, with a particular remit to enhance the company's shopper insight, customer satisfaction, segmentation and U&A offers. More
Arbitron has revealed the cost of its various legal battles of the past two years, in a 10-Q filing for the SEC. In all, two securities law civil actions commencing in 2008, and various 'interactions' with government over the commercialization of the PPM, have cost it around $9.1m to date. More
Marketing services provider Archway has hired 50 full-time employees for a call center in Detroit, MI, USA, citing recent growth among its blue chip clients in call center services. More
Professional research bodies across South America, Canada and the US have come together to establish a new pan-American research alliance, with the aim of supporting and improving the 'business and integrity' of market, opinion and social research. More
In the UK, Kantar-owned TNS-BMRB, which offers insight for government and not-for-profit clients, has launched a mixed mode research programme to prompt new thinking and best practice for tracking social trends across multiple modes of research. More
UK-based firm The Oxford Research Agency (TORA) has changed its name to Future Thinking and opened its first office in the US under the leadership of George Ciardi, who becomes US President and Global Head of Volumetric Forecasting. More
In Hong Kong, smart card payment systems provider Octopus Cards stands accused of breaching the privacy of millions of its customers. The charges include sale of personal data without permission to research companies including Asia Pacific agency Cimigo. More
Online sampling and data collection specialist Research Now has opened its first office in India, to provide clients with local support and online fieldwork expertise. More
Kadence International has reported a ten percent increase in revenue to $12.8m for the financial year 2009-10, which it says has been fuelled by a rise in demand for its services across all seven offices. More
Indian-based KPO group Annik Technology Services has announced the opening of a Middle East office located at Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the appointment of key personnel in Japan and North America. More
Nielsen has announced results for the quarter and six months ended June 30. Reported quarterly revenues rose to $1,270m, up 7% year-on-year and reported operating income rose 6% from $172m to $182m - a rise of 10% after adjusting for one-off costs and currency changes. More
comScore has announced record revenues of $42m for the second quarter of 2010, up 34% year-on-year. Adjusted earnings also rose by around 28.5%. More
Australian MR pioneer Roy Morgan Research and South East Asian online audience specialist Effective Measure International have announced a strategic partnership to develop a 'totally new' Internet measurement methodology and system. More
Nielsen has appointed Gai Le Roy to the role of Vice President Research - Audience Measurement, in its Asia Pacific online division. More
Joel Rubinson is stepping down from his role as Chief Research Officer of US body the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), from September 2010. Rubinson will establish his own consulting practice, but will continue to consult for the ARF on its Research Transformation and Shopper Insights initiatives. More
Two of the research industry's top four firms, Kantar and GfK, have announced an initiative aimed at promoting and assuring online data quality. The firms will seek 'broad industry participation' in their not-for-profit consortium, the Promedius Group. More
Global research group Ipsos has reported a very strong performance for the first six months of 2010, with revenue up 18.1% to EUR 528.8m (organic growth 7.7%) and adjusted net profit up 33.7% to EUR 32.0m. More
MD Andrew Reid has left Australian music and events firm Peer Group Media after two years to head up ViziSense, the web site metrics platform being rolled out in Australia by Indian firm Komli. More
In the UK, the Central Office of Information (COI) has reported a fall in spending on advertising, marketing and research in the past year, and has warned of more substantial cuts to come. More
Online measurement firm comScore has owned up to understating Yahoo!'s June audience figures by a mere billion page views. The search and content giant issued a press release today after comScore notified it of the error. More
UK group Chime Communications plc has appointed Toluna exec Mark Squires as Group Operations Director for its Research & Engagement Division. Meanwhile the Division's former bosses Viki Cooke and Deborah Mattinson are to launch a new consultancy called Britain Thinks. More
'Push Polls', which often masquerade as impartial research but are in fact geared to influencing voters close to election time, are again in the spotlight in the US, after accusations by the New Hampshire Republican Party. More
Dollars continue to chase firms launching software to measure social media and facilitate advertising on it, while MR firms in growing sectors are also targets for investment. More
New York-based Affinity, which specialises in syndicated print measurement and accountability tracking, has announced a partnership with Latin American research firm Grupo IBOPE. More
CIMM, the coalition of major US firms formed last September to investigate new ways of researching audiences in the multimedia age, is discussing the use of iPhones to collect diary-style media consumption data from a panel of around 1,000 US consumers. More
YouGov has taken a minority stake in SMG Insight, a sports marketing consultancy, and announced an alliance aimed at delivering higher value added services for the global sports marketing industry. More
Synovate has appointed Mamapudi Nkgadima to lead its South African subsidiary African Response - she becomes Managing Director next week. Current MD Beatrice Kubheka moves to the position of Chairperson and will remain closely involved with the business. More
Qual research video specialist FocusVision has announced the opening of FocusVision Asia, located in Singapore, and the appointment of Patricia Poo as Regional Director, Asia. More
UK-based healthcare research specialist Adelphi Group and German healthcare comms consultancy 'face to face GmbH' have partnered to launch a new qual and quant agency - Adelphi Germany - offering healthcare and pharma research from its base in Cologne. More
Pharma market research giant IMS Health has expanded its IMS Oncology Analyzer market measurement tool to provide anonymized patient-level information across several additional cities in China. More
In the UK, Cello's Research and Consulting division has returned like-for-like income growth for the first half of the year, driven by 'continued robustness' in client activity levels, most notably in pharma and health-related sectors, as well as international work. More
Online sampling and data collection specialist Research Now has expanded its team in Munich, Germany, and moved to new office in Hallbergmoos, near the city's airport. More
In Australia, Survey Sampling International has relocated its Sydney offices to accommodate its expanding service team, which now includes more than 20 account and project managers. More
US pharma marketing and sales group PDI is to cease conducting market research through its TVG Marketing Research & Consulting arm, citing a decrease in the demand for marketing research. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 'better-than-expected' second quarter, with a 1.8% increase in revenue to $88.3m compared with $86.8m in the prior year period, and an 8.7% rise in profits to $3.8m, from $3.5m. More
Ipsos MORI has restructured its operations team. Rowland Lloyd is promoted to the post of Regional Director, Western Europe and South Africa Operations, while Jane A'Court and Sarah Michell become Joint MDs of Operations in the UK. More
In the US, ad media software and services specialist Telmar is the first firm to integrate Eyes-On Data from the Traffic Audit Bureau (TAB) into its suite of media planning tools. More
In the UK, media and communications research provider Ipsos MediaCT has partnered with qualitative media specialist Work Research to launch a qual joint venture called 'Work with Ipsos'. More
GfK has promoted Julia Beaver to the position of Head of GfK NOP Research Panels, which specialises in continuous or longitudinal consumer panels. Most recently, Beaver was Deputy MD at GfK Financial. More
BrainJuicer has appointed Orlando Wood as Managing Director of its methodological unit BrainJuicer Labs, and appointed him to the Company's Management Team. More
Online healthcare and pharma market research specialist OmniPanel has expanded its operations in Latin America, with the opening of an office in São Paulo, Brazil. More
In the US, ABCi, the digital wing of the Audit Bureau of Circulations, has entered a partnership with mobile media solutions provider Handmark to provide detailed, audited mobile usage statistics for publishers and advertisers. More
In the US, former OTX Research executive Patrick Comer has launched a market research technology firm, Jackson Square Group (JSG). Seed financing from investment company Voodoo Ventures will be used to support growth and add new personnel. More
In India, a team of entrepreneurs have launched High Beam Global - a market research data collection and marketing consulting firm specialising in the healthcare, FMCG and technology sectors. More
Infegy - the developer of social web analytics platform Social Radar - has opened a European sales and support office in Birmingham, UK, and appoined Gray Dudek as European Managing Director. More
In the US, the Media Rating Council (MRC) has given approval to all 25 of Nielsen's Local People Meter (LPM) markets - ten of which had their accreditation renewed, while the remaining fifteen markets were granted accreditation for the first time. More
Australian marcoms and research group Photon is struggling to raise the necessary finance to recapitalise, and faces going out of business if it fails to renegotiate $AUD 176m worth of earn-out payments due to owners of some of its 50 agencies. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has appointed former Greenfield-Ciao director Chris Watson as Managing Director of its UK business. More
In the US, Vovici's former Chairman and CEO Dean Wiltse has set up a mobile measurement agency called Thumbspeak, to enable businesses to reach mobile audiences and gain insights from hard-to-reach consumers. More
London-based marcoms agency Engine has launched a new insight and research unit to provide clients with an analysis of why and how consumers make choices. More
TNS has promoted Margit Huber to the position of Global HR, Talent Manager & Culture Director, with a remit to create an 'inspirational culture' across the group. More
Online market research specialist BrainJuicer has reported growth of 48% for the first half of 2010, primarily driven by its business in the UK and US. More
In the US, data giant Infogroup has appointed Marc Litvinoff as President of its research division, Opinion Research Corporation (ORC). More
In the UK, the radio audience measurement body RAJAR has appointed Jerry Hill as Chief Executive Officer, following the departure of Sally de la Bedoyere in May. More
Millward Brown has added five team members to its Neuroscience Research Practice, formed in March to extend the services offered by its existing advertising and brand research unit. More
US-based panel company e-Rewards has issued $6.75m worth of stock options and incentives to a number of its directors and executive officers. More
In the UK, online custom panels specialist EasyInsites is to build and maintain a research panel consisting of members of retailer WHSmith's 'Privilege Club'. More
In London, former Synovate Healthcare Directors Peter Boyle and Sarah Flinn have launched a new qual and quant international healthcare data collection agency, Adept Field Solutions. More
India's plans to set up independent nationwide audience research along the lines of the UK's BARB have taken another small step forward with the formal registration of the new Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). More
US-based data collection agency Universal Survey and its partner Survey Healthcare have established physician and healthcare professional panels across the major European, Asian, and Russian markets, in addition to their existing US and Canadian panels. More
Global non-profit trade body the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has commissioned Internet audience measurement group OWA to measure mobile web site traffic in Austria. More
In the US, research and market intelligence agency the Aberdeen Group has established a research partnership with the American Marketing Association (AMA) to offer members access to its twelve practices and research library 'The Vault'. More
GfK has become the first foreign market research company to be granted a license to open a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia. The firm has also opened a branch in Kenya, acquired the outstanding shares of GfK Mode in India and GfK Kynetec in the UK, and increased its stake in Shopping Brasil. More
Ipsos and mobile data collection technology firm Techneos have partnered to develop new mobile research techniques, technologies and applications. More
In the US, Manish Bhatia, Nielsen's President of Advanced Digital Services, has left the company, resulting in a re-structure which will see the firm integrate set-top-box (STB) data into its current audience measurement services. More
In the US, knowledge marketplace Maven Research has completed a $1m seed financing round, which it will use to expand its 'real time' research and micro-consulting platform. More
Marketing group STW Communications has formed a joint venture with field marketing specialist Smollan Group to conduct mystery shopping and customer auditing activities in Australia and New Zealand. More
In the UK, full-service marketing and management consultancy Realia has opened a dedicated research business to provide marketers with evidence-based decision support. The unit is headed by former IFF Director Sue Burden. More
In South Africa, Ipsos Markinor has brought together its field and tab work into a specialist business unit called Observer. In addition to omnibus and international research teams, the unit includes a team conducting client projects for which only data is required as a deliverable. More
Nielsen has told clients it will bring back its 'live-only' television ratings, dropped in April in favour of a measurement combining live and time-shifted viewing. The company says it has not changed its view that live/same day is a better measure, but can now offer both due to increased data capacity. More
In the UK, Eventus Software Directors Cathrene Rowell and Kevin Simpson have set up a new company, CaKe Research, to offer both platform-only and full-service online qualitative research services. More
Online audience specialist comScore has opened an office in Madrid, from which it will service the Spanish and Portuguese market. The new operation will be led by media specialist Jaime Agulló as General Manager for Iberia. More
In the US, Ipsos has launched the Open Thinking Exchange - a new organization dedicated to 'opening the exchange of ideas and information between marketers and their consumers'. More
Markos Moulitsas, founder of US political weblog The Daily Kos, is to sue polling firm Research 2000, claiming that some or all of the research it conducted for his web site was 'fabricated or manipulated beyond recognition'. More
UK-based B2B International has expanded its China operations with the opening of a new office in Shanghai, to meet its growing requirement for market research among Chinese and international companies with headquarters in the city. More
Healthcare data collection specialist WorldOne has opened an office in São Paulo, Brazil, to further expand its capabilities in the region. More
Kantar-owner WPP has reported improved results for the first five months of the year. Both Group revenues and those for the Insight division rose around 2% worldwide on a like-for-like basis while growth in May was well over 5%. More
Nielsen has been reappointed as New Zealand's supplier of television audience measurement (TAM) services, winning an eight-year contract from SKY, TVNZ and TVWorks. More
UK audience measurement body BARB (The Broadcasters' Audience Research Board) has announced it will test a new meter which promises measurement of television viewed via a PC or laptop. More
In the US, Qmarkets.net, a provider of prediction markets software, has received government funding for the development of its second generation collective forecasting platform, due for release in August. More
Horsham, PA-based Verilogue has announced an upbeat start to 2010. The healthcare insights and analysis firm now employs more than 35 specialists. More
Kantar Video has announced a number of senior hires in preparation for the global rollout of its Videolytics online and mobile video syndication, tracking and optimization platform. More
Mediabrands, part of marketing services giant Interpublic Group, is launching a specialist shopper marketing agency, ShelfLife, to be headed by John Ross, currently President of the IPG Emerging Media Lab. More
Las Vegas-based polling firm Precision Opinion has announced its third major expansion in the past three years, with the addition of 135 jobs. More
Are mobile surveys more intrusive? Will ICE change the face of online panels? Why don't we entirely trust Neuroscience? And should we now be a bit less worried about Google? From today, join the debate on the big issues in our MRT section. More
Just as you thought the World Cup was 'so last week' here we go again with (among other things) call centre productivity; social media match predictions; and the disturbing prospect of Diego Maradona running round Buenos Aires naked. More
Derbyshire, UK-based agency DJS Research has bucked the downturn with an exceptional year of growth in 2009-10. Turnover is close to the £1m mark and four new permanent staff in two months bring the total to sixteen. More
In New York, media measurement firm TRA has signed an agreement to license technology from marketing ROI specialist Media Trust, in order to enhance its Media TRAnalytics system, which matches household TV consumption and purchase data. More
In Hamburg, Germany, researchers Dr Felix Eggers and Björn Goerke have set up QLT insights, which will use technology to standardize research processes, while also offering configurable DIY survey tools. More
US multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak is working towards Media Rating Council (MRC) approval for its TV Essentials audience measurement service. If it succeeds, the firm claims it will be the first to gain accreditation for a product based on set-top-box (STB) data. More
UK FMCG and customer experience researcher The Oxford Research Agency (TORA) has moved to larger premises in the city, while appointing former Ipsos MORI AD Emma Baret and promoting three of its team to the UK Board. More
Market research software provider Confirmit has partnered with technology specialist Annik to embed Flash components into its survey software. More
Online panel and technology company uSamp has closed a $10 million Series C round of financing, led by OpenView Venture Partners of Boston. More
Eyetracking pioneer Tobii Technology has announced the launch of Tobii Glassesâ„¢, which the firm says look and feel like modern eyewear, allowing subjects to walk around freely collect eyetracking data in 'mobile, natural settings'. More
Arbitron has announced the PPM 360, which extends the technology of its Portable People Meter onto a wireless platform, heralding 'a new generation of audience measurement'. More
US investment firm Cardinal Value Equity Partners has sold nearly 2 million Infogroup shares, in advance of a shareholder vote at the end of this month which will determine whether the firm should be sold to CCMP Capital Advisors. More
US video ad network BrightRoll has unveiled a new reporting suite that offers a means to measure the ROI on their online video campaigns, using measurement and analytics tools from research partners including comScore, Nielsen, Vizu and InsightExpress. More
According to a study conducted in the US by Forbes Insight and marketing agency George P Johnson (GPJ), just 59% of Chief Marketing Officers are measuring customer engagement, despite it being regarded as an essential metric for brand marketers. More
In the UK, Cranfield University and communications research agency MESH are to collaborate on the development of a suite of analytics tools, assisted by a government 'Knowledge Transfer Partnership' (KTP) grant. More
Florida-based market research consultancy Echo Stats has created a new product development division, led by Elizabeth Wallings who has been promoted to the position of Director of New Product Development. More
America's top 50 research firms saw domestic revenues fall 3.5% to $8.61bn in 2009, according to the latest annual report compiled by Jack Honomichl. This compares with a 1.6% increase to $8.98bn in 2008. More
Creston-owned ICM Group has appointed Justin Sampson as Chairman, replacing ICM founder Nick Sparrow who resigned in February after 21 years with the firm. More
In the UK, WPP-owned Kantar Media has developed a predictive tool to provide insights into how consumers will react to newspapers introducing paywalls on their web sites. More
A modest 38% of England fans will throw World Cup 'sickies' this month, costing the UK c.£1bn in lost work - but not in vain, as it can be scientifically proven that England are going to win. Yes, predictably, we are inundated with stats, and our Features Editor Teresa Lynch will bottle only the finest for you. More
In the US, Louis Pappalardo - the founder and President of consumer market research agency Trendata - has died at the age of 78, following a battle with cancer. More
A number of leading panel firms have joined with MR technology firm Imperium, to launch an industry-wide user group focused on driving optimal sample quality. More
In the US, the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has appointed David Almy as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the departure in January of Larry Brownell who returned to his Los Angeles home. More
In Russia, FMCG research specialist Business Analytica is discontinuing its retail audit subscription-based service, which has provided consumer marketers and business analysts with data for more than 15 years. The firm is refocusing on more economical alternatives. More
Custom panels and research technology firm Vision Critical has opened a new office in Barcelona, Spain, and appointed Eva Laparra to run it as Senior Vice President, European Operations and Managing Director. More
US-based neuromarketing research specialist EmSense has opened a European headquarters in central London, where it has recruited Sue Nosworthy as SVP, European Research Director and Maria Domoslawska as VP, Digital and Media Research. More
Millward Brown has moved Tim Wragg into the new position of CEO - Europe, following last year's integration of its UK and Ireland business with mainland European operations, and the formation of a pan-European Board. More
Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL) has developed a prototype eye tracking and recording device which can capture everything a user sees. More
In the UK, the MRS has revealed a positive outlook for the sector, with lower-than-expected decline during 2009. Meanwhile, in the US, the MRA's Research Industry Index (RII) has reported the highest index score since the fourth quarter of 2007. More
In the US and UK, Aegis Media has launched a sports sponsorship and lifestyle marketing agency called Team Epic, which combines its Velocity Sports & Entertainment and Vivid Marketing agencies, with the research capabilities of Sponsorship Research International (SRi). More
TV ratings body TAM Ireland is to expand the size of its television audience measurement panel, while introducing the ability to track time shifted viewing (TSV) - a move which it says makes Ireland among the earliest countries to measure such trends in viewing behaviour. More
Harris Interactive has gone live with its 'Research Lifestreaming' platform, which aims to provide a 360-degree view of panellists by linking the information they post online with survey responses and behavioral data. More
Nielsen is to track South African consumers' lifestyle habits and engagement during the imminent World Cup, using BlackBerry devices. Participants will compile mobile diaries including photos and captions, giving a detailed picture of their movements and interaction with the tournament. More
Nielsen has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to raise up to $1.75bn in an initial public offering (IPO), which it will use to pay down debt and for 'general corporate purposes'. More
Sample marketplace firm Cint has expanded its business in the US with the appointment of former Greenfield Online executives Michael McCrary - as Managing Director to head up the US team - and Terence McCarron as SVP Sales. More
Industry association IAB Europe has partnered with Google to launch a new tool which provides agencies and advertisers with consumer information across 27 countries and 36 product categories. More
Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) has partnered with eye tracking technology firm Tobii Technology to collaborate on product innovations and conduct package and shelf testing on a global basis. More
In the US, Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) and ratings giant Arbitron have entered into a settlement agreement following their dispute about the latter's PPM (Portable People Meter), which SBS claimed was undercounting its ethnic minority listeners. More
Custom panels and research technology firm Vision Critical has relocated its Sydney office to accommodate its growing team. The latest recruit is Peta Lemmon, who joins with more than 10 years' consumer goods research experience. More
MR technology firms Insight Marketing Systems (IMS) in Australia and MarketSight in the US have partnered to offer a solution which enables research buyers to securely access and analyse research results online, and share them with internal stakeholders. More
Ipsos has rolled out its Social Research Institute globally, to provide clients with an international understanding of social policy and research methods, while drawing on the firm's extensive knowledge of social research conducted in the 64 countries where it has offices. More
Babette van der Kloet and Vandi Hill have launched a full service qual and quant market research firm called Ricochet Research, based in Nairobi, Kenya, which will offer services across the entire African continent. More
In the US, interactive television firm FourthWall Media has launched a media measurement unit, and appointed Nielsen Media Research veteran Bill Feininger to lead the initiative. More
Australian insights consultancy The Leading Edge has made five senior appointments in Sydney, after winning several major new clients. More
In London, Synovate has revealed more information about the launch of its 'Digital Centre of Excellence' which will specialise in understanding and measuring the effectiveness of brands' advertising and communications through digital media. More
NYC-based mobile advertising and analytics platform Medialets Inc. has raised around $5.9m in a second round of funding by DFJ Gotham Ventures and Foundry Group, according to an SEC filing. More
Hampshire, UK-based online MR firm eDigitalResearch has announced the launch of HUB, a new insight and analysis tool. In addition, the firm reports six new appointments, expanded office premises and a 25% growth in sales. More
US-based media measurement firm TRA has received a $10m injection of funds from Intel Capital, the global investment wing of the giant chip maker. The series-C round also includes $8.2m from other companies including existing investors Arbitron and WPP. More
US-based Media Economics Group has launched ColombiaWebMonitor, billed as the country's first online advertising monitor, with the help of partners Havas Digital (part of Havas Media Group) and media research organization ACIM (Asociacion Colombiana de Investigacion de Medios). More
Online survey technology and panels firm Toluna has reported revenue of more than £17m during the first three months of 2010 and says both revenues and profits in the quarter were slightly ahead of budget. More
Online research firm InSites Consulting has announced rapid growth and the opening of new offices in the Netherlands, UK and Switzerland. Four senior hires will help to support and consolidate the expansion. More
Online medical network Doctors.net.uk has today announced a strategic alliance with Medcenter Holdings Inc., an online healthcare marketing company in Latin/Central America and Iberia, for cross-selling and co-marketing. More
UK newspaper the Financial Times has become the first national daily to opt out of the online circulation analysis of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABCe). The FT says volume traffic measures have become 'less relevant to its advertisers and clients'. More
By dint of starting on a Wednesday night, the conference of BIG, the UK's b2b research group, is the only one on the circuit which manages two out of two mornings-after-the-night-before. Our Features Editor Teresa Lynch waits for skies and heads to clear, and reports. More
Synovate has established a Qualitative Business Unit in South Africa, headed by newly appointed Qualitative Director, Maree Fouché. More
India has a new specialist mystery shopping company, Startex India, formed by partners Market Xcel Data Matrix Pvt. Ltd. and Emirates-based Startex Marketing Services. More
Researchers at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem have devised an algorithm that recognises sarcasm in text - potentially vital to companies analysing online sentiment in social media and other sources. More
Millward Brown has announced plans to extend its collaboration with Scangroup Limited and open a West African hub office in Accra, Ghana, in June. More
US market research association CASRO has formed a subsidiary called the CASRO Institute for Research Quality (CIRQ) to provide assessment and certification services to North American research firms looking for international MR standards ISO 20252 and ISO 26362. More
Missouri-based agribusiness consultancy AgriThority has announced the extension of its services into India via a strategic alliance with the SCS Group, whose services include agriculture marketing research and test marketing. More
Aegis' research arm Synovate has reported a 1.9% organic decline in first quarter revenue, compared with 10.1% and 5.5% declines respectively in the third and fourth quarters of 2009. Separately, Synovate has launched a 'Digital Centre of Excellence', based in London. More
Online market research specialist BrainJuicer has opened an office in São Paulo, Brazil, headed by former Philips Director Gabriel Aleixo. More
In the US, GfK subsidiary Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) has re-branded as GfK MRI, in a move which it says reinforces its connection with its parent company. More
Custom panels and research technology firm Vision Critical has appointed Bala Rajan to lead the firm's qual business in Australia and New Zealand, and Daniel Alexander-Head as Engagement Strategy Director. Both will be based in the firm's Sydney office. More
UK research and consulting group Cello has made what it describes as a 'solid recovery' in its profitability for the first quarter of the year. More
In the US, Sands Research claims to have made a 'neuromarketing breakthrough', which will enable it to use high-density EEG sensors to capture brainwave activity across the full brain at 10,000 times a second per sensor. More
Orem, Utah-based data collection firm Western Wats has announced plans to create 170 new jobs in Casa Grande, AZ; Pittsburg, KS; and Brookings, SD. More
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has extended its two-year partnership with biometrics, neuroscience and eye tracking specialist Innerscope Research. More
In the US, boutique social media marketing research firm Conversition Strategies has teamed up with sample specialist Peanut Labs to launch a tool which enables researchers to scientifically measure opinions registered in social media. More
Tokyo-based online sampling and data collection firm AIP Corporation has opened an office in London, to offer services for European clients looking to conduct research in Asia. More
Global information services giant Experian is divesting part of its UK database marketing activities to form a new consumer and media insight business with its client British Sky Broadcasting (Sky). Terms have not been disclosed. More
GfK claims to be back on track with an increase in both Q1 sales and income. During the first quarter of 2010, the global group reported a 6.1% sales increase to EUR 280.9m from Q1 2009, up 5.2% in organic terms. Income rose 71.2% to EUR 25.3m during the period. More
In the US, two former Harris Interactive executives have launched an online 'omnibus-only' consulting and research firm called VeraQuest. More
WPP-owned Kantar has introduced a suite of video measurement and tracking tools, rolling out three new initiatives. More
Marketing Sciences has joined forces with sister agency ICM to launch a new qualitative research service called 'Inspired'. More
In the UK, The Oxford Research Agency (TORA) has invested EUR 500k in Irish social media firm Simply Zesty, to add a 'new level' of social media to its research capabilities. More
UK-based agency 2CV has launched a new team called 'Bloke', to analyze the 30-50 year old male demographic group of what it describes as 'powerful decision-makers'. More
The Research and Engagement Division of UK-based Chime Communications has returned to profit in the first half of 2010, following a restructure initiated by recently appointed CEO Crispin Beale. More
Ipsos says it is confident in its ability to return to 'significant and profitable growth' in 2010, after reporting a 14% rise in first quarter revenue to EUR 236.9m, compared with EUR 207.3m in the prior year period. More
In the US, brand research specialist Millward Brown has partnered with digital video recorder (DVR) firm TiVo to enable its clients to better understand the TV viewing behaviour of their target audiences. More
Canadian-based online data collection specialist Itracks has filed a lawsuit against US-based Artafact, which it claims has infringed one of its patents for an online focus group product. More
In Sydney, two former Directors of The Leading Edge have set up Fiftyfive5, a market research consultancy focused on helping clients' to deliver growth from their investment in insights. More
In Canada Tony Chapman, founder and head of creative agency Capital C, is to launch a 'one-stop global market research and product development firm'. Launch Labs will merge private, public and academic sector expertise to strengthen the country's place in the digital revolution. More
US consumer researcher Experian Simmons has announced a strategic alliance with syndicated print measurement specialist Affinity LLC, and the launch of a syndicated print planning tool. More
Custom panels and research technology firm Vision Critical has relocated its French headquarters to accommodate staff numbers, which have quadrupled in the last 12 months and are set to expand further. More
Western Wats, the Utah-based data collection company, has closed its call center in Wayne, Nebraska, at a cost of around 50 part-time jobs. More
In Germany, GfK is expanding its digital strategy by taking a 40% stake in user experience firm SirValUse Consulting and in usability research specialist nurago. More
Recently launched research panel provider krea has partnered with sample marketplace firm Cint to recruit new panels and increase the overall sample available to clients across India. More
In the UK, market research industry veteran Chris Brookes has set up a new consultancy, specialising in conducting research for start-up businesses. More
US-based online qual specialist Invoke Solutions has appointed Basil Bennett as its new CEO, replacing Ben Cesare who left in March to work as a technology consultant in New England. More
In the US, travel industry research specialist PhoCusWright Inc has initiated its largest expansion since the company was formed in 1994 - with the launch of an education and training division, and a new research subscription service, as well as the appointment of 12 new staff. More
Online audience measurement firm comScore has appointed four key executives in the Asia Pacific region, as part of a plan to introduce an 'on-the-ground' presence in Hong Kong, India and Australia. More
London-based market research agency BDRC has rebranded as BDRC Continental to mark its merger with Continental Research, which it acquired from US ratings giant Arbitron two years ago. More
Barcelona-based online panel specialist Netquest has opened a new office in São Paulo, Brazil, to offer panels and advanced survey tools to local clients. More
Canadian firm In-Touch Survey Systems has reported a 7.4% decline in revenues to $5.48m in 2009, compared with $5.91m in FY 2008. However, CEO Michael Gaffney says he is optimistic about the future, with revenue forecasts for Q1 2010 ahead of those in 2009. More
UK-based insight consultancy Truth has opened its first overseas office, in New York, and appointed brand strategy expert Gayle Moberg to head the operation. More
Former Forrester exec Bruce Temkin has left to set up his own consultancy, the Temkin Group, which aims to help companies become more customer-centric. More
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says the figure reported in the press for Nielsen's possible valuation is 'out of the ballpark' and 'doesn't work in any way, shape or form'. Both companies reported encouraging results today, WPP forecasting growth for the year and Nielsen seeing 4% real revenue growth over Q1 2009. More
Harris Interactive has announced improved results for the third quarter of its fiscal 2010, with bookings well up on 2009 and operating loss cut from $7.3m to $0.9m year-on-year. However, President and CEO Kimberly Till says the company 'still has more work to do' to complete its recovery. More
MR software firm Kinesis Survey Technologies LLC has announced a partnership with interactive voice response (IVR) specialist CMS Research. More
UK field and facility provider Viewpoint Field Services Ltd has opened new focus group studio facilities on London's South Bank. More
Online audience specialist comScore has reported a 'record first quarter' with an 18% revenue increase to $36.1m. The firm attributes this to an 'improved industry environment', and anticipates that this trend will continue in the second quarter and the full year. More
Indian marketing research firm IMRS Advisory has partnered with market research agency BMI Research of Southeast Asia to launch a new firm called AZ Research Partners, which will offer a wide range of research related services across the region. More
Nielsen has withdrawn 'TV Channels Receivable', a reporting service which showed how many channels the average TV household receives. The firm cites the change in the way channels are presented by different multi-channel providers as the reason behind the move. More
In the US, Clear Channel Radio has hired former Arbitron researcher Bob Michaels for the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Research, responsible for supervising projects and personnel across all terrestrial and digital platforms. More
In the UK, Optimsa has completed the re-brand of its research companies - Quaestor, Buckingham Research and AiA Research - as Optimisa Research. More
In Hong Kong, two former TNS Directors have launched Radar Global, a new 'services only' agency which provides multi-country project management and data collection services across Asia Pacific and beyond. More
Nielsen has released initial findings from its China 'Three Screen Report', which aims to provide insights into how Chinese consumers are using TV, Internet and mobile platforms. More
Berlin-based jovoto - which has developed an online community providing creative ideas and insight - has opened its first US office, in New York. More
Nielsen has launched a global Research and Development program in China, focusing on market research technologies and methodologies. The firm says this initiative will become its most important R&D program outside the US home market. More
In the US, data collection and online panel firm Focus Pointe Global (FPG) has partnered with drug safety service iGuard.org to launch the FPG Patient Panel, which will provide access to consumers for research specific to particular medications and chronic conditions. More
Nielsen is said to be preparing to trade as a public company, inviting a number of investment banks to underwrite an initial public offering (IPO) which could be worth up to $21bn. More
Canada-based custom panels and interactive research firm Vision Critical has appointed Sally Campbell as Managing Director of its UK operation. More
In the US, the Audit Bureau of Circulations' interactive unit ABCi has teamed with California-based Verve Wireless to audit newspaper content, to provide publishers and advertisers with independently verified mobile usage data generated from apps, e-readers and mobile browsers. More
Sports broadcasting network Eurosport has launched a new TV audience measurement system, while claiming to be the first media owner to offer a pan-European audience panel. The firm has also introduced a new system to measure mobile Internet and mobile consumption. More
Kantar Media has merged its media measurement and evaluation agency Millward Brown Precis Europe/UK into its Intelligence Sector. The merger will be effective 1 May 2010. More
Panel provider and research outsourcing firm Pulse Group has opened a specialist Healthcare and Automotive practice, providing online panels, CATI and full-service offerings across Asia. More
Weather stations in Hell registered a rapid drop in temperatures today and cows dug out the return portions of their travel tickets as Arbitron reported it had settled its dispute with the PPM Coalition over claims of undercounting minority listeners. The firm also published solid financials. More
Individuals' exposure to media matching their unconscious 'visual desires' triggers something akin to love at first sight and stirs a 'buying instinct' within them, according to results published by specialist consultancy Visual Targeting. More
In Australia, veteran pollster Rod Cameron is closing his market research and polling firm ANOP Research Services, after nearly 40 years in business. More
Joey Harmon, the former COO and one of the founders of Datascension, has set up a new data collection firm called Harmon Research Group. More
In New York, media marketing firm Simulmedia has secured an $8m investment, which it plans to use to continue development of its predictive technology and set-top-box (STB) driven marketing services. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has reported a 4% decline in revenues for the year ended 31 March 2010, which it says is 'marginally ahead' of the Board's expectations. More
Online audience specialist comScore and the Print Measurement Bureau (PMB) are working together on a tool linking Canadians' online media habits with print readership and other media consumption, product and brand usage and demographic information. More
Netherlands-based online market research agency MetrixLab has strengthened its International Media and Advertising business unit by expanding into the US market. More
James R. Beniger, a former President of AAPOR and author of the acclaimed study 'The Control Revolution', has died aged 63 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. More
Data collection and outsourcing provider Datascension, Inc. has announced results for the full-year ended December 31, 2009. Revenues were down 18.0% to $14.8m but a 2008 net loss of $6.5m was cut to a loss of just $533,171 in 2009. More
Last night, researchers in the UK were busy conducting instant polls to track response to the nation's first televised leader debate, which drew 9.4 million viewers. More
Munich-based online fieldwork specialist ODC Services has appointed former Lightspeed Research executive Tom Meyritz to drive its expansion in the UK market. More
In the US, Nielsen has partnered with word of mouth (WOM) specialist Bazaarvoice to integrate the latter's consumer ratings and reviews into its BuzzMetrics dashboard. More
WPP's CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says the firm may return its tax domicile status back to the UK if a new government guarantees it will not subject overseas profits to UK tax. Since relocating 18 months ago, the firm has saved around £50m by avoiding tax on its 'foreign profits'. More
US data collection firm Western Wats has paid $500,000 to settle charges imposed on it for child labor law violations, following a Department of Labor (DOL) investigation. The penalty is one of the highest ever imposed on a US company. More
In the UK, the Optimisa group of research companies has moved to new London offices, ahead of the rebrand of its MR agencies Quaestor, Buckingham Research and AiA under the new name of Optimisa Research. More
According to a filing lodged with the New York Supreme Court, Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) and ratings giant Arbitron are working towards a truce regarding their PPM legal dispute. More
In the UK, Ipsos MediaCT - Ipsos MORI's media, content and technology division - has commenced a field test of MediaCell, its mobile radio audience measurement system. More
In the US, auto giant Ford has launched an interactive portal, which it claims 'goes beyond traditional consumer market research, studies and focus groups'. More
In the UK, ITV News at Ten has partnered with polling firm ComRes to provide viewers with instant analysis of the impact that Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg make on the electorate during their forthcoming TV debates. More
Following street protests in Thailand that left 21 people dead at the weekend, ESOMAR has moved its forthcoming Asia Pacific conference from the InterContinental in Bangkok, to the JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The event will still go ahead from 25-27 April. More
In the UK, full-service market research agency MASMI has named former Synovate director Michalis Michael as Managing Director for Western Europe. More
US-based consumer research agency Iconoculture has partnered with Swedish market research technology provider Dapresy to drive a study of values and lifestyle trends across 17 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia. More
Online researcher YouGov has announced a decline in both turnover (down 6% to £21.3m) and operating profit (down 16% to £1.35m). More
RAJAR Chief Executive Sally de la Bedoyere has announced she will leave the UK radio audience measurement organisation at the end of June. More
More work for the lawyers of recently acquired leading edge agency OTX: now co-founder Kristin Luck is suing the firm for money she claims she is owed relating to its sale to Ipsos earlier this year. More
Just a year after joining Aegis-owned media agency Carat, media research veteran Theresa LaMontagne has moved to WPP-owned rival Mediaedge:cia (MEC), to launch an integrated Analytics and Insight practice in North America. More
Online physician data collection specialist Medefield has appointed Anne-Beatrice Clidassou as Managing Director for its office in Lyon, France, and Gerald Wackert as MD in Hamburg, Germany. More
In the US, Nielsen is to eliminate live-only TV ratings, and has confirmed it will be introducing major changes to the way it calculates national ratings, including adding duplicate viewing to program telecasts. More
In the US, Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) has again pulled the encoders for Aribtron's PPM (Portable People Meter) system, after The New York Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order that had required it to continue. More
Ipsos Poland has promoted Jacek Otffinowski to the position of CEO, succeeding Dinko Svetopetriæ who has left the firm to 'pursue alternative career plans' after just 9 months in the role. The firm has also promoted Steven Vogt to the role of Director. More
Canadian-based custom panel and technology firm Vision Critical has appointed former Kantar Worldpanel Director Steve Davis as Director of Product Innovation, as part of its strategy to invest in NPD, improvement and innovation. More
Online panels and software firm Toluna has announced final results for the year ended 31 December 2009. Underlying profit before tax of £7.6 million is well ahead of market expectations, while the integration of Greenfield Online is transforming its global position. More
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has recently launched a new measurement system, Customer Experience Measurement (CEM), which replaces a system in use since the early 1990s. More
In the US, OTX is suing former employee Kevin Goetz, who left the firm earlier in the year to set up his own consultancy. In an initial ruling* on an application to stop Goetz from using OTX norms data, Judge James Chalfant has accepted assurances it will not be used while the case proceeds. More
Canadian-based custom panel and technology firm Vision Critical plans to double its investment in technology this year with the launch of five new products, and says it will be hiring another 55 product-based employees to support the move. More
Global business networking site LinkedIn has ceased offering sample from its members for use in B2B market research, according to a report on the blog of Anderson Analytics' Managing Partner, Tom Anderson. More
In Washington, DC, former leaders of Wirthlin Worldwide have today officially launched full-service research firm Heart+Mind Strategies. More
TNS and Research and Marketing Services (RMS) have formed an agreement to provide customized research in West Africa. More
Australian insights consultancy The Leading Edge has restructured its Sydney-based business with the return of overseas executives, internal promotions and the appointment of a new senior specialist. More
In the UK, mystery shopping and performance improvement firm Grass Roots has merged its Learning and Measurement units and made a series of appointments to support the new division. More
Media measurement and analytics firm TRA, Inc. has signed up MTV Networks for its Media TRAnalytics ad effectiveness solution; and has announced that it now has one year's worth of national singlesource data available for clients. More
Research Panel Asia's newly established Korean subsidiary is up and running, with the official launch of its 'Panel Now' service site. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron and secure identity solutions firm Digimarc have settled their dispute, begun last year, over technology developed by the latter to monitor broadcasts. More
In the UK, Millward Brown (MB) has set up a neuroscience division, to extend the services offered by its existing advertising and brand research unit. More
Brainwave measurement specialist EmSense Corporation has launched a new neuromarketing measurement device, the EmBand 24â„¢, which it claims 'overcomes many limitations of using medical EEG for market research'. More
Eye tracking software company iMotions has struck a reseller deal with Objective Digital, bringing local customer service and support for the former's Attention Tool in Australia and New Zealand. More
Aegis, Synovate's parent company, is raising funds through the issue of a convertible bond for c.£190m, which it plans to use to make acquisitions in the US and China. More
Market research software providers Confirmit and MRDC Thailand have announced a reseller partnership which will extend the former's reach into Asia. More
Synovate has reported a 13.7% fall in net revenue on an organic basis during 2009, while describing the research sector as 'much weaker than expected from historical precedent'. More
Canadian-based data collection firm Acrobat Research has temporarily closed its US-based call center in Calais, Maine, making up to 45 employees redundant in the process. More
In the UK, qual specialist Discovery Research has reported a 10% increase in revenues for 2009, and a 40% year-on-year rise in profits to £2.8m. The firm has also announced plans to merge its three businesses under one brand. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has extended its partnership with application developer Imperium by integrating the latter's advanced data validation software. More
Brand and communications research consultancy Hall & Partners has opened a new pharmaceutical division in Paris, headed by Clarissa Guengant Del Pup, who joins from Synovate Healthcare. More
UK research and consulting group Cello has described 2009 as a 'solid year', despite posting slight declines in headline operating profit (£5.6m, from £6.5m in 2008) and operating income (£36.3m, from £37.9m in 2008). More
Google and WPP have announced the recipients of the second round of grants for their jointly funded research award program, including researchers at academic institutions in the US, Israel and the UK. More
In the UK, the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA) has opened its annual online auction, raising funds for those who work or have worked in the market research industry and are currently experiencing financial difficulties: a group which grew substantially in 2009. More
medeConnect Healthcare Insight, the market research division of Doctors.net.uk, has upgraded its GP Omnibus research service, reducing delivery times to two weeks. The service taps the opinions of a regionally and nationally representative sample of 1,000 GPs once a month. More
Postal watchdog Postcomm is considering action against Royal Mail following an investigation into claims that it cheated in research to test its service quality, reports The UK Press Association. More
Swedish researchers have started a fund to assist market researchers in poor countries, at the country's Market Research Day in Stockholm. More
UK-based marketing services group Chime Communications Plc has reported its 'best results ever', with full-year profit up 14% to £18.8m; despite a continued 'very disappointing' performance by its research division, where only Facts International is said to have done well. More
Arab world researcher YouGovSiraj has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jordanian custom MR firm Analyseize, to co-operate on conducting joint research projects, exchanging data and expertise, and developing new projects serving the Arab world, and specifically the Jordanian market. More
In the UK, Opinium Research has partnered with the Daily Express newspaper to provide a voting intention poll in the run up to the 2010 General Election. More
Online market researcher BrainJuicer has reported rapid growth in 2009, with full year pre-tax profit up 21% to £1.66m; revenues up 27% to £11.8m; and operating profit up the same percentage to £1.65m. More
In Turkey, three former Synovate Directors have formed strategic market research consultancy Sia Insight, based in Istanbul. More
Global group Millward Brown has announced plans to open a new office in Vietnam during the second half of 2010, with a team led by Phil Worthington and Pham Chau Linh. More
In the US, global research firm ORC has helped develop a program to offer jobs to people with disabilities looking to work from home. More
Infogroup, the parent of researcher ORC, has agreed to be acquired by affiliates of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC for a total of around $635 million, including refinanced debt. More
Sunbeam Television's lawsuit against Nielsen Media Research, filed last April, looks like it might be going to court after all, following a decision by a Florida judge. The claims centre around lower audience figures from Nielsen's new LPM system. More
Indian IT outsourcing giant Satyam has reached agreement over two of its three acquisition-related disputes, reports indicate. More
In London, Howdo Research, a new consultancy established in the autumn by former NOP and JRA exec Simon Cheshire, is reporting a buoyant start to business. More
Marcoms giant WPP saw revenues in its insights division fall 9.5% on a like-for-like basis during 2009, whilst on the same basis gross margin fell by 7.7%. More
UK-based B2B International has reported a 10% increase in turnover to nearly £3.5m in 2009, despite seeing clients move towards more 'defensive' research, and delaying projects because of economic uncertainty. More
In the UK, recently acquired sister companies Rosslyn Research and Viewpoint Field Services are moving to shared premises on London's Southbank next month. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has proposed a change to its recruitment methodology in high-density African-American and Hispanic areas, in its top PPM (Portable People Meter) markets. More
TNS Gallup, Finnish subsidiary of TNS, has partnered with mobile customer experience management startup QAim, to offer Finland-wide tracking of mobile web site usage metrics. More
In the US, marketer Penny Redlin has launched Insights Discovered, a consulting company focusing exclusively on the children's products market. More
Two former Directors of automotive specialist JD Power & Associates have launched brownsauce Group, a full-service UK agency which offers research design, brand interpretation and project management services to clients in the automotive industry. More
In the UK, Viki Cooke and Deborah Mattinson, the founders of Opinion Leader Research (OLR), have left parent company Chime to set up their own agency. More
In the US, CBS and Sony Electronics have hooked up to launch 'The Sony 3D Experience' research center, which will focus on consumer preferences and perceptions towards 3D programming, as well as how broadcasters and studios can best deliver 3D content. More
In New York, marketing services firm Omnicom Group has launched a new agency to offer strategy, activation and metrics services to retail marketers at a local level. More
In the US, GfK-owned MRI and the Media Behavior Institute (MBI) plan to deliver a syndicated, consumer-centric multi-media database using the TouchPoints methodology developed by the IPA in the UK. More
US-based MDLinx has secured exclusive access to a panel of more than 350,000 verified Chinese physicians, operated by the DXY physician portal. More
UK-based mobile research technology firm OnePoint Surveys has opened its first international office in Madison Avenue, New York and has plans to open two more international offices during the year. More
In Chennai, India, Dexterity co-founder and 'serial entrepreneur' Pravin Shekar has launched krea, a specialist provider of online and off-line panels. More
Online sampling and panel company Research Now has announced what it describes as 'the first B2B and Affluent Consumer panels in the Middle East'. More
ORC owner Infogroup is in final negotiations to be acquired by CCMP Capital Advisors, according to reports in the Omaha World-Herald. More
Kevin Goetz has quit OTX, where he was President of the Worldwide Motion Picture Research Group, to start his own research, marketing and consulting firm, Screen Engine LLC. Vincent Bruzzese fills his place at OTX, which says it is planning expansion. More
The Nielsen Company has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2009. Revenue was almost exactly level with the previous year ($4,806m) but up 4% if currency fluctuations are excluded. More
Insight consultancy Nunwood is reporting a 50% increase in international revenue in the last year. Four new members have been added to its New York team in the past few months, to help support the 25 new clients and £2.6 million of new business the agency says it won in 2009. More
GfK has reported a 4.6% decline in 2009 sales to EUR 1,164m, taking into account acquisitions and currency effects. However, for the fourth quarter, the group recorded sales of EUR 324m, compared with EUR 282m in Q3. More
Despite a 3.6% decline in revenues to EUR 943.7m, Ipsos says it is 'ready for battle' in 2010, with plans to simplify management structures, increase effort in innovation, and extend its presence among a larger number of clients. More
Indian market research outsourcing and data analytics firm Annik Technology Services has launched a panel brokerage service to help clients source panel sample. More
US market research data collection agency MRops has opened a new office in Minneapolis, headed by former TNS executives Joe Mann and Shannon Hazlett. More
US trade body CASRO has reported in its 'Year-end State of the Business Survey' that 77% of its members are forecasting increased revenues in 2010; with just 1% believing that revenues will decrease during the year. More
In London, a collective of agencies, organisations, academics and individuals have joined to launch The Co-Creation Hub; a platform through which participants can co-create new products and services. More
Nielsen's TV ad effectiveness arm 'Nielsen IAG' is planning a UK roll out for its ad and programme engagement measurement service, running in the US since 2000. More
iPOWOW! – which provides tools for gathering opinion through online video – has partnered with digital signage producer MediaTile to develop a new interactive audience measurement system for digital touch screen systems. More
In Australia, the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has officially launched its industry-wide audience measurement tool MOVE. More
Market research outsourcing firm Ugam Solutions has expanded its Indian base with the opening of a new facility in Thane, Mumbai. More
YouGov co-founder and CEO Nadhim Zahawi is preparing to step down from his role, after being selected to stand as the parliamentary candidate for the safe Conservative Party seat of Stratford-on-Avon in the forthcoming general election. More
British polling and research specialist ComRes has appointed former Barclays Bank India CEO Peter Harlock as its new Chief Executive Officer, and moved founder Andrew Hawkins to the position of Executive Chairman to enable him to focus on client growth. More
In London, pharma specialist The Research Partnership has appointed TNS Healthcare veteran David White as Director of Syndicated Services, to oversee the development and positioning of the firm's expanding portfolio of solutions. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 4.4% rise in full-year 2009 revenue to $385.0m (2008: $368.8m), while net income increased 13.4% to $42.2m (2008: $37.2m). More
Emerging markets financier Actis has invested $50m in outsourcing specialist Integreon, which the firm will use to support its growth plans, make 'strategic' acquisitions, and expand its delivery centers in the US, UK, India, China, South Africa and the Philippines. More
US qual tools provider Revelation has reported a 240% year-on-year growth in sales in 2009. The firm says the increase was driven by demand for both its online qual research platform and online field support services. More
Systems relying on cookies to track web site audiences overstate unique user numbers by an average of two to four times, according to findings from a new study by US-based Scout Analytics. More
TNS has formalised its partnership with qual and quant agency Aftab Associates, to offer services in Pakistan and Afghanistan under the brand name of TNS-Aftab. More
The New York Supreme Court has ordered Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) to continue to encode its signals for Arbitron's PPM (Portable People Meter) service, following a temporary restraining order (TRO) it imposed on SBS last week. More
Global research firm Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) has teamed up with social media software specialist Mzinga to create online market research communities for customer and employee research. More
In India, the CEO of broadcaster Reliance Media World (RMW) has accused the Media Research User Council (MRUC) of providing an 'erroneous radio measurement system', which under-reports the number of radio listeners, especially in smaller towns. More
In the US, Arbitron/Nielsen joint venture Scarborough Research has integrated cell-phone-only (CPO) households into twenty additional local market studies. More
Global eye tracking software firm iMotions has partnered with Chilean eye tracking services company EyeOnMedia to deliver its Attention Tool solution to clients in Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Columbia. More
In the US, joint tests by The Nielsen Company and the Television Advertising Committee of the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) have paved the way for the provision of individual or 'brand-specific' commercial ratings, the partners claim. More
In the UK, children's newspaper First News has joined forces with research agency Opinion Matters to launch a new panel of 7-14 year olds, First News Research. More
Arbitron has secured a Temporary Restraining Order from a US court, immediately requiring Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (SBS) to resume encoding its broadcasting signals for the PPM in accordance with the contract between the two firms. More
Two former global agency execs have founded abn Research, a consultancy focused on market research among Asian consumers and based in Bangkok, Thailand. More
Financial specialist Charterhouse Research has launched the UK Business Banking Survey, billed as the most extensive continuous syndicated banking usage and attitude survey ever conducted among British businesses. More
US video game market intelligence firms DFC Intelligence and Nico Partners have joined forces to form DFC-Nico Emerging Markets, which will offer clients data about the video game industry across 10 emerging markets. More
Analytics firm Metrics Marketing has opened a 'one-of-a-kind' 2,100 square-foot research lab in Ohio, providing observers with a variety of hidden camera angles, real-time audiovisual monitoring and camera views on projected and flat-screen displays. More
US research giant IMS Health has reported a 3% increase in fourth quarter revenues to $599.2m. The firm has also received shareholder approval for its sale to TPG Capital and the CPP Investment Board. More
UKOM - the UK Online Measurement Company - and Nielsen have officially launched the UKOM Audience Planning System (APS), by publishing inaugural data from the online audience measurement system. More
US-based Cambiar and Asia Pacific's Gordon & McCallum - consultancies dedicated to the market research industry - have agreed to develop joint services and partner to provide 'on-the-ground' presence to support clients' geographical expansion plans. More
Neuromarketing firm NeuroFocus has formed a joint venture partnership with Nielsen to roll out its services in Australia. More
Database giant Infogroup has reported a 13% drop in fourth quarter revenue to $24.7m for its market research arm, with an operating loss of $7.7m owing to a goodwill impairment charge. More
South African-based media information and brand intelligence agency Ornico has entered the Nigerian market through a partnership with Lagos-based investment group AData. More
US advertising and marketing company Bark Group is to acquire a 10% stake in UK-based Mindmetic, a firm that develops neuromarketing research tools. More
In the US, Frank N Magid, the television 'news doctor' whose research helped to shape US broadcasting, has died of Lymphoma at the age of 78. More
In the US, multi-screen measurement specialist Rentrak has established an agreement to integrate TV viewing data from satellite firm DISH Network's 14 million subscribers, with its own TV Essentials audience measurement service. More
US qual and quant agency Quick Test/Heakin has opened a new 'kiosk' data collection center in the Queens Center Shopping Mall in Elmhurst, New York; and has hired Salvatore Brucculeri to run it. More
In the US, online measurement specialist comScore has appointed former AOL ad technology leader Chris Nicotra as Chief Technology Officer, responsible for overseeing software and data application engineering, and the infrastructure technology teams. More
ACNielsen HCI - a firm researching pharmaceutical promotions which was transferred to WPP in a 2008 regulatory asset swap - has been added to Kantar Health's Marketing Insight practice. More
In London, business information provider Progressive Digital Media (PDM) - which owns research firms The iD Factor and ICD Research - has reported group revenues of £18.3m for the six months to 31 October 2009, and says that over the calendar year 2009, it made a profit. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has announced respectable results: like-for-like revenue for the third quarter is in line with the same period last year and an improvement on the second quarter. More
In London, The European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA) has launched an Insight Council, comprising heads of research and digital commercial specialists from both EIAA member companies and agencies. More
In the UK, non-profit trade association the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) has commissioned online panel specialist Lightspeed Research to conduct monthly research to provide members with reports on mobile usage and behaviour. More
Database giant and ORC parent Infogroup has made 40 employees redundant as part of a companywide restructuring plan. More
Web analytics firm Webtrends has released a new tool to measure and quantify how customers are engaging with both mobile web sites and mobile applications. More
In the UK, Harris Interactive has been awarded the Film Audience Measurement and Evaluation (FAME) and Film Monitor research contracts by the Cinema Advertising Association (CAA). The contracts were previous managed by TNS and BMRB. More
In the US, Mountain West Research Center has announced a reduction in its workforce at its Idaho phone center, which it says is 'temporary' and blames on a 'volatile' research climate and slow economic recovery. More
New York-based social media tracking and targeting firm Lotame has opened a new research and development office in Cambridge, MA, headed by John Thomas in the newly created position of Director of R&D. More
A new online research business has been launched by six agencies, offering online services across 15 European countries with access to more than 1.4 million European panellists. More
In the US, broadcast industry organization The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) has partnered with Harris Interactive and multi-screen media research firm Rentrak to study consumer usage habits for mobile digital TV (Mobile DTV). More
US neuromarketing research specialist Sands Research Inc (SRI) has partnered with Israeli market research and public opinion polling firm Market Watch, to provide its specialized services to companies in Israel. More
Panel and technology services provider ToLuna has released a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2009. Revenue is expected to exceed £49m, slightly ahead of market expectations, with underlying pre-tax profit of at least £7m. More
Fast growing UK-based online agency BrainJuicer has hired Alex Batchelor as Chief Operating Officer. Batchelor held brand and marketing leadership roles at Interbrand, Orange and Royal Mail and is the current Chairman of the Marketing Society. More
UK researcher Andrew Irving has launched a new qual-focused agency, AIMR, three years after selling his last company to Optimisa. More
US broadcaster NBC Universal (NBCU) is planning to conduct research into consumer cross-platform behaviour during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. More
US consultancy Gongos Research has moved Bob Yazbeck to the new role of Vice President, Community Methodologies, and appointed Sarah Corp to fill his former role as Director, Transportation & Technology. More
In its second rebrand of the week, Kantar has re-named the TNS Worldpanel network as Kantar Worldpanel. Earlier in the week the group rebranded its media assets. More
US organisation Digital College Network (DCN) has partnered with iPOWOW! - which gathers viewer opinion through online video - to collect real-time data and feedback from advertising signage in colleges. More
After eighteen months of losses, Harris Interactive has posted net income of $1.3m on revenue of $44.6m for the quarter ending December 31. More
In the US, Millward Brown and its digital unit Dynamic Logic have partnered with Kantar sister-firm Cymfony, to integrate analysis of discussions on social media sites, blogs and message forums into their suite of digital, media and marketing solutions. More
In the US, broadcasting network VELOCITY has launched a suite of audience insight tools, which it claims will enable its clients to tap directly into the mindset of audiences, while allowing viewers to question experts live on the air. More
In the US, Karen Forcade, the former President of now bankrupt Youth Research, has pleaded guilty to federal court charges that she falsified child safety tests for cigarette lighters. More
In the US a new mobile measurement firm, Ground Truth, has opened for business. The company will use census-based measures of actual mobile Internet usage from millions of mobile subscribers across the country. More
WPP-owned insight consultancy Kantar has re-branded the media assets of TNS, KMR Group and BMRB Media as Kantar Media. More
Canadian-based custom panel and technology specialist Vision Critical has relocated its London office to accommodate its UK team, which has tripled in size in the last year. More
Infogroup-owned employee, customer and stakeholder market research consultancy ORC International has expanded to Scotland with the opening of a dedicated public services office in Edinburgh. More
Boston, US-based Chadwick Martin Bailey (CMB) has launched a Global Certified Network of data collection companies which it says extends to over 90 countries worldwide. More
In Australia, former Research International director Scott MacLean has founded Nulink Analytics, a consultancy providing both advanced data analysis and consultation on research design and interpretation. More
Ipsos has completed the acquisition of polling and research firm The Market Research Bureau of Ireland (MRBI) from WPP, and branded the firm Ipsos MRBI. More
In New York, Datran Media's Aperture audience measurement tool has been integrated into TRAFFIQ's digital media platform, to help agencies and advertisers better understand target audiences and optimize their online campaigns. More
Ipsos has appointed Yannick Carriou as Managing Director, France, replacing Giorgio Caporusso who has joined confectionery manufacturer Ferrero in Italy. More
Digital marketing solutions firm ADTECH - whose Helios IQ software enables web publishers to evaluate online ad campaigns - has passed the Media Ratings Council's (MRC) auditing process and been granted accreditation. More
Former Research International (RI) CEO Marc Papanicola has been appointed Managing Director of Synovate France, based in Paris. More
In the US, Harris Interactive has hired industry veteran Jeni Lee Chapman as Executive Vice President, Global Brand and Communication Consulting. More
In the US, Dr Michael Baumgardner, the President & CEO of full service marketing research firm Burke, Inc., is to retire from the firm in October, after more than 28 years of service. He will be replaced by current President Jeff Miller. More
In London, Krish Kara, Bob Dance and Carol Ashby have joined forces to open KDA Insights; a new consumer research agency. More
In the UK, the BBC is conducting a 20 week review of its marketing strategy across its TV, radio and digital services, but would not comment on whether job cuts would be made as a result. More
In the US, online panel specialist United Sample has changed its name to uSamp and re-vamped its web site, while global marketing research firm Data Development Worldwide (DDW) has rebranded as Radius Global Market Research. More
UK market research and consulting group Cello has reported a 'marked pick up' in its MR activity, for the year ended 31 December 2009. More
Consumer products giant Procter & Gamble is to introduce a web site selling its products direct, and will use the site to observe and analyse how shoppers buy, and how they react to ads and other promotions. More
The Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) has announced that its stations will no longer be included in audience measurement provided by AGB Nielsen Media Research, which has been carrying out TV audience research in the region since 1989. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has published a revised Code of Conduct, to cover non-research activities. They include preventing the use of clients' goods as incentives in research projects. More
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has called for a 'thorough investigation' into Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM), following the revelation that the firm's CEO Michael Skarzynski had apparently 'provided false testimony' to a committee of the national legislature last month. More
US pharma and healthcare research firm Decision Resources has restructured into two segments - Biopharma and Medical Technology - and made a number of promotions accordingly. More
US neuromarketing research specialist Sands Research Inc (SRI) has opened its first European office in Surrey, England, and appointed retail specialist Joe Oliver to its Board of Directors. More
Michael Skarzynski has resigned as President & CEO of ratings giant Arbitron, after allegedly making a 'misstatement' in his testimony before a US congressional committee hearing last month. He is replaced by Board Director William Kerr. More
US online healthcare market research firm Panel Intelligence has reverted to its original name, MedPanel, following its management buyout (MBO) in 2009. The owners say the move reflects the firm's 'singular focus' on the health care sector. More
Intel has partnered with Microsoft to develop a platform for the digital signage industry, containing features that analyze users' physical attributes and then generate tailored ad displays. More
In the UK, TNS-BMRB has launched another new division, the Social & Political Attitudes Unit (SPA), which will focus on tracking social and political trends. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has been awarded an Emmy for 'Broadcast Audience Measurement Technology', for its Portable People Meter (PPM) electronic measurement system. More
Four former Drummond Madell and GfK researchers have launched a specialist brand strategy, innovation and communications research agency in central London. More
US-based JD Power and Associates has promoted John Humphrey to the post of Head of Global Automotive Operations, in a move to align operations globally and enhance and extend its industry benchmarks. More
Online measurement firm comScore has partnered with smartphone application analytics specialists Flurry, to offer 'more accurate' information about the ways users interact with their applications and devices. More
US professional body MRA (the Marketing Research Association) has announced the nominations for its 2010-2011 Board of Directors, and confirmed Elisa Galloway of Galloway Research Service as President for the year. More
Struggling UK-based firm IQ Holdings is selling two of its remaining research subsidiaries to PLUS-quoted media and financial services group Rivington Street Holdings (RSH). Rosslyn Research and Viewpoint Field Services should join RSH by the end of this month. More
Web-based market research solutions firm RelevantView is being merged into database technology developer Imperium LLC. Both organisations are based in Connecticut, USA, and both were founded by Marshall Harrison, CEO of the new, combined company. More
In the US, former Millard Group researcher Barbara Jackson has set up her own full service agency, offering clients help in understanding their customers, patients and employees. More
TNS Gallup shareholders have decided to liquidate the company in Lithuania following 'very poor' financial results. Its former employees have already launched a new market research firm, with a focus on economic, demographic and social changes in Lithuanian society. More
Arbitron is to speed up its planned increase in diary market cell-phone-only (CPO) household sample, raising it to an average of 15% of total sample across all its diary markets in the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, by Spring 2010. More
Motif - a US-based business process outsourcing (BPO) firm that provides research and analytics, customer support and back office processing - is investing $2.5m in a new 500 seat service center in Costa Rica, to open in January. More
TNS-BMRB has announced the launch of its first new division, 'The Communications Research Centre', a UK-based specialist team dedicated to communications research for the public sector. More
KPO provider Evalueserve is expanding its operations in Chile. The company, which first opened in the country in 2006, says the expansion will meet current and anticipated customer demand as part of its global strategy. More
Nielsen has modified its plan to change the metric on which advertising deals for local TV ads are made, and says it will continue to provide Live TV ratings until the end of March 2010. More
In the UK, digital marketing trade association The Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) has appointed NORAS founder Tim Elkington as Head of Research, in advance of the January launch of the country's first web measurement currency. More
US TV ad analytics firm Ace Metrix has completed a $6m B Round of financing, which it plans to use to expand sales and marketing of its online TV ad effectiveness measurement service. The new funding brings the company's total raised to $9m. More
In New Zealand, Unite Union has asked its members and the public not to participate in interviews conducted by market research agency Colmar Brunton, following the firm's decision to make fifty union members and other call centre staff redundant. More
Two projects aimed at protecting the public were among those taking the trophies at the Market Research Society (MRS) Research Awards 2009, held in London last night. More
In the UK, full service research agency Crowd DNA is gearing up to launch an effectiveness research division in January 2010. More
Australian firm iPOWOW! - which provides tools for gathering opinion through online video - is to expand to the US with the opening of new headquarters in Silicon Valley and the appointment of two new members of its management team. More
Danny Russell, Marketing Strategy Director at BskyB, is the new Chair of UK research client organisation AURA. More
Online MR software provider Confirmit has struck a deal with automated telephony solutions provider Plum Voice to offer North American customers 'a complete data collection platform'. More
Newly formed media body The Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) continues to build its leadership team with the appointment of Jane Clarke, most recently VP of Insights and Innovation at Time Warner Global Media Group, as Managing Director. More
Ipsos has launched a specialist gaming research practice, 3D. The unit integrates new tools and various existing skills from within the group to focus on the needs of game developers, marketers and console manufacturers. More
Millward Brown has announced a licensing agreement with Chinese digital measurement developer, Moment Systems, to provide clients with digital advertising measurement. More
European advertising firm Bark Group Inc. has announced two partnerships aimed at enhancing its ad campaigns through research and analysis: with neuromarketing research company Mindmetic and digital campaign analyst Glass box ApS. More
Custom panel firm Vision Critical has announced the hiring of former Colmar Brunton MD and current AMSRS President Peter Harris as its new Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand. More
Nielsen is to begin measuring television viewing in Puerto Rico, from the first quarter of next year. Launch clients include the island's three largest television providers: WKAQ-TV, the owned and operated Telemundo station; WLII-TV, the Univision affiliate; and WAPA-TV (Independent). More
In the UK, custom panels specialist EasyInsites is to build and maintain a new research panel for breakfast television station GMTV, incorporating a dynamic web site, direct incentives and on-screen recruitment. More
Las Vegas-based MR and public opinion firm Precision Opinion has announced a record year of growth, with the addition of more than 200 jobs, and a further 185 hires planned from January 2010. More
In the US, Arbitron and a consortium of radio industry leaders have agreed to collaborate to improve the analytical methods used by advertisers to evaluate the tangible impact of radio advertising on sales. More
Arbitron, comScore and Omniture have been commissioned to work with NBC Sports to provide cross-platform audience measurement for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, tracking the network's coverage reach across its broadcast, cable and online platforms. More
In Washington, a committee Chairman has hinted at the possibility of legislation to help resolve arguments over Arbitron's PPM device. Edolphus Towns concluded Wednesday's hearings by giving the firm 30 days to come up with a schedule to address the concerns of critics. More
Sample marketplace firm Cint is moving its global sales headquarters to the UK, and has promoted UK MD Richard Thornton to the role of Global Sales Director. More
Mobile and online testing specialist Keynote Systems has expanded its test network to include Tokyo, strengthening its offer for mobile content providers in particular. More
WPP Chief Martin Sorrell has told a Reuters summit that with 'vicious' price activity in the market, he expects the group's 2010 revenues to be flat. Sorrell says new business activity in his media businesses is strong, but in MR and creative functions there is less cheer. More
Outsourced mobile development and testing firm InfoStretch has partnered with Canadian-based crowd-sourced testing and MR firm Mob4Hire to offer enhanced handset and application testing solutions for enterprise mobile developers. More
B2B specialist Kadence International has reported a 20% rise in revenue for its insight division, and overall growth of 9% to $11.3m during the financial year 2008-2009. More
US healthcare marketing services firm Cadient Interactive has launched a new practice, HATCH Consulting, to provide clients with services including market and user experience research to support their interactive campaigns. More
GfK NOP Media has rolled out a panel in the UK which combines online and offline media consumption with consumer sales data, to help advertisers and agencies measure the ROI of their media campaigns. More
UK-based insight and communications group Creston has reported an 8% drop in first half revenues for its Insight division, partly attributable to the underperformance of market research agencies CML and MSTS, now merged into other companies. More
KPO specialist Pulse Group has reported pre-tax losses of almost £1m for the full year to the end of May, up from just £171,900 the previous year. More
Former Viewpoint Field researcher Al Anderson has opened Zen Research; a fieldwork company which works across all industry sectors and covers all major methodologies. More
Nielsen's group revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 were down 1% to $1.25bn from the same period last year. CFO Brian West described the quarter as having been 'steady'. More
Japanese ad giant Dentsu Inc. and its largest MR firm INTAGE Inc. have announced a partnership to jointly develop marketing intelligence solutions aimed at speeding up clients' marketing decision-making. More
UK-based global insight consultancy Nunwood has appointed James Walker, former global President of Accenture Marketing Sciences as Chief Strategy and Development Officer. More
In the US, Innerscope Research has become the first neuroscience-based biometric company to be validated by the Advertising Research Foundation's (ARF) research review process. More
Online market research panel firm United Sample has reported a triple-digit increase in sales for the last six months, compared with the same period in 2008. More
Pharmaceutical research giant IMS Health has agreed to be sold to private equity firm TPG Capital and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) for $5.2bn. More
Kantar Media has expanded its Global Target Group Index (TGI) Network of syndicated single-source marketing and media studies, following parent WPP's acquisition of TNS. More
Brainwave measurement technology firm EmSense has raised $9m in Series C funding, which it will use to continue its global expansion in support of its many market research partners, and develop a bio-sensory in-home panel - which it claims will be the first of its kind. More
New York-based neuroscience firm Buyology has shifted its approach to help marketers tap into consumer's non-conscious decision making process. More
Data giant infoGroup has reported revenue for its MR firms down 16% to $24m in quarter three, with an operating loss of $700k compared with operating income of $1.4m for the prior year period. More
The recently formed Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) will be hosting a meeting with Nielsen, Rentrak, TiVo, TRA and TNS to discuss how the firms can work with the coalition to foster set-top box data research innovation. More
Newly founded LeGo Research, which specialises in customer management, brand and communications, and price and product projects, has partnered with Danish firm MyResearch and Norwegian agency Perceptor to offer clients a broader portfolio and deliver deeper insights. More
ORC parent and database giant infoGroup has responded to a press report that it is taking bids to sell the company, by stating that it is evaluating its operations and prospects to determine what is in the best interests of all shareholders. More
In the UK, Synovate's consumer psychology research specialist Synovate Censydiam has promoted Sue Phillips to the role of Chief Executive Officer. More
Ad research specialist Ipsos ASI has promoted Alex Gronberger to the post of Chief Executive Officer, based in its Chicago office. More
Nielsen and online targeting firm DataLogix have partnered to enable advertisers to target consumers based on their lifestyles, purchasing habits and media usage. More
Piers Lee, Managing Director of Kadence International in Singapore, has been elected as the new President of the Market Research Society of Singapore (MRSS). More
WPP has reported a like-for-like revenue decline of 8.7% for the third quarter - a smaller drop than was seen in the second quarter. Consumer insight revenues stayed depressed although margin was better. The firm also pointed to strong regional differences and predicted a 'LUV' shaped recession. More
Harris Interactive has announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, with revenue of $38.9m, down $11.3m or 23% on the previous period, but operating loss almost eliminated due to cost-cutting measures. More
Japanese Internet service company EC Navi has announced the opening of a new subsidiary, Research Panel Asia Inc. (RPA), offering online survey panels in Asia. The first RPA panel, 91wenwen.com, launches in China today. More
KantarHealth is expanding its CardioMonitor service into Japan and China, a major step towards its goal of providing a globally consistent cardiovascular and diabetes patient database. More
OVAB (the Out-of-home Video Advertising Bureau) says eleven of its member companies have now completed third party audience research studies based on the Audience Metrics Guidelines the organisation published in 2008. More
Online sample company Peanut Labs has posted third quarter revenue growth of 52.3% from the prior year period. More
Synovate has promoted Mike Cassidy to the position of Managing Director of its Australian business, and Brent Stewart to the newly created global role of CEO Strategic Units. More
US-based multi-screen tracking firm Rentrak has rolled out its Box Office Essentials ticket sales data tool in Russia. The firm has also opened a Moscow field office to support the expansion. More
Harris Interactive has partnered with innovation consultancy Ideas To Go (ITG) to enable clients to explore, create concepts for, and test new products. More
The newly formed Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) is about to invite agencies to submit proposals for two media research projects. It has also appointed MTV Networks' Colleen Fahey Rush as Head of its Executive Committee. More
Marcoms agency MDC Partners has formed a Consumer Insights Group, to develop data and analytics capabilities for use by MDC companies wishing to analyze clients' integrated digital and multi-channel media campaigns. More
Nielsen veterans David McCallum and Alastair Gordon have launched a new consultancy in Sydney, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand, to help agencies maximize their performance and clients optimise their research spend. More
Online panel specialist Research Now has opened its seventh European office in Madrid, to provide a local service for Spanish clients. More
In South Africa, former Synovate Director Ian Jeffrey has joined Ipsos Markinor as Chief Executive Officer, replacing Shirley Benney who has taken up the post of Chief Operating Officer. More
In the UK, Review Centre, which provides independent product and service reviews, is to create a consumer research panel which will provide marketers and researchers with access to the opinions of its four million monthly users. More
Nielsen is to give its client think tank, the Council For Research Excellence (CRE), an additional $2.5m, bringing its total four-year investment to $10m. More
French media research agency MTdiamTtrie is planning to invest between €25m and €30m over the next three years, to improve existing services and develop new offers for broadcasters. More
UK-based data integration agency Cognicient has partnered with German research software firm 2x4 to roll out their respective product lines in Germany and the US. More
Pharma market research giant IMS Health has reported a 6% drop in third-quarter revenue to $540.8m, compared with $573.7m a year earlier. The news follows reports earlier in the week that the Board of Directors is considering selling the company. More
GfK has created a global database of point-of-sale data for electronic consumer goods. The 'Digital World' service has been designed by GfK Retail and Technology in conjunction with the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). More
Consumer Health Sciences (CHS) has added more than 13,300 Chinese consumers to the database for its 'National Health and Wellness Survey' (NHWS). Plans are also in place to roll out the service further across Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. More
Japanese online panel supplier Research Panel has partnered with Korean agency Trend Monitor to provide a multi-Asian country consumer research service. More
In Australia, the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) has postponed the launch of its audience measurement system MOVE until next February. Its original plan was to roll out the system this year. More
Canada-based public opinion firm Angus Reid Strategies has hooked up with UK political blog PoliticalBetting.com to run online polls on the site, which will track voter intentions leading up to Britain's next general election. More
US consumer specialist MSW Research (previously McCollum Spielman Worldwide) has announced a partnership with biometric communications measurement firm LABoratory & Co. The two will develop a set of tools to gauge the full spectrum of consumer response to advertising. More
According to reports, pharma market research giant IMS Health is in talks with several private equity firms regarding selling the company. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has announced a drop in third quarter income to $13.7m, compared with $17.0m for the third quarter of 2008, which it say is largely due to client losses and costs associated with the commercialization of its Portable People Meter (PPM). More
US clothing firm Iconix is to pay a $250k civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges that it violated child privacy Act COPPA by knowingly collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children online without first obtaining their parents' permission. More
London-based customer engagement specialist Fizzback has secured £1.6m in capital, earmarked for expansion into the US and continental Europe. More
Brand and communications research specialist Hall & Partners has teamed up with the Open Mind Group to launch a joint venture in Australia, headed by former Research International (RI) Exec Louise McCann who will be based in Sydney. More
The deadline set by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for Arbitron to gain MRC accreditation for its PPM radio ratings service in the market has passed, with no announcement of success and reports suggesting no accreditation has been gained. More
Online data collection featured heavily in this year's London Stock Exchange AIM Awards, with Toluna and Research Now both taking major trophies at last night's award ceremony. More
In Turkey, TNS has been awarded a four-year contract to provide TV audience measurement, by local industry committee TIAK. The current deal, which expires in 2011, is held by AGB Nielsen Media Research. More
In the UK, research agency EasyInsites is to partner with online parenting club Bounty to build a young family panel with which to conduct bi-monthly research. More
Research software provider Confirmit and text analytics specialist Clarabridge have formed a partnership aimed at refining the value of open-ended customer responses. More
In Sweden, market research technology firm Dapresy has partnered with research software provider Action Dialog Partner, to integrate the latter's survey tool into its own Research Management service. More
In Canada, custom panel and technology specialist Vision Critical is to merge with sister firm, public opinion and MR agency Angus Reid Strategies, DRNO has learned. The combined firm will be known as Vision Critical and Angus Reid Strategies will operate as its public opinion practice. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has commercialized its Portable People Meter (PPM) radio ratings service in five new local markets, as the deadline approaches for the firm to obtain Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its service in New York. More
Data collection agency Field Force has become the first firm in Australia to join the 'Panel Exchange' sample marketplace operated by Swedish software firm Cint. More
In the US, Arbitron has confirmed that EVP Taher Behbehani, one of three top men brought in as part of a major restructure announced earlier in the year, has left the company. More
Today sees the official merger of TNS' UK Custom Division and Research International UK to become TNS Research International UK; and the merger of TNS Custom's UK Social sector with BMRB's social research team to become TNS-BMRB. More
UK marketing spend fell for the eighth quarter running in Q3, but the fall is still slowing and marketers are more optimistic, according to the latest quarterly IPA/BDO Bellwether survey, which is published today. More
Nielsen Online has underlined its commitment to the panel-based methodology it will use for the UK's first web measurement currency, following competitor comScore's proposal of a 'person-centric' approach using a hybrid technique employing cookie deletion. More
In The Netherlands, online market research agency MetrixLab has appointed former Research International VP Alexander Kleijngeld to spearhead the international expansion of its NPD & Innovation unit. More
In Australia, former Galaxy Research Director Chris Lonergan has launched his own full service market research agency, which he says will 'marry old school rigour' with new technology and a thorough understanding of business issues. More
Netherlands-based community insight agency CreativeCrowds has announced a partnership with Canadian crowdsourcing technology firm Cambrian House. Using the latter's flagship Chaordix product, the partners will design and deliver crowdsourcing platforms to organizations in Europe. More
US healthcare specialist Panel Intelligence has expanded its access to patients, to provide cancer therapeutics companies with direct access to the end users of their products. More
The biggest new MrWeb section in nine years opens today with launch articles from five research luminaries. 'MRT' is an online home for custom panel builders, mobile researchers, data miners, neuromarketers and many others at the leading edge of what we broadly define as 'MR'. More
US reseacher Nicole Wyrembeck has set up a new agency, Decision Point, which promises a combination of social science research and marketing expertise. She is joined by Senior Research Strategist Donna Cangelosi. More
Former Ipsos operations head Efrain Ribeiro has joined online panel specialist Lightspeed Research as Chief Operating Officer, based in the US and responsible for global online operations. More
Marketing services group Optimisa has appointed former Synovate UK boss Michelle Norman as CEO of its market research businesses, which include Quaestor, Andrew Irving Associates and Buckingham Research. More
Andrew Wiseman is leaving UK-based group Optimisa Research to join customer panel specialist Verve, and will establish a Leeds office for the company. More
Three agencies, Acrobat Research, Cimigo and EuroInterview are combining to create a new global operations business called Cido Research. More
Pharma market research giant IMS Health has appointed Gilles Pajot in the new position of Vice Chairman. Previously the company's COO, he continues to report to Chairman and CEO David R. Carlucci. More
Mumbai, India-based KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) firm Adventity, Inc. and Canadian firm Revanalytics are joining forces to set up a new Sri Lankan-based company, whose services will include market research and BPO solutions. More
In the US, sports entertainment firm ESPN has teamed with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, to examine media challenges such as cross-media measurement and analysis. More
In Australia, SampleWorx has launched an online sample marketplace where potential buyers can log on and post details about their projects, and suppliers can place bids to win these contracts. More
Eastern and Central European online specialist BrainActive Market Research has expanded its reach in Russia, Turkey and Poland through the recruitment of new panel members in each country. More
GfK has expanded its custom research network with the launch of a joint venture in Japan and the acquisition of a majority stake of Conecta Asociados S.A.C. in Peru. More
UK retail giant Asda plans to 'empower' consumers by enabling them to get involved in every aspect of the business - from product development to the look and feel of packaging. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron has formed a 'cross-media' measurement group, which will use its Portable People Meter (PPM) technology and third-party partnerships to establish a new audience measurement service across TV, radio, Internet, mobile and place-based media. More
In Tokyo, online research firm Macromill has sold most of its shares in Asian sample specialist AIP Corporation, and instead bought Brand Data Bank (BDB), which provides marketing database services. The deal is valued at nearly 147m yen ($1.6m). More
US data collection firm Western Wats has been fined $552k for employing 1,482 minors, three of whom were as young as 13, to conduct market research and political surveys from its call centers in seven states. This is the highest such penalty ever doled out to a US company. More
US analytics firm EchoMetrix has been accused of violating a federal law that restricts the gathering of data about children under the age of 13. More
Two divisions of marketing services agency Euro RSCG Worldwide have teamed up to launch a tool to help marketers target teen consumers and their families. The two are data analytics and behavioral marketing arm Euro RSCG Discovery and American Student List (ASL). More
In the US, MindSign Neuromarketing - which measures consumer brain responses to ads - has been tasked by film producer Peter Katz with determining the degree of fear caused by certain scenes in his latest horror movie, 'Pop Skull'. More
US-based web analytics firm Omniture has measured what it says is the first retail transaction ever to take place in Facebook, on behalf of a florist and gift retailer advertising on the social networking site. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has announced the opening of an office in Mexico City, servicing clients conducting online and telephone research throughoutout Latin America. More
London-based b2b agency IFF Research has announced sales of just over £8.7m for the financial year to 31st March 2009, an increase of 40% year on year. More
The new Chairman of US standards body the FCC has told an audience of minority broadcasters that the Commission aims to bring together the sides in the dispute over Arbitron's PPM. He also acknowledged that his organisation's authority regarding the PPM is 'limited'. More
Synovate has expanded its Retail Performance shopper counting and analytics business across Europe, the Americas and Asia; and appointed a 'Business Development champion' for each of these three regions. More
GfK Romania is opening a CATI call centre in Iasi, which CEO Andi Dumitrescu says will allow the firm to contain costs and improve services. More
In the US, Edolphus Towns' investigation into Arbitron's PPM claims Media Ratings Council (MRC) documents flag up 'persistent problems' with the technology. Arbitron says his Committee has reached 'erroneous conclusions' which it looks forward to clarifying. More
UK-based online research specialist BrainJuicer has confirmed 22% revenue growth to £4.85m (H1 2008: £3.97m) for the six months ended 30 June 2009. More
Nielsen and Facebook have signed a multi-year partnership to help clients better measure the impact of online advertising and develop and market new products. More
In London, Synovate has hired Marc Chester for the newly created role of Community Panels Director. More
In the US, the Nasdaq Stock Market has given Harris Interactive 180 days to increase its share price, as this has now fallen below the $1 per share requirement for the previous 30 consecutive business days. More
Arbitron has announced the formation of a task force of radio and advertising industry leaders to develop an ongoing measure of 'affinity', designed to 'reflect the advertising value of the unique relationship listeners have with their stations'. More
Synovate will close its call center operation in Ottumwa, Iowa, USA in November, with the loss of 80 part-time jobs and one full-time. More
MR and consulting group Cello has appointed a new senior management team to lead its subsidiary RS Consulting. Jane Shirley adds the role of Chairwoman of RS to her existing responsibilities as CEO of Cello Research and joint MD of Insight, while RS's Group MD Neil Swann is leaving. More
Panel and online research software provider Toluna has reported strong revenue and profit growth and increased market share in all European territories in the first half of 2009. Revenue grew 67% to £13.7m and first-half operating profits were up 21% to £1.6m. More
In Sydney, Australia, AMR research founder Brian Fine is to leave his job in November. Fine started the company, now part of marketing content and services firm STW Group, 25 years ago. More
Sampling and data collection provider Authentic Response has hired former SSI leader Jim Follett as its Chief Executive Officer, to replace Matt Blumberg as CEO; and has announced the closing of a funding series. More
Arbitron has signed an agreement with BroadSign International, a provider of SaaS solutions for managing digital out-of-home (OOH) video networks, to deliver a proof-of-play advertising audit service using the Portable People Meter (PPM) technology. More
United Sample and Clear Sky Media have launched a new survey platform for the latter's comparison shopping web site RedFlagDeals.com. More
UK-based marketing services group Cello has announced half-yearly results. Overall group revenues were down 12%, a post-tax loss of £4.2m reflecting the write-down of recent acquisitions, but the Research and Consulting division performed respectably with operating income of £18.2m on turnover of £30m. More
FreshMinds Research has announced the formation of a distinct Research Communities and Panels division, and the arrival of James Turner, formerly Head of Research at BT, to lead it. More
In the US, professional association the CMO Council has announced the launch of 'Pause for a Cause', a program which aims to direct millions of dollars in funds to good causes in exchange for survey responses. Major charities and corporations are among those backing the initiative. More
High profile UK-based start-up Verve is already opening its first overseas offices, in Sydney, Australia - and will launch customer advisory panels and online brand communities in Australia and New Zealand. More
Nielsen's decision to do away with live-only program ratings is 'a significant step backwards' according to GroupM North America's Chief Investment Officer, Rino Scanzoni. More
GfK subsidiary Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) has announced plans to expand the size of the AdMeasure database five-fold making it, the firm says, 'large enough to be a syndicated industry currency for print ad measurement'. More
In the US, online metrics company Ando Media has entered its Webcast Metrics real-time Internet audio measurement service for accreditation by the Media Rating Council (MRC). More
Following client consultation, Nielsen is to move to live-program-plus-same-day ratings in its Local People Meter (LPM) and Set Meter markets by early December. More
In the US, the newly formed Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) has attempted to clarify its goals in a conference call, stressing that rather than creating a competitor for Nielsen Media Research, it wants to fund new research into cross-platform and TV set-top box measurement. More
A group of 14 companies has formally announced the founding of the Council for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM), a consortium that will create a new TV audience measurement system, designed to challenge Nielsen's control over the marketplace. More
Digital marketing agency Critical Mass has launched a multi-channel measurement group which will focus on gathering insights to improve marketing and user experience. More
Ipsos Public Affairs has opened a new research center to provide market research and insight into the lives of Hispanic citizens living in the US. More
Nielsen Media Research has developed a new meter which will measure online video viewing in the same way the firm's A/P Meter does for television. More
US-based Communispace - which creates online customer insight communities - has partnered with Australian ad hoc market research agency Colmar Brunton to develop private online communities in the Asia Pacific region. More
Australian digital audience measurement firm Effective Measure has expanded with the opening of offices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and has hired Brendon Ogilvy for the newly created role of Regional Director for MENA (Middle East North Africa). More
Healthcare market research specialist Majestic MRSS has opened a new office in Dubai, and equipped ten of its existing focus group facilities across Asia with 'Focus Vision' video-streaming facilities. More
UK agency Ci Research has formed a new retail division, which it says will provide clients with access to team members' client-side and agency-side retail market research expertise. More
India-based market research outsourcing firm Ugam Research Solutions has increased its US client service and project management capabilities with ten new staff appointments. More
New York-headquartered MSW - previously McCollum Spielman Worldwide - has partnered with UK-based Insight Engineers to introduce its brand and communications research approaches across Europe. More
In the UK, the GSMA - the trade association for mobile operators - has selected comScore to be its partner for its Mobile Media Metrics (MMM) audience measurement service, designed to define common metrics and measurements for mobile advertising. More
TV technology firm NDS and TNS Media Research have enhanced their joint TV audience measurement offering by adding the ability to identify individual viewers in homes signed up to participate in a measurement panel. More
In Canada, ratings giant Arbitron and TNS Media Research have launched what they describe as the 'world's largest combined panel for TV and radio audience measurement', designed to support industry organisation BBM Canada's own multi-media measurement initiative. More
Synovate parent Aegis has reported an 86% drop in first half pre-tax profits to £6.6m despite growing revenues by 4.8%. The research agency itself made an underlying operating loss of £3.2m in the first half, compared with a £7.9m profit a year earlier. More
Online panels specialist Research Now has teamed up with Reed Business Information's (RBI) 'Computer Weekly' magazine to create a purpose built panel of IT professionals across the UK. More
In Australia, TV technology firm NDS and TNS Media Research have partnered to track and analyze audience behaviour across pay-TV operator Foxtel's network, to enable it to introduce advanced advertising products. More
London-based specialist MR recruiter Soho Search has been bought out by Frankie Wootton-Kelly, formerly an Associate Director of the company, for an undisclosed sum. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has introduced a number of outreach programs that engage and recruit in-demand, hard-to-reach segments of the population, such as African Americans, Hispanics, males and teens. More
In the US, Nielsen and retail analytics agency Information Resources Inc (IRI) have formed a new firm which will recruit, maintain and process data from a common set of households to support the Nielsen Homescan and IRI Consumer Network panels. More
Ipsos has reported a 3.2% decline in first half revenues to €447.8m, compared with the same period in 2008. The firm says it would be unrealistic to hope for the second half of 2009 to be much better. More
Shopper behaviour consultancy TNS Magasin has combined EEG (electroencephalography) and eye tracking technologies to capture shoppers' emotional and cognitive responses at what it describes as 'an unprecedented level of detail'. More
TNS Healthcare and consumer comms agency McCann Healthcare have linked to launch the first in a series of studies providing insights into the Singapore health sector. More
In India, the National Readership Studies Council (NRSC) and the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) have received the green light to merge, to create a single research currency for the country's print industry. More
Revenue in the Research Division of UK marcoms group Chime Communications fell to £4.58m from £7.41m in the prior year period, while operating income dropped 26% to £3m. More
Australian readership research is in flux as incumbent currency provider Roy Morgan declines to take part in a new-look tender. As of yesterday, magazine publishing giant ACP has quit its national association in support of the Roy Morgan survey. More
Analysts expect ad giant and Kantar owner WPP to cut its sales forecast again this week. However the firm's debt position and strategic focus are considered solid, while buoyant reports in the UK press suggest business confidence in general has turned the corner. More
UK researchers' association the ICG (Independent Consultants Group) has grown its membership with sixty new members in the last ten months bringing the total to 340, a net gain of 8% allowing for departing members. More
Harris Interactive has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2009, showing a 23% decline in annual revenue. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron is attempting to invalidate nine patents for technology which identity solutions firm Digimarc has developed to monitor broadcasts. Digimarc claims that technology used for Arbitron's PPM infringed the patents. More
In the US, qual and quant data collection firm Delve has partnered with focus group specialist The Focus Room to provide clients with a 'one-stop' approach to conducting qual research nationwide. More
In the US, American Express Business Travel has opened a dedicated research practice to help companies cut the cost of their business trips. More
In the US, multi-screen media measurement agency Rentrak and mobile TV service FLO TV are to launch what they describe as the mobile TV industry's first comprehensive viewership and ad impression reporting. More
Online feedback and panel management supplier Globalpark has reported a 35% increase in second quarter revenues to €2.5m. More
Media giant Time Warner has signed a seven year agreement with Nielsen, which will bring together TV, online, mobile measurement services, research on advertising segmentation and targeting, and consumer engagement research, under one contract. More
In the US, Lnx Research has launched a new market research division called LnxPharma, dedicated to using social network analysis (SNA) tools and techniques to help pharma, biotech and government clients better understand how communities function. More
A New York firm has launched a new online mystery shopper exchange, to provide a 'one-stop shop' for recruiters and job seekers. Inpulse Shopper aims to help researchers in the US and Canada find mystery shoppers, while also connecting job seekers with legitimate firms. More
In the US, online survey sample firm United Sample and teens and young adult network eSPIN have partnered to launch a community where teens can participate in surveys and earn rewards for sharing their thoughts. More
In response to last week's news that a consortium has been formed to challenge Nielsen's TV audience measurement 'monopoly', the firm has been in touch with employees to confirm that 'three screen' measurement remains central to its strategy. More
In the US a TV ad solutions firm is to bring together the services of Nielsen, Experian and Acxiom to help clients improve ad effectiveness using their existing data segmentation and optimization models. More
In Canada, In-Touch Survey Systems has reported an 8% increase in Q2 revenue to $1.41m, thanks largely to the strength of its manual data collection business. However, the firm warns of a tough half-year ahead because of cancelled orders. More
In Australia, marketing services group Photon - which owns MR firms The Leading Edge and Jigsaw Strategic Research - is attempting to raise AUS$114.6m through a share offering. The money is for debt reduction and to ensure the firm can fund future earn-outs. More
IT and BPO (business process outsourcing) firm Cognizant is expanding its Phoenix-based delivery center to include BPO services, and is planning to hire more than 100 members of staff there over the next 12 months. More
In the US, a group of broadcast and cable networks have joined with media agencies and clients to form a consortium that will create a new TV Audience measurement system, designed to challenge Nielsen's control over the marketplace. More
Nielsen has reported a 6% dip in revenues to $2.36bn for the six months ended June 30 2009. Revenues for its market research business dropped 11.7% to $1.25bn from $1.42bn in the year earlier period. More
GfK has reported a decline in sales and operating income during the first half of the year despite an improvement in the second quarter. In organic terms, first half sales were down 8.5%. More
In the UK, full service agency Opinium Research has reported a 350% increase in sales for the trading year 2008/2009. More
WPP's insight arm Kantar has appointed Marita Carballo as President for Latam (Latin America) and Fiona Keyte as Global Account Director for client, Procter & Gamble (P&G), in a move designed to strengthen the firm's client relationships and regional capability in Latin and South America. More
In New York, media management firm Mediabrands has launched Geomentum; a marketing and media insights agency which brings together marketplace intelligence, technology and local targeting capabilities. More
In the US, TNS Media Research has partnered with digital entertainment technology firm Rovi Corporation to develop advanced TV and set-top-box (STB) measurement solutions. More
Arbitron and Nielsen joint venture Scarborough Research will be incorporating cell-phone-only (CPO) users into the sample for its syndicated local market studies, beginning this summer and due for release next spring. More
In the UK, Nielsen has taken a stake in CGA Strategy - which offers market intelligence for retailers in pubs and bars, and for drinks brand owners - while CGA has taken over Nielsen's sales tracking activities in the sector. Terms were not disclosed. More
Global outsourcing solutions firm Datascension (DSEN) has posted gross profit of $770,877 for the quarter ended June 30, up 178% on the same period in 2008. More
In the US, a group of representatives of minority broadcasters have written to President Barack Obama asking him to intervene in the ongoing dispute over Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM), which they say they believe undercounts the audiences of minority radio stations. More
In the UAE (United Arab Emirates), two regulatory bodies have commissioned management consultancy Capgemini to undertake the initial phase of the country's new TV audience measurement initiative. More
Revenues for the top 25 global research firms increased 3.9% last year, to $18.9bn, according to the new Honomichl Global Top 25 ranking, to be published in the AMA's 'Marketing News' this month. Allowing for inflation, the figure equates to a tiny real increase of 0.6%. More
Datamonitor is integrating its three technology research brands - Butler Group, Datamonitor Technology and Ovum - under the Ovum name from September 1st. On the same day it wll launch two new research services. More
Daily Research News has today launched a page for short summaries of breaking news items. Readers interested in items appearing can register their email address to receive a link to the full story if and when it is published at the end of the day in the main DRNO bulletin. More
Business and professional information giant Thomson Reuters has reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, showing revenue growth and margin expansion, with continuing progress on the Reuters integration. Today, shareholders gave it the OK to drop its London and Nasdaq listings. More
Canadian-based custom panels and communities specialist Vision Critical has announced a 75% increase in first-half gross revenue, versus the same period in 2008. More
Online sample company Peanut Labs has announced a partnership with online games firm Frogster America, by which players of the latter's 'Runes of Magic' game can earn virtual currency by completing surveys. More
In the US, custom research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey (CMB) has joined with specialist marketing firm AgencySacks to provide insights to companies that target the affluent consumer. More
In the US, communications firm Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) has launched a new approach, which combines proprietary healthcare consulting tools with a team of senior advisors in healthcare, and other key areas. More
TNS Media Research has been awarded a ground-breaking three year audience measurement contract to gain new insights into the viewing and behaviour of audiences in subscription TV homes across Australia. More
In the UK, ad-supported mobile phone network Blyk - which launched a research service for its users in December - is to close at the end of August. More
US media communications agency Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) is collaborating with Spanish language TV group Telemundo Communications to provide advertisers with a deeper understanding of Latino consumers in the US. More
In the US, Arbitron has responded to the news that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is being asked to join the rush to investigate the impact of the PPM, by reiterating that it 'welcomes every opportunity to discuss the PPM technology, service and our sampling methodology.' More
Customer loyalty specialists Omega Management Group and Vovici have announced a partnership for marketing and the integration of their EFM and CEM solutions. More
Computer giant IBM is to acquire SPSS for around $1.2 billion. The deal should close later this year, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other conditions. More
In the UK, Ipsos-MORI has sounded out employees about the possibility of taking two weeks of voluntary unpaid leave later in the year. More
Dallas, Texas-based online panel firm e-Rewards, Inc. has opened an office in Paris, France, to serve its growing European client base. Sales Managers Katia Levy and Virginie Le Rat join the firm in the new location. More
Hi-tech entertainment research specialist OTX has formed a new research practice focusing on youth and families, and appointed Donna Sabino to lead it as Senior Vice President of Kids and Family Insights. More
Arbitron says Spanish-language broadcaster Univision Radio will not renew contracts for its Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings in San Diego, Miami and Phoenix, and will refuse to encode its signals for PPM in the three markets. More
Advertising firm Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) has announced that its Malaysian CEO Yap Chee Weng is to resign from his role to pursue personal interests outside the industry, and will be replaced by insight and analysis specialist Ranganathan Somanathan. More
MR services provider Precision Opinion has announced the expansion of its Las Vegas CATI center from 100 to 200 stations, citing two years of record growth. More
Pharma market research giant IMS Health has reported a 19% drop in Q2 profit to $62.9m from $77.7m a year earlier. Accordingly, the firm is planning to shed a total of 850 staff, or 11% of its global workforce. More
In the UK, information services giant Experian has updated its consumer segmentation tool Mosaic, in a move which it says reflects demographic and social changes that have occurred in British society since 2003. More
Full service firm Majestic Market Research Support Services (MMRSS) has expanded with the opening of an office in Jakarta, Indonesia. More
In the US, Robert Groves has been sworn in as the 23rd Director of the US Census Bureau, at a ceremony attended by seven of his predecessors as well as hundreds of members of the statistical community and Census Bureau employees. More
Customer behavioural data specialist Business Logic Solutions has opened a solution centre in Malaysia, in a bid to better serve mobile operators in the Asia Pacific region. More
In Canada, NAVTEQ - which provides digital map, traffic and location data - has partnered with mobile application market research firm Mob4Hire in order to tap into the latter's global community of 14,000 respondent testers in 105 countries. More
MrWeb's first detailed job and salary stats for three years show an industry interrupted in the midst of growth: client side numbers falling but salaries staying strong; struggles for SREs; and rude awakenings for Directors - but not yet ADs. More
Plans are underway to consider combining India's two rival print readership surveys - the bi-annual Indian Readership Survey (IRS) and the annual National Readership Study (NRS) - in a bid to reduce costs. More
B2B specialist Kadence International has reported a 40% climb in UK revenue to £4m during the financial year 2008-09. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has reported revenue growth of 10.4% to $86.8m in the second quarter, from $78.6m in the prior-year period. The company has also maintained its earnings outlook for 2009, while trimming its year-on-year revenue growth forecast. More
In the US, consumer specialist Perception Research Services International (PRS) and neuroscience firm EmSense have partnered to offer bio-sensory measures within quant packaging research studies. More
In the UK, the government's marketing and communications unit the Central Office of Information (COI) has published its annual report and accounts for 2008/9, showing an increase in spending on market research of almost 30% from £22.7m to £29.4m. In four years, spend has more than doubled from £13.2m. More
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell has extolled the virtues of organic growth; of helping ad budgets to follow consumers online; and of a balance between local and multinational clients, as he looks five years into the future of WPP. More
Preeti Reddy will replace Tissa de Alwis at the head of the Kantar-owned Lanka Market Research Bureau (LMRB) at the end of July. More
UK-based market research group Optimisa has agreed to cease trading on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) stock exchange in London, following a vote from shareholders at its AGM earlier today. More
Having passed its ten thousandth news story in May, MrWeb registered its 10,000th jobseeker at the beginning of this month. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has compiled population estimates for cellphone-only (CPO) households down to the local market level, and says it is the first firm to do so. More
UK agency Nunwood has reported a 14.9% rise in sales for the first half of the year, compared with the same period last year. The agency's turnover increased £640k to more than £5m. More
In Canada, Omnicom-owned digital marketing agency Critical Mass has opened a new research division called Curious, which will use online communities to uncover consumer insights. More
In Canada, data collection specialist Itracks has launched an online forum where moderators can learn, discuss and generate ideas about qualitative research. More
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has outlined plans to bolster the media sector, which include the launch of a research center where media companies, universities and others will be able to collaborate on research and share findings. More
TNS Gallup has extended its contract with the Norwegian Media Businesses' Association (MBL) for Internet audience measurement in Norway. A fresh four-year period will commence in early 2010. More
Florida Attorney General (AG) Bill McCollum has filed a lawsuit against Arbitron, claiming that its Portable People Meter (PPM) methodology undercounts minority listeners. His is the fourth such case to be brought against the firm. More
In Mumbai, Nielsen has launched a specialist Business Consulting Services group, which will combine qualitative consulting with fact-based analytic-driven recommendations. The group will be led by Asitava Sen, who joined Nielsen as Director, Retail Consulting last year. More
In the US, Nielsen has launched what it describes as the industry's 'most advanced panel and platform' for measuring Internet audiences - increasing its measurement of web sites from 3,000 to more than 30,000. More
The IPA's latest Bellwether survey has found that for the second quarter in a row, the rate of decline in marketing spend has eased, with one in three companies now reporting that their financial prospects have improved compared to one in four reporting a deterioration. More
In the UK, market research group Optimisa has seen its shares plummet a further 15% to 8.5 pence, compared with a highest price of 229 pence in September 2007. More
Nielsen is opening new regional headquarters in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, from which it will continue to serve clients in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. More
In Germany, the TNS Infratest Group - which includes TNS Emnid - has announced that it is to shed 35 staff positions at its Bielefeld site. While 20 employees have been made redundant, 15 others have been offered jobs in the firm's Hamburg office. More
Ipsos Marketing in Poland has launched a pair of quant research tools - MARKETLandscape and BRANDStretch - for use at early stages of brand development. More
User experience consultancy Bunnyfoot and ad agency OgilvyOne have partnered in Hong Kong to provide a range of services to measure ad response and increase understanding and recall. More
In the US, MVL Group's online research agency Carbonview Research has partnered with RelevantView to enhance its respondent quality technology and validation process. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has increased the size of its online communities in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, and has also launched mobile and landline samples in Mexico and a landline sample in Brazil. More
In the UK, TNS has told 'a small number of employees' in its Custom division that their jobs are at risk, and has made a more general request to employees to take a fortnight's unpaid leave during the second half of 2009, as it tries to avoid further cuts. More
UK digital marketing specialist Digital Marketing Group plc (DMG) has announced the launch of new agency DemographDMG, which it says will provide 'digital research with a human touch'. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it has no authority to impose regulations on its Portable People Meter (PPM) system, which replaces previously used paper diary-based methods for logging radio listening habits. More
In the UK, Ipsos MORI has opened the Research Methods Centre (RMC), billed as a hub of expertise in sampling, survey methodology and advanced data analysis. More
TV research division GfK Fernsehforschung has upgraded its tool for analysis of TV consumption in Germany, to include measurement of time-delayed, time-shifted and out-of-home TV viewing. More
UK market research and consulting group Cello has warned that gross profits are likely to be down by around 10% for the first half of the year, and says it has cut costs by around 7% to offset the effects of the economic downturn. More
GfK Retail and Technology has upped its stake in its Indian joint venture (JV) with Nielsen from 40.0% to 50.1%. Previously known as ORG-GfK Marketing Services, the JV will now be re-branded as GfKNielsen India and will be included in the consolidated accounts of the GfK Group. More
From next Monday, Millward Brown IMS and Lansdowne Market Research will combine into a single company named Millward Brown Lansdowne. The new firm will be part of Millward Brown Ireland, along with Millward Brown Ulster. More
In the US, sample audit specialist Mktg Inc has launched an online program to validate panel consistency over time. More
WPP's insight division Kantar is to merge Lightspeed Research's online panel business with the TNS 6th Dimension network of online managed access panels. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now has beaten its predictions for first half revenues, growing them 24% to £23.6m (2008: £19.1m). More
UK Government stats unit the Central Office of Information (COI), has overhauled its market research roster to create a 'framework' including 108 agencies from across the UK. Half of these firms are new to the roster. More
US survey software firm Vovici has appointed Greg Stock as its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Dean Wiltse who has held the role since 2005. More
Following the merger of TNS and RI earlier in the year, the company has announced that TNS Infratest will now be known in Germany as TNS Infratest RI. More
In the UK, The Oxford Research Agency (TORA) has launched a qual operation called Mimosa, which it says will address clients' needs for joined-up qual/quant thinking in the FMCG, retail and shopper insight, customer satisfaction and OTC sectors. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron says it welcomes the chance to discuss the impact of its PPM system further with Congress, following moves this week by New York Democrat Edolphus Towns, Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. More
A new online agency, Jeeran Research, has launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The firm is building a proprietary, diversified panel across 18 countries in the region. More
Loss-making AIM-quoted B2B research specialist IQ Holdings Plc has announced interim results for the period ended 31 March 2009. The Board says it has taken 'decisive actions... in line with bringing IQH into profitability in the shortest possible timeframe'. More
The UK's registered MR charity, the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA), is launching a 'Become a Friend' campaign at this week's Insight Show in London. The move aims to increase the number of its regular donors at a time when requests for help are growing fast. More
French-based advertising company Publicis Groupe is feeling acquisitive, according to remarks made to Dow Jones Newswires at Cannes last week by CEO Maurice Levy. Market research companies may be targets. More
Contrary to claims in the Turkish press, reported in DRNO on Friday, AGB Nielsen says its own panellists have alerted it proactively to corruption issues; that it continues to enjoy good relations with awarding body TIAK; and that it is very much in the running for a tender taking place later this year. More
UK-based fieldwork specialist John Mackay has launched his own international B2B and consumer sampling agency, Mr Sample. More
Datamonitor parent Informa plc has reiterated its confidence in its current position, in a trading statement, and has won approval for a restructure based around the creation tomorrow of a new parent company, New Informa. More
Microsoft has sold the survey division of Greenfield Online to panels specialist ToLuna for a cash consideration of $40m (just over £24m). The french-based company will use a placing and subscription to raise c.£26m net for the acquisition and other investment. More
TV ratings data supplied by AGB Nielsen for the Turkish market is the subject of corruption claims. After complaints filed by the country's Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), the Television Audience Research Committee (TÝAK) has apparently said it will change the system, and the supplier. More
Online research specialist MarketTools has launched a panel of IT professionals, using its TrueSample validation technology. More
Alec Gallup, who previously served as Co-Chairman of the Gallup Organization, has died at home of a heart ailment at the age of 81. More
US entertainment, media and technology market research firm Interpret has launched a syndicated service to provide an understanding of consumer behaviour around digital media and emerging technologies. More
In the UK, former Opinion Leader and ORC International Director Rachel Lopata has set up a new consultancy to help public sector clients engage in more effective dialogue with their communities and stakeholders. More
In the UK, online marketing services group TMN - which owns online research firms The iD Factor and ICD Research - has received shareholder approval to go ahead with its acquisition of business information provider Progressive Digital Media. More
Following the recent launch of Bing, Microsoft is linking up with marcoms giant WPP to conduct research which will explore the dynamics between search engine marketing and brand building. More
Library and information specialist Sue Hill Recruitment has moved formally into market research with the launch of a new business area and the appointment of Damon Thomas to lead it as Recruitment Manager. More
Digital video recorder (DVR) services provider TiVo and Internet ratings firm Quantcast have partnered to provide advertisers and media firms with an audience analysis service for evaluating the correlation between TV viewership and online activity. More
US travel services firm Morley Companies Inc is planning to open a call center in Saganaw, Michigan to provide data collection and market research, along with other outward bound services. More
In the UK, managers at Royal Mail have been accused of manipulating a mystery shopping programme being undertaken by Research International, to artificially boost the organisation's performance and generate big bonuses for themselves. More
In the UK, Phyllis Macfarlane has taken on the new role of Chairman of GfK NOP, while Richard Jameson steps up to her previous position as Managing Director, and joins the global Board of GfK Custom Research. More
US ratings giant Arbitron has launched a new suite of measurement services, designed to improve visibility into 'away-from-home' TV audiences. More
Creston, the marcoms group which owns market research firms ICM and Marketing Sciences, has reported a revenue increase of 4% to £83.8m for the year ended 31 March - 'though figures for its Insight Division were less buoyant. The firm has also appointed a new operational Executive Board. More
London-based MR recruitment specialist Hasson Associates has announced a partnership with recently launched Asia Research Recruitment (ARR). More
Market research group Optimisa has reported a loss of £4.5m (2007: £5.5m) for 2008. The firm is also asking shareholders to vote on de-listing the company from the AIM stock exchange, to save the £100k associated admin costs. More
Nielsen has partnered with French media agency MTdiamTtrie to launch a study of French mobile phone consumer behaviour. More
In the UK, the BBC is developing an audience measurement tool which will provide insight into how audiences 'pick and mix' content across a variety of viewing platforms. More
Online market research agency InSites Consulting, headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, will be opening offices in London, UK and Geneva, Switzerland in July. More
Technology giant IBM has announced plans to invest $100m in a five-year program to conduct research into mobile communications. More
In India, the Media Research User's Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research have finally rolled out their Indian Outdoor Survey (IOS) in Mumbai. More
Publisher Time Inc and media agency Starcom USA are the first to sign up for Admeasure, described by Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) as the ad industry's first-ever ad ratings for major consumer magazines. More
Nielsen has been selected by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog) to provide market research services for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. More
US media measurement and research agency Rentrak Corporation has partnered with video and media solutions firm Concurrent to gain a 360 degree view of video and advertising consumption patterns across TV, mobile devices and the Internet. More
The UK government is embarking on a major ROI assessment of its web presence, led by the COI (Central Office of Information). Industry-owned not for profit body ABCe has been appointed to run the programme, which is billed as 'the largest project of its kind to date'. More
Millward Brown has announced the launch of a new structure for its Europe business, merging the UK/Ireland and Continental Europe regions. Seven Directors are named for a new European Board. More
The UK market research industry grew 6.22% to an estimated £2.16bn in 2008, while revenue from international research increased by 12.5%, according to the Market Research Society's (MRS) annual report on the state of the sector. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has moved to larger premises in central London, UK. The firm has also launched a new online reporting and analysis tool which enables the user to analyse data in real-time. More
In Australia, the subscription television (STV) industry has created an independent company to provide research and audience measurement services to its members and the broader media and marketing community. More
David Day will become Global CEO of Kantar-owned online panel specialist Lightspeed Research, following the departure of Anne Hedde, who is leaving to pursue a different role with a competitor. More
Healthcare data collection firm All Global has added to its suite of healthcare research solutions with the introduction of AllBus, a physician omnibus, and AllCheck, an on-demand feasibility check offering. More
GfK Retail and Technology has combined information on energy consumption and sales figures of electronic appliances to create a new energy efficiency tracking product. More
In the UK, a group of organisations led by TNS has won a contract from the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the first in-depth study into how public attitudes to climate change impact travel preferences. More
Nielsen has re-organised its consumer research group into a global practice, and appointed practice expert teams across its five geographic regions. More
GfK-Nnrnberg e.V - GfK's non-profit market research promotion arm - is developing a process that records and analyzes human emotions via the software-based detection of facial expressions. More
Lawyers involved in a privacy violation suit against behavioral targeting company NebuAd are now claiming that the firm went into US receivership specifically in order to avoid having to pay possible damages. A new firm has been launched in the UK. More
In the US, the Traffic Audit Bureau (TAB) has released the outdoor industry's first ratings, intended to replace the existing practice of using traffic counts to measure outdoor advertising. More
Marcoms giant WPP has sold Mediafax - its Puerto Rico-based media research agency - to Brazilian media, market and opinion research specialist IBOPE. In return, WPP has increased its shareholding in three IBOPE businesses. More
The Research Pacific Group has opened a Consumer Insights studio in Tokyo and moved its Korean operation to new offices in Seoul. The firm has also created a new Language Services Unit at its HQ in Singapore. More
Reputation analysis and comms research specialist Echo Research has opened Asian headquarters in Singapore, managed by Regional Manager Michelle Allen. More
Online measurement giant comScore has announced the arrival of Media Metrix 360, a 'panel-centric hybrid' solution to digital audience measurement. More
In the US, the MRA (Marketing Research Association) has won protection for health care researchers in the state of Massachusetts, in the form of an official exemption for research from the Massachusetts Department of Health. More
In the US, the Board of Directors at radio ratings giant Arbitron has elected advertising veteran Philip Guarascio as its Non-Executive Chairman, replacing the firm's former CEO and President Stephen Morris. More
The UK Online Measurement (UKOM) company, which plans to launch a single online audience measurement currency, is in preliminary discussions with Nielsen Online to provide the data. More
In the UK, Kingston University is leading a £1.1m research project to find out if it is possible to nudge individual behaviour in a 'socially-desirable direction', simply by telling people what others are doing. More
Online panel specialist Lightspeed Research has launched a sample de-duplication platform that prevents respondents from retaking a survey from the same computer, through either multiple panels or by using multiple identities. More
Walt Disney World and Disney's cable TV sports network ESPN are building a media research lab at the company's Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando. More
Research outsourcing and analytics firm Dexterity has made its Columbus, OH office the US hub to service clients in North America, and moved CEO Palanivel Kuppusamy there from its Indian facilities, where he has been based for the last ten years. More
Qual and quant agency GIM Russia has outgrown its existing offices and moved to new premises in Moscow's Suschewsky Business Center, near Red Square. More
In the US, Coca-Cola veteran Stan Sthanunathan is to lead the Online Research Quality Council (ORQC) established by the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF). He takes over from Kim Dedeker, who recently left Procter & Gamble to join Kantar. More
In the UK, a group of entrepreneurs has launched a research agency, Innovate Solutions. The founders believe observational data in increasingly important to pharmaceutical companies, as well as to patients as consumers of healthcare. More
In Germany, seven Directors and Partners at qual/quant agency Produkt + Markt have bought the firm, following the retirement of co-founder Dr Paul Pottebaum. More
Shareholders at marcoms giant WPP are opposing a scheme which could result in CEO Sir Martin Sorrell receiving up to £59.7m ($95m) worth of free shares during the next five years. More
Arbitron's company spokesman Thom Mocarsky is to leave at the end of June, after nearly 27 years with the firm. More
In Germany, BVM Chairman Wolfgang Dittrich has opened a media consulting and market research agency called d.core. More
In the US, Seattle-based Survey Analytics has been awarded a White House contract to develop a new 'open government brainstorming' web site for President Obama's administration. More
US research trade bodies CASRO and PMRG have given their support to health care MR specialists IMS Health, Inc. and Verispan LLC in their attempt to overturn a Court of Appeals ruling which would prevent them from using prescriber-identifiable data for marketing purposes. More
Call center operator and BPO specialist Datascension has announced results for the first quarter of 2009, turning a net loss into a net income, the first in its history. Revenue decline of 29.4% to $3.77m was more than matched by cost reductions. More
UK-based data integration agency Cognicient has launched a dashboard to help customers identify which survey questions have the greatest impact on their business, and weed out those questions that are unproductive and redundant. More
US broadcast and cable tracking firm Media Monitors has opened an office in London, from which it will provide radio stations, advertisers and agencies with same-day online reports. More
India-based MR outsourcing firm Ugam Solutions has opened a new delivery center at the Coimbatore Park in Sarvanampatti, Tamil Nadu. Over the next two years, the firm plans to hire 400 staff for this new facility. More
In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened an inquiry into claims that Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) undercounts the audiences of minority radio stations. More
Ben Page is set to become the new Chief Executive of Ipsos MORI in the UK and Ireland, replacing Mike Everett who takes on a new global role on the Group Management Board. More
In the US, behavioral targeting firm NebuAd has ceased trading, following legal problems. The firm was sued last autumn and questions asked in Congress concerning its purchase of information about web users, without their permission. More
Research software provider Confirmit has delivered double-digit organic growth during the first quarter, and won a seven-figure contract with a global retailer for its customer feedback program. More
The Nielsen Company has agreed to acquire GfK's FMCG Retail Measurement and Consumer Panel business in Switzerland. Nielsen will take over assets related to two continuous FMCG panels: GfK's Retail Store Panel and GfK's Household Consumer Panel. More
UK-based media group Aegis has announced organic decline in revenues for the first quarter for both its main divisions. With currency and acquisition effects revenue rose 4.8% for Aegis Media and 9.6% for MR division Synovate; without them it fell 13.1% and 9.1% respectively. More
MR industry supplier companies from three countries have combined to create a global VideoDiary(TM) research panel. QualVu, EasyInsites and Cint, of Denver, Stockholm and London respectively, say the panel will give brands instant access to screened participants for qual research. More
Online panel marketplace provider Cint is opening a German office in Berlin. German CEO Michael Henrich will manage the office and will take responsibility for customer development and support in all German speaking countries, including Austria and Switzerland. More
For the first three months of the year, GfK's sales slipped 1.3% from €268.1m in Q1 2008 to €264.7m. In order to absorb further 'crisis-related losses' the firm has announced measures to reduce personnel costs including short-time work, hiring freezes, salary cuts and redundancies. More
Swedish eye tracking firm Tobii Technology has raised another $16m in investment funding, which it plans to use to roll out its existing technology into new markets as well as for developing new applications. More
Nielsen has reported revenues for the three months to the end of March down 7% to $1.1bn from $1.2bn for the same period last year. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations however, revenues increased 1%. More
Users of Internet audience measurement are not satisfied with the metrics and information available to them, according to feedback from a new survey conducted among more than 800 executives from ad agencies, media publishers, ad networks and advertisers across the globe. More
In London, YouGovStone's MD Carole Stone is about to launch a monthly invitation-only club, where like-minded people can exchange ideas and build both business and social partnerships. Ideas generated by the StoneClub will come from, and feed back into, the firm's research. More
Ipsos has reported global revenues down 4.6% in Q1 2009 to €207.3m compared with the same period in 2008, with negative organic growth of 5.1% and a negative currency effect of 2.3%. The firm says it has held up well in an exceptionally difficult environment. More
UK-based business intelligence specialist MDL Research Group is to go into voluntary liquidation at the end of this month, after 30 years of trading. More
In South Africa, research provider Ask Afrika has acquired the remaining 30% of TGI SA, the suppliers of media, brand and product information. More
WPP-owned healthcare data collection agency All Global has integrated the TNS JStreet panel into its online physician panel across the US and Europe, thus boosting its number of active physician participants by 50% across key specialities. More
Harris Interactive is to offer clients access to the opinions of families in Europe through a panel to be launched in the summer. More
Pert Survey Research has announced the acquisition of two companies, customer experience and public policy consultancy Pulsar Research and brand and strategy consulting firm Market Directions; and the changing of its corporate name to the Pert Group. More
In the UK, 2CV has appointed Doug Edmonds, former Head of Numbers, to the position of UK MD, and Tim Blandford as Global Chief Operating Officer. More
In New York City, Joseph Craig from Nielsen Entertainment's NRGi and Gary Faber from The Weinstein Company have launched an entertainment research and marketing consulting firm. More
In the UK, out-of-home media firm Titan Outdoor has launched a new unit to bring together its strategy and insight functions, and provide audience-focused solutions for clients. More
Simon Dannatt, CEO of UK market research group Optimisa, has stepped down from his role to focus on key consulting clients and on business in the US. He is replaced by Non-Executive Chairman Ron Littleboy, and will remain an Executive Director until the end of October. More
In Slovakia, PMT Ltd - which was founded in 2002 to implement electronic measurement of the country's TV viewing - has awarded TNS SK a five year contract to measure both analogue and digital viewing. More
In the UK, Harris Interactive has appointed Robert Salvoni as UK and European Managing Director, replacing George Terhanian who took up the post of President of Global Solutions earlier this year. More
Harris Interactive has reported a 30.4% fall in revenue for the third quarter of 2009; from $57.3m in 2008 to $39.9m this year. The revenue decline impacted nearly all the firm's geographic regions, including the US, where revenue was down 33% for the quarter. More
In the UK, FreshMinds Research has announced the most profitable quarter in its nine year history. For Q1 2009, revenues increased 24% to £1.08m from the same period last year, and were up 51% on those recorded in Q4 2008. EBIT increased ninefold compared with Q1 2008. More
Barbara Cooke, who helped introduce media research brand TGI (Target Group Index) to South Africa, is to retire at the end of the month, after a career spanning 51 years in the research, advertising and media industries. More
Groundbreaking media researcher TRA has raised $13.5m in funding, led by ratings giant Arbitron and with participation from current investors WPP and Kodiak Venture Partners. More
Nielsen has been unable to provide overnight TV ratings for four days this week, following a server issue which went undetected and caused a data collection stoppage over the weekend. More
Harris Interactive has amended its credit agreement in a move which President and CEO Kimberly Till says will provide it with 'the financial stability and flexibility needed' as the firm continues to implement its strategic plan. More
Procter & Gamble veteran Kim Dedeker is joining WPP's insight and consultancy division Kantar in a new role as Chair, Americas, where she will focus on the group's global research quality initiatives. More
US opinion research and strategic advice firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (GQRR) has opened an office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More
UK marketing services group Chime Communications is enjoying a strong first quarter with operating income up 13% from the same period last year, pre-tax profits 18% higher than 2008 at £4.8m, and operating profit margin rising 17.2%. More
In South Africa, Havas Sports and Entertainment and eye tracking firm Prompt Research Insights have developed a tool to assess whether brands are looked at and registered by TV viewers during sports broadcasting. More
Marcoms giant WPP, which eliminated 3,600 positions in Q1, is planning to make 6% of its global workforce redundant resulting in the loss of 7,200 posts in all this year. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now is predicting first half revenues will rise 23% to £23.5m (2008: £19.1m), ahead of its interim results which are due out on Wednesday 1 July 2009. More
Nearly a third (31%) of marketers say they have decreased their use of market research as a result of the recession, compared with 14% who have upped their investment in this area, according to an online survey conducted by B2B International. A number of positive trends also emerge. More
In the US, Nielsen is facing a lawsuit brought by Sunbeam Television Corporation, over claims that the ratings firm is understating the broadcaster's TV audiences. More
US translation and transcription technology firm Language Logic has appointed Dean Kotchka as President and CEO. He succeeds Richard Thoman, who takes up the post of Chairman of the Operating Committee. More
Ipsos' shareholders have approved the appointment of five new Board Directors, including Pierre Le Manh who is Global CEO of Ipsos Marketing and Chairman of the CEEA and MENA regions. More
Call center outsourcing firm Telus International Philippines (formerly Ambergris Solutions) has reported 2008 net income of P600.52m (£8.4m), up from P431.37m (£6.0m) last year. The firm has also opened a fourth call center in the Philippines, employing 900 staff. More
In the US, CRM outsourcing firm ICT Group has seen a drop in revenue to $96.1m in Q1, from $108.7m for the same period last year. More
In the UK, full service agency Opinium Research has joined forces with IFA Promotion (IFAP) to launch an online research panel of independent financial advisors (IFAs). A consumer survey run in tandem will allow comparison of the views of the two groups. More
US firm TodobebT, which runs a portal and social networking site for Spanish-speaking parents, is to offer access to proprietary research conducted through its panel of Hispanic Moms. More
In Dubai, market research consultant Dipen Mehta has launched Unboxed Consulting, to provide specialised research services for clients in the region. More
TNS Travel & Tourism is planning a May launch for 'the world's first activities-based research panel', which promises to help clients reach groups based on their participation in niche sports and leisure activities. More
UK marcoms giant WPP has reported a 5.8% fall in Q1 revenues, excluding the impact of acquisitions and currency fluctuations. The firm says this reflects a cut in client spending in reaction to the global financial and economic crisis. More
Nielsen is about to begin a test to measure the Internet usage of some of the members of its national TV ratings sample. If the pilot is successful, it will consider expanding the sample to include online viewing in its TV currency. More
US market research data collection agency MRops has expanded into Europe with the opening of an office in London. More
In the US, toy manufacturer Mattel and brainwave reading technology firm NeuroSky have partnered to develop a new category of games and toys that operate using the power of concentration. More
In the UK, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Communication (APPGC) has launched an investigation into developing areas of Internet practice including behavioural targeting and online privacy. The BBC and AT&T have also been in the news for behavioural targeting activity. More
In the UK, the Central Office of Information (COI) has followed up last week's announcement of a roster or 'framework' for Strategic Consultancy projects with the launch of a similar setup for regional marketing agencies. More
In the US, the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) has formed a new industry solutions committee tasked with increasing transparency and improving understanding of online research quality issues. More
In the US, Edison Research, which is best known for its national election exit polls, is to extend its services to the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, through a partnership with local firm Victory Communications. More
US pharma research giant IMS Health has seen total first quarter revenue fall 8% to $526.9m from $574.2m as the strong dollar impacts on overseas sales. Nevertheless, the quarter saw a sharp rise in net income. More
In Canada, Ipsos Reid has launched an online panel of 3,000 ethnic and new Canadians, to provide information about this growing segment of the population. More
Switzerland is the first country to go live with GfK's new fashion Total Store Report (TSR), which provides retailers and manufacturers with information on the fashion retail markets. More
Global market research and analytics services firm Cross-Tab has opened Borderless Access; a subsidiary providing online consumer panels in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). More
Former market researcher and specialist MR recruiter Fiona Warren has launched Snapdragon Research Recruitment, a new consultancy focusing on social and market research roles, both client and agency side. More
Former Ipsos and NPD executives Jean Davis and Tessie Ting have started Conversition Strategies, a new research firm focused on social media and with bases in the US and Canada. The company's first key offering is brand rating web site MatterMeter, due for launch this weekend. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has announced a 24.1% drop in net income to $12.3m for the quarter, compared with $16.3m for the first quarter of 2008, despite a revenue rise of almost 5%. More
The BBC is cutting £20m from the budget of its £100m Marketing, Communications and Audiences (MC&A) division, according to reports in the Guardian newspaper. More
In the US, online DIY survey tools firm SurveyMonkey has received a major round of funding from a group of investors who have acquired a majority interest in the company. As part of the transaction, Dave Goldberg will become CEO. More
Full service agency InterfaceASIA has announced the launch of new online panels in India, Taiwan and Hong Kong. More
UK-based agency 2CV is launching an experiential marketing evaluation division, 2CV: EXP, in a partnership with Phoenix Research. More
New Zealand's Unite union has published the Memorandum of Understanding it agreed with Synovate earlier in the week. This includes the terms relating to pay rises for call centre workers which were interpreted in different fashions by the two parties yesterday. More
Research process outsourcing (RPO) firm Pulse Group plc has opened its second facility in Malaysia, expanding its CATI capacity by 45 seats; and has announced that it will be embarking on the ISO certification of its operational centres. More
In New Zealand, Synovate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the union Unite which ends the lockout of workers. The company says the MOU establishes a working party which has six weeks from 14th April to reach a deal over a performance pay scheme for interviewing staff. More
Panel firm ToLuna Plc has reported results for the year ended 31 December 2008, another year of strong growth with revenue up 74% to £21.7m (35% excluding the effect of acquisitions), and profit before tax up 48% to £4.7m. More
Twitter co-founder Biz Stone has confirmed that his firm has no official links with Twitter Partners, a newly launched London-based agency which allows clients to receive feedback on their brands and products by monitoring the microblogging leader. More
More than 30 call centre workers at Synovate in Auckland, NZ, were notified by text on Good Friday that they were locked out of the office, after turning down a pay increase of 20 cents per hour. More
In the UK, B2B research specialist IQ Holdings has announced a net loss of £440k for the year ended 30 September 2008, with its liabilities exceeding its assets by £677k. In a statement, the firm says this casts doubt on its ability to continue as a going concern. More
UK online performance researcher eDigitalResearch has opened a new London office, managed by Head of Business Development Dominic Bean. More
Traffic analysis firm WebTrends has partnered with social media monitoring analysis service Radian6, to help clients marry their onsite customer data with deeper insights into brand conversations and trends in social media. More
TNS has beaten IPSOS, Gallup and Synovate in a pitch to win what it describes as 'one of the largest market research contracts ever commissioned' - a four year €65m EU project to provide a measure of public opinion in Europe. More
MR software giant SPSS has created a new and distinct brand for its predictive analytics products, PASW (Predictive Analytics Software). More
In the UK, online agency Fly Research has bought Q Research, which specialises in using the mobile phone to conduct large scale MR with young people. Through the acquisition, the firm plans to develop the UK's first nationally representative mobile panel. More
Rumours that up to 50% of YouGov's UK staff are to be made redundant have been strongly denied by UK CEO Tim Britton. Britton says a review announced this week is intended to 'cut the firm's cloth' to match current conditions and will probably mean 'a small number' of job cuts. More
The field operations division of Market Probe India has been spun off as a separate unit called MP Global Link India. The company will offer fieldwork solutions for market research companies, consultancies and corporate clients. More
In the UK, Bob Douglas has been promoted from Head of Synovate Healthcare's global custom business to overall Global Head of Synovate Healthcare. More
In the US, research supplier PeopleMetrics has opened a stand-alone subsidiary called Feedback Partners, to provide online research bureau services for tracking studies and focus groups. More
Mayfair, London-based recruitment consultancy Prime Insight is adding a specific Market Research arm to its established Analytics recruitment business; and has recruited Matt Terry to lead the launch. More
Harris Interactive has announced that up to 30 UK jobs could go, as part of its plans to streamline the business. Meanwhile, continuing its US restructure, the firm has appointed former TNS Chief Information Officer Enzo Micali as Global EVP of Technology and Operations. More
GfK has reported an increase in income of €58.4m to €1,220.4m for the year 2008, reflecting organic growth of 5.5%. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has appointed Alton Adams as EVP, Chief Marketing Officer and Dr Robert Henrick as EVP, Customer Solutions, as part of its previously announced shake-up, designed to facilitate effective decision-making. More
In London, former Research Now Director Charles Pearson has today announced the launch of a new research agency, EasyInsites, focusing on custom panel solutions and using technology from Cint AB. Research Now's former Client Development Director Jo Winning joins him in the venture. More
In Auckland, New Zealand, the Unite union says it has reached a settlement with the Oceania Customer Interaction Service (OCIS) over staff conditions, following emergency talks on Saturday morning. More
GfK Custom Research North America is partnering with The Hartman Group to launch a new study, Future Buy: The New Shopper Value Paradigm, which aims to find opportunities for companies looking to connect with shoppers in a changing retail marketplace. More
In New Zealand, 59 call centre staff at Oceania Customer Interaction Service (OCIS) have been locked out by their employer, after going on strike in protest over wages. More
Nielsen has reported 2008 revenues up 4.5% on a constant currency basis to $5bn, despite a climate which CFO Brian West predicts 'won't get any better, any time soon'. More
In the US, bio-sensor equipment firm NeuroSky has launched brainwave-reading (EEG) and mental state assessment technology for a wireless Bluetooth headset that operates with most PCs. More
US firm Knowledge Networks (KN) has integrated address-based sampling (ABS) into the recruitment process for its custom research panel KnowledgePanel, in order to increase its representation of cellphone-only households, Hispanics and other groups. More
In the US, employee-owned market research agency Thoroughbred Research Group has opened a new operations and call center in Paducah, Kentucky. The firm has also launched a family of online research products. More
Marcoms giant WPP is preparing to make thousands of staff redundant this year, in response to declining revenues and its £1.1bn debt-financed acquisition of TNS. Credit agencies S&P and Moody have downgraded the firm's rating from stable to negative. More
US-based WB&A Market Research has announced it is bucking the trend for call center closure, by setting up additional telephone interviewing stations at its Ithaca, NY center. The firm plans to add 25 more part-time workers to its team of 60. More
In the US, radio ratings giant Arbitron has announced redundancies for around 110 of its 1,086 full-time employees, along with a program of cost-cutting in non-employee related areas. More
Ipsos has announced a deal with Thomson Reuters to provide 'regular intelligent information about behaviours, attitudes and opinions of consumers and citizens', based on regular multi-country polling on a wide-range of topics. More
Australia's print audit body the ABA is to launch a web traffic measurement service for its member publishers, on 1st May, with the first data a month later. Participating members will have their site traffic data compiled through Nielsen Online's Market Intelligence tool. More
In Canada, Ipsos Reid has announced a deal with Tell Us About Us Inc. (TUAU) to better serve clients in the retail, restaurant, service and hospitality sectors. The deal adds TUAU's data collection and reporting engine the OnlineKMC(TM) to Ipsos' consulting expertise. More
The UK's MR charity MRBA reports 'a marked increase in the number of worthy cases' as it begins its annual Online Auction to raise money for researchers and ex-researchers in difficulties. More
TNS has announced further changes to its senior management team, following its recent merger with Research International. The latest appointments cover global roles, North America and Europe. More
Cello Group has announced a new board for its Cello Research division, with Vincent Nolan, founder of its subsidiary 2CV, as Chairman, and Jane Shirley as CEO. More
After a number of contract wins, UK-based agency 2CV is launching a new centralised tracking division for long-term monitoring of consumer attitudes and behaviours. More
Online video research solutions provider QualVu has teamed up with Knowledge Networks (KN) to deliver its qual research technology VideoSurvey(TM) as part of KN's KnowledgePanel® quant surveys. More
TNS has appointed a new Regional Operating Board for the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (ALM) region, led by former TNS Regional MD Jamie Hall, who assumes overall responsibility for the region as ALM CEO. More
Polling firm Ipsos Reid is to close its call center in Ottawa, Canada in June, citing client demands for cheaper research. Around 40 full and part-time staff will lose their jobs. More
After more than 14 years with UK public sector specialist Andrew Irving Associates (AIA), Nicky Spicer has been promoted to the position of Managing Director. More
British marcoms group Aegis - which owns market research firm Synovate - has announced plans to cut around 780 jobs across its global operations as part of a cost-saving plan to beat the downturn. Meanwhile CEO John Napier denied reports he has held merger talks with competitor Havas. More
In response to what it describes as 'shifting trends in market research', Kantar Operations will be shutting a telephone centre in Warwick, UK, in June. Local reports say that up to 137 people could lose their jobs as a result of the closure. More
Ipsos has posted organic growth of 7.8% and operating margin up 8.2% for 2008, despite a financial crisis which it describes as 'unprecedented in its scale since the modern economy took shape'. More
In the UAE (United Arab Emirates), broadcaster Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) has announced it will fund and lead the introduction of People Meters to measure numbers of TV viewers in the region. More
Eleven universities are to receive funds from the initial round of WPP and Google three-year Marketing Research Awards Program. The money will enable them to conduct studies into how online media influences consumer behavior, attitudes and decision making. More
Speech analytics software provider CallMiner has secured millions of dollars in venture capital, which it says it will use to grow its market share in the speech analytics industry. More
UK-based specialist business-to-business market research agency B2B International has recorded its twelfth consecutive year of growth, reporting an annual turnover of £3.3m ($4.7m) in 2008 which it attributes to its expansion in the US and Chinese markets. More
French media research agency MTdiamTtrie has teamed up with software developer Jungo to create a solution for collecting data relating to the user habits and preferences of those living in 'digital households'. More
The Research and Consulting arm of UK-based Cello has delivered a headline operating profit of £6.1m (2007: £6.2m) for the year to 31 December 2008, from operating income of £39.1m (2007: £32.m) and revenue of £66.4m, up 30% on the year. The group describes this as a 'good year' given the economic context. More
Synovate has announced an agreement with Canadian software provider Vision Critical, to power its online community panels around the globe. More
Spoken word radio stations tend to post higher audience figures with Arbitron's PPM measurement than they used to with diaries, according to data from Coleman Insights, a company specializing in studies of the PPM. More
Harris Interactive has made a further 90 staff redundant - 16% of its US full-time workforce - in a bid to make $10m in cost savings. The firm saved $9.5m through headcount reduction in October and December last year. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron has met with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairman Michael Copps in an attempt to head off an investigation into claims that its Portable People Meter (PPM) measurement device undercounts minority radio station audiences. More
In the US, healthcare agency All Global has introduced an online data collection service that allows researchers to test concepts with physicians across a variety of speciality segments. More
London-based market research agency MM-Eye has appointed three former Simpson Carpenter executives: Damien Field as Automotive Research Director, Deborah Fitzpatrick as Services Director, and Alison Phillips as Research Director. More
In the US, Millward Brown-owned digital ad effectiveness specialist Dynamic Logic and online data collection firm Safecount have partnered to provide an overview of the brand impact of ads running on publishers' sites. More
Google is to launch a new behavioral targeting system which will deliver ads based on the sites people visit, not just the searches they make or the site on which the ad appears. In a beta test of the new service, Google will show ads on YouTube and on its partners' sites. More
UK marcoms group Chime Communications has seen a continued decline in the performance of its research division, with operating profits dropping by 73% to £400,000, and operating income falling from £7.7m to £7.0m. Results in other divisions carried the group to healthy revenue and profit growth. More
European panels firm Toluna has partnered with technical solutions provider nurago to launch a service which enables advertisers, planners and media buyers to analyse the response of more than half a million of Toluna's panel members to campaigns in six European countries. More
In the US, The Spanish Radio Association (SRA) and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) have expressed their 'disappointment and frustration' with Arbitron's recent promises to upgrade its PPM sampling methodology. More
In the US, Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has promoted Robin Lake to the post of Vice President of Research, in charge of all research and related analysis for the group. More
Arbitron is moving its corporate headquarters from New York City to Columbia, Maryland, where its research and engineering operations are already based. The NYC location will continue as a sales office. President and CEO Michael Skarzynski says he wants 'to live and work where the operational core of the business resides'. More
UK-based agency 2CV, part of Cello Group, has announced the opening of an office in San Francisco. The office is its first in North America and the beginning of an international expansion plan. More
Market strategist Barry Fischer is leaving Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting unit after twelve years, prompting a reorganisation of the group's research, marketing and media buying organization. More
US research software firm Vovici and high-profile London-based start-up Verve have announced a strategic partnership to provide fully serviced customer communities and advisory panels for corporate clients in Europe. More
WPP has reported healthy results for the full year 2008. Like-for-like revenue growth of 2.7% came from a combination of a strong first half and slower second half. Insight division Kantar provided 17.1% of all WPP revenue and 12.8% of operating profit. More
Rita Clifton, Chairman of Interbrand, is to take over from Jeremy Bullmore as President of the UK's Market Research Society (MRS), when he completes his five-year term in April. More
In the US, TACODA and Real Media founder Dave Morgan is launching Simulmedia, a firm promising to help television companies improve the effectiveness of their advertising spots, using sophisticated data analysis and predictive technology. More
Research and marketing job losses at ITV appear a strong possibility as the UK broadcasting group cuts 600 staff in response to 'unprecedented conditions' in the sector. More
Saskatoon, Canada-based online data collection specialist Itracks has sold its call center to market research firm Advanis. The two companies have also formed a partnership that will allow Itracks access to a network of over 250 call stations. More
Consumer strategist, author, and InsightFarm Principal Kelley Styring has teamed up with MR firm C&R Research to offer the InsightFarm Innovation HotHouse, billed as a more cost-effective method for marketers to determine the potential success of their latest innovations. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has confirmed that it will be extending methodological enhancements from New Jersey, New York and Maryland to all PPM markets. The firm has also announced a new multi-year deal for diary-based ratings, and discussed revenue changes in a 10-K filing. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) is launching a US Small Business Owner Omnibus, the first of several b2b omnibuses planned based on its proprietary OpinionWorld Business Community. The firm has also issued an industry-wide call to action with its Respondent Preservation Initiative. More
Brand research specialist Evo has closed its UK office, and eight of its personnel including three directors have moved to Clerkenwell, London-based Prescient, part of Loewy Group. More
In the US, pharma specialist Cutting Edge Information has launched a customized survey offering, adding to its existing proprietary databases of market data, industry executives and physicians. More
Shares in AIM-listed market research group Optimisa jumped by around 80% to 45p by 5pm today, following the purchase of a 17% stake last Thursday by Norwegian group Gimle Finans AS. More
In the UK, Ci Research has launched a new financial services team, consisting of four individuals and headed by Director Colin Auton. More
In Australia, the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) is testing a new audience measurement system called MOVE, which calculates people's 'likelihood-to-see' an outdoor ad campaign (LTS), rather than counting all potential viewers who pass by. More
LA-based marketing sciences firm MarketShare Partners (MSP) has received funding from Elevation Partners, whose MD and co-founder is Bono, lead singer of the rock band U2. The investment figure was not disclosed. More
According to preliminary figures, GfK has achieved organic revenue growth of 5.5% to €1,220m for the financial year 2008. The firm has also implemented a new efficiency programme which it says should save €30m between now and 2012. More
Revenues at sample provider Peanut Labs grew by 300% in 2007, which according to the firm, makes it the 'fastest growing sample source in North America'. The company has also launched a new platform to deliver surveys to respondents within social networks. More
Specialist MR recruiter Elizabeth Norman International (ENI) has promoted Emy Rumble-Mettle to MD of its UK operation, and has announced a partnership with US-based Morgan Search International, as it expands its international presence. More
In the US, marketers Albert Gadbut and Tim Daly have set up a permission-based behavioral targeting solutions firm, ClearSight Interactive, to provide services which evaluate consumer online behavior and connect it with offline profile data. More
In California, Alliant International University has opened an on-campus laboratory to conduct product testing for new research service Sample U. Consumers are invited to sample products and groceries in exchange for their feedback, and leave the laboratory with a bag of free goods. More
UK b2b research specialist IQ has closed its telephone and online data collection firm The Wire, just three weeks after acquiring it from global agency Illuminas. More
Following a review of its operations, Arbitron has eliminated Owen Charlebois' role as President, Technology, Research and Development. The media research veteran will leave the firm on 22 March. More
US public opinion polling firm Gallup is opening an office in Nairobi, Kenya to focus on media, market and social research. More
In New Zealand, up to 20 market researchers at Synovate's east Auckland call centre will begin a 24-hour hunger strike today in protest at what they describe as 'poverty wages, inadequate breaks and no job security'. More
Australian marcoms group Photon, which owns MR firms The Leading Edge and Jigsaw Strategic Research, has made 5% of its staff redundant - a total of 129 jobs of which 17 are in its research arm. More
US market research data collection agency MRops has opened a division to help clients build and manage online communities, and appointed Jeff Berg as Head of the new practice. More
The Kantar Group is streamlining its businesses after buying TNS. The TNS Custom business will merge with Research International and will be generally known as TNS. A new social research force for the UK is established in TNS-BMRB, while Kantar has four new vertical sector operating units: Media, Health, Retail and Worldpanel. More
YouGov executives have considered taking the company private following its share price tumble this month, according to private equity sources quoted in the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper. More
Tesco's pre-launch market research for its US 'Fresh & Easy' stores missed vital clues about purchasing decisions Stateside, its boss has told UK paper The Sunday Times. More
US data collection firm Schlesinger Associates has launched an online patient health and wellness community, built and managed by partner firm Inspire; and has promoted Amber Leila Jones to the position of Executive Vice President to lead the initiative. More
In the UK, Kantar-owned brand and insight agency Added Value has transferred Paul McGowan to its newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer, to lead an investment programme across its network of international offices. More
In the US, the Marketing Research Association (MRA) has helped fend off attempts to cut budget for the decennial census, by convincing the US Congress to provide $1bn census funding as part of its economic stimulus package. More
In the US, movie community platform Flicketz and research agency OTX have partnered to launch a movie ranking system which combines the influence of critics' reviews with word-of-mouth audience feedback. More
Marketing research agency Data Development Worldwide (DDW) has increased the size of its online 'Know More' panel to provide access to 3.4 million households and 6 million consumers in the US and 1.5 million consumers in Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia and Scandinavia. More
In the US, Ipsos Marketing has launched two new research tools to help marketers understand a brand's growth potential and how consumers will interact with it. More
Marcoms agency Prompt Communications has launched a market research service to provide quant and qual insights into market conditions, demands and opportunities for B2B firms. Its focus at present is on technology companies across Europe, the US and Asia Pacific. More
New London-based technology, telecoms and media research provider Verve has hired former Synovate CEO/CFO Peter Chopra as Partner, Strategic Finance and International Development. More
In the UK, TMN Group, which owns MR firms ICD Research and iD Factor, has suspended trading in its shares on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM ), as it discusses a potential reverse takeover of the company. More
Indian MR outsourcing firm Ugam Solutions has opened new offices in Rochester, New York and Dallas, Texas, and appointed Jim Frederickson as its President in North America and Russell Britt as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. More
US consumer and retail specialist The NPD Group has begun offering weekly ecommerce point-of-sale (POS) data for consumer technology. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 9% drop in net income from $3.7m in Q4 2007 to $3.4 in the fourth quarter of 2008, despite revenue increasing 16.8% to $93.6m. More
In New York, All Global's former President Jerry Arbittier has launched a new healthcare data collection firm to provide both panel and off-panel sampling methodologies to healthcare market research agencies. More
Mobile industry trade association the GSMA is planning to launch an audience measurement system which it says will enable media and ad agencies, brands and publishers to deliver better mobile ad campaigns. More
Dutch market research agency DervalResearch has claimed it has found a link between the perception of taste and an individual's job and hobbies, which it is calling the Hormonal Fingerprint. More
Former Ciao Europe MD Richard Thornton has joined Sweden-based panels firm Cint as UK MD, managing its expansion into the UK market. He will start by opening an office in London and recruiting sales and support staff. More
The BBC has appointed Sharon Baylay as Director of its Marketing, Communications and Audiences division. Formerly General Manager of Microsoft Online Services Division UK, she replaces Tim Davie who was promoted from the role last year. More
Ipsos has reported full-year organic growth of 7.8% with revenues up 5.6% to €979.3m from 2007. The group says that in 2009 it intends to deliver further growth, while maintaining margins - at the very least - at their 2008 level. More
In the US, recently launched customer satisfaction, loyalty and retention research agency Customer Lifecycle has designed a new consulting and research approach which it claims provides a deeper stage-by-stage understanding. More
In New York, media's 'most quoted man' Jon Mandel has left his role as President of NielsenConnect, which is closing after two years in operation. More
In the UK, marcoms group Media Square is to reduce its global headcount by around 9%, as part of a cost saving programme in response to a significant reduction in client spend. More
Panels and technology firm Toluna has reported a revenue increase of more than 70% to £21m for 2008, from £12.5m in 2007. Excluding the effect of acquisitions, revenue rose by just over a third. More
US data collection firm Western Wats has closed its Chadron, Nebraska phone center, blaming the economic downturn. Around 100 part-time employees have been laid off. More
US auto research specialist JD Power and Associates has formed an agreement with web analytics unit TNS Compete to jointly develop products based on market intelligence gathered through the online automotive buying process. More
Youth networking site / fun polling platform Pollsb has secured $1.3m in funding, which it plans to spend on further development of its polling tools. More
In the US, content analysis firm SearchHelp is to launch a system monitoring tens of millions of unfiltered teen chats on blogs and online communities. To support the initiative, the firm is changing its name to EchoMetrix and has appointed Jeffrey Greene as CEO. More
Ciao Surveys has extended its partnership with Yuseo, a specialist in the ergonomics of interactive systems. The firms' e-Performance Observatory solution will now analyse users' experience of e-commerce high-tech web sites in the UK, Germany and France. More
Nielsen Online - the research giant's online audience and consumer behaviour division - has launched its services in India, as well as in the UAE and across the Middle East. More
Full service online research agency mo'web has appointed Cathrene Rowel as its new Director, replacing Tom Fuller who has returned to the States to set up the firm's first US operations. More
B2B research specialist Kadence has reported revenue of US$7.8m in the six months to December 2008 - 40% up on the same period a year before. More
TNS is to close a call center in Indiana, USA at the end of March, with the loss of 128 jobs. More
Harris Interactive has announced a steep decline in revenue for the second quarter of its fiscal 2009, to $50.7m from $62.7m a year previously. An already substantial operating loss for the quarter looked a lot worse after a write-down of $40.3m for goodwill impairment. More
Pharma research leader IMS Health has announced full-year 2008 revenue up 3% at constant currencies to $2,329.5m. Income grew slightly (2%) and EPS respectably (11%) in real terms. Chairman and CEO David R. Carlucci said the firm was 'positioned to perform well in a slower growth environment'. More
UK agency Select Research has begun work on the first large-scale project to measure the size of children across the country using 3D body imaging scanners. Known as Shape GB, the project is sponsored by major retailers Next, Monsoon and George at Asda. More
Arbitron has announced an agreement with the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland regarding its Portable People Meter (PPM) services in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. More
In the US, employee-owned market research agency Wilkerson & Associates has changed its name to Thoroughbred Research Group and moved its corporate HQ to new offices in Louisville, Kentucky. More
In the US, Opinion Research Corporation will be closing its Tucson office at the end of March following the loss of a number of client contracts. More
In the US, the market for independent online panel suppliers grew 16.7% to $1.2bn in 2008, according to estimates contained in a recent study conducted by research and advisory firm Outsell. More
Harris Interactive's US-based President of North American and Global Operations, David Vaden, is set to leave the firm on Friday. The company has also agreed adjusted terms for its purchase of Canadian research provider Decima. More
Kantar Operations - the internal operations division for WPP's insight arm the Kantar Group - is to close its call center in Corpus Christi, Texas in June, resulting in 87 redundancies. More
Online market research agency YouGov is bringing together all its solely-owned international operations under the YouGov brand. More
In the UK, Newcastle-based Explain Market Research is to open a specialist call centre in Jesmond to provide space for additional staff at its headquarters. More
Marketing services group Creston has reported a 4% increase in revenues for the nine months ending December 2008. The group says trading for ICM and Marketing Sciences, the larger companies in its Insight Division, remains 'robust'. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now has announced a 60% increase in group revenues to £41.2m for 2008, compared with £25.8m a year previously. Profit before tax was £5.7m, compared with £0.3m in 2007. More
In the US, social media ad targeting firm Lotame has partnered with DIY online survey agency Vizu and natural language processing technology company Amplify, to measure the value of advertising on social media. More
Survey software firm Vovici has partnered with UK customer experience consultancy CGA to offer clients customer experience measurement. More
TMN Group plc, which owns MR firms ICD Research and iD Factor, says that due to a 'continued decline in performance' its profit will be 50 per cent below expectations for the full year, and that it will make staff cuts 'across the company'. More
Business information firm Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (D&B) has reported fourth quarter revenues up 4% to $474.7m, and full year revenue up 7% excluding foreign exchange effects. More
UK-based B2B International has taken on additional floorspace for its Bramhall, Manchester Head Office, and says it will also move its China office, established only in December 2006, to larger premises in the spring. More
Marcoms giant WPP has announced a partnership with US web analytics firm Omniture to provide clients with 'more effective insights' across both digital and traditional media channels. The deal involves WPP investing $25m in Omniture stock. More
In Japan, IT solutions giant NEC has developed a digital signage board containing face recognition technology, which can serve up targeted ad content according to the viewer's gender and age and measure how interested they were in a particular ad. More
Sample provider Peanut Labs and AOL-owned online marketing research and field agency DMS (Digital Marketing Services) have partnered to combine their recruitment strengths. More
In the US, mobile phone intelligence firm Carrier IQ has raised $20m in a third round of funding, which it plans to use to develop new IQ Insight products and expand its reach in both Europe and Asia Pacific. More
In Australia, panels from Lightspeed Research and The Online Research Unit (The ORU) are the first to be accredited with the new international standard for online research, QSOAP. More
US-based NeuroFocus has appointed cognitive neurophysiologist Dr John Polich as its Director of Global NeuroLab Operations. More
Radio ratings giant Arbitron has reached separate agreements with Ipsos and The Media Audit regarding infringement of three US patents relating to its Portable People Meter (PPM). The deals mean the two firms will not compete with the PPM for at least three years. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now has opened an office in Auckland, New Zealand, and appointed former TNS exec Martin Tomlinson as Client Development Manager. More
Swedish eye tracking firm Tobii Technology has signed a global agreement with Ipsos Marketing for its Eye Tracking hardware and software to be integrated into Ipsos' Pack Evaluation packaged testing system and other Ipsos solutions. More
In the US, Nielsen has announced the indefinite suspension of its P.R.I.S.M. initiative, which it set up with the In-Store Marketing Institute in 2006. P.R.I.S.M. aimed to establish a common industry metric to measure audiences and gauge the effectiveness of in-store marketing. More
In London, full-service research agency SPA has restructured its business into three divisions, each with its own Managing Director. It has also promoted Jo Lockett from Marketing Director to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer to oversee non-research functions. More
Healthcare market research specialist Medimix International has opened a new regional office in Hong Kong, which will be known as Medimix Asia. Managing Partner Bruno Leraillez will head the new unit. More
In the US, media research firm Innerscope Research will be using biometric measurement to track the physical responses of people watching ads during next weekend's Super Bowl game. More
Global communications group WPP is planning to move away from its role as a traditional media and advertising supplier, to concentrate on becoming a more insight-led organisation, says CEO Sir Martin Sorrell. More
In the UK, confectionery giant Nestlé has opened an Insight and Learning Centre, to help its retail clients understand how the layout of shelves in their stores can be tailored to shoppers' needs. More
In the UK Ed Mayo, the CEO of government watchdog Consumer Focus, has co-authored a book which criticizes firms that use young children to conduct market research into their products. Mayo describes the system as 'insidious and downright creepy'. More
Despite the global downturn, GfK has booked nearly a quarter of its expected revenue for the year, says CEO Klaus Wübbenhorst – almost precisely in line wth figures for this time last year. More
UK marcoms group Chime Communications has appointed Paul Tredwell as Chief Executive of its Research and Engagement division. More
In the UK, The Direct Marketing Group (TDMG) has transformed its Millennium 'mature consumer' marketing agency into a specialist market research and consultancy firm. More
Dinko Svetopetrić has joined Ipsos Poland, eventually to assume full management of the company. Current leader Aleksandra Leis will leave in the next few months after a handover period. More
Healthcare research consultancy Double Helix (DH) has opened a division which will conduct strategic pricing, reimbursement and market access studies. The team will be led by industry veteran Andrew (Drew) Baker. More
In the US, full service marketing research firm Burke Inc has acquired a seven acre property in downtown Cincinnati, which will become the future site of its new corporate headquarters. More
Harris Interactive has launched a specialist youth and kids practice that will operate within its Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) division in the UK. The new division is headed by Steve Mellor. More
In the UK, online market research agency YouGov has launched a quarterly report that tracks consumers' use of social networking sites and their levels of engagement and advocacy. More
UK-based online quant research specialist BrainJuicer Group Plc has issued a trading statement with 2008 results ahead of market expectations. Reported revenue rose more than 40% to £9m – all organic growth - and operating profit was up by 45% to over £1.2m. More
AIM-listed Cello Group plc has issued a trading update for the calendar year 2008, indicating that its results for the full year will be at the lower end of market expectations, but reporting a number of positives concerned with finance and operations. More
In France, cell phone operators Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom have partnered to develop their own system for measuring mobile Internet audiences. More
In the UK, relationship marketing group Hicklin Slade & Partners (HS&P) has launched Legends; a multi-channel word-of-mouth (WOM) agency which aims to 'create on- and offline consumer conversations' for brands. More
A man who was laid off when CRM outsourcing firm ICT Group shut down its Erie, Pennsylvania call center without warning, has launched a lawsuit against the firm for failing to give workers at least 60 days' notice of the closure. More
Synovate has notified the state of Miami that it plans to close its existing operations in the area. More
In the US, GfK has consolidated its three healthcare market research operations – GfK Market Measures, GfK Strategic Marketing and GfK V2 – into one entity called GfK Healthcare, which will provide health care manufacturers with access to a global single resource. More
UK headquartered 'online buzz' research specialist WaveMetrix has reported its third consecutive year of 50% growth in turnover. More
After almost exactly two years at the helm of SSI, Jim Follett has departed the company and is replaced by Bloomerce founder Kees de Jong. Dennis J. Beckingham meanwhile joins the firm as President and CFO. More
In the US, online survey sample firm United Sample has raised $3m in Series B funding which it will use to fuel sales, increase marketing efforts, develop technology and enhance operations. More
Sheila Jones has handed over the reins at Cardiff-based market research agency Research and Marketing Plus, after leading the company for twenty years. New arrival Phil Evans takes on the role of Chief Executive Officer. More
In the UAE (United Arab Emirates), the National Media Council (NMC) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) are working together to introduce the country's first metered measurement of TV audiences. More
Richard Thornton has resigned as Managing Director of Ciao Surveys after five years at the firm, saying in a statement that 'it was a natural time to move on'. He leaves today. More
In the US, Nielsen has partnered with broadcast measurement firm Repucom to analyze content and measure viewers' exposure to sponsored media during televised sporting events. The new service will replace Nielsen's current Scorecard offering. More
US firms Planalytics and Revionics have partnered to incorporate the former's weather intelligence into the latter's price optimization solution, to help clients adjust pricing decisions to match localized consumer buying behavior. More
Canadian Customer Experience Management (CEM) firm Empathica has partnered with Australian market research firm DBM Consultants, to roll out its services and products to organizations in the region. More
At a time when other call centers are offshoring their data collection activities, Canadian firm Consumer Contact has opened a new center in the north east area of Toronto, Ontario, and is recruiting more than 400 new research interviewers. More
Arbitron has appointed Michael P. Skarzynski as President and CEO, taking over immediately from Steve Morris who will continue as Chairman of the Board and serve as an advisor during the transition. More
GfK and venture capital group Apax Partners could be possible buyers for Synovate, while Havas Chairman Vincent Bolloré nets the remainder of Aegis, according to reports in the UK press. More
WPP's insight and consultancy division The Kantar Group has made what it claims is an industry first appointment, with the naming of George Pappachen in the newly-created role of Chief Privacy Officer. More
Health and sustainability specialist Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) has announced the expansion of its services to Canada, and the appointment of Jorge Santos as Vice President of Strategic Consulting, based in Ontario. More
UK-based agency Nunwood, fresh from its MRS Agency of the Year award, is recruiting to cope with record new business of £3.4m, and 45% growth in international sales. More
US media ratings giant Arbitron has signed a settlement with New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram to resolve her concerns that its PPM undercounts the listening habits of minorities. The result has prompted a call for terms of the settlement to be rolled out across all PPM markets. More
In the US, marketer Bob Bulik has set up a company offering access to a panel of 100 specialists in market research, sales, product development and revenue growth. More
Netherlands-based Blauw Research has moved its London office to larger premises in Soho, and opened a new viewing facility there which offers high definition recording with real time online streaming. More
Research software provider Confirmit has partnered with call recording/outbound dialling technology firm Magnetic North to deliver a hosted telephony platform that enables market research firms to reduce the cost of telephone research projects. More
UK direct response ad agency Tri-Direct has re-positioned itself as a customer insight specialist by creating an Insight and Analytics team with the core proposition 'Know Your Customer'; and has been re-named Acquity. More
In the US, IT sector market intelligence supplier TheInfoPro (TIP) has raised $7.25m in investment funding which it plans to use to expand sales, marketing and development. More
In the US, CRM outsourcing firm ICT Group has announced that it will no longer be providing market research services, and that it will be closing or partially closing six of its contact centers in the US and Canada, and offshoring much of the work from those in Europe and Australia. More
ESOMAR, the global association for market and opinion research, has appointed US-based Gunilla Broadbent as its President for the period 2009-2010. She is the second woman to hold the position and the first President who resides outside Europe. More
In the US, competitive and market intelligence firm Strategy Analytics has launched a user experience research capability, which will explore purchase motivations, product satisfaction and barriers to the use and consumption of digital media. More
British marcoms group Aegis has commissioned a review of the business which could result in the spin-off of its market research arm Synovate, according to a report in UK newspaper The Sunday Times. More
In the US, CRM outsourcing firm ICT Group has closed its Erie, Pennsylvania call centre in a move which it says has been prompted by the 'sluggish economy'. As a result, around 100 interviewers and managers have been made redundant without notice. More
Retail behemoth Wal-mart has pulled out of the P.R.I.S.M. initiative, which was set up by Nielsen and the In-Store Marketing Institute in 2006 to establish a global metric for evaluating the in-store environment. More
Ratings giant Arbitron is to formally open its fully owned subsidiary, Arbitron India, in Kochi, Kerala on January 5. Investment in the scheme has so far totalled more than $10m. More
Online analytics firm WebTrends has partnered with music, videos and games chain HMV to track user interaction with the retail giant's in-store transactional and information-point kiosks. More
In the US, technology and in-game ad company NeoEdge has launched a service to collect consumer feedback while online games are being played. More
Some of the world's biggest advertising groups have this week announced thousands of job cuts. However, their MR firms seem to be relatively little affected so far, as do PR subsidiaries, while ad agencies themselves bear the brunt. More
Nielsen has written to clients announcing a delay to the rollout of its Local People Meter (LPM) service in local television markets. The company will pause when the LPM is in use in 25 markets, instead of continuing rapidly to reach all 56 originally scheduled. More
Cello has announced that Group Executive Chairman Kevin Steeds died last night, after a four month battle with cancer. More
Harris Interactive's new President and CEO Kimberly Till has implemented a series of restructuring initiatives, including a net loss of 51 US jobs, c.8% of the total US full-time workforce; the formation of new vertical teams; and changes in senior management. More
GfK has acquired a 74% majority stake in Egyptian consumer research company Market Insight; and has formed a joint venture with the Median Group under the name of GfK Custom Research Middle East Holding, in which GfK holds a 51% share. More
In the UK, insight consultancy Truth has announced that turnover for 2008 – the firm's first full year of trading – will be close to £4m. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has accelerated plans to introduce cellphone-only sampling to all diary markets by 2009. More
US semantic intelligence and predictive analytics firm BeliefNetworks has secured investment funding, which it will use to negotiate additional deals with advertising networks, media and content web sites, and for research and business development. More
Business process outsourcing (BPO) firm Motif has opened a new 450-seat delivery centre in Quezon City in the Philippines, to provide back office support, and research and analytics to firms in the region as well as in the US. More
In the US, Nielsen has completed the pilot study for its new diary-based radio measurement service, which is due to launch next spring. The company expects to unveil initial findings in February. More
France Telecom-owned mobile and broadband provider Orange has launched a 'Technocentre' in Britain, where 'twenty-first century' services will be developed for its customers. More
In New Zealand, MR agency Surveytalk has responded to statements made earlier in the week by the trade union, Unite, whose members are striking over pay and conditions in its telephone unit; and has underlined the need for the country's CATI services to remain competitive in the global economy. More
In the US, members of the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) have formed a committee to lead an initiative designed to deliver more precise online Hispanic market research data. More
In Singapore, market research firm The Kalypso Agency has been awarded funding to analyse online virtual worlds, as part of a 5-year $500m incentive programme to transform ideas into 'breakthrough' products. More
In the UK, youth mobile phone network Blyk has launched a research service for its target group of around 200,000 16 to 24-year-olds who use the free service. More
Employee-owned marketing research firm Hotspex is establishing a new team in Soho, London to serve its existing and new European clients. Paul Acerbi will head the new team, and has relocated from the firm's headquarters in Toronto. More
Research and EFM software firm Vovici has partnered with employee and customer strategy firm Walker Information to create a tool to help organisations conduct employee loyalty surveys and benchmark them against Walker's database. More
Vision Critical and Angus Reid Strategies have opened an office in Chicago, and appointed Matt Kleinschmit and LeAnn Helmrich to work there as Senior Vice Presidents. More
In the US, survey and user feedback systems provider Opinionmeter has partnered with Elo TouchSystems to offer a platform to capture real-time in-store customer feedback. More
Web site usability researcher JuxtConsult has created an online panel of more than 115,000 consumers in India, which the firm says are representative of 86% of the country's total urban population of 337 million people. More
In the UK, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded £1.1m to establish the Survey Resources Network (SRN), a body which will promote best practice in survey research, provide online information resources for researchers and link academics, policy-makers and survey practitioners. More
Direct marketing and MR group TMN has made a post-tax loss of £476k for the first six months of the financial year, compared with a profit of nearly £1m a year previously. Revenue at its online research subsidiaries iD Factor and ICD climbed 30% from the year-earlier figure, while group turnover rose 72% to £15.5m. More
Global marketing research firm Data Development Worldwide (DDW) has opened new offices in Chicago and Indianapolis and hired two industry veterans to run them. More
Global engineering and management consultancy Mott MacDonald has established a new market research and stakeholder team in central London, to serve both public and private sector clients. Former Benchmark Research Director Dennis de Cala will lead the division. More
Interviewers working for data collection firm SurveyTalk in Auckland, New Zealand have gone on strike. The action is described as a protest at the firm's failure to improve rates of pay and health and safety standards, or to allow staff to take annual leave. More
Nunwood took the prize for Best Agency at last night's MRS Research Awards in London, the second time it has done so. It beat off competition from FreshMinds, which has won for the past two years. More
In the UK, the former Joint Industry Committee for Internet Measurement Systems (JICIMS) is to be re-launched as the UK Online Measurement (UKOM) company, following recent news that its original stakeholders had withdrawn financial support. More
Custom online panel firm Vision Critical has announced a new branch in Sydney, Australia, extending its presence into the Asia Pacific region. Kris Hartvigsen will lead the operation as MD, Australia. Last week, the firm announced the release of its newest online research platform, Sparq. More
In the UK, commercial radio trade body RadioCentre is cutting seven of its thirty-five staff, in response to the economic climate. Departures include members of the organsiation's recently formed Insight Team. More
The Australian Federal Government is to shake up the way it selects ad agencies and market research companies, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner promised an end to the 'closed shop' operated under the previous government. More
In Switzerland, Nielsen Online is to partner with NET-Metrix, the online industry committee for Internet audience measurement, to provide online research data for the Swiss market. More
Online research specialist MarketTools has conducted research which it says conclusively demonstrates the connection between fraudulent survey respondents and skewed survey data. More
In the US, Ipsos Mendelsohn has formed an advisory council – made up of representatives from ad agencies, publications, cable TV networks and digital media worlds – to expand the scope and size of its annual Affluent Survey. More
In London, the founders of Research Now, Hall & Partners and the iD Factor – Andrew Cooper, Mike Hall and Jon Gumbrell – have launched Verve, a new technology, telecoms and media-focused research provider. More senior personnel are set to join in the next two months. More
Former Synovate Hungary Researcher Brúnó Bitter has set up a market research and brand consultancy called Next Wave Research, which uses a technique he dubs 'visual ethnography' to view consumers' actual in-store behaviour. More
Healthcare and pharma market research agency The Research Partnership has opened a new regional headquarters in Toronto, Canada. More
In the UK, Carrot Pharma Recruitment has moved into premises in Wilmslow, Cheshire which are three times the size of its current office in Didsbury. More
Online research and panels specialist Research Now is forecasting results ahead of previous market expectations, including reported revenues up more than 55% to £41m, and operating profit up 120% to around £6.2m, for the year ended 31 October 2008. More
India-based outsourcing company Annik has opened an operation in Shanghai, to service clients in Japan, China and Korea – with local language support capabilities. More
Research software provider Confirmit has announced its most successful quarter to date for new business revenue, along with revenue growth of 51% for the nine months ending September 2008. More
Havas' Vincent Bolloré is more confident of securing his two boardroom seats at rival Aegis, after a recent meeting with interim CEO John Napier, according to sources quoted in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. More
Synovate has promoted Jon Salters to CEO of Synovate South Africa. He has been MD for the past four years. Former CEO Albert McLean has decided to take an extended break from work. More
UK-based Munro Global has expanded teams at two of its subsidiaries, FDS International and acefieldwork, with five appointments in the last few weeks. More
Robert Lerwill is to stand down as group CEO of Synovate parent Aegis, at the end of this month. Chairman John Napier will take on his responsibilities on an interim basis. Aegis shares leapt 17% today as rumours linked the move to a possible merger. More
Groupe Aeroplan, owner of the Nectar loyalty scheme, is to launch its UK-based customer-driven insight and communication business in North America, with offices based in Toronto and Chicago. More
Marketing services group Creston has announced good interim results for the six months to September 2008, with revenue up 5% to £41.3m. The Insight Division saw revenues fall from £9.0m a year ago to £8.5m with smaller MR firms suffering, although its margins remain good. More
TNS has beaten Ipsos, GfK and others in a major qual competitive tender from the European Commission and the European Parliament. TNS says the deal covers all the body's qualitative studies and is 'believed to be the world's largest qual research programme', valued at some 15m Euros over four years. More
Australian digital audience measurement company Effective Measure has linked with MR firm Real Opinions to provide a new audience measurement tool for the Middle East. More
UK research pioneer Harry Henry, the last survivor of the 23 founders of the Market Research Society (MRS), has died aged 92 after a stroke. More
UK agency Virtual Surveys has hired former Harris researcher Andy Buckley to head up its rapidly expanding work in the online communities area. He leads a specialist team formed only in the summer and already boasting nine people. More
In the US Adam Berman, formerly of CfMC Research Software, has launched a new research technology and data processing firm, CatalystMR. The company offers web survey programming, hosting, data tabulation, real-time reporting, panel, and international CATI fieldwork. More
AHAA Chairman Jose Lopez-Varela has questioned Arbitron's 'indifference' to the concerns of the Hispanic advertising community with its PPM technology and methods, in a follow-up letter to the radio ratings giant. More
Ipsos MORI has launched a new shopper research solution, Checkout, which promises to increase the chances of success at launch by optimising manufacturers' in-store strategy in the competitive environment. More
MR software provider Confirmit says it will integrate its new platform more closely with the Ascribe software of partner firm Language Logic, which provides simple coding of open-ended responses. The platform is due for release in early 2009. More
Panel provider Lightspeed Research has promoted Christopher Urinyi to the post of CEO of its North American company, based in Princeton, NJ and reporting to President and Group CEO Anne Hedde. More
Just a few months after its co-founder Paul Flatters left Opinion Leader, new London-based forecasting firm Trajectory Partnership has been awarded a contract by UNWTO to forecast international tourism growth through to 2030. More
In the UK, market research exhibition The Insight Show is to be integrated into a cross-discipline event called 'Marketing Week Live', which will be held at Olympia in London next summer. More
In the US, automotive specialist JD Power and Associates has named Finbarr O'Neill as its new President, succeeding Stephen Goodhall who is retiring after 30 years with the company. More
UK-based B2B International has launched INSTEP, a tool to enable schools, colleges, universities and other educational establishments to conduct market research to understand the needs of their students. More
In the US, physician network Epocrates has expanded its opt-in panel to include physicians and pharmacists in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. More
In the US, FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein is calling for a formal investigation into the effect of Arbitron's PPM technology on minority radio stations. Separately, the ratings giant has closed its southwest call center in Houston following hurricane damage. More
In Hong Kong, Nielsen has appointed Umang Pabaru as Managing Director, Nielsen Consumer Research, for the Greater China region, leading the teams in Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan. More
In the UK, healthcare panel firm Pearl Medical has ceased trading, after being unable to raise the short-term financing required to continue operations. More
Nielsen is moving into direct competition with Arbitron over US radio ratings: two major radio broadcasters today announced a switch to Nielsen Media's ratings service in a number of markets from Q3 of 2009. Arbitron has described the once-a-year Nielsen service as 'a step backward'. More
TNS has launched Digital Suite, described as a 'new generation' of online ad monitoring tools. The suite combines cookie tracking technology with the company's 6th Dimension Panel to give in-depth analysis of online ad consumption. More
In the US, research firm Cambridge Focus (CF) has announced a strategic partnership with business education provider Bentley University, to whose Center for Marketing Technology (CMT) it will transfer the running of its groups. More
US and Japanese physician panel operator MDLinx Inc has adopted Crop Duster(TM) de-duplication fingerprinting technology from Mktg, Inc., to enhance protection against repeat respondents and duplicate interviews. More
Social networking solutions firm Small World Labs has partnered with social marketing firm Sway Inc. to offer marketers a comprehensive set of tools for the creation and execution of social media strategies to support their brands. More
Microsoft will for the time being remain the owner of Greenfield Online's Internet Survey Solutions (ISS) business, after potential buyer ZM Capital failed to meet financing conditions. President and CEO Al Angrisani will stay on in an advisory capacity while a new home is sought. More
Nielsen CEO David Calhoun says the firm plans to push for dominance in the 'three screen audience measurement' market, and can continue to grow despite world economic problems. The firm reported revenue of $1,260m in the third quarter, up 3% after excluding currency fluctuations. More
Despite painting a grim picture of an unfolding 'financial, economic and ideological crisis' around the globe, Ipsos has reported Q3 revenues of Euros 234.2m, a 5.9% increase compared with Q3 2007. Organic revenue growth was 8.2%. More
UK marcoms group Chime Communications has described the performance of its Research division – which includes Opinion Leader, Facts International, Ledbury and Naked Eye – as 'disappointing', with profits for the first ten months of the year below the same period in 2007. More
Nielsen's alliance with US ad and brand measurement firm NeuroFocus has been extended into Japan, where the pair will use respondents' brain waves, eye movements and other physical features to study the impact of commercial messages or products on potential customers. More
In the UK, behavioural research consultancy Bunnyfoot is opening a new office in Sheffield and has appointed Alison Rawlings as its Managing Director. More
GfK NOP has appointed former GfK Executive Allan Dib as Head of its Marketing Effectiveness Centre of Excellence, tasked with leading the development of new research approaches for testing, benchmarking and improving marketing effectiveness. More
Nielsen and WPP have signed an asset swapping agreement. Nielsen will acquire WPP's half of AGBNielsen Media Research (AGBNMR), and in return, WPP will take over three of Nielsen's media services assets. More
Thwarted in its TNS marriage plans, GfK appears to be enjoying the single life. Revenue for the first nine months of the year rose to €883.8m, representing organic growth of 7.2% (up from 5.5% the previous year); and adjusted operating income up 1.7% to €104.3m. The firm described the results as 'satisfactory' in the current economic climate. More
In the US, web analytics unit TNS Compete, now part of Kantar, has launched a Retail and Consumer Products practice to provide retailers with insights into shoppers' online activities across rival sites, portals, search engines and aggregators. More
In the US, Nielsen has promoted Executive Vice President Susan Whiting to the post of Company Vice Chairperson, joining Chairman and CEO David Calhoun in the newly created 'Office of the CEO' to provide oversight and direction to the company's initiatives and operations. More
The Nielsen Company and partner IMMI have mothballed their recently launched out-of-home (OOH) television viewing measurement service with immediate effect. The companies blamed difficult economic times, which had led to 'limited economic support' for the service. More
Ground-breaking US-based media ROI measurement firm TRA has announced a database of 370,000 US homes, and the signing up of Discovery Communications as a client. More
Mall media specialist EYE has signed an agreement with Arbitron Custom Research to measure the effectiveness of mall-based advertisements and the psychographics of its shoppers. More
Business improvement company Grass Roots Group, whose services include mystery shopping, has reported strong financial results for its year ending June 08. Turnover is up 20% to £284.3m and pre-tax profit up 24% to £10.3m. More
In the US, industry associations the MRA (Marketing Research Association) and CMOR (the Council for Marketing and Opinion Research) have merged. The new body will be known as MRA. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has updated the schedule for rollout of its PPM (Portable People Meter), with some markets brought forward for commercialization, and others pushed back. More
Sony BMG is launching a broad-ranging communications and artist agency, SBX, as a pan-European joint venture with communications company Exposure. Marcel Engh will lead the agency as MD. More
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced that it will not intervene in WPP's acquisition of TNS, after receiving court-enforceable undertakings from WPP regarding its TAM (Television Audience Measurement) services. More
The European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA) and the Internet Advertising Bureau Europe (IAB Europe) have officially launched their industry-wide survey into the use of online audience and traffic measurement techniques; and appointed Elizabeth Van Couvering to help guide the initiative. More
Ratings giant Arbitron has released reliability calculators for its diary and Portable People Meter (PPM). Separately, the firm has met for the fourth time with a group of diary-market broadcasters to review and plan for service improvements for diary-based ratings markets. More
The Media Rating Council (MRC) has completed the first phase of its audit of Nielsen's NetSight meter technology, which is used in the firm's international panels and US MegaPanel and will now be integrated into its audience measurement products in the US. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has added a new wireless / mobile telephone sampling capability to its online sample ordering system SSI-SNAP. More
Pharmaceutical research giant IMS Health has reported third-quarter revenue of $574m, up 6%, or a modest 3% year-on-year on a constant dollar basis. However, net income and EPS grew 33% and 41% respectively in the quarter. More
Business networking site LinkedIn has launched a service to help market researchers and professional investors conduct research among its database of more than 30 million members. More
Consumer insight firm DunnhumbyUSA has outgrown its existing Cincinnati headquarters and is moving to a 150,000 square-foot space that can accommodate more than 500 employees. More
UK-based Nunwood has developed Bioshopping, a new way of combining traditional shopper research with biometric technology to probe the emotions behind what engages/disengages consumers and what prompts them to buy. More
US cable TV firm and Internet service provider Comcast has promoted Ramon Ramos to the newly created post of Vice President of Research and Marketing Solutions. More
Mintel and Information Resources Inc (IRI) have enhanced their joint product development support solution, GNPD IRIS, with additional trend analysis. More
Harris Interactive has announced that President & CEO Greg Novak is leaving the firm, to be replaced by former TNS North American CEO Kimberley Till. The company has also announced today that it will make around 30 US staff redundant. More
The venture capital company run by the founder of Big Brother and Deal or No Deal producer Endemol has taken a 30% stake in European online MR agency MetrixLab. More
Australian Liberal Party polling guru Mark Textor has found himself in the middle of a dispute over interviewer pay after apparently sending a strongly worded email. More
Finnish research provider Global Intelligence Alliance (GIA) is merging with three of the companies in its GIA Network: East Asian-based Fusion Consulting, Gayer Consulting in Germany, and DeskResearch Nederland. More
In the UK, the Market Research Standards Board (MRSB) has found Opinion Leader in breach of the MRS Code of Conduct for the part it played in a Whitehall consultation on nuclear energy. Opinion Leader rejects the finding and says the MRS is 'not competent to assess' the new techniques involved. More
In the UK, qual agency the Nursery has launched a new approach which aims to get closer to emotional and intuitive responses to brands. More
In the US, a new guide has been launched offering MR buyers metrics and recommendations to improve online survey data quality. The work of more than forty consumer research agencies and online sample providers, it also includes input from researchers in fifty leading client firms. More
In the US, custom provider MRSI (Marketing Research Services Inc) has launched a fast turnaround online research service which allows clients to ask up to 20 closed-end questions among a representative sample of 300 consumers. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has launched a new strategy for expanding the availability and diversity of panel members worldwide and improving the quality of sample provided to clients. More
In the US, ORC parent infoGroup has partnered with location content firm Urban Mapping to augment its business listings with relevant neighbourhood information. More
US voters watching televised debates in the lead up to the presidential elections are using MSInteractive's hand-held dial technology, which elicits and measures audience feedback. More
GfK has received a break fee of around €13m (£10.6m) from TNS as compensation for the abandoned 'merger of equals' deal planned earlier in the year. The German firm has also reported a bulging order book. More
In the UK, the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) is rolling out the second phase of an online solution which helps users analyse the diary data contained in its TouchPoints multi-media survey of consumers habits. More
Nielsen has launched a new service to benchmark the quality of mobile phone networks across 39 markets in India. More
TNS Cymfony – which analyses market influence in social and traditional media – has introduced a model to help PR and communications professionals measure the impact of their work. More
Frances Grubb, President of marketing and sensory research firm J. Reckner Associates (JRA), will be stepping down from her role next January after sixteen years in the role. She will be replaced by SVP Steve Aukers who joined the firm last October from TNS. More
Online data collection and panel specialist Research Now has appointed Adam Portner as SVP in San Francisco, David Bilicic as SVP in New York, and Steve Rosen as Finance Director, North America. In addition, Charles Pearson has been promoted to the new role of SVP, Panel Excellence. More
YouGov has announced results for the year ended 31 July 2008. Turnover has almost tripled to £40.4m and normalised operating profit rose 55% to £8.7m, although reported profit is down 29% to £4.0m. More
Hispanic research panel SusOpiniones has partnered with English language Latino media company Sí TV to develop its English-dominant US Hispanic panel. More
Research International (RI) has announced an alliance with STAT'COM to launch a new simulated test market product named MicroTest Nouveau, integrating state of the art modelling of market conditions with a global database of over 40,000 records in order to put results into context. More
Arbitron has followed up its appeal for court protection from the New York Attorney General with the same request in New Jersey. The firm seeks a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief to prevent a ban on publication of its PPM estimates. More
In the US, Nielsen has launched a new panel which it says is the first to simultaneously measure use of both television and the Internet in the same home. More
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has called Arbitron's early PPM launch on Monday 'an affront to racial and ethnic minorities in New York and around the country'. However, a number of radio broadcasters have come out in support of the ratings firm, saying the FCC has no jurisdiction in the area. More
Global online panel company Authentic Response is opening an office in Toledo, Ohio and has appointed former TNS Director Paul Hudson as Vice President of Technology to run it, while steering the firm's overall technology strategy. More
Mobile analytics firm Bango has partnered with mobile web site optimization firm SiteSpect to help clients improve conversion rates and target mobile marketing spend. More
US-based online market research panel operator e-Rewards has attracted a $60m minority investment from private equity and buyout firm TA Associates. More
In the US, media and market intelligence solutions firm Biz360 has launched a tool to monitor consumer opinion as expressed on thousands of shopping, consumer product and expert review web sites. More
Following WPP's announcement on Friday that around 61% of TNS shareholders had accepted its bid, the TNS Board has recommended that shareholders accept, to avoid the risk of being left with a minority interest in an unlisted company. More
Arbitron is turning to the courts to prevent the current enquiry into its representation of ethnic audiences from stopping publication of its PPM listening estimates, which today went commercial in eight new markets. The firm cites 'unfair conduct' by the New York Attorney General. More
In the UK, Buckingham Research Associates founder Maggie Drye has launched a new company, Insitas. Former Buckingham execs Sandra Halstead and Duncan Fergusson join the start-up team, along with Acritas CEO Lisa Hart who becomes a Non-Executive Director. More
WPP has again extended the deadline for acceptance of its TNS bid to next Wednesday, October 8th, with 61% of shareholders accepting. However, major TNS shareholder Cedar Rock has taken its holding past the 10% mark, which may impact the ad giant's options. More
Public policy and social research specialist Macro International has won a $142m, five-year contract to conduct the MEASURE Phase III Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) contract by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Macro is part of ORC owner infoGROUP. More
WPP says its current offer for TNS is final and will not be increased unless a rival bidder emerges. The ad group has also sent TNS shareholders information clarifying its intention to create a new UK-listed but offshore-based parent company. More
In the US, Decipher, Inc. has opened an office in downtown Portland, to serve the Pacific Northwest. More
In the UK, online measurement standards body ABCe has launched a new initiative to provide greater transparency in ratings. Media owners taking its web traffic audit, based on site-centric transactional data, can now add demographic, lifestyle and media data via a validated on-site survey. More
At the Old Bailey in London, Matthew Fagan has been found guilty of the murder of Cathy Marlow and sentenced to life imprisonment, with a recommended minimum of 26 years. More
WPP has announced that its bid for TNS had been accepted by around 43% of the latter's shareholders as of 2.30pm Monday – up from just 34% on Friday. The acquisitive ad group also says it will move its 'domicile' to Ireland due to the current 'complexity' of the UK tax system. More
UK-based professional services research specialist Acritas has announced rapid expansion, with fourteen appointments taking its total staff to more than forty. More
Senator Barack Obama has joined calls for a delay in the launch of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) system in new markets. More
With political polls currently ubiquitous in the US media, the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) has formed a Political Special Interest Group (SIG). More
WPP has again extended its deadline for TNS shareholders to decide on its £1.2bn bid - to this Friday, October 3rd - but has now received acceptances from 33.8% of them - up from just 11% two weeks previously. More
Cambiar partner and former NOP leader Simon Chadwick has accepted the role of CEO at online sample company Peanut Labs. Chadwick, Chair of the firm's advisory board since May, says the new role is 'on a part time basis and for a limited period', and that he will continue with Cambiar. More
Two Internet-driven research firms have confirmed their rapid rise with rankings in Deloitte's regional and national Technology Fast 50 lists. GMI is 13th in Washington State with five-year growth of 1,096%, and Vision Critical fifth in Canada with 5,298% growth. More
Online audience measurement firm comScore expects to double its revenue to $200m in the next two to three years, according to President & CEO Magid Abraham. More
Knowledge process outsourcing firm Mu Sigma has received a $30m boost from investor FTVentures, which will support expansion of the firm's analytics capabilities delivered from its centre in Bangalore, India. More
In the US, investment firm Intel Capital has acquired a $20m stake in Telligent System, a Californian-based firm which designs solutions for online communities and social networks, along with business intelligence tools. More
TNS has today issued its shareholders with a new statement urging them to reject WPP's offer for the firm, underlining its strength as a standalone group. More
Experian is to combine its FootFall system – which counts the numbers of people visiting retailers and shopping centres – with Path Intelligence's shopper behaviour technology, to understand the movement of shoppers as they flow through retail centres. More
TNS is to adopt research software provider Vovici's Enterprise Feedback Management (EFM) Platform and Community Builder Model as its standard platform for building custom online panels and communities for its customers. More
Speech analytics software provider CallMiner has partnered with Co-nexus – which provides call logging and quality monitoring solutions for contact centers – to offer small to mid-sized centers improved insights and business intelligence. More
In the UK, Clive Gibbins, a 19 year veteran of NOP, has died of cancer just weeks before his 50th birthday. More
TNS has appointed David Kieselstein as CEO for North America, responsible for the US and Canada Custom Research businesses. He joins from D&B where he was General Manager of the Small Business Credit Division. More
London-based medical market research company Healthcare Landscape has launched what it believes is the first patient and nurse omnibus. More
For the first half of the year, European panels and software firm Toluna has posted a flat pre-tax profit of £1.39m, despite revenue growth of 36% to £8.2m million and organic revenue up 32%. More
In the US, a Greenfield Online stockholder has filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that the firm's acquisition by Microsoft for $486m undervalues the company. More
Launch only in January, market research recruitment firm Hasson Associates has already outgrown its London offices and is moving to larger premises in Soho. More
TPI, the outsourcing data and advisory firm owned by Information Services Group (ISG), has launched a new business unit with an independent management team which will provide information and insights to outsourcing and offshoring service providers. More
Online fieldwork provider Research Now has established a joint venture in Shanghai and opened an office in Singapore, while launching eight new Asian panels. More
TM Forum – a trade body focused on the online information, communications and entertainment industries – has launched a new market research division to offer global market analysis of trends in the telecoms, cable, media and Internet sectors. More
Panels and software firm Toluna has expanded into the Asia Pacific region with the opening of a new office in Sydney, Australia. Mike Billingsley will head it up, bringing more than 20 years of market research experience. More
UK marketing services group Optimisa has seen its pretax profits tumble in the first half of the year, with 2nd quarter performance well below budget in all three of its major operating units. More
204 weeks separate the Beijing Olympics and the start of the next games in London – precisely one week for each country that took part in the events in China. MrWeb will be following a trail across the world for the next four years, each week profiling one country and its research industry, linking also to news, jobs and suppliers. More
It's a good week for panel launches in Belgium. Yesterday Lightspeed, now European online data collection firm ODC has announced one, as well as launching a new tool to keep panellists motivated. More
Following last week's news that New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating the accuracy of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) methodology, New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram has followed suit and issued Arbitron with a subpoena seeking info about its PPM. More
Direct marketing and data group IPT (Interactive Prospect Targeting) is to sell off its UK business, including its research agencies Tpoll and Integra Insight. The firm is already in talks with potential buyers regarding various options for the sale. More
In the US, Proclivity Systems – which develops consumer shopping and purchasing behavior analytics – has raised $5.5m in Series B financing, led by Fung Capital USA Fund, with co-investment from WPP Digital and Pilot Group, as well as investors from the firm's Series A funding. More
After 12 years with the firm, Giorgio Caporusso has been named General Manager of Ipsos in France, following the departure of Joint MDs Pierre Giacometti and Stéphane Truchi at the end of last year. More
In the UK, online fieldwork provider Research Now has signed an agreement to create specialist business-to-business panels with online and offline publisher Reed Business Information (RBI). More
In the UK, user experience consultancy User Vision has launched what it describes as the first fully comprehensive multi-media testing lab with eye tracking, offering insights to broadcasters, set top box manufacturers, advertisers and content producers. More
Arbitron has announced further moves to improve sample quality for its diary markets, aimed at enhancing the participation of 18-34 year olds in its radio ratings services. More
On a day of chaos for stock markets, shares in online research success story YouGov have continued to climb on speculation that it is pondering a large US buy, and might itself be the subject of a bid from a larger research or marketing services group. More
WPP said today it would extend its offer for TNS shares to September 26th. Only 11% of shareholders had accepted the offer by today's 3pm London deadline, already an extension. More
Wales has a new centralised social research body, WISERD, established with £9m in joint funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Initially the Centre pulls together expertise from five Welsh universities. More
Arbitron has this week reported bullishly on the progress of its PPM sampling, and responded in like manner to the Attorney General's subpoena, saying the media industry should be concerned about 'attempts to supplant or short-circuit the Media Rating Council accreditation process'. More
MMR Research Worldwide has announced a new suite of research methods for clients in the food, drink and CPG sectors; and has rebranded, and relaunched its web site. More
In the US, Media Monitors has become the first radio monitoring firm to be awarded accreditation by standards organisation the Media Rating Council (MRC) for its radio spot service. More
In the UK, healthcare specialist Adkins Medical Market Research has said it regrets an incident which led to questionnaires and documents containing personal medical details being dumped in a recycling bin. More
Microsoft has revealed that it is selling the Greenfield Online Internet Survey Solutions (ISS) business to ZM Surveys, a 'shell' organization affiliated with media-focused private equity firm ZM Capital. Terms were not disclosed. More
US Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has begun an investigation into the accuracy of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) methodology. The move follows pressure from the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) and a group of minority radio broadcasters. More
TNS Media Research has partnered with NDS – which supplies digital technology and services to digital TV platform operators – to develop and market an end-to-end set-top box (STB) audience measurement solution. More
Pharma and biotech specialist MattsonJack has introduced CancerNFluence – an online database of peer-nominated physicians who influence cancer treatment decisions. More
In China, mobile ad network operator Madhouse has partnered with research firm iResearch Consulting Group to help inform advertisers and investors about the latest trends in the country's mobile marketing sector. More
A number of US research associations have come together to establish guidelines and metrics to promote high quality online panel research. More
UK researcher Matthew Lawrence has set up his own agency in Cyprus, offering all aspects of qual data collection and project management. More
WPP-owned global agency Millward Brown (MB) has partnered with research group Shiluv in Israel. More
UK supermarket giant ASDA has launched a new quarterly consumer confidence survey, with a panel of 10,000 of its shoppers who will provide feedback on topics such as personal finance, job security, the economy, and safety from crime. More
Dutch cable operator Ziggo is recruiting for what it claims will be one of the largest consumer panels in the Netherlands, with members offering opinions about its existing products and services, and providing input on future product development. More
Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) has rolled out its weekly online omnibus CARAVAN – which provides consumer opinion on brand awareness, product image, and market trends – across Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. More
In Singapore, Pauline Chia and Andrew Wood have opened Asia Talent – a market research recruitment consultancy, serving the needs of the industry across Asia. More
In the UK, The University of Reading and MMR Research Worldwide have opened a Sensory Science Centre, which will provide sensory evaluation data for MMR's food, drink and healthcare clients, as well as for the University's research and teaching programmes. More
In the US, Kelly Music Research's President Tom Kelly is to sell the patent for his moderator-free methodology for conducting music surveys at home. More
Experian has launched a new online 'Company Information' service to provide details about any UK private company, its shareholders and directors. The database also includes millions of companies in Asia Pacific and elsewhere. More
Shares in UK information group Informa fell 6.6% today, as the firm rejected a reduced £1.9m takeover bid from a consortium of three private equity groups, saying that it significantly undervalues the firm. More
UK-based online market research agency BrainJuicer has confirmed significant organic growth for the first half of the year, with revenue up by 37% from £2.9m to £3.9m. For the six months ended 30 June 2008, operating profit increased 33% to £196,000. More
In the US, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) – the trade publication for the film industry – has linked up with parent company Nielsen to offer a customized data analysis service, and appointed Nielsen Entertainment Media Analyst James Li to head the initiative. More
UK marketing services group TMN has reported that revenue for its research agencies iD Factor and ICD Research rose 42.5% to £2.7m in its end-of-year results (2007: £1.9m). Operating profit for the period was £532,000, compared with £388,000 last year. More
In the US, Survey Sampling International (SSI) is moving to new global headquarters in Connecticut, having outgrown its existing offices in the area. More
US-based healthcare data collection agency All Global has launched a new Palliative Care Panel, providing access to more than 18,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare professionals across 39 countries. More
The European Commission has extended by ten working days its investigation into the potential effect on competition of communication group WPP's takeover bid for global agency TNS. More
In London, the Newspaper Marketing Agency (NMA) has made a number of appointments in marketing and insight roles, responding to demand for more campaign assessment and audience research. More
In the UK, the Telegraph Media Group (TMG) has pulled out of its sponsorship of the Ipsos MORI British Business Survey (BBS), saying it 'lacks credibility'. More
Online panel firm Research Now has opened an office in Dallas, headed by newly appointed VP of Client Development, Joe Cunningham. The firm has also made a number of appointments in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. More
In the US, women's fiction publisher Harlequin has launched a panel through which readers can influence the direction of future novels by voicing their opinions and sharing their book experiences directly with the publisher. More
Consumer specialist Information Resources Inc (IRI) has appointed Hans Jessen as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of European Services and Global Analytics Delivery. More
Magazine trade association the PPA (Periodical Publishers Association) is to consolidate its various research departments into a single research unit, following a review by incoming CEO Jonathan Shephard. More
In the US, Nielsen and Integrated Media Measurement Inc (IMMI) have begun delivering the first daily all-electronic national TV ratings for viewing outside the home. More
WPP has extended its offer to buy shares in TNS to 3pm London time on September 12th. The company's original deadline passed on Friday with only 8.61% of TNS shareholders accepting its offer. TNS continues to recommend rejection. More
UK healthcare fieldwork firm KeyQuest Health has today moved to new offices in the former home of writer Virginia Woolf in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey. More
Greenfield Online has revealed the identity of its new potential buyer - Microsoft. Having offered $486m to clinch the deal, the software giant intends to sell Greenfield's online survey arm and just keep the Ciao comparison shopping web sites. More
In the UK, marcoms group Chime Communications has reported operating profits down 39% to £460,000 in its research division – which includes Opinion Leader, Facts International, Ledbury and Naked Eye. The firm is also set to launch a new digital research business in the autumn. More
In the US, ratings giant Arbitron has appointed Steven Smith as EVP of Survey Operations, responsible for both its Portable People Meter (PPM) and diary-based radio ratings services and overseeing more than 800 employees. More
In the UK, employee-owned investment firm Cedar Rock Capital – the largest shareholder in TNS - is understood to have rejected ad giant WPP's latest £1.1bn offer. More
Following yesterday's news that it had shelved plans to acquire UK rival TNS, GfK has bounced back by announcing its highest rate of sales growth since the firm's IPO in 1999. Organic sales were up 11.4% for the quarter, and 8.4% for the first six months of the year. More
UK marcoms group Aegis has posted overall organic revenue growth of 8.2% for the first half of 2008. Research arm Synovate reports healthy revenue and profit rises but has reduced expectations for 2008 organic market growth to 4.1% from 5.1%, in the light of tough trading conditions. More
Media and marketing group Omnicom has combined its data and analytics agency Targetbase with its creative agency Claydon Heeley, and based the newly formed Targetbase Claydon Heeley at offices in London. The combined operation will offer 'creative consumer science' services across Europe. More
In New York, kids' entertainment firm Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group has promoted Jane Gould to the post of VP of Consumer Insights, responsible for coordinating consumer research and helping understand the attitudes, lifestyles and behaviors of target audiences. More
Ipsos MORI has announced that it is the first research agency in the UK to achieve registration to the international information security standard ISO 27001:2005; recognised as the means to establish, implement and monitor an information security management system (ISMS). More
Harris Interactive has announced results for its fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. Annual revenue was up 13% to $238.7m, but pro forma organic revenue was down 1%, with a decline of 3% in North American more than cancelling out good growth of 6% in Europe. More
WPP has announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30th June 2008, showing good revenue and profit figures in all regions and for all divisions including insight. While his own firm may be healthy however, CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says the current merger process is 'not doing [TNS] much good'. More
Australian polling firm Roy Morgan Research has angered the country's unions by sacking fifty-six interviewers in its Melbourne call centre by email and with little or no warning. More
In the USA, online research sample provider EMI Surveys has announced a partnership with online qual specialist Itracks; and the appointment of Annette Landesman as a Sales Executive. More
Lieberman Research Worldwide (LRW) has appointed two senior consultants, Mark Hartstone and Soumya Roy, PhD, to their European HQ in London. More
Less than a month after removing Vin Gupta from his role as Chairman of database giant and ORC parent infoGroup, the firm's Board has announced his resignation as CEO. More
Consumer and retail research providers The NPD Group and GfK Chart-Track, and publisher Enterbrain have partnered to produce a single source of data on video game software sales in their respective countries: the US, UK and Japan. More
In the US, broadcaster Radio One Houston has launched a new scheduling and ratings verification system, which will merge Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) data with ad schedules to provide ratings data based on schedule delivery. More
Central London-based Jigsaw Research has opened a new office in Amsterdam, to support its growing international client base and to develop relationships with companies headquartered in the Netherlands. More
In the UK, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to conduct a major new household survey to uncover the long-term effects of social and economic change on the general well-being of the UK population. More
In the USA, former Sigma Director Joe Kiefer has launched a consumer agency, Culture Current. The firm aims to use innovative image association techniques to provide strategic thinking about customer behaviour and attitudes to products and services. More
CNN has commissioned media measurement system provider Integrated Media Measurement Inc (IMMI) to track out-of-home (OoH) ad exposure for 10 clients of media agencies OMD and PHD, to help them justify their ad investment on the CNN networks. More
GfK will use the time available to it before making any offer for TNS, according to CEO Klaus Wuebbenhorst. This is likely to mean September, while WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell will see TNS shareholders vote on his proposals on 29th August. More
UK-based pharma consulting specialist J&D Associates has announced a licensing deal in Europe for ADSAM®, a proprietary technique for measuring emotional response. More
Panel operator e-Rewards Europe has announced a partnership with travel loyalty firm AIRMILES, whose members will receive miles for enrolling in the panel and participating in online surveys. More
Global marketing and advertising database TGI (Target Group Index) has been relaunched in South Africa, via a new company, TGI SA [Pty] Ltd, whose majority shareholder is Ask Afrika. More
New York-based start-up Media6Degrees, Inc. (Media6°) has announced the closing of a $9m series A round of funding led by U.S. Venture Partners. The company offers an innovative alternative to conventional segmentation for ad targeting purposes, grouping like-minded individuals using social graph data. More
In the US, professional body the MRA (Marketing Research Association) has announced the resignation of Director of Development, Lucy Haydu and the appointment of a new VP of Development, Ruth Freedman. More
Nielsen has reported increased second quarter revenues of $1,304m, up 12% from the same period in the previous year; and a year-on-year rise of 12% in first half revenues to $2,518m. More
Dubai-based communications and events agency Action Impact has opened a new 'Insight' division, to provide information about clients' objectives, as well as audience attitudes and expectations. More
Ipsos has posted a 4.5% increase in revenue to Euros 462.8m for the first half of 2008, and organic growth of 8.4%. Four of the firm's business lines reported double-digit organic growth during the period. More
UK-based global recruitment group Prime People plc has launched a research, insight and analysis division, Prime Insight, and has appointed Alice Glover, co-founder of recruiters NicholsonGlover Consulting, to head it up. More
WPP has acquired a 27.5% stake in Nairobi-listed ad and marcoms agency and Millward Brown JV partner Scangroup, in a bid to expand its operations in Africa. Details and terms of the purchase were not disclosed. More
In the US, consumer information and research firm Knowledge Networks (KN) is launching a new panel to provide data about the US Latino population. To help ensure it is respresentative, KN will provide laptops and web connections to panellists who require them. More
In the UK, the Newspaper Marketing Agency (NMA) has launched a tool to provide data about readership of national newspapers online. More
Online on-demand research specialist MarketTools has named Scott Arnold President & CEO, while Amal Johnson has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. More
US data collection agency Innovative Concepts is relocating its existing call center to Long Island City, NY and opening a new bi-lingual call center in the Dominican Republic later this week. More
WPP CEO Sir Martin Sorrell says GfK is misleading the market about being able to pull together the resources to buy British rival TNS, and about having access to an 'unidentified but substantial source of capital'. More
In the US, Greenfield Online, which has recently received two takeover offers, has seen a decline in net income to $2.1m, compared with $3.1m a year earlier. More
GlobalNR, a multi-country consortium of independent research agencies, has extended its reach across 21 countries with the addition of seven new members to its network. More
Former ACNielsen Exec Terilyn Reber has established an international coalition of data collection agencies, to offer CATI/WebCATI and online research to clients around the world. More
Panels and research process outsourcing (RPO) firm The Pulse Group has opened a new office in Singapore, its third in the Asia-Pacific region. More
GfK is reportedly in talks with private equity house Apax Partners about funding a cash bid for TNS, which last night outlined in a shareholder document why its Board had rejected WPP's most recent hostile bid. More
Audience measurement system manufacturer TruMedia has announced that Spanish firm VENCO Electronica is the first to integrate its iCapture audience measurement tool into digital signage screens, to track out-of-home exposure to media and advertising. More
In the UK, JICIMS (the Joint Industry Committee for Internet Measurement Systems) has appointed Research International's former Worldwide CEO Mark Cranmer as its first Chairman, heading up its initiative to establish a single online measurement currency. More
Indian-based market research outsourcing firm exëvo has launched a Global Technology Panel, comprising more than 125,000 dedicated business and consumer panellists across 15 countries. Meanwhile, Research Now has launched an online panel in India. More
UK-based healthcare fieldwork agency WorldOne Research has unveiled a European and US GP omnibus. The service taps into the firm's Global Physician Panel which includes more than 320,000 physicians and 60,000 allied healthcare practitioners worldwide. More
In the UK, TV marketing body Thinkbox has commissioned consumer agency Work Research to conduct an in-depth qual and quant research study to uncover online TV's value to advertisers. More
WPP has posted TNS shareholders a formal offer for the company, valuing it at $2.28bn. It includes news of an option to sell TNS' television monitoring arm TAM to Ipsos, if required to meet EU competition law. More
UK-based agency SPA has established a dedicated team to focus on Internet and Web research, and appointed Chris Handford to head it up. More
In the US, technology research and consulting firm Forrester has acquired rival JupiterResearch and its parent company JUPR Holdings for $23m in cash plus assumed liabilities. In addition, Forrester has posted Q2 revenue of $63.5m, compared with $55.2m last year. More
In partnership with Digital Media Group (DMG), Nielsen has conducted what it describes as the 'first ever' China subway TV rating survey, using an evaluation method that the pair say has never been applied to digital outdoor media until now. More
In the US, Nielsen has partnered with Mindset Media – a firm that creates consumer profiles of web users – to add personality profile mapping to its Homescan consumer purchase panel of 125,000 US households. More
In the US, consumer information and research firm Knowledge Networks (KN) has appointed Martin Zagorsek as EVP Client Service, in charge of Custom Marketing and the Media Research team in the firm's New York office. More
GfK's discussions regarding a possible offer for TNS are 'progressing positively' the company said today, as it announced a strong order book from the first half of 2008 and a two-week delay in financial reporting. However, TNS has reportedly been talking to Sir Martin Sorrell and scouting for other possible buyers. More
TNS' Technology division is rolling out its ComTech study across Europe, giving customers access to 1.2 million interviews a year across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. The research measures the converging markets of mobile telecoms, fixed line, broadband and Pay TV. More
In the US, Spanish-language media firm Televisa Publishing + Digital and consumer intelligence firm BIGresearch have partnered to open the Televisa Hispanic Insights (THI) unit, which will study the culture, behavior and future purchasing plans of Hispanic consumers. More
Aegis Media-owned out-of-home (OOH) communications agency Posterscope has expanded its US operations with a new office in Denver, and appointed Scott Blair Managing Director. More
US-based phama business intelligence firm Wolters Kluwer Health (WKH) and Nielsen have formed an alliance to analyse consumer purchasing behaviour for prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) and other health-related products. More
Web technology firm Bango has unveiled a new tool designed to help web site owners measure the value of mobile sites by accurately counting their unique visitors. More
US media ratings giant Arbitron has unveiled its new Portable People Meter (PPM) sample program, which aims to increase sample sizes prior to roll out of its delayed service this September. More
In the US, GfK-owned media and consumer firm Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) is to acquire sister agency Starch Communications – a firm that specializes in providing marketing intelligence on print ad effectiveness. More
Edinburgh-based full-service agency Market Research Partners (MRP) has re-named its Northern Ireland-based CATI unit MRP Voice, and opened a new research office in Bangor, NI under the same banner. More
IMS Health has announced second-quarter revenue up 12% (4% at constant currencies) to $600.7m. Operating income rose 11% (1% at constant currencies) to $131.4m. Net income on a GAAP basis was $77.7m, compared with $73.4m in the year-earlier quarter, an increase of 6%. More
Maritz Research has appointed Graham Devereux as Division Vice President of its newly created Retail Research Europe unit, responsible for strategy and business development and based in Marlow, Bucks, UK. More
In the US, the MRA has worked with CMOR to produce a self-assessment tool for panel companies to analyse and evaluate elements of their online research process and publish the results, providing assurance for potential users. More
In the UK, the BBC has awarded digital market research provider eDigitalResearch a three year contract to provide quarterly user analysis and usability surveys for a number of its bbc.co.uk web sites. More
International ad consortium AMIN – the Advertising and Marketing International Network – has appointed GfK-owned Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) as its exclusive provider of multi-media audience, demographic, psychographic and product usage consumer data. More
Just over a year since joining TNS as Global Head of Access Panels, Robert Tomei has left to become President, Consumer & Shopper Insights at consumer analytics firm Information Resources Inc (IRI). More
In the UK, marketing services group TMN, the parent of research agencies iD Factor and ICD Research, has called off talks with private equity firm August Equity to fund a management buyout led by CEO Mark Smith and FD Craig Dixon. More
Two US researchers, Rich Woller and Nancy Stoll, have founded a new research firm focused on helping non-profit organizations better understand how they perform in their local marketplaces. Plum Market Research is based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. More
MR software provider Confirmit has increased revenue in the second quarter by 80% to $11.0m, and operating profit 154% to $1.2m. More
In the UK, TNS has promoted two execs to lead its new contracts for broadcasting research body BARB: Chris Balch becomes MD of the new BARB Service Team within TNS Media Research, while Graeme Griffiths takes on the role of Services Director for TNS Custom Media. More
In Q2, survey software and EFM specialist Vovici has achieved record growth in its Software as a Service (SaaS) business and in renewals from existing customers. SaaS bookings increased 157% over the firm's Q1 2008 performance, and 138% over the same period in 2007. More
GfK is understood to have had talks with European private equity firm Cinven about finance for its bid for TNS. Such a partnership is likely to be treated with caution by major shareholder the GfK-Verein. More
In the UK, The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is doubling the number of campaigns its quantitative research tool RadioGauge will analyse this summer. More
UK research and marketing insight consultancy McCallum Layton has expanded its services to include sensory testing, through a bespoke Sensory Testing Unit and panel in Leeds. More
GfK will not take 'unreasonable' financial risks in bidding for TNS, according to Klaus Wuebbenhorst. The CEO has played down the pressure on his firm, which is said to be in talks with 'other wealthy German families' in addition to the Herz family. More
Panels and software firm Toluna has been named the fastest growing company in France by the publication 'L'Entreprise'. The company saw turnover growth of 970% in the period 2004-2007, and since floating on AIM in May 2005 has more than tripled in value from £25m to £84m. More
Online research applications provider Itracks has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Artafact, LLC of Fremont, California, in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. More
Nielsen Media Research has been awarded a five-year contract to conduct the South African Advertising Research Foundation's (SAARF) All Media and Products Survey (AMPS) and the Radio Audience Measurement Survey (RAMS). The contract commences on 1st January 2009. More
US broadcast monitoring and verification service Media Monitors has been granted a patent for fingerprinting technology used to analyse audio samples. More
Danish firm iMotions, which develops emotional response and eye-tracking software, has raised $2m (DKK 9.5m) in funding, which it plans to use to accelerate sales. The company has also appointed Peter Schmidt as Director of the Copenhagen office and COO of European Operations. More
Greenfield Online has completed a project to combine its Internet survey solutions business into one global survey platform for managing its panels and processing its clients' survey projects in North America, Europe and Asia. More
In the US, Republican Presidential candidate Senator John McCain is among the first users of a new polling system on business networking site LinkedIn. More
US blog and social network tracker Visible Technologies has joined forces with WPP digital marketing agency Beyond Interaction (BI) to provide new ways for the latter's clients to understand, measure and participate in social media. More
GfK, backed by an as-yet unnamed investor, is preparing to make a counter-offer for TNS in response to WPP's £1.08bn ($2.1bn) hostile bid announced this morning. More
In the UK, sensory panel company MSTS is being integrated with product development specialists Marketing Sciences. Both are part of the Insight Division of UK marketing services group Creston. More
In the US, Peanut Labs – which provides access to members of social networking sites – has partnered with online gaming community Acclaim Games to enable the latter's members to take market research surveys in return for in-game items such as weapons, clothing and character boosts. More
2007 was a mixed bag for US research providers, some reporting impressive growth and others struggling, according to figures in the latest Honomichl 50, just out. Overall, growth was a respectable 6%, the mean of the two previous years, achieved despite a US workforce reduction of c.1,300 among the top 50 firms. More
Rob Stevens, co-founder of UK-based behavioural research consultancy Bunnyfoot, has moved the firm's established eye-tracking expertise into a new, separate consultancy, which will test consumers' behavioural response to offline media including TV, print and outdoor, as well as packaging. More
In the US, Arbitron is adding web-based alert features to engage its key younger panelists, while a committee that advises the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on diversity investigates the device's alleged under-representation of minority groups. More
Despite approval from the Board of the GfK Verein, the 'merger of equals' with TNS continues to face pressure from two sides: Sir Martin Sorrell, who has one more day to decide for or against a 'hostile' bid; and workers and a former Chairman at the German firm he describes as 'very traditional'. More
NBC Universal (NBCU) is to use the forthcoming Beijing Olympics as a unique testing environment for a more rounded measurement of media consumption, covering a wide variety of media. More
The Administrative Board of GfK-Nürnberg e.V. has approved the firm's merger with TNS, leaving the vote of Verein members on 21st July technically unnecessary, 'though 'important'. Meanwhile, the bosses of TNS and WPP have been exchanging increasingly hostile comments. More
Advertising, marketing and comms agency Omnicom has formed a consultancy, led by a dozen female execs, to help clients make connections with women – whether as consumers, customers, employees or other stakeholders. More
In the UK, the Panel Executive, an independent body which administers the City Code on takeovers and mergers, has ruled that marketing firm WPP must clarify whether it intends to make a firm offer for TNS by 9 July. More
UK-based Chime Communications, which owns MR agencies Opinion Leader, Ledbury Research and Facts International, is predicting that operating income will be 20% up on last year's £43.9m. Chime has also appointed former Australian politician Richard Alston as a Non-executive Director. More
US-based industry body the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) has formed an Ethnography Special Interest Group (SIG) for its members to share their expertise and ideas. More
In the UK, Harris Interactive plans to make between fifteen and twenty full-time employees redundant. The firm says the move will help align the cost structure of its UK operations with the evolving needs of the business. More
In the UK, Andrew Cooper, Founder and Group MD of online panel firm Research Now, is to step down as part of a restructure designed to streamline management during the firm's next phase of growth and development. More
UK-based online market research agency BrainJuicer has recorded increased revenues of 38% for the first six months of 2008, and confirmed that it is growing in line with expectations. More
Online on-demand research specialist MarketTools is rolling out its online sample quality system across Europe, commencing in the UK. More
Nationwide Insurance has partnered with the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University (OSU) to create The Nationwide Center for Advanced Customer Insights, dedicated to researching and evaluating consumer behavior in the United States. More
The proposed 'merger of equals' of GfK and TNS faces political opposition in Germany, reports suggest, with some German local authorities represented in the company's majority shareholding 'Verein' saying they will oppose the deal at next Friday's key meeting. More
Panels and Research Process Outsourcing (RPO) firm The Pulse Group has announced its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the PLUS markets in London, with trading commencing today. More
GfK NOP has launched a Media Insight division, to be headed by Julia Lamaison. The firm says the new division is a 'direct response to the market need for in-depth interpretation and insight from research data'. More
In the US, ad and media research specialist Sequent and the Center of Media Design at Ball State University (BSU) have partnered to launch a new media research company that will use 'state-of-the-art' methodologies to track consumer media behaviour. More
In the US, the founders of survey sample firm goZing have launched a new company to offer online survey solutions to the global marketing research industry. The pair have also hired four industry veterans to help them kick-start the business. More
Synovate Healthcare has launched its Diabetes Therapy Monitor in India, linking data about doctors' prescribing behaviour with patient profiles. More
In the US, Greenfield Online has partnered with market research technology firm RelevantView to incorporate the latter's RelevantID digital fingerprinting system into its patent pending Duplicate Response Detection (DRD) tool. More
Both TNS and WPP have reported healthy revenue growth in the first five months of 2008 - the former doing particularly well in the UK, balancing a slight decline in the US. Meanwhile Martin Sorrell has again asked TNS for more financial information. More
Digital video recorder (DVR) pioneer TiVo has partnered with media marketing research firm TRA to develop an ad research system that gauges how consumers makes household purchasing decisions based on ad exposure. More
Insight and communications group Creston, which owns market research agencies ICM and CML, has reported a 25% rise in profits for the year ending 31 March 2008, and says it has yet to feel the impact of the economic downturn. More
UK-based sports marketing, insight and evaluation agency Sponsorship Intelligence (SI) has been commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to conduct both consumer research and media research into this year's games. More
European-based ad metrics testing firm MediaAnalyzer has partnered with Acrobat Research in Toronto, Canada to offer the former's eye-tracking analysis services to the latter's manufacturing, publishing and media research clients in the country. More
Ratings giant Nielsen Media has told clients it will drop its landline-based random digit dialling (RDD) telephone sampling method for recruiting paper diarists, from November, in favour of one using the addresses of prospective panel households. More
Agricultural market research specialist Kleffmann North America (KNA) has announced plans to expand to Iowa City to accommodate current growth and growth projected in the next three years. More
UK consumer and market analyst CACI has won the first contract to process the Scottish Census using a mix of both traditional paper and online questionnaires. More
Online market research agency Lightspeed Research has launched Beauty and Personal Grooming Panels in the UK, Germany, France, Canada and the US, to offer data to manufacturers of personal care products, toiletries, cosmetics and related consumer goods. More
In the US, Internet ratings firm Quantcast has applied to the Media Rating Council (MRC) for accreditation of its online metrics and analytics services. Assessment will commence this summer. More
TNS Chief David Lowden has today met with WPP's Sir Martin Sorrell to present him with the data his firm has already disclosed to GfK as part of the nil premium merger announced in April. More
Arbitron says it will resume the commercialization of its Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings service in eight markets, despite concerns from a coalition of Spanish-language radio broadcasters that its use could have a 'harmful impact' on the Hispanic marketplace. More
Responding to an article in the New York Times which has raised fears about billboards with facial recognition tracking systems, manufacturer TruMedia has sent a letter to the paper confirming that all data collected is anonymous and is only reported in aggregate. More
TNS is expanding its operation in Russia by rolling out its FasTrack 360° financial services tracking tool, which the firm says is the first of its kind in the country. More
In the UK, marketers remain upbeat about their own organisation's prospects even if they feel less positive about the UK's economic outlook, according to research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). More
In the UK, insight consultancy Truth has reported rapid growth since its launch last year – with client billings for 2008 forecast to exceed £3.5m. The firm is also considering opportunities for an overseas presence in Asia and the US. More
Synovate has launched a division which will offer an integrated approach to clients across the company's different service areas, to help them develop more profitable relationships with their customers. More
US technology specialist Yankee Group has partnered with Dubai-based researcher AMRB to offer thought leadership and analysis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. More
Consumer analytics firm Information Resources Inc (IRI) has added a number of new solutions to its Consumer Network household panel to enable clients to gather reactions from hard-to-reach respondents. More
In the US, Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) has partnered with Peanut Labs – which provides access to members of social networking sites – to improve its reach among the 13-34 year old demographic, otherwise known as Generation Y (Gen-Y). More
TNS has agreed to open its books and give WPP the same information it gave to GfK as part of their recent merger agreement. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the GfK-TNS merger may face an EU competition probe; and may be 'sweetened' by a cash bonus for TNS shareholders. More
Pranesh Misra, Global Director Marketing Accountability at Lowe Worldwide, is leaving to launch a new firm offering KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) for marketing data analytics and 'insight mining'. More
In the UK, newspaper publisher Mirror Group has launched an online research community, Mirror Mouthpiece, on the back of its 5,000-strong reader panel, operating since 2003. More
Google is integrating its Google Analytics traffic analysis tool with its Google TV Ads program. Some observers are interpreting the move as further evidence that the search giant is headed for direct competition with Nielsen. More
The partners of online feedback software and services firm Globalpark GmbH have announced a decision to convert to a public company, with immediate effect. Dr. Lorenz Gräf, previously MD, will become CEO of Globalpark AG. More
In Dubai, Arab MR firm Maktoob Research has expanded its service portfolio with the launch of two new offerings - Online Research Communities, a tool for building online market research communities; and SMS-based Mobile Research. More
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is to send surveys to 100,000 randomly selected New Yorkers, asking them to rate city services, at an estimated cost of $500,000. More
GfK and TNS have agreed the terms for their 'merger of equals' to create GfK-TNS plc. Aside from 'significant opportunities' for revenue growth, the firms say the move will bring annual pre-tax benefits through cost reduction of at least Euros 97m (£76m) by the end of the third full year following completion. More
infoGROUP, until this week known as infoUSA, is combining two of its market research businesses, recently acquired Guideline and Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), and has placed ORC President Gerard Miodus in charge of all operations for the new unit. More
Survey Sampling International has opened a new office in Seoul, South Korea, and appointed Simon (Quan) Zhang to lead it. Zhang worked previously for Tesco International Sourcing. More
Mobile survey specialist OnePoint has launched OnePoint Reward, an incentive system delivering cash to mobile phones, in the form of points which respondents can redeem immediately on completion of a survey, at 19,000 retail outlets across the UK. More
Research Now has opened an office in Los Angeles, to be headed by Tobin Bailey as Vice President, Client Development, West and Central Regions. More
Online focus group specialist Itracks has announced a partnership with GroupNet, a network of 29 independently owned discussion facilities across the US. More
Full service healthcare consultancy Double Helix Development has announced the launch of Web Sthealth(TM), a tool for data-capture and analysis of patients in online forums. More
UK-based agency Nunwood has announced ten recent appointments, plus the promotion of two of its directors to the Board. More
Nielsen has extended its online audience profiling service to the mobile Web. The new service provides marketers and publishers with lifestyle and demographic information for the audience of more than 200 mobile web sites. More
B2B specialist Kadence has officially launched in China with the opening of a Hong Kong office, and says it will launch a Shanghai office before the end of the year. More
US-based online sample provider Peanut Labs has this week announced the formation of a consultative group of prominent researchers and clients to study and combat the problem of fraudulent online responses. More
ION Media Networks has appointed Carole Smith as Vice President of Research. Based in New York, she is charged with building a strong research department to design and conduct qual and quant research. More
Harris Interactive has announced the UK launch of two solutions, the Customer Commitment Model and Employee Ambassadorship, at a seminar in County Hall, London. More
YouGov is gearing up for the launch next month of an investment fund based on research findings from its YouGovAlpha subsidiary. More
Research International's New Zealand MD Colin Yee has been appointed as Chairman of AMRO New Zealand, the country's Association of Market Research Organisations. Yee has been Deputy Chairman for the past two years. More
UK-based research and consultancy group Optimisa has reduced its revenue projections for the year by more than 15% following what it calls 'extremely disappointing' trading conditions in the last month and a half. Shares in the group have lost almost a third of their value since Wednesday. More
Behavioural targeting and browser tracking remain hot topics. This week saw a US lawmaker quizzing Google on data security issues relating to its takeover of DoubleClick; it also saw the launch of software which runs interference with trackers like Phorm by random background web surfing. More
UK-based specialist B2B International is following up a successful office launch in China last year with a New York office, opening next month. More
Canadian-based public opinion and market research firm Angus Reid Strategies is to open a New York office, and has appointed MR veteran Tom Neri to run it as Executive Vice President and Managing Director. More
MrWeb, the world's busiest daily news and jobs service for market researchers, has expanded with the appointment of Chris Jensen as Marketing Executive. Initially, his focus will be on building the site's Asian and US job listings, and its UK and international audience. More
Indian-based KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) firm The Smart Cube will launch operations in Romania and Hong Kong, and will be expanding in the US, the UK and India. More
In the US, the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) has formed an advisory council to explore 'industry issues and opportunities' surrounding Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM). More
In Northern Ireland, outsourcing firm Forward Emphasis is setting up a second contact centre in Donegal where it plans to create 100 new jobs in market research, customer care, and claims processing and adjudication over the next three years. More
In the US, former Research International (RI) executives Diane Frederick, Alice Fawver and Shaikat Sen have launched a new market research consultancy which they say delivers a 'fresh approach' to business decision-making. More
US online agency InsightExpress has received authorization to conduct brand effectiveness research studies across the Google content advertising network, which encompasses hundreds of thousands of web sites ranging from international publishers to one-off niche sites. More
In the UK, digital marketing group TMN, which owns research agencies iD Factor and ICD, is in talks with private equity firm August Equity over a possible £38.5m management buy-out led by CEO Mark Smith and FD Craig Dixon. More
In the UK, another first for Portsmouth. Foot traffic monitoring firm Path Intelligence, based in the city, is testing patent-pending surveillance technology that continuously tracks mobile phone signals to understand the movement of shoppers as they flow through retail centres or public amenities. More
US consultancy Gongos Research has hired 11 new staff on the back of 2007 revenue and project growth. To support the recruitment process, the firm implemented a strategy which included fostering university relationships and offering referral incentives. More
In Australia, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has appointed Paul Fisher as its first CEO. He takes up the new post at the beginning of July. More
In Canada, research software developer Vision Critical has reported triple digit growth for the third consecutive year. The firm has also teamed up with US full-service agency Creative Marketing Research (CMR) to develop proprietary online customer advisory panels. More
In the US, the Media Ratings Council (MRC) has created a new code of conduct requiring audience ratings firms to obtain accreditation before launching a new measurement currency into the marketplace. More
Ipsos first quarter revenues rose 6.2% to €217.3m from Q1 2007. Despite slow going in North America, global organic growth reached 9.6%, which the firm said exceeded its full-year targets. More
GfK has described its Q1 results as 'sound', with organic growth in sales up 5.1% to €268.1m and consolidated total income rising almost 21% to €12.5m. More
US data collection firm Datascension has reported revenue growth of 12.5% to $5.35m for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. Operating income for the quarter was $140,500, compared with an operating loss of $136,900 for the same period in 2007, helped by cost-cutting measures. More
US online ad platform TargetSpot has begun providing its nationwide network of more than 600 Internet radio stations with access to comScore Arbitron Online Radio Rating audience estimates. More
Nielsen has reported $1,214m revenues for Q1, an increase of 13% from Q1 2007. Excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, the increase was a healthy 8%. However, the firm still made a net loss from continuing operations of $82m. More
Media giant Disney is planning to open a laboratory in Austin, Texas which will conduct year-round research to test the biometric reactions of consumers to emerging media and interactive advertising. More
Greenfield Online, Inc. has reported first quarter results, with rapid revenue growth for its Comparison Shopping business (up 60.3% year-on-year to $10.8m) masking a 3% decline for its Internet survey solutions segment. Greenfield has also agreed in principle to settle a pending class action lawsuit regarding 'false and misleading' projections. More
Business information provider D&B last week reported results for the first quarter of 2008, ended March 31st. Revenue rose 8% on the year (excluding currency effects) to $414.7m, of which the Sales & Marketing Solutions division accounted for $109.7m, up 5%. More
GfK CEO Klaus Wübbenhorst has told employees of the German-based global agency that the proposed merger with TNS would mean more jobs, not fewer. Prof. Wübbenhorst said comments suggesting the contrary from WPP's Martin Sorrell were 'morally reprehensible'. More
European online MR agency MetrixLab increased revenues 76% to €14.5m in 2007 and is anticipating further growth to €19m in 2008 and €27m in 2009. To support this organic growth, the firm is planning to hire up to 40 new MR professionals this year, and expand with a US office in 2009. More
UK-based EPG Health Media has launched a new online panel of healthcare professionals in Europe, for regular participation in clinical and scientific surveys. The company also says it has 'ambitious plans to provide global reach'. More
Bodies representing most Indian broadcasters and advertisers have given a thumbs down to the idea of government intervention in television ratings, known as TRPs. More
Online customer satisfaction management firm Foresee Results has partnered with online customer experience management (CEM) firm Tealeaf, to allow companies to maximize online customer satisfaction and return on their investment in site tools. More
US-based media and market intelligence agency Biz360 has secured $10m in funding which it will use to develop social media analysis tools, extend its existing suite of business intelligence products and hire new sales and marketing personnel. More
UK research agency Conquest has launched an online tool to measure unconscious emotional reactions to brands by tapping into the metaphors consumers use to describe and express their feelings. More
In the US, word of mouth (WoM) measurement and analytics firm ChatThreads has launched Conversation Value, a new tool that quantifies the revenue impact of every conversation about a client's product or service. More
Pulse Group is to give regional coverage to its online travel survey. Already rolled out in Malaysia with support from Tourism Malaysia, the firm plans to extend the study to other markets including Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. More
In the US, The Radio Research Consortium (RRC) – a non profit organization which provides audience data to non-commercial radio stations – has signed a multi-year deal with Arbitron for diary and Portable People Meter (PPM) syndicated radio ratings services. More
From next month, AOL's ad business Platform-A will offer TACODA's advanced suite of behavioral targeting solutions across its entire network, which includes all AOL-owned and operated sites such as AOL News and Sports, along with sites in the Advertising.com third-party network. More
Groundbreaking New York-based media research firm TRA (True ROI Accountability for Media) has appointed James O'Hara as EVP of Sales. More
Nielsen Media Research has sent clients a 9-page letter explaining its plans for the transition to digital-only TV broadcasting, which comes into effect in February 2009. To accommodate the transition and avoid potential disruptions, the firm will be moving its February 2009 TV viewing 'sweeps' to March. More
Online survey and analysis tool provider SurveyGizmo has secured funding which will be used to expand staffing. More
YouGov has won the battle of the pollsters in London's Mayoral race, correctly predicting the result and the margin, and leaving more egg on the face of outgoing Mayor Ken Livingstone whose team had claimed its survey figures were 'farcical'. More
Harris Interactive has reported third quarter fiscal 2008 results showing consolidated revenue up 11% to $57.3m, with a very good performance from newly acquired companies in Asia, France, Canada and Germany. However, due to declines in the US and UK, consolidated pro forma organic revenue dropped 4%. More
In the US, Nielsen Online has formed a Digital Strategic Services group, to help advertisers manage their online reputations on social media platforms. The new group is headed by Pete Blackshaw, EVP of Nielsen Online and former CMO of Nielsen BuzzMetrics. More
In the US, media communications agency Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) has partnered with online research agencies GMI and InsightExpress to conduct a tracking study which aims to uncover how ad messages influence consumer intentions to buy. More
In the US, an institutional investor has filed a law suit against ratings giant Arbitron, charging the firm with 'false and misleading statements' regarding the roll out of its Portable People Meter (PPM) service. More
CRM outsourcing firm the ICT Group has reported a first quarter revenue drop to $108.7m from $115.2m in Q1 2007. Net loss for the 2008 first quarter was $1.0m, or $0.06 per diluted share. More
Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) has launched Small Business CARAVAN, a shared-cost US omnibus study which 'checks the pulse' of the small business community. More
UK-based panels firm Research Now is anticipating total revenue for the six months ending 30 April 2008 to exceed £18.5m versus £9.9m last year – a leap of 85%. Operating profit is expected be £2.3m, up from just £300,000 a year ago. More
In the UK, online market research agency YouGov has launched a new syndicated tracking service to connect with the 32% of the population who were born between 1946 and 1964. More
UK full-service agency Market Research Partners (MRP) has launched a monthly qualitative omnibus. The new Qualbus format allows clients to buy 30-minute sections on any of the firm's four different monthly focus groups. More
Top five global MR firms TNS and GfK are in discussions about a possible 'merger of equals', which would create the world's second-largest market and information group. More
In the US, pharma research giant IMS Health has joined with ten academic researchers to establish the Health Services Research Network (HSRN), to conduct detailed, national-level studies of key health services and their outcomes. More
UK radio audience body RAJAR will cut short its investment in its experimental electronic measurement panel, run by TNS using Arbitron's PPM, and will launch an industry-wide review of audience research options. It will also field test a new online diary system, to be designed by Nunwood, in July. More
BBM Canada, supplier of radio and television audience ratings services to the Canadian broadcast advertising industry, has selected a joint bid by TNS Media Research and Arbitron Inc to deploy Portable People Meter (PPM) technology to measure TV and radio in Canada. More
A spokeswoman for incumbent London Mayor Ken Livingstone has denounced as 'farcical' figures from pollsters YouGov, which suggest rival candidate Boris Johnson has widened his lead from six to ten points. More
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has opened a new office in Stockholm, Sweden, as a hub for servicing its existing clients and developing new business in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. More
In the US, NielsenHealth has launched a series of 32 'Ailment Panels' to provide manufacturers and retailers with insights into consumer related attitudes and behaviours of patients suffering from diseases and medical conditions. More
US membership organisation MRA (Marketing Research Association) has launched a portal where clients, agencies and sub-contractors can evaluate and comment on each other's services online. More
WPP has announced first quarter like-for-like revenue growth of just under 5%. Reported revenues were up 14.1% to £1.56bn for the group and up 11.3% to £227.1m for Kantar, the group's information, insight and consultancy arm. More
UK-based brand and insight agency Added Value has appointed Janine Hawkins as Global CEO, replacing Angus Porter who is leaving to take up the position of Group Strategy Director with Thomas Cook Group from 1 June. More
The growth of MR subsidiaries iD Factor and ICD Research is expected to help parent TMN plc to full-year pre-tax profit within 10% to 15% of management predictions, despite a significant shortfall at its email marketing agency EDR. The latter's quarterly revenues will be around £1.5m below earlier predictions. More
MediaVest has become the first media agency to sign up for MR firm TRA's recently launched service, which matches viewing data from digital set-top-boxes with offline shopping behaviour data provided by loyalty cards scanned at grocery checkout counters. More
UK based data processing agency MRDC has doubled the size of its operation in Thailand and employed extra staff to man the expanded unit. Employees David Ward and Fiona Turnbull have meanwhile become Directors in the UK. More
Seattle-based MR software and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has partnered with publisher TechTarget to launch a double-opted in panel of IT professionals and decision-makers. More
UK-based Chime Communications, which owns MR agencies Opinion Leader, Ledbury Research and Facts International, has reported a 29% increase in its first quarter profits as a result of tight cost controls. Double-digit growth was reported across all areas of the business. More
In the UK, consumer research agency rdsi is bringing together its qualitative and quantitative research teams at its headquarters in Islington, Central London. More
Social networking site Facebook has launched a stats tracking tool called Facebook Lexicon, which counts the number of times a word crops up on profiles, groups, and forms – known as 'Facebook Walls' – in its network. More
Healthcare research consultancy Double Helix has moved its UK headquarters to new purpose-designed offices in Baker Street, London. Meanwhile Rebekah Turner joins as Research Manager and Natalie Champness and Ben Shankland as Project Managers. More
US start-up UserVoice has launched an online community where customers can contribute to a client's product concept and innovation. More
US media ratings giant Arbitron has posted first quarter profit growth of 5.5% to $16.3m. Revenue for the period ended 31 March rose 5.5% to $94.1m from $89.1m in the prior year, almost in line with Wall Street expectations. More
In the US, customer and employee engagement specialist PeopleMetrics has formed a division dedicated to the market research needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. More
Cincinnati-based Empower Mediamarketing has launched a new proprietary tool to measure and analyze consumer-generated media. More
Indian company Satyam Computer Services has bought the market research and customer analytics operation of Caterpillar Inc. for $60m (c.£30.2m); and Belgium-based consulting firm S&V Management Consultants for $35.5m (£17.8m). More
As planned, global agency Synovate has brought its London-based teams into a single flagship location in Minerva House, London Bridge, SE1. More
Insight and communications group Creston plc performed in line with expectations in the 2008 financial year, delivering revenue growth of c.16% year-on-year, or 8% on a like-for-like basis, according to a pre-close Trading Statement. More
In the US, the Council for Marketing and Opinion Research (CMOR) has responded to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) proposals to regulate online behavioral advertising, by requesting that any definition of the practice excludes survey opinion and marketing research. More
German ad metrics and testing firm MediaAnalyser has entered the US market by opening a New York office and clinching a deal to work exclusively with the magazine publisher Condé Nast. More
US data collection firm Datascension has logged revenues up 37% to $20.3m for the year ended 31 December 2007; however, operating income tumbled 70% to c.$92,000 from c.$313,000 last year. More
Kantar Operations – the internal operations division for the Kantar Group – has ditched its dedicated consumer interviewer panel due to the continuing advance of online data collection. More
Datamonitor founder and former CEO Mike Danson has upped his stake in takeover target TMN plc, the UK-based parent of research agencies iD Factor and ICD Research, to 19.2%. More
US building industry web site ToolmanDepot.com is recruiting contractors to join an online research panel, to gather information on their likes, dislikes, behaviors and attitudes on behalf of industry manufacturers and service providers. More
Finnish research agency Kuulas is to become a Millward Brown licensee. The new operation, known as Kuulas Millward Brown, will offer research solutions to clients in Finland and the Baltics. More
In the UK, direct marketing and data group IPT (Interactive Prospect Targeting) has posted a pretax loss of £966,000 for the year to 31 December 2007, compared with a profit of about £3.39m the previous year. More
Nielsen Online has been selected by the Italian Joint Industry Committee 'Audiweb' as the provider for its system to monitor digital media in the country. More
Fast-growing UK provider The Oxford Research Agency (TORA) has been bought by two of its directors, Andrew Tharme and Chris Sinclair, with the aid of venture capital. Former TRBi CEO Laurence Curtis also joins, as Chairman, with immediate effect. More
In the US, Spanish-language media giant Univision Communications Inc. has announced further collaboration with Nielsen, aimed at providing improved measurement and insight covering the Hispanic consumer segment. More
In the US, TV network AMC has partnered with Nielsen to develop a new Audience Identity Metric (AIM) that segments the audience by behavior, as well as a new 'Ad Vantage' metric for advertisers to measure ad receptivity across the industry. More
In the US, customer data integration firm Acxiom has partnered with travel research agency DK Shifflet & Associates (DKSA) to provide travel companies with insights about the buying and travel behaviors of customers and prospects. More
Database giant and ORC parent infoUSA has reported preliminary unaudited first quarter revenue of $191m, compared with $158m recorded the previous year. EBITDA was $27m for Q1 2008, compared with $24m for Q1 2007. More
Nielsen Online has appointed four new senior members of staff in the UK to support its growth in EMEA markets. More
In the US, Scarborough Research has expanded its consumer and media research services with the introduction of a new online panel specifically for the youth and teen markets. More
In the UK, marketing services group Optimisa has reported a climb in pretax profits to £1.26m from £0.73m, while revenue rose to £11.42m from £5.89m a year ago. Gross profit also increased 75% from £4.62m to £8.09m, and the Board says it is looking forward to 2008 with confidence. More
Panel and software provider GMI (Global Market Insite) has increased the size of its Singapore consumer panel from 40,000 to 85,000 double opted-in members. More
Consumer packaged goods specialist Information Resources Inc (IRI) has partnered with the GfK/TNS-owned Europanel Association to offer what the firms describe as 'the widest-reaching, single-panel research service in the world'. More
The Traffic Audit Bureau (TAB) has commissioned data from two additional research agencies to add to its forthcoming outdoor audience measurement initiative. The new research will track the likelihood that passersby will see a billboard, and then integrate this probability into the overall measurement. More
In the US, Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) has launched Market-by-Market, a service providing local market versions of its studies on the media usage, lifestyle and product purchasing behavior of US consumers. More
In the US, online on-demand research specialist MarketTools has launched a new system to improve the quality of online sample. More
For the year 2007, European panel and survey technology provider Toluna has reported sales growth of 49% to £12.5m, and pre-tax profits up by 42% to £3.2m. More
London Mayor Ken Livingstone is to make an official complaint against UK polling firm YouGov, following publication of a poll putting him 13 points behind his main rival in the race to retain his job. More
Synovate has launched a new service called Market Barriers, which measures the obstacles that brands face – such as distribution, pricing and product configuration – and reports back on the impact that these have on customer choice and market share. More
In the US, Forrester Consulting has been commissioned by a consortium of virtual world companies to help define standard marketing and engagement measures for the virtual space. More
US database consulting and research firm InfoCommerce Group (ICG) has launched a division catering for the medical, life science and healthcare sectors. More
New York-headquartered Millward Brown Optimor – the consulting unit dedicated to brand strategy and marketing investment – has formed a strategic partnership with Brazilian brand consultancy BrandAnalytics. More
US-headquartered data collection firm Western Wats is to add to its presence in the Philippines by opening a new 500-seat call center in Davao City in mid-July. The firm, which also operates in Cebu City, has already invested between P60m and P70m (c$1.5m) in the new operation. More
In the US, GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media has partnered with independent government advisor and author Simon Anholt to expand his annual Nation Brands Index (NBI); which provides an analytical ranking of the world's nation brands. More
New-York headquartered online customer satisfaction specialist iPerceptions has opened a permanent office in central London to provide a 'gateway' for its services into the UK and the rest of Europe. More
London-based Q Research – which specialises in using the mobile phone to conduct large scale market research with young people – has developed a mobile research platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) projects and satisfaction surveys. More
In the UK, digital entertainment firm HUGE Entertainment has formed a partnership with ethnic research firm ETHNOS. The venture aims to help media owners and platform operators to identify revenue-generating on-demand entertainment opportunities among ethnic audiences. More
Mobile media measurement firm M:Metrics and multimedia research agency Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) are to combine their US offline and mobile media audience metrics to help agencies and mobile operators better integrate mobile into their cross-media campaigns. More
In the US, the anti-trust lawsuit raised by TV ratings company erinMedia against Nielsen Media Research (NMR) has been dismissed by the court, with terms of the agreement remaining undisclosed and both parties agreeing to pay their own court costs. More
In the US, marketing intelligence firm GOLIATH Solutions has closed a $27m investment deal. The funds will be used to roll out the firm's real-time proprietary tool which analyzes consumer reaction to store displays, signs and merchandising. More
YouGov has announced interim results for the six months ended 31 January 2008, with acquisitions helping to treble its turnover and more than quadruple its headcount year-on-year. Organic revenue growth was 43% while profit before tax increased 30% to £3.0m. More
The Nielsen Company has announced results for the year ended December 31, 2007. The research giant narrowed its loss from $368m in 2006 (pro forma) to $282m, and grew reported revenue to $4,707m, a rise of 13% from its pro forma figure for 2006, or 7% adjusting for currencies and deferred revenue. More
GfK has confirmed a record year of trading in 2007 with organic sales up 5.8% to EUR1,162m. Adjusted operating income rose 4.7% to EUR157.6m and margin crept up to 13.6%. The firm has also announced plans to change its legal form to an SE, or Societas Europaea. More
Online survey firm QuestBack AS Norway is launching a Canadian operation, QuestBack Canada Inc., led by John McTrusty as MD. More
From next January, Nielsen Media Research will switch to 'time-shifted' commercial minute ratings data as the standard currency for local TV ratings. The system will use 'live plus three' data, meaning that video played back within three days of initial broadcast will be included. More
Gallup has announced the official launch of its 'World Poll', an annual global survey of opinions and behaviours via interviews in 140 countries representing 95% of the world's adult population. The firm says it has has committed to conducting the study for the next 100 years. More
London-based firm Opinionpanel has launched 'The Future Panel' for anyone wanting to conduct research with young people and prospective higher education (HE) students. More
In Germany, Colibri Research will be launching a new qualitative omnibus study in June, enabling clients to ask questions in a focus group setting. More
Luc Rens, Research International's (RI) Regional Director of Qualitative Asia Pacific, has been given an expanded role as Lead Co-ordinator and Spokesperson for the firm's worldwide qualitative team. More
Data collection firm Interviewing Service of America (ISA) has partnered with research and consulting agency SMS in Hawaii, to offer customer and employee satisfaction measurement to the islands' business community. More
In the US, Arbitron and Nielsen joint venture Scarborough Research says it is considering the possibilities of expanding into additional 'mid-tier' local markets. More
Recently-launched Networked Insights – which gathers customer intelligence from social networking, sites – has upgraded its Customer Insight Platform to provide a 'real-time window' into customer behaviour. More
In India, research and analytics firm Dexterity has announced a refocusing of its business on marketing and customer informatics, and appointed former Accenture USA Partner Anantha Krishnan as Chairman and CEO. More
Greenfield Online is bracing itself for costs of up to $3.5m in the first quarter for legal and other fees relating to a pending lawsuit against it, as well as stemming from an investigation into its internal practices. The firm also says its own investigation has found some evidence of accounting errors. More
Database giant infoUSA, the parent of Opinion Research Corporation, has announced plans to compile telephone-verified B2B and B2C databases for China and India, in partnership with a number of companies in the regions. More
In the UK, B2B marketing and research firm Quadriga Consulting and MR agency Blauw Research have joined forces to offer a global research resource for IT and telecoms assignments. More
In the US, audience measurement firm Arbitron has upgraded its diary processing center by opening a new facility which combines several processes under one roof. The new building, new layout and new equipment were all designed by Arbitron staff. More
'No seminal papers headed for a learned journal, nothing on methodology or media (except of course the Internet), and no ball or cocktail party. Instead, interaction, debate, discussion...' DRNO's Special Correspondent Phyllis Vangelder pinches herself but it's no dream, it's Conference 2008. More
Media and market research groups Aegis and Cello, and global MR agency Ipsos have all beaten industry analyst predictions and recorded healthy profits for 2007. More
TNS's CEO for North America Kimberley Till is to leave, as the firm merges its North American and Latin American custom business to create one region, 'The Americas'. More
In the Middle East, TNS has launched a study to uncover trends among 16 to 25 year olds in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait. More
In the US, through a new deal with kid-friendly network Radio Disney, Arbitron will be measuring the radio listening behaviour of 6 to 12 year olds for the very first time. More
UK 'phone giant BT is facing a possible lawsuit after it admitted using business customers' data without permission, in a trial run for 'Webwise' software from analytics and ad-serving company Phorm. Others including Webfather Tim Berners-Lee have been joining the privacy debate. More
In the US, Arbitron is to offer a 'second chance' diary to respondents who have agreed to participate in a survey, but failed to return their diary. The move is an attempt to bolster response rates for hard to reach demographics. More
In the US, former Synovate SVP Joel Rubinson has joined the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) as Chief Research Officer. More
Nielsen and US cable TV company Charter Communications have partnered to analyze digital set-top box (STB) data from 330,000 households in the Los Angeles area. More
In the UK, communications group Chime has announced double digit growth for its research division in 2007, with operating income up 64% to £7.7m and an increase in operating profit of 37% to £1.4m. Operating margin fell slightly to 18.1% from 21.7% last year. More
TNS has grouped several of its North American operating units into a new division, TNS media, with Dean DeBiase as CEO. TNS media intelligence and TNS media research join newly-acquired companies Compete and Cymfony to form the new entity. More
The Nielsen Company has launched Nielsen PreView, a business-to-business research service which brings the group's range of marketing and media information sources to bear on issues identified as important by members on a web site. More
Ipsos has announced the launch of a new proprietary online panel of Canadian farmers. Producers' Perspectives – The Ipsos Canadian AgriForum currently has more than 1,500 members, with plans to grow to over 3,000 in the coming months. More
Ipsos MORI has appointed Johanna Shapira as Head of Ethnographic Research at its UK-based Qualitative Hothouse. More
The Nielsen Company continues to break new ground following its rebranding from VNU last year. Today it announced its first global brand awareness campaign, built around a marketing collaboration with The New York Times Company and including sole sponsorship of an Olympics Special issue of the latter's 'PLAY' sports magazine. More
Leeds-based McCallum Layton has significantly expanded its Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) Unit, relocating it to new premises in Headingley, Yorkshire. More
US web analytics firm Omniture has partnered with Chinese language Internet search firm Baidu to provide online marketers around the world with access to Chinese consumers. More
The Presidents of three US radio stations have given their different reactions to recent news of the Media Rating Council's refusal of accreditation for Arbitron's PPM in New York and Philadelphia. Cox Radio's Bob Neil says Arbitron's 'hollow promises' are on 'full display' while others say the problems are 'not unusual'. More
In the US, government research specialist Macro International is to open a call center in Springfield, Illinois on 1 April, and plans to hire more than 190 new staff to fill telephone interviewing, supervisory and quality assurance roles. More
Information Resources Inc (IRI) and The NPD Group have joined forces to launch the Beauty Cross Channel Monitor, claimed as the US beauty industry's first and only cross-channel retail tracking product. More
Atlanta customer intelligence agency Vantedge Group, and San Francisco-based AbsolutData have partnered to launch a joint Research and Analytics Center of Excellence, with a team of 30 staff. More
In Canada, CRM outsourcing firm ICT Group is to create up to 200 new jobs at its contact centre in Sydney Nova Scotia, following the award of a major new contract and a $1.4-million payroll rebate from the state. The firm has also posted a drop in Q4 results caused by restructuring costs. More
TNS has announced an agreement to acquire online behaviour measurement company Compete, Inc. for US$75m in cash, doubling if targets are met over two years. The company also reported full year results for 2007, with revenue of UK£1,067.7m, representing underlying growth of 5.4%. More
The US research industry showed robust growth in the last part of of 2007, according to the Research Industry Index (RII), the quarterly study by the Marketing Research Association (MRA). More
Arbitron has revealed that the Media Rating Council turned down accreditation of its PPM service in Philadelphia and New York, in January. However, the firm says it has made 'significant improvements' since the audits concerned, and an MRC statement also seems to offer encouragement for the PPM. More
Research Process Outsourcing (RPO) company Pulse Group has launched its second new office of the year, this time in New Delhi, and says it aims to boost client development throughout the South Asian region. Nitin Gulati will lead the new location. More
Polls by Ipsos-MORI and ICM are this week at the centre of a row surrounding London's driving toll, the Congestion Charge. Mayor Ken Livingstone says his survey shows support for a new £25 charge on high fuel consumption vehicles, but Porsche Cars GB says its own survey says the opposite, and claims it's being more open with its findings. More
The shift from offline to online research should drastically improve the validity of findings of surveys of Chinese respondents, according to a recent study by Survey Sampling International (SSI). More
Online panel community and survey technology provider Toluna has announced the launch of a Japanese panel community, currently at 25,000 active members and forecast to reach 40,000 by June 2008. More
MR software firm Voxco has concluded a partnership agreement with the French company Prylos, which develops mobile applications, giving it the ability to offer clients data collection via mobile phones worldwide. More
Harris Interactive has announced that Len Bayer, who co-founded the company more than 30 years ago and currently serves as Chief Scientist, Chief Technology Officer and Director, is to retire at the end of March. He will be replaced by Harris veteran David Bakken. More
In the final quarter of 2007 GfK achieved organic growth of 6.5% and a margin of 16.8% – a figure the firm says is the most successful in its history. Based on preliminary data, the group also reported an organic sales increase of 5.8% to Euros 1,162m for the full year. More
Nielsen has set up a national Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council (HLAC) to guide the company's recruitment, measurement and reporting of Hispanic TV households in the US. More
Nielsen Online has appointed Rene Lamsfuss to the newly created role of Senior Director, Product & Methodology EMEA, where he will work alongside European industry bodies to tailor the firm's suite of Internet measurement technologies to the needs of the regional market. More
A Conference with lots of clients? It may just happen. The b2b research association BIG is changing the focus for this year's annual gathering, to concentrate on the wider business issues affecting clients, and boasts speakers from many of the main b2b research buyers. More
Arbitron has lowered its 2008 earnings outlook as a result of terminating its Project Apollo joint venture yesterday. More
In the UK, Leeds-based research agency Quaestor is to open a new central London office next week, headed by Associate Director Claire Whelan and supported by Liliana Mardirossian. More
UK-based consumer insight agency Nunwood has made four new appointments since the beginning of 2008, following organic growth of 'more than 12 times the industry average' during the last year. More
Nielsen Media Research is funding a $3.5m year-long study to observe how people actually consume media on both traditional and emerging video platforms inside and outside their homes. More
Arbitron and Nielsen have ditched development of 'Project Apollo', their much-vaunted scheme to give a better understanding of the link between consumer exposure to advertising through multiple media and shopping / purchasing behaviour. More
UK marketing services group Creston has axed its New York office at a cost of around £600,000, forcing US CEO Steve Blamer to step down because of uncertain economic conditions. More
In the US, Common Knowledge Research Services has appointed seven members of staff from Informa Research Services, who were made redundant when the firm recently merged its main Seattle operations with its Los Angeles office. More
Following the closure of Opinion Research Taiwan (ORT), a number of the firm's key staff have joined Millward Brown Taiwan. MB has also promoted Deepender Rana to Chief Client Officer Africa Asia Pacific (AAP), and given AAP COO Adrian Gonzalez additional responsibility for Greater China. More
Ipsos has posted full year revenue of Euros 927.2m, up 8.2% on the back of organic growth of 9.1%. Strong performances in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe more than offset a slight decline in the group's North American revenue. More
The UK's five main mobile phone operators have agreed to work together to define common metrics and measurements for mobile advertising, beginning with traffic to mobile sites. If successful, the metrics should be rolled out internationally. More
The management of Rotterdam-based Global Data Collection Company (GDCC) has established a majority shareholding in the company. The team increased its holding from 33 to 75% with an acquisition from BBI Group, for an undisclosed sum. More
Global b2b research specialist Kadence has reported revenue growth of 18% in 2007, reaching $9.3 million. The group says all its established international offices performed strongly while new locations were launched in Malaysia and Indonesia. More
US radio ratings giant Arbitron has reported a 20.7% drop in net income from $4.9m to $3.7m, with soaring costs relating to the roll out of its Portable People Meter (PPM) device. More
Danish firm iMotions, whose Emotion Tool(TM) measures emotional response to visual stimuli, has partnered with Edinburgh-based user experience consultancy User Vision to launch its software in the UK. More
UK MR psychology specialist CRAMQIQ has partnered with Chinese research agency DiagAid to undertake in-depth consumer and B2B research in the Chinese market. More
Colorado-based technology start-up firm QualVu has closed a $750,000 deal to fund development of its web-based video platform, which is used for conducting qualitative research. More
In the UK Postar, the audience research body for the out-of-home ad sector, has commenced a project to measure all out-of-home media, using GPS technology to record consumers' travel patterns and ad exposure. More
WPP Digital, the digital investment arm of marcoms giant WPP, has bought a stake in web engagement metrics firm NuConomy. While the sum was not disclosed, sources say that the amount totalled $3m. More
Research Process Outsourcing (RPO) firm Pulse Group has opened an office in London headed by Jonathan Sheldrake, who joins as Associate Director for Europe. More
US firm TRA, Inc. has today unveiled a system for measuring and reporting 'True ROI Accountability' for advertising spend. The firm plans to match ads actually received with products actually bought for a massive 1,000,000 plus US households. More
Greenfield Online has reported a net revenue increase of 30.2% to $38.4m for the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with $29.5m in the same period last year. Although the comparison shopping business grew faster, the firm's Internet Survey solutions segment recorded an impressive 19.2% rise to $26.7m. More
Synovate has announced the formal integration of its business in Belgium, combining research operations in Ghent with the local Synovate Censydiam practice in Antwerp. More
Online panel firm Research Now has appointed Phil Rance to the newly created position of UK Commercial Director, with overall responsibility for client development. More
Nielsen has formed an alliance with neuromarketing research firm NeuroFocus to develop new measurement techniques based on the latest advances in neuroscience. Nielsen CEO David Calhoun becomes a member of the NeuroFocus Board. Details of the investment were not disclosed. More
In New York, healthcare marketing research firm the Ziment Group has promoted John Tapper from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer of its primary research and consulting division, Ziment Custom. More
In London, survey software firm Merlinco has expanded with the opening of a new survey analysis department to provide an in-house facility for clients, and a hosting service for the firm's web survey facilities. More
UK survey design and data processing agency IDA has ditched its central London offices in favour of a 'virtual company' structure. MD Peter Jackling is the only remaining IDA employee, with the other seven former members of staff now working independently and directly with the firm's clients. More
European panel and survey technology provider Toluna says it expects to report 2007 growth of more than 45% in both sales and operating profits. More
In the US, product placement evaluation agency iTVX has partnered with MR firm Marketing Evolution to develop an online tool which measures the financial value of product placement on TV. More
Global agency Millward Brown (MB) and fellow Kantar company IMRB are launching a Joint Venture. MB will take a majority share of the new business, to be known as Millward Brown India, which will start with offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. More
Harris Interactive has released results for its second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008, ending December 31. Acquisitions drove the overall Q2 revenue figure up 13% on the year, but pro forma organic revenue dropped 2%, mainly due to a 5% decline in North America. More
Opinion Research Corporation's parent firm infoUSA has released results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2007 ending on December 31. Record Q4 revenue of $185.8m includes $67.0m for the Marketing Research Group established in December 2006. More
Pharma research leader IMS Health has announced full year 2007 revenues up 12% (a very respectable 8% at constant currency) to $2,192.6m. Operating income for the year was down from $444.2m to $393.3m after a fourth quarter restructuring charge of $88.7m. More
In London, TNS is ready to launch what it claims is the UK's first one-day turnaround Omnibus, aiming to provide clients with an 'instant snapshot of consumer opinion and behaviour'. More
US-based global research firm OTX (Online Testing eXchange) has partnered with Mexican research and public opinion agency RVOX to work together on large scale custom pan-American and global projects. More
As the Presidential primary elections hot up, the US industry association MRA is warning against 'push polling', a political campaign technique in which an organisation attempts to influence or alter the view of respondents under the guise of conducting a poll. More
TNS has formed a partnership with Buenos Aires-based Livra Panels to offer additional online access panel research services across Latin America. More
Following a recent raft of changes to its senior management team, Research International has now appointed industry veteran Bridget Armstrong as CEO RI-USA and as a member of its Worldwide Board of Directors. More
London-based panels firm Research Now has ended the 2007 financial year with a 168% rise in revenue to £25.8m, and has doubled its organic revenue, now £19.2m. More
In the US, reputation analysis and communications research firm Echo Research has appointed Dan Soulas as EVP and Director of its new primary research unit, which has been launched to service corporate and PR agency clients. More
London-headquartered BDRC (Business Development Research Consultants) has been appointed as the UK representative of international research network, Associated Global Market Research (AGMR). More
UK telecoms giant BT has selected WPP-owned Kantar Group to manage its consumer brand and customer tracking projects. More
Research International (RI) is continuing its leadership re-shuffle with the appointments of Kirk Ward to the newly created position of Global Product Development Leader, Andrew Wish to the new title of Worldwide Infrastructure and Operations Director and John McHarry to Chief Information Officer. More
CINT, the Swedish online sampling and panel management solutions firm, is to open its first overseas office in Atlanta, Georgia next week. More
In the US, Prince Market Research (PMR) has launched a healthcare unit, Catalyst Healthcare Research. The new unit will specialise in brand strategy and communications research, as well as customer satisfaction, and new product and service studies. More
Online research software firm Confirmit has posted a 68% increase in revenue for the final quarter of 2007, including 38% organic growth. The Q4 total of $12.8m includes $2.5m consolidated revenue from the acquisition of MR software firm Pulse Train. More
Nielsen has expanded its telecom and mobile research division Nielsen Mobile, with the establishment of operations in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Russia. The firm plans additional expansion throughout Europe later this year. More
TNS is launching its 6thdimension Interactive Research services in Latin America and has appointed Trixie Cartwright as Regional Director for Interactive Research, based in Buenos Aires. More
In Australia, communications services group STW is splitting its panels business The Online Research Unit (The ORU) from its MR agency AMR Interactive, and has appointed AMR Chairman and Founder Brian Fine to head the offshoot. AMR Interactive will now be run by MD Gary Wilkinson. More
UK-based agency B2B International is taking its panel of medical practitioners online, to allow respondents to complete questionnaires at their own convenience. More
Research International's UK Chairman Paul Edwards has swapped places with UK CEO Julian Bond, taking on the day-to-day running of the agency. More
TNS has merged its own continuous research service in China with that of its joint venture CTR Market Research, under the Worldpanel brand. Jason Yu is appointed to lead the newly merged unit as General Manager, TNS Worldpanel China. More
Information services provider The McGraw-Hill Companies has given details of restructuring carried out in the fourth quarter of 2007, with the loss of 600 jobs, c.3% of its workforce. Research company J.D. Power and Associates, a subsidiary, lost around the same proportion of its staff. More
Lightspeed Research has signed a deal to give a new incentive for completion of its questionnaires. The agreement with EMI Music via digital content specialist The Licensing Agency (TLA), will offer respondents free music and video downloads. More
Panels and online research firm Research Now is to open its third office in Germany on 1st March, in Munich, and has appointed Client Development Manager Oliver Tjarks to lead it. More
UK customer insights agency directexcellence has announced the launch of a mystery shopping service for the insurance sector. The service is pitched as a solution to the detection of mystery shoppers by 'increasingly sophisticated' providers. More
In the US, Greenfield Online and database company and ORC owner infoUSA have partnered to develop a panel of small business decision makers, powered by infoUSA data. More
TNS's joint venture CSM Media Research has been given the go-ahead to undertake TV and radio audience measurement in China for a further 10 years. More
Global marketing communications group Havas has signed an agreement with TNS Media Intelligence (TNSMI), ending its contract with Nielsen Monitor-Plus and making TNSMI its primary provider for competitive advertising intelligence. More
Following Senator Hillary Clinton's surprise win in last week's New Hampshire election, pollsters are still trying to understand how the primary polling was so wide of the mark. US survey associations MRA and AAPOR are also getting involved in the debate. More
UK MR and consulting group Cello has reported a strong trading year and says its board is anticipating results in line with market expectations. Net debt is likely to fall to £6m, reflecting much improved operating cash conversion in the second half of the year. More
Online pharma fieldwork specialist Medefield has moved its London headquarters to larger, purpose-designed offices in Wigmore Street, in response to business growth. More
In the US, healthcare MR specialist DSS Research has launched a Senior Health Risk Assessment (SrHRA) tool, which provides health risk stratification measures for the over 65 age group. Meanwhile in the UK, two Yorkshire councils are using Digital Pen and Paper (DPP) technology to assess older residents' care needs. More
TNS says it expects revenue growth of more than 5% for 2007, based on strong performance in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. Also this week, TNS Media Intelligence has acquired Irish media analysis firm MediaMarket for an undisclosed sum. More
In the US, media research firm Coleman Insights is launching a series of studies to examine how Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) reports the responses of radio audiences to different programmes. More
Following a series of problems with its TV coding system, Nielsen Media Research has written to US TV stations asking them to help ensure there are no future glitches. Nielsen has also sent them a 'Guide to Encoder Best Practices', which outlines the correct coding procedures. More
UK commercial radio association RadioCentre is creating a new team of five, to bring together its research and insight capabilities. More
Another day, another legal challenge. Now it's Arbitron's turn: Kansas-based Manhattan Broadcasting has filed a complaint with the FCC claiming anti-competitive practice by the radio audience researcher and its client, African-American focused media firm Morris Communications. More
US data collection firm Schlesinger Associates has expanded its New York focus group facility and will be opening a new facility in Houston, Texas next week. Schlesinger has also partnered with Canadian data collection firm Itracks to enable it to offer clients online focus groups and bulletin board discussions. More
Nielsen has announced plans for the September launch of an enhanced weighting procedure for its TV ratings estimates. It will also be consolidating all its national ratings systems into a single 'calculation platform' during the next two years. More
Market research recruiter Sinead Hasson has launched her own consultancy, Hasson Associates Recruitment Ltd. Based in Soho, London, Hasson will draw on her experience from leading teams at Pricejamieson and RP Cushing Recruitment. More
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has awarded NielsenConnect a contract to develop audience metrics to quantify the combined impact of its television and Internet platforms, to help its advertisers better understand the make-up and behaviour of audiences. More
Greenfield Online-owned Ciao Surveys has hired Chris Watson as Senior Director, Client Development for the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands; and promoted Leslie Abell, Christophe Deguignet and Cedric Maury. More
Insight firm RONIN has upgraded its 'Results for Research' CATI system to allow central monitoring of interviews, and moved its London operations to new premises opposite the Houses of Parliament in Vauxhall. More
In the Philippines, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed the 'ratings cheat' case brought by television company ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp against ratings firm AGB Nielsen Media Research (AGB), citing the requirement for notice periods in the contract between the two companies. More
Global pharma research firm IMS Health has announced plans to cut staff numbers by 10% during 2008 in an effort to save money and improve efficiency. More
Greenfield Online will be launching its Real-Time Sampling(TM) virtual panels in the UK and Canada later this month, and plans to launch in Germany and France in the first quarter. More
Israeli MR company The Market Watch Institute has been commissioned to conduct Internet rating surveys on behalf of a consortium led by the Association of Advertisers in Israel, 12 interactive agencies and a number of the country's leading portals. More
infoUSA-owned Macro International is to close its 60 seat St Albans, Vermont call centre at the end of the month, because it has been unable to recruit sufficient staff to warrant upgrading the facility with the latest software and communications innovations. More
The Newspaper Society (NS) has commissioned Millward Brown (MB) to conduct research into community life, to provide advertisers and agencies with a benchmark of life in the UK. More
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maine has granted the preliminary injunction sought by three research and information firms to block enforcement of Maine's Prescription Restraint Law, LD-4. More
Following TNS' major contract win with UK audience measurement body BARB earlier this week, Ipsos MORI has agreed a new six-year deal with the organisation, to provide its Establishment Survey. More
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has released a 'final' version of its Rich Media Measurement Guidelines, following a 30-day public comment period. More
Audience measurement continues to bring its share of legal problems for Nielsen worldwide. Today, the court in the Philippines 'bribery' case ordered a halt in TV audience fieldwork; while in Spain, a newspaper has filed a claim against the ratings giant for losing it '$1.4m' in ad revenue. More
Research Now has added three more online panels to its global offer – in Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The firm already operates panels in the US, Canada and Brazil, as well as Europe and Australia. More
UK-based ORC International is to launch two new syndicated studies for the life insurance sector, measuring IFA feedback for the corporate protection and annuity markets. Both research studies will use face to face interviews with a range of intermediaries. More
The Nielsen Company and INVIDI Technologies Corporation have today announced a multi-year agreement to share data and explore ways to measure personalized television ads targeted at specific viewers. More
BARB has awarded the contract to provide UK TV audience measurement currency to TNS. Beginning in 2010 after a year's trial running in parallel with the current service, TNS will operate a 5,100 home meter panel. More
Never a dull moment in research in the Philipinnes. More details have been emerging about the suing of Nielsen by a major broadcaster, while the country's senate is to consider regulation of opinion polls at the bidding of a member who says the alternative is to 'allow the public survey firms to run the government and society.' More
US-based medical MR provider Verilogue has won a $4m investment from Edison Venture Fund. The proceeds will be used to expand development, marketing and sales. More
Bangalore-based offshore MR provider Markelytics Solutions India Pvt. Ltd is to offer its online MR services to the domestic market too – helped by an expansion of its operations including an additional facility housing a team dedicated to Indian customers. More
Filipino broadcasting firm ABS-CBN has filed a lawsuit against AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines for gathering and releasing what the firm describes as 'erroneous' TV ratings data, following the 'bribing' of respondents by one of its competitors. More
Under-fire Arbitron has had to reissue radio audience estimates to all 2007 County Coverage subscribers after discovering that some estimates were averaged based on broadcast hours that did not include weekend hours. More
The MrWeb site has had its first major overhaul and redesign in several years, including a new logo and frame-free html. More
Qual specialist the Consumer Insight Agency (c.i.a.) has teamed up with Synovate in a groundbreaking study of sociographic and psychographic trends in South Africa. More
In the US, online research specialist MarketTools has applied to patent its Survey Fraud Detection System, which automatically identifies and removes fraudulent responses from data sets. More
FreshMinds was again named Agency of the Year at the MRS Research Excellence and Effectiveness Awards, the second biggest event in London last night. Essential, TNS and Firefish scooped other key awards and Nick Sparrow received the association's Silver Medal. More
Canadian online panel firm Vision Critical has expanded into the European market with the opening of an office in central London. The firm has also launched the latest release of its survey authoring, support, panel management and reporting and analysis system, Panel+. More
Times are good for independent research consultants in the UK. Representative body the ICG has been growing rapidly and this week announced the appointment of its first Professional Administrator, (Ms.) Andy Laing. More
Synovate India has promoted Paru Minocha to Executive Director with responsibility for overall management of its India business. Former MD Alok Shanker will be on leave until next April, and then hopes to take up a new role within the group. More
In the US, the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) has announced its new board roster and appointed clinical psychologist Dr Sharon Livingston as its President. More
Facing pressure from clients, Arbitron yesterday said it would guarantee delivery of 80% of the target size for its panels, down from 90% previously. Meanwhile, minority broadcasters' association NABOB has reawakened memories of the Nielsen Media controversy of two years ago with talk of a Congressional Investigation. More
Sampling solutions provider Survey Sampling International (SSI) has appointed three new VPs to strengthen its global operations. Kim Giangrande will manage Global HR; Suresh Subbiah, Global Client Services and Delivery; and Harold Kelley, Global Marketing. More
In the US, GfK-owned Mediamark (MRI) has reported on tests using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a means of measuring magazine readership in public waiting rooms. More
Greenfield Online has appointed Mark Shepherd as Director of Internet Survey Solutions, to establish the new Greenfield-Ciao office in Tokyo while helping expand the firm's Asia-Pacific operations. More
Social enterprise firm Votivation is to use its online voting system to canvass the opinion of 300,000 young people who are eligible to vote at next January's UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections. More
US translation and transcription technology firm Language Logic is to integrate the Verbatim Coding System (VCS) and text categorisation software developed by Italian body ISTI into its own verbatim management system, Ascribe(TM). More
Nielsen will be giving its client forum, the Council For Research Excellence (CRE) an additional $2.5m, to enable it to conduct its own methodological research on video audience measurement. The grant is Nielsen's third since the council was founded in 2005, and brings its total donations to $7.5m. More
The UK's 'Economist' magazine has rolled out its readership profiling survey, known as 'Ideas People', in Singapore, with Hong Kong going live next week. More
Online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now is aiming to raise £7m by placing 2.33 million shares with institutional investors. More
Technology researcher Springboard has opened a global research centre in Casablanca, Morocco, to serve its clients in the Middle East and Africa. More
Roseville, USA-based private equity fund DCA Capital Partners is investing an undisclosed sum in online survey technology firm Decipher, Inc. More
Recovering Publicis ad agency Hal Riney has announced a strategic partnership with market intelligence firm, Peacock Nine, giving it access to the latter's BuzzSponge online community of more than 30,000 US consumers. More
In the US, GfK Mystery Shopping has issued another warning to consumers following a 'countrywide wave of scams' targeting would-be shoppers. The past twelve months have already seen warnings from both GfK and the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). More
WPP's insight division the Kantar Group is restructuring its media businesses, in response to 'a rapidly changing media environment'. A newly formed Kantar Media Research (KMR) unit will bring together the media audience measurement assets and talent from across Kantar. More
The BBC will look for 'willingness to innovate and adapt' in both survey methodology and the debriefing of its own employees, as it seeks agencies for its qual research roster covering radio, online and future media. More
In Australia, following a three-month review of how online audiences should be measured, the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) has announced that a panel-based methodology should become the industry standard. Nielsen Online has branded the decision 'a step backwards'. More
The NPD Group has launched a consumer tracking service for the sports market in Japan. The service covers consumer purchasing, attitudes, and behavior for sports apparel, athletic footwear, and sports equipment. More
A new US company will profile members of social networking sites and provide market researchers with access to them. The firm, Peanut Labs, says the approach will deliver the 'sought after, but hard to reach' 13-25 year-olds known as 'Generation Y'. More
At the end of November, pollster Nik Nanos will rebrand his public opinion polling firm SES as Nanos Research, and launch the Nanos Research Group, a national consortium of 'like-minded' research professionals and organisations across Canada. More
Following last week's demands by US broadcasters that Arbitron takes 'immediate action' to resolve sampling issues with its Portable People Meter (PPM), the firm's President & CEO Steve Morris has acknowledged the need to 'revisit previous assumptions' and has suggested talks. More
European panel and survey technology provider Toluna has announced an exclusive cooperation agreement with b2b information provider Incisive Media Limited, to build panels across the latter's vertical markets including financial and professional services. More
As Toluna announces its agreement with Incisive, UK-based rival The iD Factor has announced the availability of 22 specialist panels covering 'a comprehensive range of niche markets', based on pre-profiling of 145,000 UK consumer members of its Home of Research panel. More
UK agency FreshMinds has today launched a panel of owners and managers of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). More
In the US, J. Reckner Associates, Inc. (JRA) has added two Senior Vice Presidents, Cindy Ward and Steven M. Aukers, to lead the development of its global sensory and market research practices. Former Kraft researcher Beth Logan also joins, as an Account Director. More
Ipsos has reported revenues of Euros 664.2m for the first nine months of 2007, and says it is expecting full-year growth of at least 9%. More
Some of the USA's largest broadcasters have petitioned Arbitron to demand that the firm takes 'immediate action' to resolve sampling issues experienced with its Portable People Meter ratings. More
Reports in the UK suggest that the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB) could be about to award its next £10m TV audience measurement contract to TNS/Arbitron. The current contract runs out in 2010. More
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been accused of cronyism over contracts awarded to his 'personal pollster', Opinion Leader Research (OLR) founder Deborah Mattison. £1.4m of public money has been spent on citizens' juries conducted by OLR since June. More
Digital marketing group One to One Interactive has launched a new media research division to offer neuromarketing research for brands, agencies and publishers. More
GfK has announced organic sales growth of 6.7%., and a sales increase of 5.5% to €833.9m for the first nine months of the year. Meanwhile Dr Derek Allen is joining the group in the US as EVP of the GfK Research Center for Excellence. More
M:Metrics and BMRB have partnered to deliver a new set of metrics which will enable companies to evaluate mobile media consumption. The UK launch will take place in the first quarter of 2008 and a roll out in Europe is planned for later in the year. More
In the UK, Swift Research has recruited a select team of Yorkshire women to help manufacturers assess the most attractive fragrances for their products. More
Toronto-based Acrobat Research plans to expand with the opening of a call center in Calais, Maine and the recruitment of more than 80 full-time and 130 part-time staff in January. More
Software giant Oracle has launched a 'Data Masking Pack', to help organisations who share information with researchers and others, to hide confidential or sensitive data. More
Radio ratings leader Arbitron has responded to a strong attack on its PPM device and methodology by the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB). NABOB points to 'significant flaws' and 'tremendous fee increases'; Arbitron says the PPM is tried, tested, audited and better than diaries. More
In the UK, The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) has unveiled plans to launch a fortnightly survey called RadioGauge to measure how radio ads drive brand awareness. More
London-based marcoms group Cagney plans to launch an offshoot of its consumer behaviour consultancy Tree, in the new year, focusing on analysis of user-generated web content. More
Greenfield Online has reported a 29.9% Q3 net revenue hike to $32.3m, and a 25.4% climb in profits. The firm's Chairman Peter Sobiloff will step down at the end of the year to be replaced by Joel Mesznik, who has served as a Board member since 1999. More
Ipsos has launched a proprietary online panel of veterinarians in North America, in response to client demand. Around 900 vets from the US and Canada have joined, with plans underway to increase this to 2,000 within the next year. More
Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) rating service has come in for fierce criticism from Bob Neil, President and CEO of Cox Radio, during his firm's third quarter conference call. More
Networked Insights, a company aiming to connect businesses with real-time customer-to-customer interactions, has launched after securing $4 million in venture capital funding. More
Canadian firm In-Touch Survey Systems has posted a 48% increase in revenue to $1.4m in Q3, citing new US-based customers and a change of business direction as major reasons for sales growth. More
Starfish Research has launched Online Customer Communities, a service enabling panel members to share experiences, offer advice, brainstorm ideas and comment on market trends. More
Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) has been selected as one of TIME Magazine's 'Best Inventions of 2007' alongside such icons as the Apple iPhone and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. More
Opinion Research Corporation ORC and US public relations firm The Hastings Group (THG) have announced PR PLUS(TM), which is described as 'a PR friendly survey in a box'. More
US-based Hispanic marketing agency Grupo Xela is to open an office in Bogota, Colombia. More
Harris Interactive has reported fiscal first-quarter revenue up 17% to $55.2m, mostly due to the inclusion of $6.1m from acquisitions made earlier in the year. Organic growth year-on-year was 4%. More
In the US, a coalition of nine privacy and consumer groups has asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to implement a 'Do-Not-Track' list for Internet users who do not want their online activities tracked, stored and used by advertisers and marketers. More
Former EQ Chief Executive Bob Bond is planning to kick off the new year with the launch of a new consultancy Ganbatte Capital, providing investment and consultancy services to media, technology and marketing services firms both in the UK and US. More
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA) has conducted the first in its series of 'VoxPop' surveys, which aims to promote the industry's high standards and encourage Canadians to participate in opinion research. More
TNS has announced a global quality programme for its panels, Six Degrees of Online Quality - to begin next year. More
From the end of the year, Nielsen Media Research will no longer collect data on remote control ownership in households in its metered panels. The ratings giant says 96% of its US sample have a remote control device and most new sets now come with one. More
Research Data Design (RDD) has closed its Fort Collins, Colorado CATI-equipped call center. The firm moved out of the location, which employed 115 people, at the weekend. More
Nielsen Media Research is commencing the Singapore launch of the Nielsen Personal Outdoor Device (Npod), and plans to launch the measurement system in Hong Kong in the near future. More
Global agency Fieldwork International Healthcare has launched an online panel in Japan, providing access to more than 150,000 physicians. More
Speech analytics software provider CallMiner and text analysis software firm Clarabridge are to offer a service combining their expertise to give a rounded analysis of customer communications. More
Two European online ad bodies, IAB Europe and the EIAA, are to collaborate to develop 'standard, comprehensive international definitions' for interactive audience measurement. The standards will cover site-centric, user-centric and combined measurement systems. More
Research agencies NPD, IRI and IMS have linked up to launch a twice-yearly study of the French beauty products market. More
America's National Football League (NFL) has underlined its commitment to understanding consumers, hiring former ESPN insight leader Alicia Rankin to head up its Research Department and help grow its 170 million-strong fan base. More
European-based panels firm Toluna has launched what it calls 'the world's first Web 2.0 online panel community'. The new 'widget' format system, available initially to UK panellists, enables them to conduct their own research including polls, opinion reviews and debates. More
Nielsen has announced a massive, ten-year outsourcing deal with India's Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The research giant's IT, operations and HR functions worldwide are among those covered by the $US 1.2 billion agreement. More
WPP has reported third quarter revenues up 4.9% to £1.48 billion – a rise of 8.1% in constant currencies. The Information, Insight and Consultancy division underperformed the group as a whole but grew a respectable 4.8% at constant currencies, to £218.5m. More
Synovate China has launched a bi-monthly online omnibus to offer clients access to Chinese consumers' tastes, habits and attitudes. More
CSM Media Research – a TNS joint venture with Chinese MR firm CTR Market Research – is about to commence field tests of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) to measure radio audiences in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. More
Nielsen and TV sports network ESPN are collaborating to develop a model to measure consumers' use of media across a variety of platforms including TV, the Internet and digital mobile devices. More
Millward Brown (MB) has formed a joint venture with Kenya-based marketing services firm Scangroup, and will merge its Kenya office into the newly formed operation. More
US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI) has expanded its Respondent Experience (REX) function to become a worldwide group overseeing online projects and aiming to ensure both positive respondent experience and robust survey data. More
UK consultancy dunnhumby is to use the ultimate consumer panel – data from the Loyalty Clubcards of 13 million households visiting its key client, Tesco – to offer evaluation of the impact of marketing activity on shopper behaviour. More
In a trading update prior to half-year results, the TMN Group says it expects 12.5% year-on-year growth, with research divisions The iD Factor and iCD performing 'particularly strongly' in the past two months. The Group will also have a new Chairman, Peter Harkness, at the end of November. More
In the third quarter of the year, MR software firm Confirmit has increased its revenue by 82% to $8.9m, while operating profits were $833,000, 50% higher than in Q3 2006. More
Nielsen has combined its Nielsen//NetRatings division with BuzzMetrics to form Nielsen Online, and re-branded its recently acquired Telephia unit as Nielsen Mobile. More
MR software and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has launched an online panel to provide insight into the consumer opinions of around 100,000 African-Americans. More
Online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has launched a US panel comprising 400,000 individuals who can choose to take surveys in either English or Spanish. More
Starfish Research has followed up its recent launch of Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) first syndicated consumer study with the opening of an office in the capital, Port Moresby. The location will serve as its regional office for research conducted in PNG and the South Pacific. More
In the US, Ford Motor Company has a new marketing supremo, Jim Farley, charged with 'bringing the voice of the customer in' to the auto giant. Meanwhile one of the company's ad campaigns has angered researchers by setting up a fake survey firm. More
TNS has announced two global leadership appointments. Leendert de Voogd is promoted to Global Sector Head, Political and Social, replacing Marita Carballo who leaves to pursue 'academic and other interests'; while former Dell man Renaud Collery is appointed as Head of Global Operations. More
B2b specialist Kadence has made ten new appointments, reflecting significant business growth across its worldwide operations. Two people join the firm's UK headquarters in London and eight more are added to offices in Boston, Malaysia and India. More
Arbitron and Nielsen are to extend the pilot period for their joint venture Project Apollo into the first quarter of 2008, to allow more time to demonstrate its benefits and to develop data delivery procedures. It was previously scheduled to complete this year. More
US life sciences specialist AlphaDetail is to open a new office in Horsham, Pennsylvania on November 1, and has appointed three directors - Eileen Henne, Mike Nestler and John Freeman - to lead it. More
In the UK, three former employees of Fieldwork International / FI Healthcare have launched a new medical MR fieldwork agency, KeyQuest Health Ltd (KQH). Directors Carol Faverger, Ruby Nanda and Rosalyn Twite have between them over 35 years' experience in international healthcare data collection. More
Software developer Noldus Information Technology has launched FaceReader(TM), a product billed as 'the first automated software system capable of automatically detecting and analyzing human facial expressions'. More
GfK Starch® Communications, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, has launched the eStarch Ad Readership service, which uses new metrics to measure a print ad's impact on motivating consumer purchase behavior. More
UK ratings body RAJAR Limited (Radio Joint Audience Research) has appointed David Mansfield as its new Chairman, succeeding Lord Gordon of Strathblane, CBE, who retired earlier this year after four years in the post. More
Nielsen has stepped back from an experiment with combined ratings for shows airing twice. The new option, intended to pilot more flexible reporting to deal with new technology, gave NBC a single unduplicated rating for September's last Monday and Saturday showings of 'Heroes' but seems to have alarmed other subscribers. More
Arbitron / Nielsen joint venture Project Apollo has reached agreement with four major US radio industry firms, to add audience data for commercials broadcast on their network and syndicated programs to its offer. More
YouGov has announced results for the financial year ended 31 July, with group turnover up 51% to £14.3m, profit before tax and goodwill up 39% to £5.7m and both global acquisitions and launches in new sectors promising another buoyant year to come. More
Arab Internet portal Maktoob.com has launched a syndicated mobile study, polling 1,000 mobile users in each of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and 700 each in Jordan and Lebanon. More
India's audience measurement agency TAM has confirmed that its Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) survey will go ahead this month using Diary methodology, despite concerns expressed by the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) that the technology is not sufficiently robust. More
Synovate Healthcare has launched a new syndicated service which it says will provide clients with a holistic view of pharma companies' relationships with their key stakeholders. More
Synovate Censydiam co-founder and former CEO Jan Callebaut has left his part-time consultancy post with Synovate after just four months. More
Kantar-owned pharma / biotech consultancy Mattson Jack Group has released a new syndicated study to help with decisions surrounding commercial opportunities in the field of oncology. More
i-to-i Research, which became part of the Publicis Group in July 2006, has been acquired by its Chief Executive Claire Spencer in a management buy-out. More
Recruitment consultancy Pricejamieson, whose specialist teams cover marketing and digital communications in addition to MR, is expanding its research services to Asia Pacific. Senior Consultant Rowan Haylett moves from the London office to parent company Aquent in Australia. More
In London, youth research agency Q Research has launched what it says is the UK's first weekly omnibus to uncover the opinions, attitudes and behaviours of 11-25 year olds. More
In the UK the Market Research Society (MRS) has incorporated coverage of Social Networking and Web 2.0 into its training programme, to offer practitioners at all levels an understanding of the research potential of interactive online media. More
Kantar firm AMRB has launched a new business-to-business and industrial research division (BIRD) in a move to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. More
The Nielsen Company has laid off 1,250 of its staff, but says the losses are probably 'the last for some time' and the total of c.4,000 redundancies originally planned for 2007 will not be reached, according to Reuters. More
Joseph Plummer has resigned his post as Chief Research Officer at US professional body, the ARF. In a separate recent announcement, the association named nine new members for its Board of Directors. More
US network NBC Universal has taken the first steps towards establishing a new council of ad agency research, strategy and media buying executives commissioning primary research of mutual benefit. More
Retail info giant IRI has appointed John Freeland, an Accenture veteran most recently President-Worldwide Operations for salesforce.com, as its new President and CEO. He succeeds Scott W. Klein, in the roles since January 2004, who moves up to IRI's parent, Symphony Technology Group. More
Nielsen and its partners have announced 'substantial progress' in their P.R.I.S.M. project, which aims to establish a global metric for evaluating the in-store environment. Initial results shed light on the relationship between traffic and purchases, and the level of in-store communuications with shoppers. More
Plans for a joint venture between UK-based polling firm YouGov and Australian marketing services firm Photon Group have reportedly been abandoned, with Photon instead said to be buying social research specialist Auspoll. More
In the US, blog and social network tracker Visible Technologies has received a $12 million boost to its coffers in a second round of funding from WPP and venture capital company Ignition Partners. More
TNS will be merging its Media Intelligence and Media Research (iTRAM) units into one, in an effort to further develop its TV and online audience measurement services. More
Consumer psychology research specialist Synovate Censydiam has developed a suite of interactive tools. They include a panel of respondents with shared contextual motivations, and a tool for conducting pre-field interactive chat sessions. More
TNS India's Managing Director Mr R Suresh is to leave to pursue other interests outside the industry, after almost two decades with the company. More
Nielsen has said that it intends to treble the size of its National People Meter (NPM) TV ratings panel by 2011, to include 37,000 US households and 100,000 people. More
Indian research and analytics firm Annik has opened an office in Florida, US and appointed Ron Brotherton to lead business development for its Analytical Processing Division. More
Online measurement firm comScore has introduced a new service to report on where display ads are viewed on the Internet, as well as the profile of those exposed to them. More
Nielsen Media Research has informed its TV network and syndication clients that its Monitor-Plus tracking system is struggling to identify some new forms of 'live' TV advertising; and asked them to work with it to solve the problem. More
Environmental campaigner Greenpeace has challenged the UK government's nuclear power consultation process, claiming it is 'being fixed' by Gordon Brown's 'favourite market research company', Opinion Leader Research (OLR). The group has also formally complained to the MR industry standards body. More
Steven Fredericks is stepping down with immediate effect from his role as President and CEO of TNS Media Intelligence (TNS MI), and will be replaced as President by Bev Andal, who also takes overall charge of US Operations. More
Brazilian agency CNP Global has joined the Harris Interactive Global Network as its newest affiliate member. CNP works as a data collection agency for MR firms as well as a full service provider for client firms and government institutions. More
Business and consumer data firm infoUSA, which owns Opinion Research Corporation (ORC), is to compile a database of addresses for every business in the UK, updated by means of 2-3 million telephone calls per annum. More
Researchers worldwide expect another year of increased use of online data providers and access panels, according to the Online Research Barometer conducted by Greenfield Online and Ciao Surveys. The firms also highlight the healthy state of the b2b research market. More
At the second day of the ESOMAR Congress in Berlin, two UK research veterans talked about the changing skill sets and training needs of research professionals. David Smith predicted a boom in online learning; while Phyllis MacFarlane gave some ideas about new ways of training graduates. More
The Interactive Advertising Bureau has this week issued an update on progress with the auditing and accreditation of online measurement firms comScore and NetRatings, as promised after its Audience Measurement Summit on May 16. It also launched another advisory group. More
Deniz Ozerdil, formerly of GfK Turkey, has resigned and set up her own agency, Istanbul Research. The firm will focus on offering local field and tab services for international clients. More
Ziment has announced the worldwide launch of 'Benchmark Discrete Choice', its system for determining the market potential of pharmaceuticals compounds in early- and late-stage development. More
Swedish company Simstore International AB has received $2m in venture capital to develop SIMSTORE360®, an Internet based tool for the analysis of consumer decision-making at the point of purchase, using virtual store environments. More
TNS has unveiled BriefScape, a research product for the early stages of brand communications development. The global agency says its range of offerings in the area now constitute 'a research solution for the complete brand communications lifecycle'. More
Software and panels firm GMI has taken the opportunity of the ESOMAR Annual Congress in Germany to launch a new online Gamer Panel, developed in partnership with leading video game web site GameSpot®. More
Global fieldwork agency Fieldwork International Healthcare has opened a new office in Paris to house its qualitative unit. Anne Peyretout has been appointed as Senior Project Manager in charge of the new division. More
On Wednesday, US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI) celebrated the official opening of its new office in Canada. CEO Jim Follett says the new office will help local brands take better advantage of their market research. More
With election time approaching, US polling firm Zogby is planning to take on at least 150 temporary workers to keep up with increased growth. CEO and founder John Zogby says most are likely to end up with permanent positions. More
From 1 October, Nielsen will be reshuffling its television ratings unit to give three of its most senior executives new responsibilities – they are Catherine Herkovic, Kevin Svenningsen and Tom Ziangas. More
European online panel provider ToLuna has posted first half year organic revenue of £6 million, up from £3.6 million in the first half of 2006. More
Online measurement firm comScore has launched a new service to measure the audiences of blogs and social networking sites. More
European agency SKOPOS Market Insight has seen its turnover increase by 72% in the first half of 2007. The company says an extended high-end analysis offer, including the launch of 'Ultra-Analysis' and a new Kwal(TM) department, has contributed. More
Online survey technologist Decipher has opened a new office in New York and appointed Duane Joseph to lead it and build business on the east coast. More
Kent-based b2b specialist Westcombe Business Research has ceased trading. Administrators were called on 22rd August and the firm's employees have left: three of them have now set up a new fieldwork firm along with a former supplier. More
Web-based US consumer researcher BuzzBack has opened in Europe, appointing Martin Oxley, formerly of Ipsos and TNS, as Managing Director for the region. More
In the UK, former Voxco and Pulse Group salesman Nigel Legg has formed Katugas Research Services Ltd, offering multi-lingual coding services. More
Nielsen's FMCG analytics unit Decisions Made Easy (DME) has partnered with France's first online supermarket Telemarket. The retailer's consumer profile data will be used to help suppliers gain an insight into the online supermarket sector. More
Following complaints from clients about the audience measurement firm's failure to meet in-tab sample sizes in Houston and Philadelphia in July, Arbitron has issued a client letter committing to issue 'sample guarantees' from 1 October 2007. More
Synovate parent, The Aegis Group has posted an 8.7% increase in first-half pre-tax profits, while confirming that Synovate continues to outperform expectations, having grown almost twice as fast as its market. More
US-headquartered online and mobile research technology specialist Invoke Solutions has opened a London office to serve its clients in the UK and throughout Europe. More
Harris Interactive has announced the rebranding of its German and French subsidiaries, MediaTransfer and Novatris, as of September 1 – both will now operate under the Harris Interactive name. More
London-based online market research firm BrainJuicer has appointed Eric Kenelm ('Ken') Ford as Non-Executive Chairman. John Kearon remains the agency's Chief Executive. More
Synovate Healthcare has launched The Synovate Healthcare India Oncology Monitor, which it says is the first of its kind in the country. More
TNS has today released unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2007. The firm says underlying revenue growth of 5.9% and operating profit up 8.9% to £45.4m show the successful implementation of a strategy commenced last year. More
Toronto-based Acrobat Research is to open a call centre in a mall complex in Greenwood, Nova Scotia, providing jobs for up to 150 people. More
TNS Research Surveys is to design, recruit and manage a new viewing panel of 3,500 South African households equipped with digital satellite TV. More
In Canada, the Institute for Sport Marketing (ISM) has announced the on-campus launch of its new research centre at Laurentian University, and appointed Xiaoyan Xing as Associate Director of International Research and Ann Pegoraro as Associate Director. More
Harris Interactive has announced results for the fourth quarter and its full fiscal year 2007, ending 30th June. Fourth quarter revenue declined to $57.1m – down 3% from the same period a year ago – and full year revenue was $211.8m, similar to figures a year ago and well down on forecasts made then, of $230-240m. More
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is to get its 'first' annual syndicated research study, courtesy of Starfish Research (Asia-Pacific). More
MrWeb has announced a partnership with the US-based association MRA (Marketing Research Association). The deal aims to give MRA members access to daily updates of global news and job vacancies while promoting MRA's services and programs to readers of Daily Research News. More
Eight supervisory jobs at Kantar Operations' Leamington telephone centre in the UK have been lost after it was decided to relocate the unit to its existing Warwick site based two miles away. More
UK-based marketing services firm EQ Group Plc – which owns MR firms Buckingham Research Associates and Quaestor, as well as viewing facility Summit Studios – has posted a 95% rise in pretax profit to £598,000 for the first half of the year. More
UK-based pollster YouGov has signed a joint venture with Photon Group, owner of several MR agencies, to establish an online panel business, YouGov Australia. The partners hope to build a panel of 50,000 adults in time to cover the country's forthcoming federal election, in October. More
Emotional intelligence technology developer EmSense is using a high-tech brain-scanner to measure the brain waves, heart rates, and sweat responses of a test group playing an online military-themed game. More
Danish firm iMotions, whose software measures emotional response, has raised $2.7 million towards expanding its sales in the US and supporting the organisation worldwide. More
Online research is cheaper but more profitable, says WPP, and that's why its research division's revenues are stagnant while its margins are buoyant. The Group's information, insight and consultancy firms saw organic growth of only 1.3% in Q2, but gross margin improved 5.9%. More
Ipsos and Nielsen have reported results for the first half of the year. Ipsos increased revenue by 8.7% over the year earlier period to €443.1m, while Nielsen's grew from $2,019m to $2,241m. More
Software and panels firm GMI (Global Market Insite) has moved its headquarters to larger premises and brought its three Seattle operations under one roof. More
In the UK, the Market Research Society (MRS) has joined with six other associations to create the B2B Best Practice Alliance and raise the profile and standard of B2B marketing communications. More
German fragrance and flavourings manufacturer Symrise has opened a Sensory and Consumer Science Centre in Singapore, which includes rooms for focus groups, panel-training rooms and individual sensory-test booths. More
Greenfield Online has announced good second quarter results for its survey solutions and comparison shopping businesses, with the latter particularly strong. Both divisions saw double-digit growth in revenue, as did overall operating income and adjusted EBITDA. More
Former Synovate and Greenfield Online man Dave Plunkett is heading up a new specialist research provider, Precision Healthcare Marketing Intelligence (Precision-HMI), based in Toronto. More
GfK has reported first half results which are 'moderate compared with the highly successful prior year'. Business in two divisions, Custom Research and HealthCare, fell short of expectations, although others forged ahead giving respectable overall organic growth of 4.9%. More
Lightspeed Research has begun the roll-out of a global service offering consumer surveys via mobile devices, with initial launches in Great Britain and Australia. The firm says it plans to expand into the US and other countries in Europe and Asia Pacific over the next few months. More
UK convenience store chain Co-op Group is to conduct customer satisfaction surveys at the point of sale using its EPOS system. More
Simmons Research has announced two enhancements to its National Consumer Study (NCS): the extension of its data collection operation from nine months to a continuous 12-month period, and an increased frequency of publication from twice yearly to quarterly. More
Mark Cranmer, who replaced Roger Banks as Global CEO of Research International only last year, will himself be leaving the post by the end of 2007. Bob Meyers, currently completing his term as CEO of Millward Brown, will replace him. More
B2b specialist Kadence is boosting its Asia Pacific presence with the launch of new offices in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More
The Nielsen Company has launched NielsenHealth, offering clients 'consumer centric' analytical tools to more effectively understand and address the attitudes, behaviors and needs of patients and physicians. Matthew Dumas becomes its MD. More
In the same week as Nielsen, Canadian agency Angus Reid Strategies has also announced the formation of a new health practice. The new wing will be led by Senior VP Yola Zdanowicz who, like many of the firm's senior team, joins from Ipsos. More
MR outsourcing specialist and panel provider Pulse Group is launching a new qualitative division, including state-of-the-art viewing facilities for focus groups. Qual veteran Chan Choy Ping, previously of NFO and Synovate, will lead the division. More
Continuing a busy week, YouGov has agreed amicably to dissolve its YouGov Execution (YGX) joint venture with Execution Ltd after 18 months, in order to launch a fully owned firm developing the same idea, YouGovAlpha. More
Lightspeed Research has announced the launch of a new GB Sports Panel. The panel pre-identifies consumers on the basis of sports watched and participated in. More
BIGresearch has opened an office in New York and appointed Holly Williams as Vice President of Sales to manage it. More
In the US, the Advertising Research Federation (ARF) has announced the formation of The Online Research Quality Council, a body tasked with developing a set of standards for buyers of online research and led by a steering committee of senior figures from the industry. More
The world's pharmaceutical companies have been hiring market researchers at a rapid rate in the last year, according to a report from sector specialist Cutting Edge Information. Overall MR headcount is reportedly up an average of 21%. More
YouGov has announced a major expansion of its international presence, completing its buy of US-based Polimetrix and also acquiring Nordic agency Zapera, while raising around £27m by means of an institutional share placing. More
Comperio Research, the research arm of sports, entertainment and media vompany IMG, has opened an office in Melbourne, Australia, with a full-service quant and qual offering. Research Director Iain Barnett leaves the London HQ to head up the new operation. More
In the UK iCD Research, sister company of The iD Factor and part of the TMN Group, has launched an online-only Readership Tracking survey with a 12-month contract from business daily City A.M. More
Nielsen Media Research has blamed technical problems for underreporting of ratings for the USA Network for five days last week, including WWE wrestling program 'Raw'; and says the system is now functioning normally again. More
Select Research, the UK agency working on a replacement for the 200-year old Body Mass Index, has set up a specialist division for user testing of Patient Information Leaflets. More
OTX (Online Testing eXchange) has announced the expansion of its International Film Tracking service to cover Russia and China, giving clients weekly reports on consumer awareness of and interest in feature film releases. More
Greenfield Online, through its subsidiary Ciao, has expanded its presence in the Asia Pacific region by adding Greenfield-Ciao in Shanghai to existing offices in Sydney, Australia and Gurgaon, India. More
Newly formed WPP company Safecount has launched two free services in the US – the first to ensure cookie transparency for consumers and the second, called Veranda, to manage live survey participation. More
UK-based Synovate subsidiary Fieldwork International Healthcare has launched a specialist Diary Team to focus on managing complex diary projects across all methodologies. More
Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) has launched a global division that will focus on research using client supplied or specialist sample data. More
Israeli web search and research startup Omgili Ltd has obtained seed funding from Pitango Venture Capital, enabling it to pursue plans to commercialize its technology for the analysis of user-generated content. More
Research Now has launched a proprietary online Brazilian panel, Opiniões de Valor, its first in South America. More
IT-focused Springboard Research has allied with Japan's Nork Research, specialist in the IT needs of small- and medium businesses (SMBs). The deal will result in a series of joint SMB-focused reports and client studies, and in Nork's working as a reseller for Springboard's syndicated research. More
Retail information provider The NPD Group has opened a Beijing office and launched a service tracking sales of prestige beauty products in China, covering the fragrance, make-up, and skincare businesses. More
Asian-based outsourcing and online panel firm the Pulse Group has officially opened the doors to its New York City office with industry veteran John Saez at the helm, while in Kuala Lumpur the firm has made an additional seven senior hires. More
US-based online market intelligence firm BIGresearch has teamed up with Hispanic magazine company Televisa Publishing to provide marketers with in-depth information about the Hispanic market. More
Online MR supplier Livra Panels has added eight new Latin American panels to its existing six, and says it can now reach more than a million active Spanish and Portuguese-speakers. More
The UK research industry's turnover grew just 2.4% during 2006, roughly the rate of inflation, to £1.353 billion. Figures come from the Annual MRS Survey, which continues the series formerly conducted by the BMRA. More
Customer loyalty software firm Satmetrix has appointed Deborah Eastman as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO); and has established a new business line headed by former CMO John Abraham, dedicated to the continued development of Net Promoter®, the innovative loyalty measure it co-developed with Bain's Fred Reichheld. More
Later this month, Nielsen will be testing a new metering device which will plug in to iPods, MP3 players and other personal video devices (PVDs) to enable measurement of video-based programming wherever it is being watched. More
Web video advertising firm Tremor Media has joined forces with ad research specialist Dynamic Logic to bring video advertising research capabilities to the former's network of more than 800 sites. More
Second quarter profit at media research and ratings firm Arbitron has dropped by 49%, amid increased spend on its Portable People Meter system (PPM). More
Online panel specialist Lightspeed Research, and Millward Brown's operation in China – Millward Brown ACSR (MB-ACSR) – have formed a partnership to offer a global research panel and data collection service throughout the Chinese marketplace. More
In London, online direct marketing organisation TMN Group plc has announced record revenue and profit levels. Its online panel specialist subsidiary The iD Factor experienced 90% growth. More
US-owned shell company Cable & Co. Worldwide, Inc. has announced the forthcoming acquisition of 'several marketing and opinion research companies' under the new name of Marketing & Research Corp. At present, its only operating company focuses on development of OTC dental care products. More
US provider Survey Sampling International (SSI) is mourning co-founder Tom Danbury, who died last week while visiting family in Kansas City, Missouri. More
GfK Consumer has launched a new regular survey of 'unacculturated' Hispanic Americans, whom it defines as 'not yet assimilated completely to their adopted country'. Around two fifths of the 42 million Hispanics living in the US are said to meet the definition. More
Spanish-language media company Entravision Communications Corporation (EVC) has signed a multi-year agreement to conduct electronic ratings measurement using Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM). More
MR and customer service call centre agency Datascension is the latest firm in the sector to relocate much of its activity to lower cost sites outside the US. With call center infrastructure now in facilities in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, the firm will sublet its Californian headquarters. More
Brighton-based b2b outward bound specialist The Telemarketing Company is refurbishing its 185 CATI seat offices to upgrade the working environment. More
UK-based consultancy Nunwood has reported more explosive growth, with first half revenues at £4.6m, up 58% versus the same period last year. More
Research Now has announced two new specialist UK panels, covering business and leisure travel habits; and sports and leisure, respectively. More
TNS has issued a trading update, ahead of reporting interim results on 3 September. The group says its previously troubled US custom business has returned to growth and expects underlying organic revenue growth of over 5% for the first six months of 2007. More
Nielsen Media Research has released the first electronic TV ratings for New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, but ad agencies and advertisers will have to wait another two weeks before they can see them. More
North of England-based Dipsticks Research will move to new offices in the Autumn to accommodate rapid growth; and has launched Radar, a new travel and tourism consultancy to track travellers' perceptions both before and during their holidays. More
Online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has reported a pre-tax loss of £235,000 in the first half of its financial year, but also a strong start to the second half with record sales in May and June. More
Synovate Healthcare has launched an online Psychoses Therapy Monitor, its first venture into coverage of psychiatric treatment. Initial waves in the five biggest European economies will be followed by a US launch soon. More
Sister UK agencies BMRB and BPRI are to link two regular surveys, BMRB's face-to-face Omnibus survey and BPRI's Political Opinion Panel, to give clients the chance to put the same questions to MPs and the general public. More
GfK NOP has launched a new brand, 'beyond', in response to client calls for greater ROI from insight. 'beyond' aims to use the experience of people who have 'been there and done it as clients' to ensure research is turned into actionable solutions. More
Research Now has seen its share price plummet by around half in the space of two days, after a profits warning with the identification of further unrecorded costs of £0.6m in the first half of the year. More
UK-based consultancy Illuminas has announced quadrupled profits for the year ending February 2007, despite problems at its owner Media Square. Global fees rose to c.£9m in the year ending February 2007 from £8.5m a year earlier, while profits rose from £0.3m in 2006 to £1.3m in 2007. More
The Nielsen Company and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) are to develop a new measurement system for game network advertising, with Nielsen given access to the games giant's user data. More
Panels provider Research Now has launched a multi-country online qual focus group facility, offering clients online groups in a chat-room-style environment similar to that seen in online communication tools such as MSN Messenger and Skype. More
In the USA, MarketTools, Inc. has announced the availability of a research solution for marketers targeting mothers, the 'Moms Insight Network'. The system combines input from the online conversations of millions of 'moms', an online community and a quarterly survey of 500 respondents. More
Chicago-based integrated sports marketing and media services agency rEvolution is to work with Knowledge Networks (KN) to develop the 'next generation of sponsorship research and consulting services'. More
In the US, the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is to work with Scarborough Research and The Newspaper Association of America (NAA), to roll out joint readership figures adding web site traffic and print circulation figures. More
Harris Interactive has launched its Advanced Strategy Lab (ASL) in Europe to provide simultaneous anonymous input from participants at any location. More
Rich media and digital video technology provider, EyeWonder is to lead a research consortium to analyse consumer perception of video-based advertising; research for the project will be managed by online MR firm InsightExpress. More
Financial information provider Xinhua Finance Limited (XFL) has launched a new barometer of Chinese consumer outlook, compiled by financial and consumer tracker eziData. More
Following open criticism of the cost and viability of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) technology, Clear Channel Radio has finally signed a multi-year deal to use the PPM ratings to track its listener habits. More
Denmark-based Anis Panduro Zouzou has been appointed Nielsen's European In-Store Manager, charged with leading the roll-out of its In-Store initiative across Europe. More
Harris Interactive, a major player in the US body establishing uniform standards of disclosure for the conducting of opinion polls, has taken up membership of its UK equivalent, the British Polling Council (BPC). More
UK-based agency Nunwood has added in-store video observation to its shopper insight offer, with the aim of more effectively evaluating subconscious behaviour traits. More
TNS has announced that the Arbitron Portable People Meter system (PPM), for which it is the licensee, has been adopted as the electronic audience measurement currency system by the radio industry in Denmark. More
Harris Interactive has introduced GlobalSynch(SM), an integrated, web-based platform giving fast and easy real-time access to research data collected anywhere via any method. More
In the US, MRA (the Marketing Research Association) has installed Colleen Moore-Mezler as President for the 2007-2008 term. More
Nielsen has introduced Homescan® Total ShopperView, billed as 'the industry's largest panel created to capture feedback on non-bar-coded items'. The service covers 15 categories of perishables such as bakery items, meat, vegetables and coffee. More
GfK has launched a new monthly panel to track sales of sunglasses across Britain; a market which was worth £19.1 million between Jan - April 2007, with April accounting for 44% of these sales. More
A new UK-based research venture, People Portal, will collect data from airline travelers waiting in departure lounges prior to take-off. The company is part of marketing services and promotions agency The Rectangle Group. More
Mumbai-based research and data analytics firm Ugam Solutions is planning to open a London operations centre in mid-August, from which it will offer multi-lingual project management and data collection services. More
Online audience measurement agency comScore, has launched its comScore Widget Metrix to track the usage of widgets across the web and drive advertising on social media. More
MR firm Synovate has appointed Thierry Pailleux and Georges Guelfand as co-Managing Directors of Synovate France. The firm aims to become as 'powerful in the French research sector as its sister [company] Carat is in French media.' More
US retailer Target has pulled an e-mail survey which made some respondents feel 'uncomfortable'. The questionnaire, which was designed by New York firm Mindset Media and distributed to Target customers on Friday by Nielsen, was canceled by Saturday morning. More
India's first syndicated audience measurement system for outdoor media has been launched by The Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and Hansa Research in the shape of the Indian Outdoor Survey (IOS). More
Polling firm YouGovSiraj has launched a new consumer confidence index for the Middle East, in partnership with Dubai-based job site, Bayt.com. More
UK marketing services group Creston has announced a 60% growth in revenue to £69.7 million, in its preliminary financial results for the year ended 31 March. More
Having announced its plans to go public earlier in the year, online audience measurement firm comScore has now confirmed its initial public offering of 5 million shares valued at an estimated price of between $14 and $16 per share. More
London-based online research firm BrainJuicer has launched a test that measures creativity, and used it to compile a panel of 'brainstormers' who generate new product ideas. More
Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) has rolled out its Out-of-Box-Experience (OoBE) research service in the States to allow clients to view firsthand how their customers react to a new or existing product from the moment that they receive and open the box. More
Former Opinion Leader Research Director Sarah Michell has joined Ipsos MORI in a new role as Operations Director, based primarily in the firm's Harrow office. More
UK not-for-profit organisation Patient Opinion has launched a new web site for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and feed back comments and improvement ideas to the NHS. More
A new laboratory opened this week in Maryland, USA by a subsidiary of the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) is to offer market research services including roundtable discussions, focus groups, and interviews, alongside engineering tests and trade certification. More
Nielsen will launch the first product under its new Nielsen Wireless brand, Mobile Vector, in the US next month. The launch marks a major move by the measurement giant into coverage of mobile media consumption. More
TNS has launched a new survey tool, Revenue Growth Manager (RGM), to help clients evaluate which marketing investments are likely to reap brand revenue growth. More
Following the recent departure of Robert Tomei, Mitch Barns has been named Global President of Nielsen's consumer segmentation tools, Homescan, Spectra and Loyalty. The move continues the firm's reorganisation of its Consumer Product Leadership team. More
US MR provider Gongos Research has announced further rapid growth with nine new appointments since the beginning of the year. More
Indian media researcher TAM has moved into radio measurement, citing rapid growth in advertising in the sector, and is also considering an out-of-home service. More
Synovate UK has launched a media research offering based on the consumer motivation model developed by the global group's Censydiam practice. The company plans to roll out the offer across Europe and Asia. More
The membership of US professional body CASRO has overwhelmingly approved a revision to the Internet Research section of the organization's Code of Standards and Ethics for Survey Research. More
Synovate has introduced a suite of market potential models and simulators known as MVP – Market Value Potential; and has renamed its specialist Product Design & Development division 'MarketQuest'. More
US professional body MRA (Marketing Research Association) has launched an online rating system, the Exchange Evaluation Program (EEP), allowing researchers and client companies to rate their experiences with suppliers, products and services. More
The Nielsen Company has reported revenues for the first quarter of 2007 up 5% over the same period last year, helped by a strong performance (up 7%) from its Media Research division. More
TNS has launched Complete, a bureau based service offering an outsourced fieldwork solution for other market research agencies. More
Euroean-based online panel provider Toluna has announced the launch of its 15,000 strong Chinese panel community. More
Maktoob Research, an online specialist with offices in Dubai and Amman, will run a monthly online omnibus survey of 500 adult consumers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco. More
Online agency Research Now has launched a proprietary research panel to gather consumer opinion in New Zealand. More
London-based ORB has received the go-ahead to continue its annual tracking survey of public opinion in Iraq. Now three years old, the survey involves face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of Sunnis, Shias and Kurds. More
Greenfield Online has formally split its European subsidiary Ciao into two separate entities: the booming comparison shopping business will retain the short name Ciao, while the Internet survey solution wing, also growing fast, will be known as Ciao Surveys. More
US group Cox Radio has signed a five-year renewal contract with radio audience measurement firm Arbitron, to gather ratings and related services across the company's eighteen markets. More
In the UK, online marketing services group TMN has hired Tim Heald from ORB to take on a business development role with its research units, The iD Factor and iCD Research. Heald will take up the new post on 1st June. More
Call centre company Global Hotline has launched a new data mining and market research service, through its network of call centres in Japan. More
London-based FMCG specialist, MASMI, has opened a full service MR firm in Warsaw, Poland, and appointed Tomasz Jakubowski, formerly of Synovate, to lead the team. More
The Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) will work to 'educate' the marketplace about the different ways of measuring web site traffic, the body revealed this week. The commitment was made as NetRatings and comScore both agreed to audit timetables at their recent closed doors meeting. More
Customer management and BPO group ICT has announced a co-marketing partnership with customer speech analytics intelligence firm UTOPY. The companies say the deal will improve the service, operating efficiency and performance they can offer their clients. More
LRA Worldwide, a customer experience management firm which conducts mystery shopping exercises in the hospitality sector, has promoted seven staff to the post of Senior Consultant or Account Manager. More
Synovate is to relocate all its UK research teams to a single location, Minerva House in London Bridge, SE1. The move is expected to take place late this year or early next. More
CRM outsourcing group, ICT, has announced that it will be closing its Woodstock call centre on 15 July, in response to 'changing business conditions'. More
The Nielsen Group has launched Brand3 – 'Brand Cubed' – linking retail market measurement data, household panel information and customised survey results to provide clients with a holistic perspective of a firm or product's brand equity. More
Online measurement firm NetRatings says it will move ahead with the full Media Rating Council (MRC) Accreditation process, having completed a pre-audit. More
Internet specialist Greenfield Online has posted strong revenue growth to $27.5m for Q1 2007, up from $21.5m in same period last year. The group's comparison shopping business led the charge, but online survey revenue grew an impressive 14.3%. More
European-based online panel provider ToLuna, which last month announced it had trebled its revenue and profit, is to launch a panel in Brazil. More
Business processing and contact centre outsourcing firm, Foxgate Solutions, has opened a new call centre in Cebu City in the Philippines, to service clients in the US, UK and locally. More
Ipsos has announced a strong first quarter with revenues up 8.9% to Euros 204.7m. Organic growth was 10.3%, the highest for a first quarter since Ipsos' IPO in 1999. More
The GfK Group has announced healthy first quarter results with sales up 5.2% to Euros 261.3m, with organic growth of 6.8%. Margin was up from 8.5% a year previously to 9.5%, and adjusted operating income rose by 17.3% to Euros 24.8m. More
Nielsen has launched the first suite of products under its much-heralded NielsenConnect banner, integrating information from dozens of its collection, analysis and reporting services. More
Kantar has confirmed that its Illinois-based MR call center will close on 23 June, making 252 people redundant. More
In the week Microsoft achieved MRC accreditation for its ad impression counting, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has produced a set of guidelines for measuring rich media web sites, and is inviting comment and public debate. More
NetRatings has reported revenues of $22 million for the first quarter of 2007, compared with $18.3 million for the same period in 2006. More
Einat Offer has joined research and analytics firm, Evalueserve, as its Client Executive based in Israel. Offer founded and led research agency Siterix Communications. More
The man accused of murdering Research Now Finance Manager Cathy Marlow appeared briefly today at London's Old Bailey. US citizen Matthew Fagan entered a plea, the case for which will be heard on June 29th. One count of burglary was added to the murder charge. More
In the US, the Nielsen Company and the In-Store Marketing Institute have begun the expansion of their in-store measurement service, known as P.R.I.S.M. (Pioneering Research for an In-Store Metric), to encompass all forms of merchandising activity. More
Harris Interactive CEO Greg Novak has apologised to shareholders as the company reduced its earnings projections and reported a mere 1% rise in Q3 revenue totals. However, he told DRNO this afternoon that 'Our strategy is working' and outlined the well-targeted acquisitions he believes will help. More
Online measurement firms comScore and Nielsen//NetRatings have agreed to a meeting on May 16th to discuss their plans with the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) and other groups, following the exchange of open letters last week with IAB CEO Randall Rothenberg. More
Online panels firm Research Now has made an interim financial statement reporting sales growth on target. Operating profit missed its target due specifically to the £500,000 cost of relocating after the murder in January of Finance Manager Cathy Marlow. More
US-based online tips and advice publisher Modern Mom has formed an Insights & Action division to delve into the key drivers of the 'mom market'. Its products have been developed with the help of MR consultancy, Noesis. More
Nielsen Media Research is to enhance the weighting of its National People Meter (NPM) ratings sample, with the aim of making it more representative of the US population. More
Shares in pharma MR leader IMS Health have risen to an eight-year high after a US federal judge overturned a New Hampshire state law banning the commercial use of physician prescription pattern data. More
Offshore MR services agency Markelytics has announced plans for expansion into Europe. Former ESOMAR and Nestle research chief Fredrik Nauckhoff joins to lead the expansion as Head of Sales in France. More
After a 13 year career with ACNielsen, Robert Tomei has joined TNS as Global Head of Access Panels to establish, lead and deliver a growth strategy for the firm's global access panel business, 6thdimension(TM). More
In the UK, Kantar has announced the launch of the 'Institute for Insight in the Public Services', a joint initiative between two of its companies, BMRB Social Research and Henley Centre HeadlightVision (HCHLV). More
Global news and information company Reuters has enhanced its machine-readable news service to include analysis of news sentiment, driven by linguistics software created by text analytics firm, Corpora. More
Media ratings firm Arbitron has decided to suspend its recently launched e-Diary, which was trialling in markets where introduction of its PPM system is not imminent. More
Bangalore-based ACNielsen ORG-MARG, part of the Nielsen Group, is recruiting online consumer panels to target the Indian youth audience and upper income groups. More
Consumer, shopper and retail market intelligence agency IRI has opened its new BehaviorScan media testing studio in Colorado, USA, where retailers and manufacturers will be able to test the impact of their TV ad strategies. More
Responding to the results of recently conducted consumer and market research, IBM has opened three 'Banking Centers of Excellence' (BCOE) software labs, where it can test consumer opinion on banking application systems and CRM practices. More
Asian-based MR agency marketSHARE is moving to new offices in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay area, in preparation for a fourfold increase in its business in the city. More
UK recruitment consultant pricejamieson is to be acquired by Boston-based Aquent. The combined firm will be a global force in the marketing and communications staffing arena and plans to grow its already substantial MR division. More
Podcast audience and ad measurement firm Podbridge has raised $8.5m in a second venture capital deal, which will provide cash to strengthen both its technology and business. More
Asia-based research and analytics firm, Evalueserve (EVS), has launched an 80,000 strong US Physician Panel, to provide data across categories including oncology, neurology and cardiology. More
Ipsos has brought its Quebec operations together in a newly-renovated central office, in a move which the firm says will generate increased project and team collaboration and improvements in client service. More
comScore and Nielsen//NetRatings have issued positive responses to the call by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) for them to submit to a third-party audit; but the Bureau has challenged them to back up their promises by setting and sticking to a scheduled timetable. More
US trade association the Interactive Advertising Bureau has sent an open letter to two of the major Internet audience measurement firms, comScore and Nielsen//NetRatings, asking them to submit to a third-party audit of their measurement processes by the MRC. More
Harris Interactive is looking for a bigger trophy cabinet after taking six gongs at the 2007 ARF Ogilvy Awards Gala. The US-based agency was also picked last week as one of SmartMoney magazine's long-term investment portfolio 'Ten Stocks for the Next Ten Years'. More
AGB Nielsen Media's contract with Australia's TV ratings data supplier OzTAM has been extended for a further seven years from January 2008. More
Marketing giant WPP has reported first quarter revenue growth of 4.3% on a like-for-like basis, excluding acquisitions and currency. Due to an 11% decline in the US dollar against sterling, group revenue fell 0.7% to £1.366bn and that for the Information, Insight & Consultancy division fell c.5% to £204m. More
Arbitron, Confirmit and IMS Health have all reported buoyant first quarters, with revenues up 7.9%, 14% and 35% respectively. More
Synovate has agreed a worldwide partnership with GMI giving the former access to over six million panellists across the globe. The move reflects changing attitudes to panel 'ownership' according to Synovate Global CEO Adrian Chedore. More
Consumer products giant Unilever plans to increase the use of the Internet as an MR tool in the UK, following the success of its web-based research programmes in the States. More
Boston-based enterprise data management provider, Key Survey, has appointed Alan Farias as Director of Professional Services. Farias will head the firm's newly launched Professional Survey Services division. More
Sports Marketing Surveys has announced a partnership with Sponsor Statistik, the largest sponsorship research house in South Africa, which will henceforth operate under the Sports Marketing Surveys brand name. More
Last week DRNO covered a report looking at Google and the 'threat' it poses to the publishing and information industry. This week the concern is even closer to home, as the world's biggest research firm ponders the intentions of the search giant. More
Stamford, CT-based RTi has launched an online omnibus focused on the 50+ market. The 'Mature Market Omnibus' (MMO) talks each month to a national sample of 1,000 respondents between the ages of 50 and 74. More
In the US, Alloy Media and Marketing has launched a multicultural operation called Alloy Access, which will use customer knowledge to design marketing and media strategies across Hispanic, African American and urban consumers. More
The Nielsen Company has announced results for the full year 2006, with pro forma unaudited revenues of $4,174m, up just 2.8% on the previous year, but up 5% at constant currencies, the firm said. Four acquisition-related items totalling c.$316m affected operating income which was down to $212m (2005: $373m). More
Iceland has adopted the Arbitron PPM system, under licence from TNS, as its audience measurement currency for both radio and television – the first instance worldwide of a meter system being used for electronic collection of data on both audiences. More
Two global agencies have issued statements about legal issues. GfK Mystery Shopping's name was used by a third party defrauding consumers in North America, while Ipsos' IIS division has reacted to 'defamatory' assertions of breaches of employment law on a Romanian web site. More
YouGov has announced interim results for the six months ended 31 January 2007, with turnover up 61% to £6.1m year-on-year, mainly through organic growth, and operating profit up 57% to £2.2m. It also announced a JV with networking guru Carole Stone. More
Harris Interactive has revised its forecasts for the second half of the year following sales bookings around $8m lower than expected in the third quarter of its financial year. The firm also chose today to announce a new loyalty tool, the Commitment Model. More
UK marketing services group, Creston plc, has moved Stateside with the opening of a New York Office and the appointment of agency veteran Steve Blamer as CEO in charge of the new operation. More
Ann Arbor, Michigan-based ForeSee Results has secured $20 million in financing, to accelerate its growth as a provider of online customer satisfaction measurement. More
Business intelligence provider SNL Financial has acquired media research and analysis firm, Kagan Research, for an undisclosed sum. The move means the dissolution of year-old partnership JupiterKagan, Inc. - JupiterResearch returns to independence. More
Hi-tech researcher OTX (Online Testing eXchange) has added five senior executives, apparently the prelude to a major offensive. The hires include Bruce Grey Tedesco as Chief Research Officer and four others at VP level or above. More
TNS has announced the launch of its '6thdimension' online services in the Middle East, including access panels and other solutions. The first phase will cover Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with other markets likely to follow soon. More
Leeds-based agency Quaestor is to launch a branded qualitative panel of 50 to 65 year olds, 'Think 50', combining a focus group format with an omnibus approach to client buy-in. Two sessions of two hours each will be held on the first Tuesday of each month, beginning on 1st May. More
Internet ratings firm comScore is going public, with an IPO aimed at raising up to $86.25 million. The company filed yesterday in the US with the Securities and Exchange Commission to list on the Nasdaq National Market. More
Greenfield Online, Inc. and Frost & Sullivan have announced a partnership to create a new business-to-business panel. Respondents will be offered access to the latter's research reports as an incentive for sharing their own business expertise. More
Online panel firm Toluna has announced the launch of a research-only Russian panel community, currently at 50,000 active members. More
UK marketing services group TMN – which includes online fieldwork agency iD Factor and online research consultancy iCD Research – has been named 'Online Business of the Year' in the inaugural T-Mobile Fast Growth Business Awards. More
Online panel provider ToLuna has announced full year results ahead of market expectations. Pretax profit for the year to 31st December 2006 is up 220% from £0.7m to £2.2m, while revenue grew 180% versus pro forma figures for 2005, to £8.4m. More
The U.S. Census Bureau has passed to Congress plans for subject areas for the 2010 survey, which it says will be one of the shortest and easiest to complete in its 220 year history. The bureau also released more information about the forthcoming American Community Survey (ACS) and a new study of consumer spending. More
The UK's Association for Qualitative Research has delivered findings from its enquiry into qualitative excellence, announced in the autumn. The Association says analysis of the study revealed a common set of values and beliefs and identified three distinct skill sets. More
US research body CMOR has launched the 'State Capitol Network', a new volunteer committee created to monitor and respond to state legislative issues affecting the survey research profession. More
The BBC is inviting submissions for its new Quantitative and Tracking Roster, a shortlist of agencies which can then bid for projects including ad hoc quant surveys and some major tracking studies. The Pulse contract, currently with GfK but due to expire in March 2008, will also be included in the current tender. More
Swedish eye tracking firm, Tobii Technology, has received a $14m injection from venture capital firm, Investor Growth Capital. The investment will be used to aid the company's growth, enhance product development and expand global sales and marketing. More
Two online specialists have announced expansion into new Central London premises this week, UK-based YouGov and the UK office of Survey Sampling International (SSI). More
The UK's eq group plc, parent of MR firms Quaestor and Buckingham Research, has reported on 'a difficult year'. Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006 show turnover down 8% to £10.50m and adjusted operating profit down 21% to £1.30m. More
Researchers are always worrying about the client / agency relationship, an old Conference chestnut if ever there were one; but they're only just getting to grips with Web 2.0 and 'Research 2.0'. Our conference correspondent Phyllis Vangelder reports on these two key sessions from Brighton. More
In our third and final article reviewing the Golden Jubilee MRS Conference in Brighton, Phyllis Vangelder reviews papers looking forward at the future of research, and the future of the planet. More
Birmingham, UK-based Select Research has launched the initial phase of a study which it hopes will lead to the creation of a new computer-based system for measuring obesity. The system is designed to improve on Body Mass Index (BMI) which doctors have used since 1830. More
Panel and software provider, GMI (Global Market Insite), has increased the size of its panels in China by 65% and in India more than fivefold. Meanwhile senior Board member Larry Schack has left the company and the west coast, reportedly to work for his previous employer, PSB. More
US MR associations CMOR and the MRA have opened an additional office in Washington, D.C. The move will enhance collaboration between the two to promote training, education, government relations and the image and reputation of the industry. More
US-based telecoms and mobile media researcher Telephia has announced a technology agreement with software firm Penthera Technologies, to track and measure consumption of content on mobile phones and other wireless devices. More
Global group Ipsos has published results for the full year 2006 showing organic growth of 6.5%, above the industry average but below its own high expectations. Revenue increased 19.4% to Euros 857.3m, with the majority of the rise due to acquisitions. More
TNSSport has launched an Asian version of its syndicated football-tracking product, currently available in Europe. Asia Soccercope will measure league popularity and sponsorship impact in both domestic and international football competitions in China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea. More
Research Now has extended it online fieldwork service OmniTaxi(TM) to the Scandinavian market. The Research Now Nordic OmniTaxi can be hailed in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland and promises a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional omnibus. More
London-based MR and consulting organisation, the Cello Group, has posted a 40% increase in pre-tax profits to £5.9m in the year to December 31 2006, with turnover rising 43% to £74.7m from £52.1m. More
In the US Authentic Response, the MR division of Return Path, Inc., has announced a partnership with publisher TechTarget, pooling global panelists to give researchers access to a total of more than 3 million IT professionals. In addition, online MR specialist Mike Billingsley has joined Authentic Response as VP of Sales. More
Research Process Outsourcing specialist Pulse Group has acquired a new facility close to the Petronas Towers in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The building is expected to house a state-of-the-art CATI centre and an additional 30 research professionals. More
UK-based research consultancy Nunwood claims to be enjoying its 'most successful year yet' with first quarter 2007 revenues up a massive 78% vs a year previously. More
NetRatings has released financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2006. Full year figures show a profit for the first time, with a net income of $2.8m in 2006 vs a loss of $8.4m in 2005. Revenue rose 20% from $68m in 2005 to $81.8m in 2006. More
Synovate subsidiary Fieldwork International Healthcare has formed a new team to focus on conducting patient studies. More
Aegis Group Plc has announced strong results for 2006, including rapid organic and other growth for its MR arm Synovate which grew its share of Aegis' total revenue from 38 to 40%. Synovate revenues were £401.2m and operating profit £30.8m, both up more than 20%. Group CFO Jeremy Hicks is leaving on this high note, to be replaced by Alicja Lesniak. More
The Nielsen Company has announced a new category management solution for suppliers of Wal-Mart, for whom it is the sole provider of consumer panel services. The new package combines Nielsen's Spectra consumer segmentation and targeting with its Decisions Made Easy sales tracking software. More
In an exclusive interview with DRNO, Mike Connors admits the quarter billion dollars raised last month for his new acquisition company is 'burning a hole in our pockets' and that ISG will base its strategy on buying one information services firm worth $200-700m, within eighteen months tops. More
US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI), has launched an online Chinese panel, to be managed from its SSI Asia HQ in Beijing. More
UK marketing services group Chime Communications has released preliminary results for the year ended 31 Dec 2006, with organic growth of 11%; and has simultaneously announced the proposed acquisition of sports marketing agency Fast Track Sales Limited. More
In the US, the TV Advertising Committee of the Association of National Advertisers' (ANA) has released a positioning paper, calling for the television industry to offer brand-specific commercial ratings. More
Bateleur Research Solutions has sold half its shares to the directors of Khanya Research Solutions. Bateleur helped establish Khanya only two years ago with the express intent of making the 50% transfer of ownership to a black shareholder, in line with the country's BEE initiative. More
Vodafone marketing leader David Wheldon has used a conference speech to question the relevance of current copy-testing techniques in the 'multi-platform age', singling out Millward Brown. Bob Meyers, the agency's Group CEO, told DRNO he thinks the remarks have 'to some extent' been taken out of context. More
Online polling firm YouGov has launched two new healthcare research initiatives: online survey system NHSOpinions, which draws on a panel of 350,000 NHS staff; and PatientsOnline, which enables patient polling from their hospital beds. More
Arbitron has today begun its March survey period for radio ratings in Philadelphia – the first to rely on the firm's PPM technology - with recalcitrant media giant Clear Channel on board. Clear Channel had earlier refused to join the new system but signed a multi-year deal just in time for the change. More
Internet audience measurement and analysis firm, Nielsen/NetRatings, will expand its online advertising measurement service AdRelevance in Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand in the third quarter of 2007. More
Norwegian MR software business, Future Information Research Management (FIRM) has changed its name to Confirmit, matching its flagship web-based survey, feedback and reporting software product. More
TNS has released full year results for 2006, showing revenue almost flat at £1,004.2m (up 0.5% from £999m in 2005). However the firm, whose US custom business has been restructuring since reporting problems a year ago, said results in other divisions were good. More
Truth, Andy Dexter's new insight consultancy, has opened for business, with 'significant backing' from a private investment partner, College Group. Truth has an initial team of four partners including Leanne Tomasevic and Toby Matthewson who joined in February. More
Austin, Texas-based word of mouth research and promotion specialist Bazaarvoice is opening a London office, its first venture outside the USA, and has appointed Shareen Campbell to lead the office as Sales Director. More
GfK Custom Research North America has announced a new structure based on five industry-specific sectors and six practice areas. The move completes the integration of its companies in the US and Canada. More
Ipsos Interactive Services (IIS) has merged its North American and European organisations into one global online research body, to be managed by CEO Andrei Postoaca. More
Healthy preliminary figures indicate that GfK Group's 2006 organic growth of 5.4% was again ahead of the estimated industry average of 4-5%. Declining sales in Japan meant overall Asia Pacific growth was nil, but the firm's operations in Central and Eastern Europe continue to boom. More
TNS has launched TNSInsightTvLive(TM), an interactive online platform which allows respondents to see a survey moderator via a real-time video link, and enables him or her to demonstrate visual material while at the same time, analysing survey responses. More
Jon Cruddas, a contender for Labour's deputy leadership, is one of the latest in a long line to criticise the government's 'over-reliance' on focus groups. Neither is he the first, we suspect, to dislike its 'direct marketing techniques'. But can he seriously be down on 'using research on the Internet' as well? More
SKY Television has partnered with TNS and pay TV solutions provider NDS to launch a new audience measurement service, based initially on a panel of 6,500 viewing households. More
In the US, the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) has formed a Latino Special Interest Group (SIG), dedicated to serving QRCA members who work with Latino and Spanish-speaking markets and a response to what it calls 'the growing global influence and buying power of Latinos'. More
Ambitious online agency MetrixLab has announced that its revenue and profit before tax more than doubled in 2006, to Euros 8.2m and Euros 3.3m respectively. The firm hopes to use strong organic growth and acquisitions to hit the Euros 50m revenue mark by 2009. More
WPP, parent of MR agencies including Millward Brown and Research International, has announced preliminary results for 2006. Reported revenue is up almost 10% to £5.9bn and like-for-like revenue up 5.4%, while profit before tax is up more than 15% to £682m. More
In the US, the TAB (Traffic Audit Bureau for Media Measurement) is developing a new integrated audience measurement system for outdoor advertising, with the help of agencies GfK Custom, MRI, Telmar and Transearch. The system promises groundbreaking data on numbers likely to see a given ad. More
Nielsen challenger erinMedia LLC has laid off a majority of its employees as a hoped-for $25m investment failed to materialise. Boston-based Spark Capital said late last week that it was dropping attempts to build a consortium of investors. erinMedia will begin its antitrust suit against Nielsen in early 2008. More
Canada's Decima Research is to grow its online panel eVox rapidly via an agreement with the country's automobile association, CAA. CAA's five million plus members will be invited to join the 14,000-strong panel whose size Decima expects to more than double in the coming months. More
UK fieldwork firm The Wire, part of Illuminas, is launching new products to complement its 100 CATI station facility. Features include real-time progress checks and interim analysis on data; and a package integrating telephone and online contacts with individual respondents. More
TNS has acquired US shopping behaviour specialist Sorensen Associates for an undisclosed sum, and created a global practice, TNS Retail and Shopper Insights. More
GfK has acquired and retained several TV research contracts around the globe, increased the size of a number of its TV panels, and developed and installed new metering technology. More
Another piece of hard science aiming to open up new possibilities for research... Tenafly, NJ-based agency PreTesting has launched 'e-Motion' technology which it claims 'will revolutionize marketing' by measuring the vibrations in consumers' eyeballs when they view ads. More
Ipsos has acquired most of Peruvian agency, Apoyo Opinión y Mercado S.A., which commands a 30% market share of the country's MR and public opinion polling business. The global group has also announced preliminary results for 2006 with organic growth of 6.5% and revenues of 857.1m Euros. More
Sports Marketing Surveys and SponsorMetrix have formally announced a partnership to provide robust valuations of sports sponsorship opportunities. SponsorMetrix's valuation model, based on both media return and intangible assets, will be enhanced with its new partner's survey and media data. More
Pulse Group, the Asian-based provider of panels and research process outsourcing (RPO), has today announced the receipt of 'significant' venture capital funding from JAIC, whose Hideaki Fujiyama joins the Pulse Board. More
Continuing a recent trend among public sector organisations on both sides of the Atlantic, five authorities in the English county of Bedfordshire are to establish their own panel of consumers, BedsVoice, to assess public services. More
Founder and CEO Rob Monster is to leave the helm of panels and software provider GMI, to pursue other interests. Monster will continue to serve as a board member and will participate in the selection of a new CEO, while the Chairman's role is taken by Enrique Godreau III, current GMI board member and MD of one of its major investors Voyager Capital. More
Nielsen has announced the consolidation of its digital television set top box measurement activities into a new service, Nielsen DigitalPlus. The system will take data from both cable system operators (MSOs) and satellite providers and integrate it with other Nielsen information. More
Synovate has announced a deal to provide 24-hour news and information channel BBC World with global surveys based around aspects of the global news agenda. The firm will conduct six opinion surveys across 21 markets in 2007. More
Panel company Greenfield Online has reported quarterly and annual financial results, showing a profit of c.$8.5m in 2006. President and CEO Albert Angrisani says the firm has re-established growth for its Internet survey solutions business and is in 'the last stages of solidifying its overall turnaround.' More
Michael Connors, until recently Chairman and CEO of VNU's MMI Group, has resurfaced at the head of an acquisition company with almost $260m in funds. Information Services Group, Inc. (ISG) completed its IPO oversubscribed this week and boasts a strong line-up including several former Nielsen and VNU Execs. More
Eight firms have been selected from more than 380 applicants for the UK government's 'Catalist' shortlist of suppliers in the marketing and MR consultancy category. They include agencies ORC International, Ci Research and Quadrant / BMG Research. More
Harris Interactive has announced the retirement of Dr. Richard B. Wirthlin, Reagan campaign strategist and founder of Wirthlin Worldwide, which Harris acquired in 2004. Harris also announced quarterly results showing strong growth in European business balancing a dip in US revenues. More
Indian MR outsourcing firm Ugam Solutions has announced an exclusive partnership with Pennsylvania, USA-based MRoperations, Inc. to provide the industry with integrated operations and project management services. More
Partners Arbitron and The Nielsen Company have formed a company to oversee the completion of 'Project Apollo', the single-source, national research service based on the former's Portable People Meter system and the latter's Homescan technology. More
MR software firm Pulse Train is the latest to announce a mobile survey solution. A partnership with Embrace Mobile will bring the Bellview® data collection suite to mobile phones. More
Panels company Research Now has announced the acquisition of Samplenet e-Research Solutions, which trades as OpenVenue. The price for Canada's largest specialist online fieldwork company is a maximum of C$47.5m (£20.5m), subject to performance. More
Christopher Lee has resigned as Director of Government Affairs and Counsel for CMOR, the US industry body, saying that 'the call to return to public service and the Federal government was too strong to resist'. The news comes as the organisation launches its 'Your Opinion Counts' (YOC) initiative to improve public perceptions of research. More
GfK and entertainment sales data firm Media-Control, have announced the formation of a joint venture, GfK M², to track mobile content sales. The company will get its data direct from content and network providers, and hardware and component manufacturers. More
Arbitron has won Media Rating Council® (MRC) accreditation for its Portable People Meter(TM) radio ratings data in Houston, after a tough two-year process which has seen deadlines pushed back and plans changed for the audience measurement firm. More
Media planning and buying company Starcom USA has become the first media agency client for TiVo Stop||Watch(TM), the new second-by-second ratings service recently announced by the DVR pioneer. More
Chicago-based channel marketing specialist Frank Lynn & Associates has launched a research division, Insight Research, to be led by its Principal, Jeanne Fec and Director Roxanne Lenny. More
A trading statement from online panel firm ToLuna suggests sales and operating profits for 2006 will beat market expectations. The firm anticipates turnover of not less than £8.3m, almost trebling versus a pro forma £3.0m for 2005. More
Online survey software provider, FIRM (Future Information Research Management), has reported 2006 revenue up 26% to $21.8 million, and a 13% EBIT margin. More
Angus Reid Strategies has announced a Canadian online panel, Angus Reid Forum. Tools and technology from sister company Vision Critical will manage the panel and provide rich media applications to engage participants. More
Kantar has announced the merging of its Japanese businesses into a single unit. The Japanese offices of Research International, Millward Brown, ICM/Added Value and Lightspeed Research will henceforth function as Japan Kantar Research (JKR). Kantar says it has no plans to replicate this approach elsewhere in the world. More
VNU today continued its radical overhaul following its return to the private sector, by changing its name to 'The Nielsen Company'. The firm says the move 'emphasizes its best-known brand name and underscores its commitment to create an integrated, streamlined global organization'. More
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has told staff it plans to close the London office at Drummond Gate, Pimlico, by 2010. Staff would either be relocated – most of them to Newport, Wales - or made redundant. Unions have reacted angrily to the news. More
Lightspeed Research has launched a business-to-business panel in the US, ELITEOpinion. Composed of purchase influencers in industries including telecoms, finance, insurance, corporate travel and IT / technology, the panel operates as an exclusive online community. More
Online audience specialist comScore Networks has agreed a multi-year licensing agreement with behaviorally-targeted online advertising network TACODA®. TACODA CEO, Curt Viebranz says the deal 'integrates two of the largest repositories of knowledge about online consumer behavior'. More
The body of Cathy Marlow, Finance Manager for panel firm Research Now, was discovered in the shower cubicle of the firm's London head office on Saturday night. Police say the 28-year old was murdered in a 'frenzied attack', and are questioning a man in connection with the inquiry. More
Opinion Research Corporation, recently acquired by infoUSA, has announced the establishment of a formal polling partnership with news and information network CNN. The two firms have been working together on individual contracts for around nine months. More
US provider Evolution Research has announced a deal with online gaming destination FiringSquad.com to create North America's largest panel of online gamers. The deal aims to provide faster and better research results for game publishers and developers. More
YouGov has hired Dr. Andy Brown as Director leading a new Organisational Consulting offer. Meanwhile its Middle Eastern subsidiary YouGovSiraj has announced an online Omnibus Service covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco and Egypt. More
Online fieldwork provider Research Now has announced its Final Results for the year to 31 October 2006, with turnover nearly trebled to £9.6m (2005: £3.6m) and profit before tax more than trebled to £1.6m (2005: £0.5m). More
The MRS is agency dominated and will work hard to get research clients more involved, according to Chairman Simon Lidington. The UK association must also broaden its base to include emerging professions and techniques on the edge of the sector – 'if we don't represent them, somebody else will'. More
MRS Chairman Simon Lidington talks to DRNO about the challenges facing the organisation and the industry, and about the recent decision to join the international association of MR associations, EFAMRO. Today, the prospects for international co-operation; tomorrow a look at the MRS' domestic plans. More
Jim Follett, former COO of NOP World, is to replace Bev Weiman as Chief Executive Officer of panels firm Survey Sampling International (SSI). Weiman, who co-founded SSI along with Tom Danbury in 1977, cited personal reasons for her departure. More
Online survey professionals need to choose the right day and time to send invitations to potential respondents, according to a study by Lightspeed Research. Invites sent on a Monday afternoon got the best response rates (up to 39%) while for Friday afternoon mailings the rate fell to 28%. More
Research software firm Globalpark UK has moved to larger London premises following rapid expansion in 2006. The company, which recently launched a new version of its Surveycenter package, has also boosted its sales team with the appointment of Diana Dawkins. More
UK research guru David Smith has revived his old company name and is back in business just days after vacating the Chairman's seat at Illuminas. The new DVL Smith Group already has offices in London Docklands and, thanks to a partnership with Australian financial specialist John Marinopoulos, in Melbourne. More
With eight days to go until Arbitron launches its first PPM service in Philadelphia, two groups representing more than a quarter of the market's radio ad spend are still not on board. Media agency comments suggest the problems may jeopardise all radio ad buying in the market. More
US-based software and panels firm GMI has announced the opening of a new technology center near the Sri Lankan capital Colombo; plus three new appointments from December. More
A dozen research suppliers have submitted a total of 24 proposals to UK audience measurement body BARB in response to its invitation on next generation measurement. More
India-based research outsourcing firm Dexterity is to expand its range of offers with Finalyzers, a division specialising in financial research and analysis. More
VNU has begun what it calls a 'major corporate transformation' including the phasing out of its existing group structure and the cutting of up to 4,000 jobs in 2007. NMR CEO Susan Whiting is promoted to a new group-wide EVP role while Frank Martell and Steve Schmidt will leave the company. More
Arbitron has unveiled a preview of a new version of its electronic diary, which enables radio ratings surveys to be conducted through mobile Internet-capable devices. More
GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.) has announced a strategic partnership with Media-Screen, an online consumer research specialist based in San Francisco. GMI will provide panel access and technology to power Media-Screen's Netpop(TM) syndicated research series. More
Yankee Group and Chinese technology advisor Analysys International have announced a partnership agreement. The exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed today, commits the firms to working together on research reports, consulting projects and the hosting of industry events. More
Mobile media researcher Telephia has announced it will partner with software firm Roundbox, Inc., to develop on-device audience measurement for mobile broadcast applications, including television, using technology on the subscriber's handset. More
In the US, BIGresearch has announced a partnership with The Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA). The association will use BIGresearch's proprietary SIMM (Simultaneous Media Usage Study), which connects media use and purchasing, to help members monitor ROI for word-of-mouth campaigns. More
Nielsen Media Research has agreed to develop its TV ratings along two lines, following a meeting last week with more than 100 clients. Parallel with the development of more flexible minute-by-minute data, the firm will offer a simpler 'average commercial minute ratings' service. More
Trade body the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) has alerted consumers to a number of new scams across the US, offering a quick profit in return for evaluating service received when cashing checks and wiring funds. More
Hi-tech agency Metrixlab has announced 'sensational' results for an 'online eye tracking' tool which uses mouse movements to measure the attention paid to a web page by users. The firm says large scale validation of the method at Groningen University shows a 0.9 correlation with 'traditional' eye tracking. More
In the UK TMN plc, which owns panels firm The iD Factor and newly launched online research consultancy division iCD, has announced record revenue (£8m) and profits (£1.4m) in its half-yearly statement to the stock market. iD Factor grew fastest of its three core divisions, with sales up 122%. More
UK agency SKOPOS Market Insight has been chosen as the official partner of Research Conferences and will provide research services for all 2007 and 2008 MRS conferences including the 2007 Jubilee Conference in Brighton. More
VNU and partner the In-Store Marketing Institute are to launch a global service measuring customers' in-store influences and purchasing decisions. The service will be offered by Nielsen In-Store, a new unit within the recently announced NielsenConnect, which aims to 'follow the consumer'. More
TNS has appointed two Executive Vice Presidents for its North America Custom Research leadership under Kimberly Till. Michael O'Keeffe joins to lead Operations and MCP, and Larry Levin to head up U.S. Consumer Goods & Services. More
Business to business specialist Kadence says it will double its turnover to $8m in 2006. UK business has leapt by 70% year-on-year and turnover in the US has grown by 66%, while the firm's newer Asian offices also report good growth. More
Pharma research giant IMS Health has announced it has successfully integrated anonymised patient-level data (APLD) across its global portfolio of information, analytics and consulting; and established a new global team of health economics and outcomes experts. More
Farmers in Iowa have helped establish a new online market research company, AgSpeak. The launch was led by a group of agri-business professionals aiming to improve information flow to agricultural suppliers, while 'fairly compensating' farmers for the information they share. More
Offshore outsourcing and panel services firm Cross-Tab has been named as the 4th fastest growing technology company in India, in the latest Deloitte Fast 50 rankings. The ranking makes it the fastest growing firm in the country's thriving BPO / KPO sector. More
US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI) has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, Australia. More
Jon Mandel, one of the highest profile media buyers in the US, has joined VNU as CEO of newly formed business unit, NielsenConnect. More
Synovate has announced with considerable fanfare the forthcoming launch of a new modelling system which it claims will be 'the first to accurately predict what people will buy.' The Brand Value Creator is the brainchild of Jan Hofmeyr, co-creator of The Conversion Model, who joined the agency in the spring. More
Research software firm Nebu has found a new UK Managing Director from a familiar source; released new versions of its panel management and web interviewing systems; and announced a partnership with Embrace mobile to facilitate mobile phone surveys using text messages. More
InsightExpress has expanded its Media & Custom Panels group with the appointment of Peter Zsamboky, formerly of Ipsos and OTX. This latest hire means the company has doubled of its head count in the past 18 months, to over 100 employees. More
The UK's Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) is to conduct a study designed to pin down what constitutes excellent qualitative research. The 'Excellence Project' will use Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) to study the work of six highly rated qualitative practitioners. More
Can results from online panels be trusted? Gian Fulgoni, Chairman of US-based comScore Networks set alarm bells ringing at this year's CASRO Conference with statistics about three-a-day survey respondents; but panel firms say the industry is taking a mature approach to the issue. More
Panel and research technology provider Toluna is to expand into the Asia Pacific market with the launch of an Australian panel community, currently at 30,000 members. More
Arbitron has updated its rollout schedule for the PPM ratings service, pending settlement of two outstanding issues with the Media Rating Council's audit committee. Meanwhile Interep, the US's largest independent national radio representative, has signed up to use the PPM service when launched. More
European online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has opened a Chicago office and appointed Mike Gray, Vice President – Client Development, to build the Chicago team. Nine other staff join the agency's US team. More
TNS Media Research has signed up a first agency client for its new digital audience measurement service based on anonymous set top box data. Media and communications agency Starcom USA will receive information from 300,000 digital subscribers in LA. More
Nielsen Media Research (NMR) will launch a service to measure nationally distributed Video On Demand (VOD) content, on December 11th. The service will use the National People Meter sample used for television ratings, and 'watermark' content for detection by its new Active/Passive meter. More
Nielsen Media Research (NMR) has today announced findings from its first ever Product Placement Valuation Study, part of its A2/M2 initiative. The research demonstrates and quantifies the value that product placement contributes to traditional TV advertising. More
Pioneering Australian agency The Leading Edge (TLE) has launched a new strategy called '20/10 Vision', and hinted at expansion in 'Northern Europe, the US and North Asia' in the coming months. More
India's MR outsourcing industry continues to flourish: Dexterity Business Analysts, a firm providing technology services for research and analysis, has been singled out as one of the country's fastest growing tech firms by Deloitte. More
Audience measurement partners Ipsos and The Media Audit have this week confirmed that they will start installing encoders for their phone-based measurement system in Houston radio stations in December, and will conduct an 'Expert Witness' test the same month, to help validate the methodology. More
Telephone or hybrid surveys can offer greater convenience, relax respondents more and elicit longer open-ended answers than pure online methodology, according to a comparison by US provider Anderson Analytics, working with automated phone survey firm Big Ears. More
Greenfield Online has reported results for the third quarter of 2006, ended September 30. The figures show improvements over those for the previous year and President and CEO Albert Angrisani says there has been progress 'in many areas of the business' but that the management are 'not satisfied'. More
Nielsen Media Research has created a further body to advise it on ethnic audience measurement issues, an African American Advisory Council (AAAC) consisting of 12 industry, community, and business leaders. More
Two agencies tied for the top award at last night's 'Research Excellence and Effectiveness Awards', hosted by the MRS in London. Judges could not choose between FreshMinds and Flamingo International as Best Research Agency 2006. More
David Smith, current Chairman and CEO of UK-based Illuminas Global, has announced he will leave the company at the end of 2006 to focus on training and personal development interests. John Connaughton will become CEO. More
Online research software company FIRM has announced third quarter results with organic revenue up 32% year on year, from £3.7m to $4.9m. EBIT margin rose to 11% from just 2% in Q3 2005. More
Three former Accounts Directors at BPRI have set up Circle Research, a new UK-based B2B research agency. Circle will offer both qual and quant with all employees skilled in both. More
Pioneering UK consultancy FreshMinds has launched its own viewing facility in Central London. '1view' is located near Holborn tube. More
Andy Dexter, former CEO of Incepta Marketing Intelligence, has announced the forthcoming launch of a new strategic insight-based consultancy, named Truth. The agency, with the guiding principle 'maximum insight, minimum data', will provide 'a complement to mainstream marketing research'. More
In the US, an investigation into VNU's proposed buyout of the remaining shares in majority-owned subsidiary NetRatings has been launched by Kahn Gauthier Swick, LLC (KGS), specialists in stock market fraud and shareholder suits. More
Arbitron has announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2006. Revenue of $90.7 million is up 6% on Q3 2005, but planned spending on the PPM and Project Apollo initiatives have contributed to increased costs and expenses, with earnings before tax still trailing 2005 figures. More
Audience measurement specialist Nielsen Media Research has a new division, Nielsen Wireless and Interactive Services, headed by VP Jeff Herrmann; and has announced the launch of GamePlay Metrics, a new rating service for video games. More
Nielsen Media Research has announced that its Local People Meter (LPM) technology will be launched in the five key centres of Phoenix, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Miami and Denver, in 2008. More
Delhi is the latest new location for fast-growing b2b research specialist Kadence, which already has companies in Boston, London, Singapore and Sydney. Kadence Research India launches with a senior team of three directors, headed up by Aman Makkar, who becomes MD. More
Leeds-based RBA Research is in administration and will cease trading at the end of October. The public sector specialist has seen margins eroded by aggressive competition from larger agencies. More
Audience measurement giant Nielsen Media Research has established five new Client Advisory Committees, consisting of almost 90 senior clients, to guide the company's Anytime Anywhere Media Measurement (A2/M2) initiatives, aimed at moving measurement into the integrated media age. More
News of another advisory body established by Nielsen Media Research: the Council for Research Excellence, the firm's independent forum established last year, is commissioning a pilot study on consumption of traditional and emerging video platforms inside and outside the home. More
GfK has announced that, with the integration of NOP World running well and reduced net debt, it has arranged syndicated credit facilities of EUR 430 million and US$ 170 million. The Group has also launched a home shopping tracker, covering orders made through the Internet, digital TV, mail order and the post. More
UK agency HPI Research has been bought by its management from communications group Interpublic, for an undisclosed sum. More
Harris Interactive has launched a European unit for its Service Bureau. HISB Europe will offer MR firms in Europe a range of services including telephone, face-to-face and online data collection, the SynTrack Online survey transitioning service and Integrated CATI-WAPI (ICW), among others. More
New product development consultant ACNielsen BASES has this week launched introSCAPE(TM), described by President Mitch Barns as 'the most significant improvement we've made to our core services in years.' The analytical framework is based on a proprietary model that describes the process by which consumers adopt new products. More
Pioneering UK-based agency Nunwood has made two appointments to its Film Productions team, launched a year ago to offer clients documentary-debriefing, vox pops and other video options - and growing ahead of expectations. More
Newly-private VNU is proposing to acquire the remainder of the shares in NetRatings, Inc., a company it majority owns (60.5%) with the rest publicly held. The firm is offering $16.00 per share in cash. The NetRatings board is meeting this afternoon to discuss evaluation of the proposal. More
A total of 173 people gathered in Chicago last week for The Research Industry Summit: Improving Respondent Cooperation. Among the key messages emerging: the need for clients to play their part in promoting the benefits of research; and support for the idea that one MR organisation should take ownership of the problem. More
Project Apollo, Arbitron and VNU's proposed marketing information service linking advertising exposure and consumer purchase behaviour, has received the official endorsement of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA). More
Ciao, the European company of online survey solutions provider Greenfield Online, has hired a new Director of Panels, Cyril Stern, and promoted several key sales and marketing executives within its European organization. More
Lightspeed Research has acquired the 'Ultimate Consumer Panel' business of US-based technology researcher Forrester. The business uses tools developed in-house to analyze consumers' financial services behaviors using credit card, banking statement and transaction data. More
Full service agency ORC International and MMR division UK Fieldwork Services have announced a joint venture company, ORC Fieldwork Services, which will conduct ORC's field data collection and will be managed by directors from both companies. More
UK-based TMN plc has announced the formation of a new online research company, ICD Research. The new division will sit alongside panels specialist The iD Factor one of whose Directors, Paul Dixon, leaves to head up ICD. More
VNU has announced results for the three months ended June 30, dominated by an adjustment of Euros 71m for costs relating to the sale of the company in May. Excluding this, pro forma operating revenue was up 6% year on year in constant currency to Euros 943m, and operating income up 11% to Euros 114m. More
UK-based panel specialist The iD Factor has recruited five new members of staff, three as business developers. The firm says the expansion programme, which has already doubled its headcount to 34 in just 12 months, is ongoing. More
US-based panels and software firm GMI has passed another busy month, with the opening of a Netherlands office, seven appointments including an MD, Business Development, and the news that its Chinese panel now includes roughly 1 in every 1,000 of the population. More
In the US, MarketTools has announced the launch of a fully-integrated mobile phone-based market intelligence solution, MarketTools Mobile, allowing live data collection and rapid access to up-to-date results via a web portal. More
Online competitive intelligence provider Hitwise UK has announced the addition of paid and organic search term data to its Search Intelligence(TM) 4.0 product. The new data will allow online marketers to analyse their competitors' paid and organic search strategies at a keyword level. More
UK agency B2B International, which plans to open a Beijing office in January 2007, has produced a detailed analysis of the Chinese MR industry. The White Paper identifies the main characteristics of the Chinese market for market research and highlights the great potential for research buyers. More
Arbitron has further postponed its reporting of individual satellite radio channels and HD radio, pending more work to develop standards. It has also announced the inclusion of public and non-commercial radio stations in its local market ratings reports, beginning with the Fall 2006 release. More
Qual recruitment and fieldwork agency Criteria chose the occasion of its tenth birthday party at the London Aquarium last Friday to announce its independence from former parent Discovery Research. MD and founder Elaine Francis has bought Discovery's 50% stake with the aim of sharing ownership with others at Criteria. More
Online survey software company FIRM (Future Information Research Management) has announced the formation of an advisory board for its Confirmit product. The Board is made up of prominent executives from research providers, including TNS' Tony Cowling. More
GfK Mystery Shopping and disability consulting firm Butler New Media this week announced a joint venture giving GfK clients access to Butler's ABILITY Mystery Shopping Panel. The result is claimed to be 'America's first national panel for individuals with disabilities'. More
Our review of this week's ESOMAR Conference continues with Phyllis Vangelder's look at Tuesday's papers. They include suggestions for reconstructing research for the 21st Century, and a review of the challenges of opinion polling in Iraq. More
Two global agencies have this week released latest results from elite surveys. Ipsos Media reveals that European business leaders are compensating for increased time away from home with gadgets, cars and holidays; while hybrid methodology is helping Synovate's Media Atlas get past the security gates to chart the rise of AsiaPac's urban affluent. More
It may be another six years before London hosts the Olympics, but we've limbered up with this year's ESOMAR Congress... The annual flagship event of the worldwide association of research professionals has just concluded, sampled by our correspondent Phyllis Vangelder. More
Digital video recorder (DVR) pioneer TiVo Inc. has continued its recent spate of research-related announcements with news of a partnership with US retail info giant IRI. The IRI TiVo Consumer Insights Suite will link DVR consumer viewing patterns with subsequent product sales. More
Italian online research specialist Nextplora is the latest in the booming sub-sector to announce international expansion. The Milan-based company has launched sites in English, French, German and Spanish and will offer analysis and advice covering Europe's five largest economies. More
MR software and panels provider GMI has launched an initiative aiming to protect the online research industry from fraudulent panelists. PureSample.com offers online MR firms the opportunity to match panelists against a database of 'known offenders', and report offenders of their own. More
Online specialist Research Now has added a Hungarian panel to its range, brining its total international coverage to 20 countries. More
TNS Media Research has entered an agreement with US digital television service provider DIRECTV, Inc. to launch audience measurement services that will focus on the latter's interactive subscriber households. More
Leading Canadian pollster Angus Reid is to launch a new full-service strategic consultancy with an emphasis on online research solutions. Angus Reid Strategies has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto and expects to open US offices in the coming months. More
European online panel specialist ToLuna has announced strong results for the six months to 30 June. Revenue for the six months is £3.6m, already twenty per cent up on full year pro forma 2005 figures. More
Arbitron is field testing the addition of an audio matching capability to its Portable People Meter (PPM) which would allow it to track the audience of radio stations that choose not to encode their signals. Existing PPMs can be upgraded over a phone line. More
Online health information provider MDLinx has announced the expansion of its market research panel to 240,000 global healthcare experts. Following its recent merger with Sony Group company So-net M3, MDLinx says it has 'exceptional reach into the Japanese and Korean physician markets' with 50%+ and 86% respectively. More
US shopping, media and lifestyle analyst Scarborough Research has announced the full accreditation of its core syndicated services by the MRC (Media Rating Council). These include its 75 Top-Tier Local Market Studies and its Multi-Market Study, beginning with the 2006 product year. More
Data Collection specialist Schlesinger Associates, operator of a dozen US facilities and purchasers earlier this year of The Research House in London, has added new group venues in Phoenix, AZ and Rosemont, IL, near Chicago O'Hare. More
Greenfield Online subsidiary Ciao has announced the launch of a global media panel, which will give clients the ability to target survey respondents based on their preferences for various media including television, radio, newspapers and magazines. More
Another European-based panel provider is expanding across the Atlantic: ToLuna PLC has today announced the opening of a New York office, to act as the hub of its US and Canadian operations. The news follows ResearchNow's announcement yesterday of a new US office and staff. More
UK-based online fieldwork company The iD Factor has announced a series of deals with local panel providers, giving its clients access to a network of panels in 41 countries on five continents. More
Research Now has followed up news of multiple UK appointments with the announcement of a new San Francisco office, the expansion of its existing US office in New York, and four senior hires. More
Ipsos Australia has announced it is in discussions with the country's Radio and TV industries to trial its MediaCell smart phone technology for audience measurement. The system is already in trials in the US and UK. More
TNS has announced its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 June. Unspectacular overall revenue growth of 4.5% (underlying growth 3.0%) reflects a decline in US custom business, while the rest of the group achieved organic revenue growth of almost 6%. More
UK-based SKOPOS Market Insight & Consultancy Ltd has relaunched its services under the banner of 'Full Circle'. Features include dedicated sector-based research teams, and fieldwork support agreements with IFF, ORC Direct, Sparkler and Consumer Profile. More
UK-based online specialist Research Now has announced senior appointments for its London team, with Chris Dubreuil joining as Client Development Director and Paul Botje as COO. Also arriving are twelve staff for the client development, panel analytics and delivery teams. More
Nielsen Media Research (NMR) has announced it will include data for Azteca America, the newest Spanish-Language TV network in the US, in its National People Meter ratings service, the NTI. Nielsen has also released stats showing the growth in ethnic TV household numbers at the national and local DMA levels. More
JupiterResearch has launched a new 'Social Marketing research' service which will specialise in online social networking and user-generated media, otherwise known as consumer-generated media or CGM. More
Carmaker Audi AG has announced the funding of a new research centre at the University of St Gallen in Switzerland. The 'Audi Lab for Market Research' will be headed by leading MR and marketing academic Prof. Dr. Andreas Herrmann, who will work with a core team of six scientists. More
TNS has today announced the launch of a Global Interactive business unit, led by Arno Hummerston as MD, and bringing together three co-ordinated areas – commercial, development and Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) support. More
In late September an industry summit bringing together around 30 of the most influential people in US research will attempt to break new ground on the perennial issue of respondent co-operation. Have we been here before? MrWeb's Michael Kenyon asks the event's convenor Bob Lederer what makes it special. More
Harris Interactive has released its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter (Q4) and fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Revenue for Q4 was up 11% year-on-year to a record $60.0m and for the fiscal year up 10% to $216m. Net earnings leapt almost 500% to $9.5m or $0.15 per share. More
ToLuna has announced a dedicated panel for European mobile telecommunications, to be drawn from its core European panel of 1.1 million active members. TolunaMobile(TM) is described as 'Europe's most highly profiled online mobile telecoms research panel'. More
WPP Group has reported half yearly results. Headline profit before tax rose over 24% to $566m (£316m) and like-for-like revenue was up a respectable 5% year-on-year. The Group's Information, Insight and Consultancy companies performed well although slightly behind other sectors on some key measures. More
West London-based research provider EMS has recently opened three new viewing studios, including what is claimed to be 'the largest in England, capable of housing two cars or seating up to one hundred respondents.' More
Research Now has announced the launch of four more of its proprietary research-only panels. The addition of Portugal, Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands brings the online specialist's total coverage to eighteen European countries, plus Australia. More
Ipsos has reported an excellent first half for 2006. Revenues are up 26.7% to Euros 407.7m, due mostly to organic growth of 8.6%, while the acquisition and integration of MORI, Understanding Unlimited and Camelford Graham contributed most of a 'scope of consolidation' rise of 14.1%. More
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the association whose remit includes standards and guidelines for online ad measurement, has announced the departure of its CEO. Greg Stuart will leave the association at the end of 2006 to pursue new opportunities, with a successor to be sought immediately. More
CATI fieldwork provider Global Data Collection Company (GDCC), is expanding its CATI facility in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from 105 to 150 seats. The company expects to take on at least six new permanent staff to support the growth, which it says is due to increasing demand for international CATI fieldwork into the EMEA markets, mainly b2b. More
GfK's first half sales rose 54.6% to Euros 534.4m and adjusted operating income was up 76.3% to Euros 63.8m. Organic sales growth was a healthy 6.2%, ahead of the industry as a whole. The company has also extended the contract of its CEO Professor Dr. Klaus L. Wübbenhorst to 2012, ahead of schedule. More
UK panel operator and online research provider The iD Factor has recruited six new members of staff and relocated to new central London premises. It now shares a building with the other divisions of its parent group TMN plc, TMN Media and email ad agency EDR. More
BMRB has launched TGI Europa Elite, a survey identifying upmarket European consumers, using a sample of 40,000 adults across France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain. Separately, the firm has also announced a new version of its Compose channel planning tool. More
Second quarter results for online survey solutions provider Greenfield Online show net revenue down to $24.5m from $26.3m in Q2 2005, and operating income down to $3.7m (15.1% of revenue) from $4.5m (17.2%). However, the firm's 'turnaround' is said to be underway and some forecasts have been raised. More
Vision Critical, supplier and developer of customer advisory panels, has launched a panel of online healthcare information seekers, and has announced a partnership with Feldman Research Lab. More
Synovate has announced a restructure to reflect its recent growth. Smaller business unit groupings will replace the current regional structure; functions such as IT, HR and Operations will work more globally; and senior management will be grouped in more focused leadership teams. More
Audience measurement partners Ipsos and The Media Audit have announced the market rollout plan for their Smart Cell Phone system. If the method is selected by the radio industry, a full market test in Houston would be followed by launches in New York, LA and Chicago, with plans to roll out 12 markets in 2007. More
Michigan-based custom MR firm Gongos Research has moved into a custom-built office in Auburn Hills, reflecting rapid growth this year. At the same time, it has changed its name from Gongos and Associates, Inc. More
VNU has named Michael Marchesano to lead its Project Forward business transformation program, a major three-year initiative to reduce costs and enhance its margins and competitive position. Five leaders for specific initiatives within the program have also been named. More
Nielsen Media Research has announced that cable service provider Insight Communications has signed up to its new NORA(TM) on-demand transactional reporting service, which began testing only this year. More
TNS has renewed its partnership with CNN and TIME magazine, supplying an up to the minute public opinion barometer on the issues of the day, from twelve Asia Pacific countries, via methods including its 6thdimension access panels. More
Brand development and consulting firm Icon Added Value (IAV), part of WPP's Kantar division, has relaunched its offering in South India and appointed Praveen Ramachandra, Business Services Director, as head of the region based in Bangalore. More
Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer, has signed an agreement designating ACNielsen as its sole provider of consumer panel services, with the aim of tailoring its offer at an individual store level. ACNielsen already provides Wal-Mart with Spectra segmentation and targeting applications and insight. More
Greenfield Online Inc. and its European subsidiary Ciao have announced the establishment of an Indian panel. 24,000 panellists are already recruited and is planned to reach a target of 75,000 respondents by the end of the year. More
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is to collaborate Media Rating Council (MRC) to produce a set of Click Measurement Guidelines. The Click Measurement Working Group will lay down the definition of a 'click', together with standards for their measurement and the exclusion of invalid and fraudulent clicks. More
NetRatings has announced results for the quarter ended June 30. Revenues were $19.9m, up 17% on Q2 2005. Net income for the quarter was $931,000, turning round a $2.3m net loss in Q2 2005. The company has also appointed Louise Ainsworth as MD of its European business. More
MR software and panel provider GMI has announced a worldwide restructuring, gearing up for further growth following its recent closing of $35 million in venture capital. The moves include senior promotions for Dr. Larry Schack in the US and Dietmar Walter in London, and a new Asian leadership team chaired by Tatt Chen. More
UK audience research body BARB has issued a Request for Proposals for measurement contracts for 2010 and beyond. The request highlights the need to measure 'all audiences to televisual services within the UK' – underlining BARB's interest in coverage of out-of-home viewing and new media. More
At an EGM on Friday, VNU changed its legal name, formally converted to a private company and welcomed new board members including Lord Hollick, following shareholder approval. Today the firm has named R. Ford Dallmeyer as the new legal chief for its MI Group. More
Digital TV and DVR pioneer TiVo Inc. has announced the creation of a research division, TiVo Audience Research and Measurement (ARM). TiVo ARM will offer advertisers and advertising agencies second-by-second data and analysis on DVR viewing of advertising content. More
ESOMAR has revealed top line results from its 2005 Global Market Research Report, showing global MR turnover up 4.3% to $23 billion in 2005, with Europe cornering 45% of the global market. Meanwhile, online research's share of data collection revenue has grown from 11% in 2004 to a staggering 20% in 2005. More
ACNielsen announced yesterday that it has formed a new global unit, ACNielsen Loyalty. The unit will be headed by Tom Markert, currently Senior VP and CMO of VNU MI and ACNielsen; and Laurence Michael, currently Senior VP, Global Retailer Services Marketing. More
Arbitron has released audience data from Houston supporting its claim that its Portable People Meter (PPM) measurement device 'consistently captures more listeners to sporting events on radio, especially those with afternoon and early-evening start times'. More
The two MDs of Ciao, Max Cartellieri and Gunnar Piening, have resigned and will be replaced by Nicolas Metzke. Ciao's parent company, Greenfield Online, Inc. also announced that it will begin the formal separation of Ciao's two main businesses, Internet survey and comparison shopping operations. More
Mandy Pooler and Lucy Gill have joined Rosi Ware in charge of developing WPP's research division, Kantar. The two new arrivals replace Fiona McAnena, who has joined PepsiCo in a senior innovation role. More
TNS has today launched a Travellers' Panel, the fifth sub-panel of its 6thdimension service. The new panel provides access to 500,000 international respondents across 6thdimension's half dozen European countries. More
TNS has announced agreements with the two leading broadcasters in the Philippines, ABS-CBN and GMA, to set up a new PeopleMeter service in the country. A representative panel of 1200 households reporting their viewing daily from the beginning of next year. More
Maritz Research has opened a new survey center in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, to support its expanding North American business and its Toronto office. The decision should bring over 300 jobs to the area, mostly conducting customer satisfaction interviews. More
US-based firms Interpret LLC and IGA Worldwide, Inc. have announced what they claim is the first independent ratings system for in-game advertising. IGA Worldwide's in-game ad network will be measured by Interpret's proprietary third-party measurement currency, Gameasure. More
Audience specialist Arbitron has announced results for the second quarter of the year, ended June 30, with revenue of $74.2m, up 6.2% versus the same period in 2005. However, costs and expenses for the second quarter increased sharply - by 21.4% from $55.4m in Q2 2005 to $67.3m. More
Rich media presentations specialist Brainshark, Inc. has announced a tie-in with online survey firm Zoomerang to deliver voice-enabled, feature-rich surveys. 'Brainshark Express for Zoomerang' promises users the ability to easily embed a survey within a presentation or online course. More
Online MR software specialist FIRM has announced second quarter revenues up 31% on the year. Sales totalled US $4.6m in the second quarter of 2006 compared to $3.5m in Q2 2005. More
Indian-based MR support firm Dexterity KPO Services has boosted its Business Analysts team with the appointment of two former Frost & Sullivan analysts, Sankara Jambulingam and Poornima Vijayan. More
SSI Asia, Survey Sampling's Pan Asia operation hub, has announced that it will officially launch the company's Beijing office in August. The office will provide Internet and telephone sample and project management, and build a broad panel community for Pan Asian survey research. More
Online fieldwork specialist Research Now has announced the launch of a sub-panel screener creating a detailed automotive profile for 900,000 selected consumer panel members. The screener has been designed to be used in a consistent manner across the five biggest European markets. More
Nielsen Outdoor has this week announced the support of Publicis Groupe Media for its GPS based ratings service measuring outdoor advertising in Los Angeles. Publicis includes brand communications group Starcom MediaVest and advertising giant ZenithOptimedia. More
Research International is to move its London office south of the Thames from its long-established home in Grosvenor Place SW1. The new location is off Tooley Street, near London Bridge. More
Global fieldwork agency Medefield has completed the first stage of an aggressive expansion in its UK-based fieldwork and operations group. Meanwhile Synovate Healthcare has announced the launch of online physician panels in key Asian markets. More
Ipsos MORI has become the first agency to be awarded the new international process Standard ISO 20252, within two months of the standard's launch. More
Synovate has announced an expansion of its media research services and the promotion of Asia Pacific boss Steve Garton to lead a new global group, based in London. In addition, Craig Harvey joins from Publicis as Director, Media Research - Asia Pacific. More
TNS' UK share price looks more stable today after a dramatic fall on Thursday and Friday last week. The drop followed a warning on full year operating margin and comments by Chief Executive David Lowden, who blamed problems on the 'unacceptable' performance of the American custom business. More
FDS has joined the International Research InstituteS (IriS), a worldwide network of independent research suppliers, as its UK member, replacing MORI. IriS members have a turnover of €200 million and are in more than 30 countries worldwide. More
TNS has formally recognised the success of its Conversion Model(TM) business tool by giving it its own Global Centre of Excellence, with an operational hub in Cape Town. The Model played a part in projects bringing TNS over US$120 million in revenue in 2005. More
European online fieldwork agency Research Now has announced that its proprietary online consumer research panels are now available in the Nordic region. Alex Sunnerstam will lead the team, supported by Victor Bergh who joins from Lightspeed Research. More
GfK has announced a co-operation agreement with media analysis software provider DAP Systems. The deal will help GfK to develop and market audience research software for the international market, based around its forthcoming Evogenius system. More
UK online marketing specialist themutual.net plc has announced results for the year ending April 30 2006, including a trebling of its annual turnover to £9m and operating profit more than doubled to £1.70m. The group is the parent of online fieldwork agency the idFactor. More
Unica Corporation has announced that it has settled a dispute with online measurement company NetRatings, inherited when the former acquired technology company Sane Solutions on March 22 this year. Unica will license a number of NetRatings' patents on a non-exclusive basis for a one-time fee of $1.5 million. More
TNS has announced a major expansion of its FMCG consumer tracking Worldpanel service in the Republic of Ireland, from 1,350 households to 3,000 by August 2008, along with the launch of a new data delivery platform. More
One year after the acquisition of NOP World, GfK held its AGM today and reported healthy business growth in the first quarter of 2006. Dividend payments increased once again and revenue rose sharply as have orders for 2006 to date. More
Research International has appointed Logic Market Research as its Associate in Egypt, with the aim of strengthening its network in Africa. More
European agency SKOPOS has opened an office in South Africa, based in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area. Susanne Reese, previously head of the company's field and tab offering SOS Bureau UK is named as its Director. More
Online panel specialist Ciao has announced the opening of a new base of operations in Sydney, on July 3; and has appointed Chris Herbert, formerly Business Group Director at GfK Australia, as its Research Director and David Fernandez as its Director of Client Development. More
European online fieldwork provider and panel specialist Research Now has announced its Interim results for the half year to 30 April 2006. Sales nearly trebled, profit before tax doubled and operating profit has already passed the figure for the preceding twelve months. More
Edinburgh-based user experience consultancy User Vision has introduced new 'eye tracking' technology to help with its evaluation of web site and product usability and accessibility. More
US provider Simmons Research has announced the launch of an online group, which will link custom online research with its National Consumer Study (NCS) and other data from parent company Experian. More
Texas-based VC firm Austin Ventures has acquired and will merge two leading online survey software firms: Perseus Development Corporation and WebSurveyor. Former Greenfield Online CEO Dean Wiltse becomes Chairman and CEO of the combined entity. More
Mobile measurement firm M:Metrics has responded to the filing of a lawsuit against it by Telephia, Inc, last week, calling its case 'totally without merit'. Telephia alleges patent infringement in connection with the development and distribution of smartphone metering software. More
Arbitron has announced an increase in the sample size for its RADAR network radio ratings service from 100,000 to 125,000 diarykeepers. Linked to this, the firm's Market by Market Reporting tool will expand its coverage from the top 25 to the top 50 DMAs by September. More
Following Nielsen Media Research's TV ratings announcement yesterday, sister company NetRatings has announced the expansion of its Internet measurement capabilities to address the growth of online audio and video content as well as the convergence of Internet and television content. More
Nielsen Media Research has announced that it will provide integrated, all-electronic ratings for television regardless of the platform on which it is viewed, under the 'Anytime Anywhere Media Measurement' initiative (A2/M2). More
Audience measurement firm Arbitron has announced the signing of multi-year agreements with four of the USA's largest radio groups for its Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings service. However, the PPM's launch in its first market, Houston, will reportedly be delayed after it failed to get accreditation from industry body the MRC. More
Global online provider Lightspeed Research is offering researchers more effective access to children (under 12) and young people (ages 13-17) online, using a new pre-approved system. The company secures parents'/guardians' permission and works to ESOMAR and COPPA guidelines. More
Online agency RSM is once again running its annual 'State of the Industry' survey of UK research professionals, with fieldwork for the fifth wave underway. More
Harris Interactive has announced a reorganisation of its UK operations including the closing of facilities in Macclesfield and Stockport, and the loss of between ten and fifteen jobs. The company also announced the resignation of its UK Managing Director Aled Morris. More
Britain's terrestrial TV broadcasters have selected TNS to recruit and monitor a panel of 450 households to trial the latest High Definition (HD) technology on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services. More
Online panel and software company GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.) announced today that it has raised a further $35m to fund its expansion, leaving it 'well-positioned to reinvent the market research industry' according to Chairman and CEO Rob Monster. More
European online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has appointed Marc Smaluhn as Managing Director for Central Europe. Smaluhn was previously VP Client Development Europe at rival provider Ciao. More
Online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has opened an office in Melbourne, Australia, and appointed Brad Wilson to lead it. The firm already has an office in Sydney, and an Australian research-only panel giving access to over 100,000 household members. More
The Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) has elected its first Board of Directors, with researchers well-represented. They include Laurent Flores, CEO of crmmetrix; Ed Keller, CEO of The Keller Fay Group; and Pete Blackshaw, CMO of Nielsen BuzzMetrics. More
TNS is to launch its 6thdimension online access panels in Malaysia and Thailand. The panels, which will be introduced in August and September this year, will cover the major cities in each country. More
In the US, Telephia has announced the launch of a mobile television user panel. This longitudinal research panel will provide the mobile industry with detailed measurement of attitudes and behavior among the rapidly growing mobile TV audience. More
Global ratings supplier AGB Nielsen is adding rural viewers to its Chinese TV audience service, reports the Financial Times. The move should help it to compete with rival firm CSM Media Research, and reflects growing purchasing power outside the cities. More
The Operations Centre, Kantar's combined ops service organisation for its various research companies, has changed its name to Kantar Operations with immediate effect. Meanwhile Fieldwork International, the field division of the Synovate Healthcare, has unveiled a complete global re-brand. More
RAJAR has awarded contracts to Ipsos MORI, RSMB and TNS covering radio audience measurement for two years starting January 2007. Ipsos MORI will continue to operate the core survey with a redesigned diary, while TNS will trial a PPM-based electronic measurement panel in London, providing both radio data for RAJAR and TV for co-sponsor BARB. More
VNU's acquisition by the Valcon consortium looks likely to go ahead after Knight Vinke Asset Management (KVAM), hitherto the loudest opponent of the deal, said it would tender its shares at the new bid price, before the deadline for acceptance passed this afternoon. More
CBS Radio has agreed a seven year deal with Arbitron for Portable People Meter (PPM) radio ratings. The deal will take effect once the new technology is deployed in the 35 CBS Radio markets in Arbitron's PPM rollout plan. More
TNS has announced its withdrawal from the LAA-JIC tender for TV audience measurement in Latvia, criticising the process which it says is not 'transparent, open and fair'. Terms included in the tender could compromise the business interests of its existing clients, the firm says. The tender covers 2007-12. More
Synovate is planning further acquisitions, with Internet panel companies and analytics & modelling specialists among the possible targets. Global CEO Adrian Chedore talks exclusively to DRNO about buying companies, keeping people, and how a fast-growing top ten agency can stay 'small'. More
Synovate Healthcare has announced the extension of its Tandem Global Oncology Monitor into China, Korea and Australia. The Monitor is already established in Japan. More
Nielsen Entertainment has announced the building of a mobile phone panel, as well as an agreement with two other firms to launch a mobile phone-based consumer opinion survey service. More
Ipsos has announced revenues of Euros 188 million for the first quarter of 2006, a 31% increase on the first quarter of 2005. This represents the company's strongest quarterly growth in the past five years – and it includes organic growth of just over 9%. More
The final year's figures from the outgoing British Market Research Association (BMRA) reveal that overall industry revenues grew by just 2.5% in 2005 to a value of £1.32 billion, delivering at best a flat year against inflation. More
European online fieldwork and panel specialist Research Now has launched three online panels in Eastern Europe. The panels in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic are all stand-alone, locally recruited propositions, with their own local country incentive choices. More
GfK will switch to new metering technology for its German TV research contract, from mid-2007 onwards. The AGF, an organisation representing 4 major TV stations, commissioned the replacement in order to cope with technological changes in viewing. As a result the value of the deal has risen to around Euros 100m. More
Panel provider Greenfield Online has announced results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2006, ending March 31. The results show the beginnings of 'tangible results from our turnaround efforts' according to President and CEO Albert Angrisani - but also 'a considerable amount of hard work in front of us, particularly in North America'. More
Australian consultancy The Leading Edge (TLE) has developed a blueprint for the use of mobile phone blogging in research. TLE says the method will result in 'in the moment' consumer insights 'as they occur'. More
Harris Interactive has announced results for its fiscal third quarter 2006, ended March 31. Total revenue was $52.2m, up 3% on the same period a year previously. Strong US growth of 9% (revenue now $42.4m) was counterbalanced by poor figures for Europe, where revenue was down by $2.0m / 17% to $9.8m ($0.8m due to exchange rates). More
Media intelligence solutions firm Video Monitoring Services (VMS) has announced an agreement with Nielsen Media Research's Monitor-Plus division, which will supply it with near-real time, automated identification of breaking television commercials. More
Data solutions company Datascension has started work on its new state-of-the-art facility in San Jose, Costa Rica. The site will contain around 700 new interviewing, training and management support stations. More
Synovate has announced the rapid expansion of its global opinion panels across Europe and in the Asia Pacific region; and has appointed Emiel van Wegen and Shaun Griffin to help guide the process. More
MR panels and software company GMI has added a youth panel to its range of offerings. In partnership with several companies including kids' web giant Neopets.com, the panel promises 'one of the most highly profiled sources of youth sample on the web'. More
UK-based agency Nunwood has launched a 'Project Operations web portal' designed for use solely by its external supervisors and interviewers. More
Another partnership announcement on two well-worn recent DRNO themes, word of mouth (WOM) marketing, and web analytics. WOM marketing specialist Bazaarvoice has announced partnerships with all four of the leading web analytics firms: Coremetrics, Omniture, WebSideStory, and WebTrends. More
Over 50 research specialists and consumer insight managers from top agencies and retailers recently met at the IPA headquarters in London to discuss how using video can modernise market research methodologies and make data more easily accessible. More
Ethnographer and MR columnist Hy Mariampolski and his co-MD Sharon Wolf, of QualiData Research Inc., are featured in a book of 'Unusual Occupations' just published in the US. A taxidermist and an expert in dinosaur dung also feature. More
In the USA, The Council for Research Excellence has announced that it will soon begin its first detailed study into one of the fundamentals of television audience measurement – the quality of the research samples from which the ratings are drawn. More
Arbitron has announced first quarter results for the three months ended March 31st, showing that revenues increased by 7.4% to US$85.1 million. Net income for the quarter fell by 8.3% to US$18.2 million. More
Pharmaceutical information giant IMS Health has announced a strong start to the year reporting first-quarter 2006 revenues of US$446.2 million, up 9% on the previous year. More
In the US, Mediamark Research Inc. (MRI) has announced an experimental research program to assess the gathering of a new kind of readership data. A weekly web-based consumer survey will attempt to gauge how quickly specific issues of magazines accumulate their audiences. More
BIG, the UK's association for b2b research professionals, is gearing up for 4 weeks of activity with its AGM, a comprehensive review of b2b panel providers, and the annual Conference all scheduled. More
Survey Sampling International has appointed Pete Cape, founder of TNS Interactive, to head up a new unit to be known as the Knowledge Department, Internet Sampling. In addition, the company is to open its first Asia Pacific office, in China, and has made two key hires for it. More
European online specialist Research Now has opened an office in Paris – its first in France – and recruited a new executive team for it, led by Jean-Luc Daurelle and Emmanuel Probst. More
Media owner Frank S. Maggio has set launch dates and ambitious targets for his interactive television company ReacTV. Maggio's erinMedia, a challenger to Nielsen Media Research, will provide advertisers with its own second-by-second TV viewing data, plus web ratings from NY-based 24/7. More
Broadband entertainment and comms firm Charter Communications, Inc. has entered an agreement with TNS Media Research, to launch a video audience measurement service in the Los Angeles area. More
UK-based research buyers want agencies to understand and help ease the pressures they are under from internal clients, according to a survey for the latest MRWho. Many are still making scant use of online data collection, and those that are face new challenges finding time to be thoughtful in much-reduced project timetables. More
AIM-listed online MR company ToLuna has reported results for the year 2005. The figures suggest that like YouGov (see today's news), ToLuna has seen revenues almost treble during the year. More
Pulse Group has announced that is has established an online panel of approximately 245,000 members in India. With the rise of Internet use in India, recruitment drives have been carried out to encourage Indian web surfers to actively participate in online surveys. More
Australia and Asia-based research process outsourcing company Pulse Group has hired several new executives to boost its project management team and support an expanding client base, with entry into China planned. More
Information services giant Experian, which owns MR businesses including Simmons Research and Vente in the US and FootFall Ltd and The Future Foundation in Europe, is likely to be demerged from parent GUS plc under plans unveiled today. More
The former head of Arbitron's radio group services unit, Les Tolchin, is to work with its competitor The Media Audit. Tolchin's Doneraile International consultancy will assist the firm, which says it is talking to 'lots' of other potential senior hires, as it gears up its electronic media ratings offer. More
TNS has agreed a five year contract with the Kazakhstan television Joint Industry Committee (JIC) to provide trading currency TV audience measurement using Arbitron's PPM system. More
Incepta Marketing Intelligence, the MR group which includes Citigate DVL Smith and Hauck Research, has been rebranded as Illuminas. The company was bought by Media Square Group from Huntsworth Plc last November. More
Arbitron has announced new signings for its radio measurement device the PPM, as rumours suggest two more major corporations may join Project Apollo, its joint venture with ACNielsen. Meanwhile the ARF's Annual Conference has been told that the media industry 'needs to work cooperatively to provide advertisers with effective research' in the face of the media explosion. More
US provider Return Path, Inc. has changed the name of its Market Research Solutions division from Survey Direct to Authentic Response. The new name stresses its commitment on the controversial question of validating panelists before allowing participation in online surveys. More
US panels and software firm GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.) has opened new offices in Los Angeles and Atlanta, and announced two appointments to support them. Thyra Lees-Smith joins as Sales Director for the L.A. area and Barry Morsillo for the Southeast Region, based in Atlanta. More
Custom business research specialist FIND/SVP, Inc. is changing its name to Guideline. The change reflects a shift of emphasis, integrating the secondary research in which it made its name with a growing portfolio of primary research services. More
Arbitron has announced that it will begin the rollout of the Portable People Meter (PPM) system as its radio ratings service in the top 50 markets, beginning with Houston in July 2006. More
Surprise - researchers at the drinks 'n' donuts giant are not obsessed with coffee wars and dietary health. They set their own agenda, and it's creative to say the least. Paying loyal customers not to use your stores? Regina Lewis, Ph.D, VP of the Consumer and Brand Insights Group, talks in the latest MRWho. More
Forget e-bay (just for a while?) - this year's auction for the UK research workers' charity, the MRBA, is being held online. Lots range from a new Apple iPod nano and a 'framed painting of a nude torso' to a week in a holiday home in Port Charles Coromandel, New Zealand. Bidding stays open until 2pm on Friday 24th March. More
US radio measurement service Nielsen Monitor-Plus has announced a major increase in its spot radio coverage, to almost 60% of all radio advertising spending. The company now monitors radio in the top 39 markets, up from 26 markets last year. More
Experian has this week announced the launch of Mosaic Japan, the company's latest consumer classification solution. The system classifies every Japanese household according to 11 main groups and 50 different socio-economic types. More
VNU, parent of ACNielsen and Nielsen Media Research, has announced that it has agreed to a public offer from a private-equity consortium including AlpInvest Partners, valuing the company's equity at approximately EUR 7.5 bn in cash, or EUR 28.75 per common share. The option of breaking the company up has been rejected. More
VNU has announced 'better-than-expected results' for 2005. The Media Measurement & Information division (MMI) showed 11% organic growth, led by a strong Nielsen Media Research (NMR). Group-wide, organic growth was only 5%. VNU says favourable settlement of tax audits 'more than offset' the $55m cost of the recent IRI settlement. More
MR software company FIRM has announced plans to launch Confirmit Kiosk, a new module of Confirmit which it says will 'revolutionize market research activities such as mall interviewing and onsite product testing'. More
Online data collection specialist Ciao, the European subsidiary of Greenfield Online Inc., has announced the completion of a major reorganization of its Client Service Department. Around 40 project managers, translators, DP and survey scripting staff have been hired, and a shift system provides client service 16 hours a day. More
An MR outsourcing provider will appear in FORTUNE magazine as one of the outsourcing industry's top 100 providers. Indian-based Cross-Tab Marketing Services made the 'rising star' category in the ranking, compiled by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). More
TNS has announced results for the year ended 31 December 2005. Revenue is up 5.7% (adjusted 4.1%) to £999.0m and adjusted operating profit up 9.5% to £112.6m. Strong growth across syndicated services and in custom business in continental Europe and emerging markets contrasted with 'challenging conditions' in the US and UK. More
In the UK, GfK NOP Media has been appointed as ITV's research partner to run its new online panel, ITV Vision, for an initial contract of 2 years from April 2006. The panel will enable ITV to measure audience reaction to its programmes within 36 hours of broadcast. More
Nielsen Media Research has declined its option to work with Arbitron in developing the latter's PPM technology as the primary measurement tool for US media ratings currency. Nielsen has spent millions of dollars on assessing the technology since signing an agreement in 2000, but will now pursue a multi-stranded 'portfolio strategy'. More
Simon Lidington is the new Chairman of the UK's Market Research Society (MRS). Lidington, UK CEO of Research International until last November and now at The Insight Exchange, beat off a strong challenge from Age Concern's Leslie Sopp by 35 votes. More
Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) and comScore Networks have announced they will work together to offer clients improved product and advertising testing. The offer will combine IRI's BehaviorScan(R) in-market testing solution and comScore's advanced MR and targeting capabilities. More
UK research and TV production company Vox Pops International is to broadcast a series of three research video programmes on television, in association with Information TV Ltd. The programmes, aimed at bringing video MR to a wider audience, include interviews about finance with Over 50s and Young Professionals. More
Massachusetts-based data analysis and MR firm DataMind Research, LLC has announced a strategic partnership with Bloomfield, CT-based PERT Survey Research. PERT has taken an equity stake in DataMind, which will use PERT's field services to conduct its EVA studies. More
Online consumer-generated media tracker BuzzMetrics, Inc. has completed its acquisition of Intelliseek, and appointed around a dozen key executives. The integration of the two firms is backed by BuzzMetrics owner VNU, and results in the launch of Nielsen BuzzMetrics. More
RAJAR, the UK's radio audience research body, has given an initial thumbs up to the Smart Cell Phone technology developed by Ipsos in collaboration with The Media Audit in the USA, clearing the way for it to join Eurisko and Arbitron meters in ongoing trials. More
The membership of the British Market Research Association (BMRA) has voted in favour of proposals to integrate its services into the Market Research Society (MRS), with effect from April 2006. The BMRA will cease to exist as of April Fools' Day. More
VNU and IRI have settled their ten-year antitrust case, with VNU agreeing to pay IRI US$55m. The case was recently valued at around $650m but was on appeal following judgement in favor of VNU and its co-defendants. Both sides appear to have preferred the settlement to the possibility of the case rumbling on for a number of years more. More
Amsterdam-based research agency INTERVIEW NSS increased its turnover by 17% in 2005 to more than 18m Euros, and EBIT to more than 1.9m Euros. This is the third year of growth above the market average for the firm, which runs the high profile European Media & Marketing Survey (EMS). More
US-based agency Global Market Insite (GMI) has announced plans for a major expansion of its Vancouver-based technology headquarters in the next six months, due to increasing demand for MR software solutions. More
From next year, Nielsen Media Research will include the viewing of college students living away from home in its national television ratings. The addition is likely to increase ratings for young adult viewing by as much as 12%. More
A group of VNU shareholders is pressing the Dutch company to break itself into three divisions and sell each separately rather than agree to the proposed 7.3bn Euro buyout deal with private-equity firms, according to reports today in the Wall Street Journal. More
Greenfield Online President Albert Angrisani has described the company's financial performance in 2005 as 'not acceptable', particularly in North America. He says the figures, which show an operating loss of $88.6m in the last quarter, reflect the company's problematic year, and vows to turn the company around. More
Arbitron is nearing the end of its efforts to achieve Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its Portable People Meter (PPM) radio and TV ratings system. In a process costing the company $1m, the system has undergone a two-year audit, and results have been delivered for approval by the MRC. More
UK online polling firm YouGov is joining forces with Execution Ltd, a European stockbroker, to establish a 50:50 joint venture company, YouGovExecution Ltd (YGX), offering research services for fund managers. More
US firm Global Market Insite (GMI) has expanded its Hispanic online panel through a partnership with search marketing firm the iHispanic Marketing Group. The company plans further panel expansion, building on iHispanic's web presence among the US Hispanic population and its network of affiliates in Latin America. More
US Call measurement and monitoring firm Who's Calling has completed its acquisition of ClickPath, a provider of online and offline analytics. The companies have jointly developed the ClickPath tool, which measures the effectiveness of online campaigns in achieving offline purchases. More
US online behaviour analyst comScore Networks is partnering with marketing company Catalina Health Resource to offer a new research solution for pharmaceutical companies. The new tool, Behavior Activated Research (BAR Rx), is designed to help marketers access consumers who take particular drugs. More
Nielsen's Local People Meter (LPM) audience measurement system, closely scrutinised since claims last year that it under-represented people of color, actually counts a higher proportion of African-American viewers than traditional diary systems, according to the company's latest stats from trials in Dallas and Detroit. More
US-based Survey Sampling International (SSI) has announced an integrated approach to providing sampling services in Europe. The company has appointed Andrew Moffatt as Sales Director for Europe, is planning new offices in Madrid and Frankfurt, and is developing a panel in Ireland. More
The UK's Product of the Year awards ceremony took place last night. The 26 winners - who include Häagen-Dazs Cream Crisp, Gillette M3Power Razor, Flash Car Wash and Elastoplast's silver healing plasters - were chosen following a TNS survey of 12,500 consumers throughout the UK. More
NetRatings Japan is to use its web analytics service, SiteCensus, to measure and analyse the 10m monthly users of Yahoo!'s Japanese shopping site. Yahoo! will also make use of NetRatings' customised analytics services to understand what visitors are doing on its shopping and auction sites. More
US radio measurement specialist Arbitron achieved $310m in revenues in 2005, up 4.5% on 2004. However, costs and expenses - mainly on its Portable People Meters (PPMs) and Project Apollo multimedia measurement pilot - rose by 5.2%. The company expects ongoing investment in PPMs to 'negatively impact' next year's financial results. More
The Local People Meter (LPM) TV audience measurement system records higher viewing figures than traditional diary and set meter systems, according to new data from Nielsen Media Research. During its trial of LPMs in Detroit and Dallas, recorded viewing figures rose by as much as 18%. More
exëvo has become the first MR outsourcing firm in India to receive the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certification from the British Standards Institute (BSI). More
WPP Group, which owns MindShare and Media Marketing Solutions, has followed Interpublic in signing up to use Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) radio audience system as soon as it is available. Publicis Groupe and Aegis have also signed deals with Arbitron. More
The Chairman of US TV ratings company erinMedia says he is considering a takeover of its rival Nielsen Media Research if Nielsen's parent company, VNU, is sold. erinMedia has also announced a second lawsuit against Nielsen Media for false advertising, countering Nielsen's claims that it measures 'millions of viewers'. More
Advertising and media company the Interpublic Group (IPG) has committed to using Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) measurement of radio audiences. The group says it will be the first to switch to PPM audience estimates as soon as the service becomes available. More
TNS is renaming its various continuous consumer panels in Asia Pacific and the Middle East 'Worldpanel', in line with the panels used in 50 countries worldwide. The rebranding is designed to provide clearer and more co-ordinated services to international clients. More
European online panel provider ToLuna has acquired German panel company Speedfacts, a subsidiary of the major ISP Freenet, for a total consideration of £2.06m. It has also agreed a five-year strategic co-operation agreement with Freenet, giving it access to 7 million potential panellists. More
Opinion Research Corporation has sold the teleservices part of its business to a management group, and announced the closure of its market research operations in South Korea and Mexico as well as one of its US call centres. More
Research process outsourcing (RPO) provider Pulse Group has announced the launch of its first European office, in Amsterdam. Pulse has offices in Sydney, Australia and an international RPO centre in Malaysia. More
The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) has announced the signing of the seventieth member for its Company Partner Service. The scheme is a variation on corporate membership for an association which previously allowed only individual members, and is likely to have underscored the forthcoming merger with the BMRA. More
Media company Univision Communications is to become the first Spanish language television network to join Nielsen Media Research's national TV ratings service, the Nielsen Television Index (NTI). The service provides television ratings for all the major US networks. More
German-based online survey software firm Globalpark has agreed to license its Online Panel Site Tool (OPST) software to TNS Worldpanel. TNS will use a specially tailored version of OPST, which is used by 30 panel providers worldwide, for its continuous consumer panels. More
The International Mystery Shopping Alliance (IMSA), has expanded its coverage with the addition of a Mexican partner, Big K Mystery Shopping. This brings the total number of IMSA members worldwide to 17. More
German-based online survey software firm Globalpark has agreed to license its Online Panel Site Tool (OPST) software to TNS Worldpanel. TNS will use a specially tailored version of OPST, which is used by 30 panel providers worldwide, for its continuous consumer panels. More
Arbitron's media measurement device, the Portable People Meter (PPM), is being honoured as a technological innovation, alongside TiVo, the Blackberry and the USB flash drive. Ron Kolessar, who led the development of the PPM, joins a list of innovators being recognised by the Great Minds, Great Ideas project. More
Online panel specialist ToLuna has reported a pro forma pre-tax profit of £0.56m for the first nine months of 2005 - compared with a loss of £0.13m in 2004. The company, which floated on the UK's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in May, now has 650,000 panel members across 13 European countries. More
ACNielsen U.S. has this week announced the completion of the major program to expand its Homescan(R) consumer panel. In two years, the panel's size has more than doubled to 125,000 households providing insights and information for the CPG industry. More
Two of the UK's top client side research and insight professionals who left their jobs earlier in the year have resurfaced as independent consultants. John Markham was until recently Director of Global Business Insights at Nokia and Gaye Myatt spent nine years as Director of Consumer Insight at GlaxoSmithKline. More
VNU has announced a major program to co-ordinate the business units of its Marketing Information (MI) group and centralise marketing, IT and NPD functions. Steven M. Schmidt becomes President and CEO of the group, which includes ACNielsen, BASES, Spectra, Claritas and ACNielsen HCI. More
Nielsen Media Research has added an extra 2,000 households to its National People Meter TV measurement sample. This is the first step in a plan to increase the effective sample to 10,000 homes by next year, in order to improve accuracy and allow for more in-depth analysis. More
Arbitron and VNU have announced good progress with Project Apollo, which aims to co-ordinate their collection of multimedia exposure and purchase information. Over the past few weeks more advertisers have signed up, and the steering committee will meet for the second time in January to set the direction for next year's project pilot. More
US-based Internet survey sample provider Sample Czar has partnered with Chinese loyalty program SmartClub to develop consumer and business panels for online surveys in China. More
erinMedia's antitrust lawsuit against Nielsen Media Research is set to proceed to trial, after a US District Federal Court ruled yesterday against Nielsen's attempt to dismiss the suit. The judge deemed erinMedia a viable potential competitor, whose business could be at risk, but dismissed co-plaintiff ReacTV. More
VNU's CEO Rob van den Bergh is stepping down, following the announcement that the company's planned takeover of IMS Health has been terminated due to strong resistance from VNU shareholders. Under the termination agreement, VNU will reimburse IMS $15 million for out-of-pocket costs. More
UK-based agency Holden Pearmain Research has announced the opening of its third office in Surrey. The expansion follows the recent appointment of a dedicated Director for the Customer Loyalty sector, and the launch of a Qualitative Research division. More
Nielsen Media Research is stepping up its evaluation of the use of Portable People Meters (PPMs) for TV audience measurement - a joint venture with Arbitron. Meanwhile, Arbitron has been meeting with radio industry executives to discuss electronic audience measurement, and has appointed a technology expert to its Board. More
The GfK Group has announced results for the third quarter of 2005. The integration of NOP World is said to be proceeding according to plan, and the group has already achieved 95.6% of its order volume forecast for 2005. Sales for the first 9 months are up 28.8% vs Q1-3 2004 to EUR 627.5m. More
US MR associations including CMOR are celebrating victory in convincing a House and Senate conference committee to approve around $812m in federal spending for the U.S. Census Bureau in Fiscal Year 2006. Budget cuts adopted in September were seen as damaging to the Bureau's capacity to collect and report information. More
European online fieldwork provider Research Now is following up its recent Australian launch with a sales office in New York. The office, supported by two new Directors, will sell survey data from the company's European online panel of over 700,000 potential respondents to the US market. More
Indian MR outsourcing company Ugam Solutions has opened a 2nd operations centre in Mumbai, increasing its capacity from 425 to more than 1,000 staff. The company has launched a CATI service and announced its entry into the high-growth arena of marketing analytics. More
For the first time, Nielsen Media Research is to provide direct access to its database of minute-by-minute TV ratings. Clients will be able to access and analyse full information from Nielsen's National People Meter sample via an electronic file, to be updated each week. More
Harris Interactive has announced its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2005. Revenue for the quarter (classed as Q1 2006) was $48.9m, up 24% from $39.3m in the same period last year. This was in part due to the acquisition of Wirthlin Worldwide. Growth in European Internet research revenue was particularly strong at 29%. More
Online MR software provider FIRM yesterday submitted an application for public listing at the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE). Chairman Bengt Thuresson says the goal is 'to consolidate FIRM's equity capital in order to finance further profitable growth'. More
Software firm SPSS has achieved record revenues for the fourth consecutive quarter. The third quarter of 2005 saw a 9% revenue increase, driven by a 22% growth in new license revenues. Thanks to climbing revenue and falling expenses, net income for the quarter increased almost five-fold to more than $4m. More
European online research agency MetrixLab added another 1 million Euros to its turnover in the third quarter of this year, representing a 71% increase compared with the same period last year. The company's net profits grew by 44% over the same period. More
A thousand members of the UK public took part in 100 facilitated group discussions about the future of health and social care at the National Citizens' Summit in Birmingham on Saturday. Opinion Leader Research ran the unprecedented MR exercise as part of the Department of Health's 'Your Health, Your Care, Your Say' public consultation. More
US Internet measurement specialist Nielsen//NetRatings has settled its lawsuit against Visual Sciences, by entering into a licensing agreement with the company. NetRatings launched the lawsuit earlier this year, alleging infringement of some of its data collection and analysis patents. More
A study from the US Online Publishers Association (OPA) has found that different methods of compiling online audience figures lead to significantly different estimates of visitors to local web sites. The research is based on an analysis of measurement tools from Nielsen//Net Ratings, comScore, Scarborough and The Media Audit. More
UK retail research firm ESA is teaming up with MR software provider Pulse Train to conduct the on-site research at this week's Insight show. The show, designed for buyers and users of market research, is taking place tomorrow and Wednesday at Earls Court in London. More
Norwegian survey software company FIRM achieved revenues of US$3.69m in the third quarter of 2005 - an increase of 35% on Q3 2004. Revenues for the first nine months of the year were up 30%. The announcement coincides with the launch of a new version of the company's Confirmit survey tool. More
Dan Foreman, formerly Planning Director at ad agency WFCA, has been poached to spearhead the launch of FocusVision Europe. The US-based company, which specialises in video recording technologies for market research, opened its first European office in London in July. More
US-based CorporateSurvey.com has entered into a partnership with XToolsCRM, a Chinese provider of customer relationship management technology to provide its ZipSurvey application to XTools' 1,000+ clients in China and Taiwan. In addition, both companies will join each other's alliance and partnership programs. More
Market Insight, a US online market intelligence firm, has received $1.25 million in Series A financing from San Francisco venture capital company WaldenVC, which believes Market Insight will 'change the face of market research'. Founded in 2003, the company collects consumer data from a product recommendation web site. More
Informed Medical Communications (IMC) has launched MRxHealth, a new MR and consulting firm focused on non-traditional, personalised pharmaceutical marketing. The company will be led by Nancy Adams, formerly President of The Peer Group, which joined with disease information provider HealthTalk earlier this year to form IMC. More
WPP's Kantar Group has joined two venture capital companies, Prism Venture Partners and founding investor i-Hatch Ventures in a $7m Series B round of funding for mobile media measurement firm M:Metrics. More
UK online survey specialist YouGov has announced 48% turnover growth, and 47% growth in profit before tax, for the year ending 31 July 2005. The company, which floated on the UK's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in April, saw turnover increase from £1.9m to 2.9m between 2004 and 2005. More
The US DISH Network satellite TV service has signed an agreement with Nielsen Media Research for a national TV ratings service. The deal allows DISH to use Nielsen's data for marketing, programming and sales purposes - for example to guarantee companies a specific number of viewers for their ads. More
US agencies Knowledge Networks (KN) and Harris Interactive are arguing over KN's claims that Stanford University research demonstrates the superior accuracy of its online surveys. Harris believes KN's reporting of the study is inaccurate and selective, and claims that KN's founders were closely involved with the Stanford research. More
Greenfield Online's President and CEO Dean Wiltse has left the company, to be replaced by former Harris Interactive President and business troubleshooter Albert Angrisani. The announcement comes as the company reduces its revenue forecast for the third quarter by $4m, due to 'lower than expected win-rates in North America'. More
The Asian MR market is growing by 10 to 11% a year and is 'the hottest market worldwide for the market research industry', according to Tony Cowling, Chairman of TNS. Cowling today announced the company's rollout of its 6thdimension access panel to China and Japan. More
Nielsen//NetRatings has become the first online audience measurement provider to apply for Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for its methods - throwing down the gauntlet for others in the industry. The Council currently accredits measurement systems for all other major media, including TV, radio and print. More
African market information agency the Steadman Group has been appointed to provide audience measurement for radio, TV and print in Kenya. The TV and radio research will be conducted using the Arbitron Portable People Meter (PPM) system licensed by TNS. More
Online MR solutions company GMI (Global Market Insite, Inc.) has announced the acquisition of three companies -- Seattle-based NetReflector, Insight in Shanghai, China, and MI Pro AS in Drobak, Norway, which will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries of GMI. GMI has also formed a new strategic alliance with ARO Sistemas in Sao Paolo, Brazil. More
Harris Interactive is dropping the separate identity of its European subsidiary, which will no longer be known as HI Europe but will share the parent's name. The company says the alignment will achieve 'considerable synergies in its marketing, data collection and client management programmes'. More
TNS has announced a commitment to raise US$387,000 by the end of 2007 to fund a pre-school educational project in Cambodia, supported by UNICEF, the United Nation's Children's Fund. The 'Imagine...' initiative kicked off today with a 'Walk to Work' day. More
As the US-based Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) publishes a study critical of current audience research methods, the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) has launched a blueprint for the industry's evolution. The latter urges the development of 'consumer-centric holistic measurement' to allow for increasingly complex media consumption habits. More
Ad-ID, a universal ad coding standard that paves the way for digital ad measurement and tracking has now been adopted by more than 300 US marketers, plus major TV networks. The system has the support of and media associations including the advertising industry's ANA and AAAA. More
Arbitron has established a new forum to facilitate collaboration with the advertisers and agencies that use its media and marketing research services. The new Advertiser/Agency Advisory Council will provide insight into advertisers' research needs, and involve advertisers in decision making. More
The US Marketing Research Association (MRA) has launched a Researcher-to-Researcher Relief Assistance Blog to help marketing and research professionals affected by Hurricane Katrina. The blog allows research professionals to exchange information online about what they need, or can provide for colleagues in need. More
September's relaunch issue of our MRWho supplement will be looking at changes in the UK MR jobs market, and in salary levels, in the last 12 months. This excerpt looks at the jobs market and the growth of new functions such as Panel Managers, Account Managers and pure 'Bus Dev' roles; next week, we'll examine salary levels. More
Media ratings company Arbitron has promoted Robert Patchen, formerly VP of Research Standards and Practices, to the new position of Chief Research Officer. He will oversee all Arbitron's research, including radio diaries and Portable People Meters (PPMs), and will help to identify new techniques. More
Nielsen Media Research and software producer Anystream are working together to automatically encode Video On Demand (VOD) content, so that it can be easily incorporated into audience measurement systems. Nielsen is due to include VOD in its TV ratings service from next year. More
Data from more than 1,000 monthly visits conducted by NOP Field Marketing will now be collected via personal digital assistants (PDAs), offering clients more flexibility and faster reporting. More
US-based mystery shopping specialist Bare Associates International is opening a new corporate office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ronaldo Carlos de Oliveira, Director of Business Development, will head it up. More
Trading in the shares of online agency Research Now plc began yesterday on the UK's Alternative Investment Market (AIM) with shares at 130 pence each. The company raised £9.2 million from its flotation, well in excess of the previously given public estimate of £5m. More
TNS has made several new senior appointments in an attempt to increase integration between its Hong Kong and Singapore business centres. More
Healthcare and pharmaceutical agency Fieldwork International (FI) has announced three senior staffing changes, as its online panel of physicians reaches 30,000 members. Changes include the appointment of a Global MD, Peter Boyle who will concentrate on extending FI internationally. More
This week has seen a rush of activity in the controversy over Nielsen Media's LPM introduction and Senator Conrad Burns' FAIR Ratings Act. Leading associations of US advertisers declared their members' opposition to the bill on Tuesday, while Nielsen's critics spoke out before a Senate Committee on Wednesday. More
The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) are working to develop an industry-wide measurement of how well consumers engage with adverts. More
Online agency Vision Critical recently celebrated five years in business with the announcement of major new clients and the forthcoming launch of an upgraded version of its flagship Panel+ web survey software. More
Russian company Nextep Promotion is the latest addition to the International Mystery Shopping Alliance (IMSA). Nextep's field force includes more than 1,000 mystery shoppers covering the whole of Russia, as well as the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. More
The Television Viewer Protection Bill, introduced in the US last week, is calling for increased regulation of TV ratings methods. The Bill is the latest step in the controversy surrounding Nielsen's local people meter (LPM) ratings system and its coverage of 'people of color'. More
A study by the UK's Critical Research suggests that agencies need to work closely with businesses to improve falling BtoB response rates. The study found senior decision-makers were often unclear about the purpose or benefit of research, and wary about being hooked into a sales call. More
Euro PQN, the readership research organisation for French newspapers, is merging with the magazine readership body AEPM, to form a new association, Audipresse. More
GfK has formed GfK Custom Research North America, an umbrella body for GfK Arbor, GfK CRI, GfK Schiappa, Caribou Lake, GfK NOP and GfK Automotive. Dr Martin Lautman, formerly President of GfK Arbor, will be the new group's CEO. More
Millward Brown has appointed MR company Customer Insights (CI) as its licensee in Vietnam, having worked with its fieldwork team for the last 18 months. The new agreement will allow CI to benefit from Millward Brown's tools and knowledge, and will give Millward Brown access to an increased market in Asia Pacific. More
The US-based Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) has released a Terminology Framework to specify reliable ways of tracking and quantifying the effects of word of mouth (WOM) marketing. The Framework will be discussed at WOMMA's conference in Chicago tomorrow – an event that managed to sell out entirely by word of mouth. More
The MR landscape is to undergo a seismic shift as VNU, the world's biggest research provider, buys IMS Health, the next biggest in the US, in a transaction valued at 5.8 billion Euros ($7.0 billion). VNU's CEO is confident that the deal will quickly lead to major cost savings and new revenues. More
UK-based online fieldwork company Research Now has announced its intention to list on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), with approximately £5 million of new and existing shares. The flotation will finance Research Now's continuing growth: in the eighteen months to 30 April 2005, the company's turnover increased by an average 53% each quarter, and staff numbers grew from four to 35. More
TNS today announced 'weaker than anticipated' growth in UK and US custom research. It expects overall revenue growth for this year to be line with the market at about 4% - a more cautious prediction than earlier in the year, when the company said it hoped to outpace rivals. More
US agency Cymfony has secured $7 million venture capital to expand its business intelligence products. In particular, it hopes to focus on tracking brands and businesses across 'consumer-created' online media such as blogs and message boards. More
CSM Media Research, a joint venture between TNS and Chinese agency CTR Market Research, has won the Hong Kong TV audience measurement (TAM) contract. The contract comes at an important time, with Hong Kong gearing up to transfer to terrestrial digital TV transmissions in 2007. More
Aegis Group Plc, owner of Synovate, has announced that the company is on course to meet its 2005 targets despite a 'patchy' spend on advertising, and an uncertain outlook for the global economy. More
Millward Brown has become a licensed member of the Walker Global Network in Asia Pacific. Under the licensing arrangement Millward Brown will offer stakeholder relationship measurement and management products developed and provided by stakeholder research specialist Walker. More
India's television audience measurement agency Tam Media Research is planning to increase its panel from 4,800 to 10,300, following news that the number of Indian homes with access to cable and satellite TV has doubled since 2002. More
Caroline Plumb, 26-year-old founder of research and graduate recruitment company Fresh Minds appears for the second time in Management Today's '35 Under 35' list of Britain's highest-flying young businesswomen. More
Nielsen Media Research has implemented staff training, translation services and other measures recommended by last year's Independent Task Force on Television Measurement. The services are part of a string of measures aimed at better representation of the ethnically and culturally diverse TV audience. More
In the latest episode of the Local People Meter (LPM) controversy, US TV ratings company Nielsen Media Research claims that its new measurement system is actually giving higher ratings to shows with an African-American theme or cast, countering critics' claims that they 'under-represent people of color'. More
A new UK recruitment and training agency is to focus on the operations side of MR. Gina Moore has set up and run field and ops functions for several agencies and worked most recently at Kantar's Operations Centre. manstonmoore's expertise will include operational, project management, front of house and admin staff, as well as programmers. More
Nielsen Media Research has announced an extension of its collaborative relationship with Time Warner Inc. The existing TV audience estimate contract ran for seven years from 1998 – it will now run until at least 2008. More
Australia's Association of Market Research Organisations (AMRO) has changed its name to reflect its broadening role. The country's professional (individual) membership organisation the AMSRS added the word 'Social' to its name last year, and AMRO has followed suit, becoming AMSRO. More
US media group Clear Channel Radio this week issued a request for proposals for an upgraded radio ratings system. Current ratings-system provider Arbitron will be invited to participate in the RFP and says it is 'not worried' by the development, although Clear Channel says it is frustrated with the speed of current improvements. More
Following yesterday's appointment of a new CEO, software company FIRM has announced the election of Bengt Thuresson as Chairman of the Board, plus two new Board members, Øystein Moan and Berit Svendsen. More
The UK's Broadcasters' Audience Research Board (BARB) has launched a consultation process aimed at steering future developments in measurement of the increasingly advanced UK television market. For the time being, the complexity of TV measurement means that BARB will not be prioritising calls for cross-media measurement. More
Norway has become the first country to use Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) for commercial radio ratings. A Steering Committee of the Norwegian National Radio has signed a five-year contract with TNS Gallup, a member of the worldwide TNS group, to install a panel of 400 people from Q1 2006. More
GfK has acquired the remaining shares in US pharmaceutical specialist GfK V2, of which it bought 51% in summer 2003; and is integrating its US activities in the healthcare sector into one unit. The group says recent purchases make it world no.1 for custom research in the sector. More
US agency SIS International has opened a new operations center in the heart of New York City, including a global call center and expanded focus group facilities. More
Audience researcher Arbitron has announced a two-phase program to cement radio audience estimates in all but four of the 114 small markets in its 'condensed market' service. Year round measurement and quarterly rolling-sample reports will begin with the release of Spring 2007 reports. More
Pulse Group, whose launch was announced just two weeks ago in DRNO, has formed a strategic partnership with IT solutions company Basis Bay and set up a 40 seat, state-of-the-art VOIP CATI Centre for surveys in the Asian market. Expansion into Europe is planned for later in the year. More
Daily Research News has appointed a full-time News Editor, who will start in June. Tessa Russell joins from Which? magazine where she has worked for the last eight years, most recently as an Assistant Editor leading the food and health team. More
An influx of news in the UK retail sector. NOPWorld has today announced the winning of a contract for mystery shopping for Kwik Save supermarkets, and ESA has this week retained its mystery shopping contract for Tesco Ireland. Meanwhile MINTEL reports Britain's tea-drinking on the wane and IGD says convenience store takings are set to grow. More
Yet more activity involving a major research group in Latin America: El Salvador's Jabes Market Research is the latest company to join the Harris Interactive® Global Network. Jabes was established only in September 2002 but is already planning to spread its operations to Guatemala and Honduras in the next few years. More
Arbitron Inc. has announced an increased sample size for its RADAR network radio ratings service from 80,000 to 100,000 diarykeepers. Among other benefits the growth will allow the expansion of the Market by Market Reporting tool from the current top 10 DMAs to the top 25 DMAs by June 2005. More
UK agency Quaestor has launched a separate fieldwork company, Field Direct, to be led by Senior Field Executive, Julie Gibson. More
Online survey & reporting software provider FIRM has released first quarter results, showing revenue up 34% on the year to $3.9m in Q1 2005. During the quarter, FIRM added two new modules to its flagship package Confirmit: conjoint-based product and ad optimizer Confirmit IdeaMap, and multi-mode survey system Confirmit CAPI. More
'I think the industry is ultimately making a bet on hydrogen' 'The US will move like the European or Western European markets... where c.50% are diesel engines' 'Asia ... will drive more and more future product development' - J.D.Power CEO Steve Goodall on what's in store for automotive, in part 2 of our exclusive interview. More
Bob Chua, formerly MD of Sales, International at online MR solutions provider Global Market Insite (GMI), has left to head up a new company, Pulse Group, with GMI's backing. Pulse Group is headquartered in Sydney, Aus and offers Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) for the MR industry. More
J.D. Power and Associates, perhaps the world's best known name in automotive research, was recently acquired by publisher McGraw-Hill. In April, CEO Steve Goodall talked in-depth to MrWeb's Michael Kenyon about the new owners, the road ahead for the company and the future of the automotive industry worldwide. [first of three parts] More
US-based Opinion Research Corporation and Sweden's Observer Group have announced financial results for the first quarter of 2005. ORC's rising revenues from social research offset a slight decline in market research and a bigger fall in teleservices, while Observer reports continued positive development in the US but a weak quarter in Europe. More
Nielsen Media Research has publicised disclosures made by its opponents in the LPM debate, confirming the heavy involvement of News Corp in the Don't Count Us Out campaign. The lobbying firm involved also admitted directing a campaign of calls to Nielsen execs which shut down their corporate switchboard. More
The BMRA has published its league table of UK research agencies for 2004. Whilst we remain cautious given problems in previous years with interpretation, there are some notable highlights. Total turnover for the sector was just under £1.3bn (up 5.4%), with international business in particular recovering strongly. More
UK retail and trade research specialist ESA has announced turnover growth of 8% in its 25th anniversary year, 2004. Although well below the 35% achieved in 2003, when it was the fastest growing large research agency in the UK, the 2004 figure is still well above the industry average. More
UK radio audience research body RAJAR has agreed a further £500,000 to fund the next stage of its extensive testing and analysis of two audiometers, the Arbitron Portable People Meter (PPM) and the Eurisko Media Monitor. TV research body BARB will piggyback its own test of the PPM on the RAJAR study. More
Audience measurement specialist Arbitron Inc. has announced results for the first quarter of 2005, 'on track despite a challenging economic environment' for its customers. Revenue of $79.2m is up 3.4% on the same period last year. More
United Business Media (UBM) will offer exclusive talks to one of the three remaining bidders for NOP World, according to the UK's Financial Times. The three are GfK, Ipsos and the WPP Group - Aegis and TNS were recently eliminated from the bidding. More
GfK has announced 'a year of extraordinary success' with sales up 12.8% to EUR 671.7m and a margin of 13.6%, putting the Group 'top of the market research sector in terms of profitability'. EBIT including income from participations increased by 31.2% to EUR 91.1m and the dividend by around 43% to EUR 0.30. More
America's Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has told Congress that it will not be formally monitoring the accuracy of media ratings, and that it believes Nielsen did not misrepresent its Local People Meters or fail to disclose 'material facts' about the system. The Commission says self-regulation via the Media Rating Council appears to be working. More
MORI is celebrating ten years with a permanent presence in Scotland by doubling the capacity of its telephone research centre in Edinburgh to 300 dedicated CATI stations. It will also recruit additional research and support staff. More
Greenfield Online has announced the completed acquisition of fellow online survey specialist Ciao AG for cash plus shares to a total value of c.$150 million. The move creates a major new global force in Internet panel research. More
Ethnic investment specialist Hispania Capital Partners has acquired a controlling interest in US telephone fieldwork company Eastern Research Services, Inc, for an undisclosed sum. Hispania says Eastern provides a platform for development and its aims include the development of a major full service offering, among others. More
IMSA, the International Mystery Shopping Alliance, has added another member this week. Hoed Mystery Shopping is one of the leading agencies in the field in Australia and New Zealand. More
Nielsen Media Research yesterday made public, and welcomed, the content of the report of The Independent Task Force on Television Measurement. The Task Force was established last year as an independent body, amid the controversy over Local People Meters and their measurement of the viewing behaviour of people of colour. More
The UK's MRS has elected Eamonn Santry of Network Research as its new Chairman and Raz Khan of IT services firm Cobalt Sky as Deputy Chairman, following an Extraordinary General Meeting. The meeting was required because – for the first time in the Society's history – no nominations were received for the post. More
Ipsos UK opens a new telephone centre in Lowestoft, Suffolk, this week. The new facility will support the existing international CATI centre in Harrow, North London in coping with growing demand, especially via the company's Public Affairs division. More
TNS has today announced extensive development plans for its global consumer panel service Worldpanel, including the expansion of its UK FMCG consumer tracker, Superpanel, from 15,000 to 25,000 households. More
Nielsen parent VNU has released its full year financial statements for 2004, showing 'solid' growth in 2004. Strong results from the Media Measurement & Information (MMI) group and most of the Marketing Information (MI) group were offset by ACNielsen Europe's protracted move to a new data factory. More
TNS has announced its results for the year ended 31 December 2004, the first full year since the acquisition of NFO WorldGroup, Inc. (NFO) in July 2003. Revenue increased 17.4% to £945.3m and underlying revenue up 4.1%. Operating profit is up 28% to £102.0m while operating margin increased 0.9% to 10.8%. More
The Australian Market & Social Research Society (AMSRS) will celebrate its 50th anniversary with its 2005 National Conference at Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour from 9 - 11 October. 'Impact 2005' will examine the effect the profession has had on Australian communities, government and the private sector. More
Online survey software provider Zoomerang, owned by California's MarketTools, Inc., has reported the launch of its one millionth survey, a customer satisfaction review by a multinational corporation. Zoomerang debuted in the fall of 1999. More
MrWeb posted its 20,000th vacancy ad on Tuesday this week. The site, which was launched in 1998, has been the UK's busiest medium for MR recruitment since the year 2000, but the rapid recent rise in the number of postings is evident from the fact that ad number 10,000 went up in mid-2003. More
Following RAJAR's announcement this week that the GfK Telecontrol MediaWatch had been dropped from its next wave of audiometer trials, the Group has issued a statement saying it is 'highly astonished' and questioning the scientific basis of the tests. More
UK radio audience measurement body RAJAR has announced the result of its Audiometer Validation Test which took place in November 2004. The Arbitron PPM and the Eurisko Media Monitor have been selected for further fieldwork tests, while the GfK/Telecontrol MediaWatch has, for the time being at least, dropped out of the running. More
Nielsen Media Research will launch a branding advertising campaign in the US in February, promoting its accurate reporting of TV viewing by all different kinds of people, led by the slogan 'Every View Counts'. The move follows a year of controversy over the launch of its Local People Meters. More
Arbitron has announced good results, amid industry speculation about a possible sale. The US-based audience measurement specialist increased its revenue by 8.4% in 2004, from $273.6m to $296.6m. More
The TRBI brand, for a decade one of the UK's best known names, has disappeared with the New Year as the agency continues its integration into Synovate, which acquired it in January 2004. More
DRNO has learned that Ivor Stocker has narrowly defeated Peter Hodgson in the first ever contested election for Chairman of the British Market Research Association (BMRA). Stocker was Chair in 2001-2, handing over the reins to IDA's Peter Jackling from whom he now resumes the title, thus completing a neat one-two. More
Just two and a half weeks after announcing a new venture in Australia Survey Sampling International (SSI) has announced a partnership with Larry Greenberg of Tokyo-based Urban Connections to establish and rapidly expand a new Representative Office in Japan. More
EQuesta, the online division of pharmaceutical and healthcare data collection agency Fieldwork International, has announced that its European physicians panel has doubled in size over the past year to 19,000, and is currently growing at a rate of 2000 members per month. More
Canada's three industry associations for market intelligence and survey research have announced a merger, creating a new national association to be called the Marketing Research & Intelligence Association (MRIA) and due to operate from 1st Jan 2005. More
Nielsen Media Research and NBC Universal have announced the signing of a seven-year contract for audience measurement services covering all of NBC Universal's national and local television businesses, the largest ever of its kind. More
Independent healthcare data collection agency All Global has launched a 5-room viewing facility in Central London. All Global Viewing offers leading edge technology and a full range of office services. More
'We are a research and consulting organization first. The Internet and telephone are a means to an end'. Gregory Novak, President and COO Harris Interactive talks in depth to MrWeb's Michael Kenyon about Internet research, Sesame Street strategy and 'the perfect acquisition'. More
UK agency Strategic Research has ceased trading as of Monday 1st November. Despite rapid recent growth and a high profile in the industry, the company says it was unable to recover from the loss of one very large client. More
ACNielsen has completed the first phase of its US Homescan MegaPanel initiative, expanding the panel by thirty thousand households to a total of 91,500 and launching the 'Shopper Trends' segmentation service and other new features. Nearly fifty companies have signed up as MegaPanel clients and the first results are due next month. More
Online competitive intelligence provider Hitwise has expanded its demographic sample to include more than 2 million UK households, allowing better profiling of online audiences using basic demographics and/or lifestyle data. More
It's party time for UK researchers, many of whom went straight from the Insight Show in London's Earl's Court to the MRS Awards Dinner at the Café Royal last night. The Show looked better, if still fairly quiet; the Awards were a shade off last year's success, but still pretty good. Does our opinion count? Well here it is anyway. More
A very enjoyable Awards dinner at the Café Royal last night saw some familiar and some new faces carrying off the major gongs. Two were carried off to a noisy Nunwood table, including the 'Best Agency' Award for which they were pipped last year by Flamingo – and two went to the team of Robert Heath at the Value Creation Company and Pam Hyder from Standard Life. More
The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) has formally launched its new introductory qualification in market and social research, in partnership with City & Guilds, the UK's leading awarding body for work-based qualifications. More
Eurisko, the Italian arm of NOP World, has been formally invited to take part in RAJAR's Audiometer Validation Trial in November 2004. Eurisko's passive portable radio and TV metering system is said to rival those currently on offer by Arbitron and GFK. Further details of the trial format have also been released. More
Radio audience measurement body RAJAR has committed itself to a 'roadmap' with a timetable for up-grading the current system, including the possible introduction of electronic measurement. The tender process will be launched in April 2005 and the new contract awarded as early as September 2005. More
UK research associations the MRS and BMRA have announced another attempt to establish closer, more formal links, this time including the client side organisation AURA. The three councils are preparing detailed proposals for the creation of 'a single federated structure reflecting the needs of the whole MR sector'. More
Chris Wood, formerly Director of Qualitative Services at Perspective Research, has launched a new fieldwork company, Raw Research. The company specialises in telephone, web and field based data collection, from recruitment and interviewing to first stage data analysis. More
E-Tabs, provider of delivery, portal and automation software for the MR industry, has opened an office in New York and recruited Aaron Benedict from CRM Metrix to head it up. Existing offices are in London and Chicago. More
Nearly half the UK's sixty-five biggest agencies showed double-digit growth last year, according to league tables published by Marketing magazine in association with the BMRA. More
In the latest exchange of the long-running controversy surrounding PPMs, LPMs and their supposed under-representation of certain groups, Nielsen have issued a statement responding to Fox Television's appeal for government regulation of television ratings. More
Arbitron and Nielsen Media Research have announced substantially improved results in their recruitment and maintenance of panels for the PPM. More
A review commissioned in May by Nielsen Media Research but conducted by an independent body has concluded that criticisms of Nielsen's methodology for measuring ethnic audiences made by Rincón and Associates 'Latino Television Study' were not solidly supported. More
Synovate has selected SPSS Dimensions, an integrated market research platform for survey design, data collection, data management, analysis and publishing of market research results, as its technology of choice throughout its worldwide operations. More
The USA's Marketing Research Association has announced a new President, Joe Ottaviani. Already strongly involved in MRA's Partnership initiative with other MR associations, Ottaviani sees progress towards 'a single voice representing the profession' as a key objective. More
Research firm MRCGroup Research Institute has announced an expansion in one of MR's more glamorous locations. The company's national research test facility, located in the Grand Canal Shoppes of The Venetian Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, has added a 36-station screening room test theater, confounding some early sceptics. More
Sample provider Survey Sampling International LLC (SSI) has announced rapid sales growth for Q1 2004 and has appointed Steve Flanagan Vice President for Global Development. More
Finding the right kind of people is the biggest challenge facing fast-growing research agencies of all sizes, according to the next edition of MRWho, out shortly. The issue looks in detail at 6 UK-based success stories with turnovers from £1 million to £50 million, and finds most in buoyant mood. More
Further moves in the saga of Nielsen's local people meters and their representation of ethnic audiences. Nielsen Media Research has announced that it has contracted with the University of Southern California's Tomás Rivera Policy Institute (TRPI), to review the findings of a Latino Television Study which questioned Nielsen's techniques. More
From this week, MrWeb is offering free advertising of vacancies for interviewers and coders for agencies with full entries in its directory. The service will be trialled in the UK before rollout to Australia, the US and elsewhere. More
Three promotions are announced at fast-growing Little Rock-based agency Flake-Wilkerson Market Insights LLC, following the opening in February of its new 'Midwest' call center and other recent appointments. More
Trouble - of rather different sorts - for audience measurement providers on both sides of the Atlantic. The UK's radio audience research body RAJAR is being sued for £66m, while in the US Nielsen Media Research has been criticised by News Corporation over its imminent launch of People Meter technology in New York. More
Today sees the official launch of a home page for Australian researchers. MrWeb has attracted a significant audience of MR professionals Down Under for most of its 5 years, without much specific targeting, but from today is providing specific feature content, a job search and recruiter index, and directories with a more Australian focus. More
Kantar is to consolidate its UK Operations capabilities – including quant field management, scripting questionnaires, data collection and DP - under a single management structure, headed by Mike Leigh. The new unit will be known as The Operations Centre. More
Harris Interactive® will close its Rochester, NY telephone research facility by June 30 this year. The decision to close the last US Center reflects the growth of Internet data collection, compared to which telephone work is 'too costly and too slow'. More
UK agency ORC International treated clients and the press to a glimpse of its Vision for the future of MR last week in Central London. The company's survey management, analysis and reporting will all be Web-based on most projects, giving clients continuous access to project progress and often to results as they emerge. More
The MRS Awards Dinner continues to gain momentum as an annual event - it's posh, it's popular and it now has more sponsors than Elton John doing a charity marathon. DRNO's reporter was privileged to sit only 27 tables from the front and watch Flamingo International carry off the BMRA's Best Agency Award. More
Online survey software specialist FIRM have announced a successful first 6 months for their first Asia Pacific partner-reseller, Australian-based Information Research Management Pty Ltd (IRM). IRM was founded in April 2003 and offers Confirmit software, training, consultancy, and support services. More
Nunwood Consulting is using personal digital assistants (PDAs) alongside software developed in-house to enable the uploading of interviews as they are completed, allowing researchers 'back at base' to instantly monitor, collate and view quantitative results, 'real time'. More
CATI specialist The Wire has reported record sales for the first six months of its financial year, up 75% on the same period in 2002. Turnover for the period March to August 2003 was £1.4m. More
MrWeb has today launched the first four of its new 'Sector Focus' pages. Each page brings together the site's news, desk research links (UK-based) and listings of suppliers for researchers working in a particular vertical sector. More
UK market research salaries have remained fairly flat in the past 12 months, according to the first statistics from MrWeb vacancies for Jan to June '03. Full details will be in this month's MRWho. The number of jobs posted (and specifying salaries) has risen by 27% in the last 6 months. More
The MrWeb site, combining news, jobs, directories, diary and link libraries for market researchers, enjoyed a busiest-ever month in May with record numbers of jobs posted, pages viewed, recruiters advertising and subscribers signed up. On three occasions in the past four weeks, more than 10,000 site pages have been viewed in one day. More
The Board of MORI, the UK's largest independent MR agency, is entering discussions with a number of potential buyers. The company was the subject of an MBO 3-4 years ago and the decision to invite bids is reportedly in line with the original plan under the venture capital model. A price tag of £100m has been mentioned by the FT, but has not, according to MORI, come from anyone within the company. More
MrWeb, the publisher of Daily Research News and MRWho, has appointed Michael Kenyon to the new post of Director, US Operations. The move follows a successful year in which the company has consolidated its no.1 position in the UK research job ads market and broadened out into new areas. More
In a new agreement, 150 part-time data collectors and three area coordinators in the UK are to have their employment contracts transferred from ACNielsen to ESA, the St Albans based retail research specialists. ESA is currently ACNielsen's first-choice supplier for outsourced fieldwork and will be contracted to supply much of the regular pricing and causal data collection. More
Following the closure of NOP Numbers, Kevin Wilks has been appointed DP Development Director at MTS (MORI Telephone Surveys). More
The Annual Research Industry Angling Competition will take place at the Willinghurst Estate Fishery near Cranleigh, Surrey on Friday 2nd November. Once again, the day will be generously sponsored by the New Fieldwork Company with tackle prizes and trophies being presented to the winners. More
French agency Ipsos has reported strong first half results with revenues up 64% and net income up a considerable 106% as well as an improvement in operational profitability. More
TNS Interseach has successfully completed a nationwide CAPI study in the USA using Net-CAPI(tm), Global Market Insite's Net-CAPI, an advanced Internet-based CAPI solution. More
International fieldwork Company Field Facts Worldwide has enhanced its global data collection capabilities via the purchase of Marlin Research Ltd. More
American agency Greenfield Online has renewed its commitment to maintaining its position as the leading provider of online data collection and infrastructure services in response to recent trends in the marketplace. More
Harris Interactive is launching an aggressive programme to grow its respondent panels in the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and Italy, followed quickly by Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and China. This is to reinforce its presence in the international online research sector. More
London-based research agency RDSi have announced the opening of a new northern office and a viewing facility in Leeds city centre, plus the completion of a programme of research seminars. More
News has just been released that Harris Interactive Inc. and Total Research Corporation are to merge, forming one of the world's largest research companies. The two companies expect to report approximately US$115 million in combined revenues for their 2001 fiscal years. More
Opinion Research Corporation's application for listing on the NASDAQ National Market System has been approved. Upon listing, the common stock of Opinion Research Corporation will trade under the symbol 'ORCI' More
Miami-based SIL Group USA has launched a new division called "Grupo Hispano", headed up by veteran Hispanic researcher Donna Russell Arguedas as Director. More
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