NPD Seals Walmart Agreement, Expands Analytics Team

In the US, NPD Group has announced an agreement with Walmart to process its point of sale data. The firm has also appointed four new analysts, plus Raj Misra as Director of Marketing.

The Walmart deal will significantly boost NPD's current intake of over 900 retailers. The agreement also covers Walmart.com. NPD has signed a similar agreement with Walmart division Sam's Club and samsclub.com.

NPD President and COO Karyn Schoenbart said: 'This agreement is truly a game changer for NPD and for the industry. With Walmart data, we will be able to provide our clients with world class information and solidify our leadership position as the premier source of market insight in our industries. We look forward to offering our clients the best information ever for understanding their customers in order to drive better decisions and grow their businesses.' Walmart will also be using NPD as a new supplier of forecasting analysis for the electronics team.

Newly appointed analysts in the global technology business are Riddhi Patel, Jimmy Kim, Steven Han and Jeffrey Songas.

Patel is appointed NPD DisplaySearch Research Director, Consumer Insights. Prior to joining NPD she worked as Director of Television Systems at IHS iSuppli. She will be based in the company's headquarters in Santa Clara. Kim is appointed NPD DisplaySearch Senior Analyst, Display Materials and LED. He previously worked in R&D with Samsung and will now be based in the Seoul, Korea office.

As a new NPD Solarbuzz Analyst, Han is responsible for research and analysis of downstream PV market developments in the Greater China region. He previously worked at Suntech Power and will be based in the Shanghai, China office. Songas, as a new NPD In-Stat Analyst, is responsible for market and industry research of digital entertainment, including connected TVs, Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and set top boxes in China and Taiwan. His previous companies include 3DiJoy, AverMedia, and INVENTEC. He will also be based in Shanghai.

Raj Misra is appointed The NPD Group Director of Marketing and will head up product marketing, brand strategy, and public relations for NPD DisplaySearch, In-Stat, and Solarbuzz. He has more than 15 years' industry experience and has held senior positions with Microsoft, Pratt & Whitney, Chubb, and Fiat. He will be based in Santa Clara.

Paul Semenza, Senior Vice President for Analyst Services said: 'The NPD Group continues to expand its coverage of the ever-changing global display, electronics and solar supply chains to closely track new technologies, follow growing markets, and stay ahead of evolving product categories. Peter Goldman, Senior Vice President for Business Operations, added: 'With the integration of the NPD technology analyst business, The NPD Group is investing in the cohesive and robust marketing efforts for its analyst-driven businesses. We are pleased to have Dr. Raj Misra drive this effort.'

Web sites: www.npd.com and www.walmart.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

• NPD Group
• All news