Feigenson Named Simmons CEO as Pellegrini Departs

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.

Founded in 1952 by Willard Simmons as Simmons Market Research Bureau, and now owned by Symphony Technology, the firm measures consumer preferences, attitudes and media behavior by overlaying survey and passive data. Feigenson (pictured) joins with more than twenty years' experience in digital research and technology. He most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer of Nielsen Catalina Solutions, before which he ran Nielsen Digital for six years, launching the firm's Digital Ad Ratings, Audience Segments and programmatic business, and working on the acquisitions of Vizu and eXelate. Earlier, he worked for private equity and venture backed companies, including ECI Conference Call Services (sold to West Corporation) and Rave Mobile Safety.

The departing Pellegrini joined the company when it was acquired from his former employer Experian. Earlier in his career, he worked for GfK Custom Research North America, leading the Digital Market Intelligence and Media & Entertainment teams; and he previously held leadership positions at the Weather Network, comScore, Arbitron (now Nielsen Audio), TNS Media Research (now Kantar), and BBM Canada (now Numeris).

Commenting on the appointment, Simmons Chairman and Symphony Technology Group Operating Partner John Ouren said: 'With his accomplishments as a leader and significant digital experience, this is the perfect time for Andrew Feigenson to become Simmons' CEO. Under his leadership, Simmons will continue to build on its strong relationships with leading media companies and agencies, while expanding relationships with advertisers and new media companies. We appreciate Pat's service to the company and leadership in the transition of Simmons from Experian to being an independent company in the Symphony portfolio'.

Web site: www.simmonsresearch.com .

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