Simpson Carpenter Hires Qual Head

Simpson Carpenter has hired Abi Markey, former Deputy MD of specialist qual agency Directions Research & Marketing to head up the agency's qualitative team.

The company, founded by Tom Simpson and Derek Carpenter in 1998, works for automotive, retail and technology, media & telecoms clients. Markey is the third in a series of recent high level appointments (see also Rachael Fraser and Mike Stevens) and takes responsibility for all of the firm's qualitative work.

At Directions, she took responsibility for a wide range of strategic qual projects for FMCG, retail, social and charity clients and ownership of key blue chip accounts. Prior to this she spent four years as a qual and quant researcher at brand consultancy The Leading Edge in Australia. Her strengths include new product development and communications research, as well as the application of psychological frameworks to enhance MR methods.

Tom Simpson, the firm's co-founder and MD, comments: 'Abi shares our passion for integrating qualitative and quantitative research, a principle that is absolutely central to our offering. As well as being an outstanding qualitative researcher with a clear track record in winning new business and managing major accounts, Abi has significant experience of mentoring and developing people in her team. We look forward to welcoming her to the company and expanding our qualitative research capabilities.'

Web site: www.simpsoncarpenter.com .