Fitch Founder to Lead 'The Hub' for WPP

Rodney Fitch, the founder of WPP-owned design agency Fitch, has taken on the role of Chairman of The Hub, an informal consortium combing the skills of WPP-owned research and branding firms TNS, G2 and Kantar Retail.

The new venture - which doesn't offer advertising - has been set up to help fmcg and retail clients integrate their marketing strategies. 'The Hub can offer a complete service in integrated marketing and strategies,' explains Fitch. 'My particular thrust is to introduce the offer to retailers rather than suppliers.'

Fitch has been appointed in his new role by Kantar CEO Eric Salama, less than a month after stepping down from his role as Chairman of the firm he founded in 1972.

In addition to his responsibilities at The Hub, Fitch has taken on the role of independent branding consultant to Qatari Diar on the Chelsea Barracks redevelopment; Professor of Retail Design at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and Mumbai; Chairman of V&A Enterprises; Non-Executive Director of Morgan Contract Furniture; and Chairman of online travel and education firm Oddizzi.

Web sites: www.wpp.com , www.tnsglobal.com and www.kantarretail.com .