MARSC MD Nicky Forsyth to Step Down

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.

MARSC's sample and panel tools are used for broad consumer research or for smaller panels dedicated to specific topics, and the sampling tool can also be used to manage surveys using other data collection methods including telephone research. Last year, the company launched an online community solution, which combines a panellist interface with a fully featured content management system.

Forsyth (pictured) was promoted to her current position in June 2006, prior to which she was Sales and Marketing Director for four years. In a statement, MARSC said that Forsyth would be 'taking the summer off' and looking for new opportunities in the autumn. She will remain a company shareholder and a non-executive Board member, while also acting as a consultant when required.

Simpson commented: 'Nicky will be sadly missed by us all, she has been a significant part of MARSC's management team since the beginning and we wish her every success for the future.'

Since co-founding MARSC in 2000, Simpson has added to his extensive knowledge of market research sampling systems, which he gained while working at Quantime, NOP, Maritz, Research International and GfK. In a statement, Simpson said the change would give him the opportunity to take the company forward and move MARSC into a 'new phase of development'.

Web site: www.marsc.com .