Mystery Shopping Firm Douglas Stafford Names New MD

In the UK, Portsmouth-based mystery shopping firm Douglas Stafford has promoted Operations Director Ben Sargeant to the role of Managing Director.

Launched in 1989, the firm conducts telephone, electronic, report-based and video mystery shopping programmes for a range clients across the retail, leisure, property, financial and automotive sectors.

Sargeant (pictured) has been working for the firm for the past ten years, after graduating from the University of Portsmouth in 2004. He initially joined the company's Quality Control Department, before moving into the Special Projects Department where he helped expand the video mystery shopping side of the business. He has since held senior roles in the Field Scheduling and Project Management teams before being made Field Development Manager and more recently serving as Operations Director since 2010.

Commenting on the appointment, CEO Nigel Cook said: 'Ben has progressed through the company, working both very hard and effectively to reach this position. In his role as Operations Director, he has been instrumental in the continued success of the company over the past few years. By taking on this new role and challenge, he will be able to move the business onto the next level of development.'

Web site: www.douglasstafford.com .