Former Nielsen Exec Becomes ThinkVine COO

US company ThinkVine, which helps clients align marketing and advertising with consumer behaviour, has hired former Nielsen exec Brian Smith for the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer, in charge of product and service innovation.

Smith (pictured) takes up his new role with more than twenty years' experience. Most recently, he worked as a Principal for market research consultancy The Connell Group, developing brand strategies and innovation plans for clients. Prior to this he held senior roles at Nielsen, leading practice areas for marketing mix and pricing analytics in North America. He joined Nielsen's BASES division in 2001, then launched a satellite office in Johannesburg, South Africa, and later led the BASES Market and Brand Advisor practice globally. Smith began his career as Market Research Manager at Procter & Gamble and subsequently held strategy and insights roles at Medsite.com and Interbrand.

ThinkVine CEO Damon Ragusa comments: 'We are thrilled to have Brian on board. He is a seasoned strategist and innovator who brings a remarkable skill set to help lead ThinkVine's product and services expansion.'

Web site: www.thinkvine.com .