GfK Promotes North American Leaders

GfK has promoted Kevin Taylor to EVP of Technology, overseeing work for all North America tech clients, and Gary Schanzer takes on permanent leadership of the Digital Market Intelligence (DMI) team, while continuing in his role as Head of Shopper & Retail Strategy.

Taylor joined GfK two years ago from a Vertical Strategy, Audience/Customer Research role at Facebook. Prior to this he spent eight years at Microsoft, where he initially worked as Market Research Manager, and latterly as Senior Manager - Marketing Strategy, using research-based insights to drive marketing strategy for the Windows consumer business. Earlier, he was Director of Research Operations at Survey.com. In his new role, Taylor will shape overall vision for the Technology division, serve as a thought leader, and build a team of key account managers.

Schanzer has served as Head of Shopper and Retail Strategy since 2013, having joined GfK in 2010, when it acquired Interscope, a retail insights consultancy he co-founded in 2004. Earlier in his career, Schanzer was a Consultant at Euro RSCG Meridian, and VP at Information Resources Inc., and he worked for Bestfoods as a Brand Manager. He has recently managed GfK's DMI team on an interim basis, and will now fill that role permanently; while continuing to serve as Head of the Shopper and Retail Strategy team.

Commenting on the appointments, Holly Jarrell, Chief Client Service Officer of GfK Consumer Experiences North America, said: 'Kevin and Gary are smart leaders who understand the most important issues on marketers' minds.'

Web site:www.gfk.com .