National Readership Survey Chairman to Step Down

In the UK Simon Marquis, Chairman of the National Readership Survey (NRS), is stepping down from the role at the end of the year, to 'make way for new blood' and a new system of governance across the sector.

NRS provides audience research for more than 250 British newspapers and magazines, through a continuous survey with a sample of 36,000 interviews a year, conducted in respondents' homes. In 2012, NRS launched its PADD service, which includes web site and print readership figures for all major UK newspapers and magazines, along with data from more than 400 web sites.

Under the leadership of Marquis (pictured), the NRS moved from print-only evaluation to a body that provides in-depth measurement across print, online and mobile channels for the industry's larger titles. He is stepping down at a time when the current newspaper and magazine multi-platform measurement system is under review.

Marquis said that in light of this review, it seemed a good time to 'make way for new blood' and a new system of governance across the sector. 'The NRS Board has asked me to stay on until the end of 2015 to help effect a smooth handover which I am very happy to do, and of course I wish the newsbrands, the magazines and the agencies every success in the creation of a brand new measurement system', he added.

Marquis has more than 30 years' media and advertising experience, having held management positions in both creative and media agencies. During his career, he also spent five years as Editorial Director at Haymarket Business Publishing, responsible for Marketing magazine and PR Week. He also served as non-executive Director of the Central Office of Information, was an independent Director at St Ives plc, and served as Chairman of both Evolutions Television and ZenithOptimedia.

It's seven months since Radio Advertising Bureau MD Simon Redican stepped into the organisation's CEO role, replacing Mike Ironside who had held the role for five years.

Web site: www.nrs.co.uk .