Publisher Dennis Hires to Spin Off Car Owner Survey

UK-based independent media company Dennis Publishing has appointed J.D. Power veteran Brian Walters as Director of Research and Insight, tasked with developing its Driver Power car ownership survey into a standalone brand.

Founded in 1974, the company is the UK's sixth largest consumer magazine publisher, and now consists of a number of operating companies in the UK and USA with a multi-platform offering and a group turnover above £100m.

Driver Power began in 2002 as a survey of readers of Auto Express magazine, and has developed into the UK's largest in-depth survey of car ownership, web-based and generating more than 100,000 comments each year. Over the next twelve months it will add a series of new surveys covering different phases of the vehicle ownership cycle for both cars and LCVs.

Walters (pictured) spent 15 years at J.D. Power, rising to the position of VP and Senior Director EMEA, and worked most recently at JATO Dynamics, where he was VP of Global Data Programs.

James Burnay, MD of Dennis Auto, comments: 'With his experience in developing, analysing and selling data, Brian was the standout candidate to maximise the opportunity with Driver Power so it can realise its enormous potential... Brian will build a team of experienced automotive researchers to ensure that Driver Power surveys ask the right questions of vehicle owners that will empower OEMs and retailers to quickly make important decisions regarding their businesses'.

Web site: www.dennis.co.uk .