Spark Hires Stowe Boyd as Head of Research

In the US, research, strategy and integrated marcoms agency Spark has appointed former Gigaom employee Stowe Boyd as Head of Research.

San Francisco and New York-based Spark offers a range of PR, integrated communications, research and strategic marketing programs, backed by data-driven insights to measure the on-going effectiveness of the concepts and campaigns generated. Earlier in the year, Spark commissioned Boyd (pictured) to offer his perspective on the state of the tech industry for various clients, as well as for its new narrative division, Perpetual Studio. He now joins full-time with more than 25 years' research and analysis experience, the past six of which were spent at technology specialist Gigaom (acquired by online publisher Knowingly), where he worked closely with clients such as Microsoft, Google, IBM and Dell - most recently as Head of Research. Before this, he was a software researcher / adjunct professor for ten years, an entrepreneur, and worked for numerous journals and analyst firms.

In his new role, Boyd will work closely with Chief Narrative Officer Toby Trevarthen, and with CEO Alan Soucy to drive a deeper focus on research-based activities. In addition, he plans to move beyond the technology sector, and integrate research into other client initiatives. Soucy comments: 'The complexity of our clients' needs within the ever-changing media landscape are demanding more research and insights before marketing strategies take shape. [Boyd's] unique perspective on the industry today, and his informed outlook on the future, will add enormous value to our clients and the overall direction of Spark'.

Web site: www.sparkpr.com .