Maru/Matchbox Hires Three for Qual Center

MARU Group's tech and communities business Maru/Matchbox has appointed three industry veterans for its Qualitative Center of Excellence.

Maru/Matchbox was formed last year, through the acquisition of Vision Critical's North American Research Consulting division. Chris Gray (pictured) joins the firm's Chicago office as Vice President, Qualitative Insights, from brand engagement specialist The Marketing Arm, where he served as SVP, Consumer/Shopper Psychology, applying behavioral insights and strategy across the agency's core practices. Prior to this, he spent fourteen years at shopper marketing division Saatchi & Saatchi X; latterly as VP of Shopper Psychology, Shopper Insights, and Strategy Team Lead. He began his career as a clinical psychologist before moving into research.

In the San Francisco office, Maria Hom joins as Research Director, Qualitative Insights with more than twenty years' experience in qualitative research. Most recently she ran her own marketing consultancy, while serving as a Senior Consultant at online community specialist C Space; and before this she spent more than a decade at marketing services firm MLCH Consulting, latterly as Brand Marketing and Qual MR Consultant. Earlier, she was Marketing Director at Visa USA, and Product Manager at Del Monte Foods.

Also in San Francisco, Rosie Barraza joins as Field Manager, Qualitative Insights, overseeing field management for all qual project work executed by the Center of Excellence. Most recently, she was a Project Coordinator at marketing research provider The Henne Group, prior to which she worked as a bilingual phone interviewer at E&W Research.

Tommy Stinson, MD Qualitative Insights, comments: 'I'm thrilled to welcome Chris, Maria and Rosie to the Center of Excellence. Each brings a wealth of experience delivering excellent results. This growth represents our continued commitment to meeting the specific needs of our clients across industry verticals'.

Web site: www.marumatchbox.com .