Whiting Rise Continues at Nielsen

In the US, Nielsen has promoted Executive Vice President Susan Whiting to the post of Company Vice Chairperson, joining Chairman and CEO David Calhoun in the newly created 'Office of the CEO' to provide oversight and direction to the company's initiatives and operations.

In her new role, Whiting is expected to work closely with Nielsen's clients and stakeholders around the world to provide an understanding of consumer activity, media consumption and the relationship between the two.

'Susan will focus on our most critical relationships with clients and manage a broad array of issues that affect all our stakeholders,' said Calhoun. 'This appointment is part of our plan to integrate Nielsen's resources in a way that delivers even more value for our clients.

Whiting joined Nielsen Media Research in 1978, and has since worked in every aspect of the business. She was prominent in the firm's defence of its practices and its positive response during the row over Local People Meters and their representation of people of color in 2005. In 2007, she was appointed Chairman of Nielsen Media Research and Nielsen Company Executive VP with marketing and product leadership responsibilities for all Nielsen business units.

'New technology and evolving patterns of consumer behavior have created enormous challenges for our clients,' says Whiting. 'I look forward to working even more closely with major marketers and media companies to help them take advantage of our wide range of research capabilities.'

The New York-headquartered firm, which is active in more than 100 countries, is online at www.nielsen.com .

On Monday, Nielsen and partner IMMI closed their recently launched out-of-home TV viewing measurement service, blaming tough economic times.