IRI Appoints FMCG Specialist for UK MD Role

Retail data giant Information Resources Inc (IRI) has appointed Blair Ruelens as Managing Director in the UK, replacing Jeremy McNamara who has left the firm following a review of the company's UK business direction.

Ruelens was previously Group Director and EVP for Global Sales with Cadbury Schweppes, where he had full general management and cross functional responsibility as global head of the 16,000 strong beverage and confectionery sales organization. Prior to this, he held senior sales positions with General Mills, Pillsbury and XL Foods, having started his career at Procter and Gamble, where he held a number of sales and marketing roles over 17 years. He has a BA in Business and Urban Planning from York University, Toronto.

In his new role, Ruelens will report to Nigel Howlett, IRI's President - International, who joined from OgilvyOne Worldwide last year.

Commenting on the appointment Howlett said: 'I am delighted to have hired an executive of such outstanding calibre. Blair brings us the experience and expertise to lead and build the UK business in a truly client centric way.'

IRI provides consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights to CPG, retail, and healthcare companies and is online at www.infores.com .