Global Ops Head to Leave Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive's US-based President of North American and Global Operations, David Vaden, is set to leave the firm on Friday. The company has also agreed adjusted terms for its purchase of Canadian research provider Decima.

The company announced Vaden's departure through a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, but gave no reason for it.

Varden joined the firm in 2000 as Vice President of Finance. After working as SVP, Internet Services; and EVP Chief Operations Officer; he was promoted to his current position in 2007, since when he has been responsible for all North American research, sales and operations.

He previously served as a Manager in the audit and business advisory services division at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and has an MBA from Columbia University Business School, and a BS in Accounting from St John Fisher College.

In December, new President and CEO Kimberly Till announced a series of restructuring initiatives, including a net loss of 51 US jobs; the formation of new vertical teams; and changes in senior management.

Harris Interactive has also adjusted the terms of its agreement to buy research firm Decima in Canada. Originally Harris agreed to pay around C$21.3m for the firm, plus earn-out payments of anything up to C$17m, linked to the meeting of performance targets to the year 2012. However, this figure has been replaced with one payment of C$250k in June, followed by possible payments of C$500k each June until 2012. The payment could be further reduced if any of the Decima sellers (other than CEO Bruce Anderson) voluntarily terminates their employment prior to June 2012.

Web site: www.harrisinteractive.com .