Changes for Millward Brown in Asia Pacific

Millward Brown is to bring together its Asian and JANZ (Japan, Australia and New Zealand) regions under one management team to better co-ordinate business development in this part of the world. The new region will be known as Millward Brown Asia Pacific, and the consolidation process begins in January next year.

Management of the combined region will be headed by Andreas Sperling, who is relocating to Singapore and assuming the role of CEO Asia Pacific. Sperling is currently Managing Director of Millward Brown Germany and also a member of the Mainland European Management Team. He will become a main board member of the Millward Brown Group. Replacing Sperling in Germany will be Tamas Geczi, currently CEO of Millward Brown's Central and Eastern European operations.

Sperling's move comes as Catherine Gathani steps down as MD of Millward Brown Asia to begin a period of maternity leave. Gathani will leave in December, but plans to return to Millward Brown on a part-time consulting basis in June 2002.

Meanwhile, Adrian Gonzalez has been named CEO of the Japan, Australia and New Zealand part of the new region. Gonzalez was acting CEO for JANZ during Tony Wheeler's recent illness and subsequent death. He will continue to be based in Sydney, Australia.

Commenting on the changes, Millward Brown Group CEO Bob Meyers said "We couldn't have a more experienced person than Andreas Sperling to head our new Asia Pacific region. He has shown outstanding people and client development skills in running our German operation. And as a member of our Mainland European Management Team, he has demonstrated his business acumen and a clear understanding of the multi-cultural management and operational challenges facing the research industry today. Andreas will build on the tremendous job Cath Gathani has done across Asia, and will work with Adrian Gonzalez to further strengthen our businesses in JANZ."

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.