Daily Research News Online no. 7966 - MB Strengthens Taiwan and AAP Teams

MB Strengthens Taiwan and AAP Teams

February 15 2008

Following the closure of Opinion Research Taiwan (ORT), a number of the firm's key staff have joined Millward Brown Taiwan. MB has also promoted Deepender Rana to Chief Client Officer Africa Asia Pacific (AAP), and given AAP COO Adrian Gonzalez additional responsibility for Greater China.

ORT's former MD Kevin Meyer becomes MD of the expanded operation, and comments: 'Like the rest of the staff from ORT, I am hugely excited to now be part of this top-notch group.'

Millward Brown has been conducting research in Taiwan for the past ten years as part of the company's business in Greater China. The company has five account teams which focus on healthcare/pharmaceuticals, automotive/IT, financial services, FMCG and qualitative research (through its specialist practice Millward Brown Firefly which operates in Taiwan and across Asia Pacific).

Gonzalez said that Meyer's local expertise will allow the firm to 'fine tune' its offer to better help local Taiwanese clients optimise their marketing budgets.

Following his promotion, Gonzalez works alongside Yuxian Gao, Chairman of Millward Brown-ACSR, the practice formed in 2006 (www.mrweb.com/drno/news5613.htm ). Before becoming COO for AAP, Gonzalez was CEO of Millward Brown's then Japan, Australia and New Zealand region (JANZ).

Rana has worked for the firm for nine years, and most recently was head of its quantitative business in Greater China. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing new business development and regional client management, and will become a member of the AAP board.

Commenting on the changes, Travyn Rhall, CEO of AAP said: 'I am absolutely delighted that both Rana and Adrian have taken on these new responsibilities, they have a deep experience of Millward Brown's business and are a great asset to the region.'

Web site is www.millwardbrown.com.