Brand Research Firm Launches in London

Four former Drummond Madell and GfK researchers have launched a specialist brand strategy, innovation and communications research agency in central London.

Volante Research is headed by Managing Director Nick Johnson, who joins after a brief stint with brand specialist Drummond Madell. Johnson was CEO of Evo Research prior to its closure last March, and before this held director-level roles at TRBI and RDSi.

He is joined by Director Tom Channing, who was most recently an Associate Partner and Head of Quantitative at Drummond Madell, and before this worked at NOP and GfK. Another former Drummond Madell colleague, Carl Sarney, takes up the role of Associate Director, having previously worked at Colmar Brunton in New Zealand.

In addition, ex-GfK Divisional Director Jon Whiteley becomes a Director, Whiteley held director-level positions at Ipsos and Harris Interactive earlier in his career.

Johnson told DRNO that the agency has been set up to help Consumer Insight Departments with their challenge to demonstrate the business value of insight.

'To really help, agencies need to take the time to understand how insight is viewed and used within client companies. Volante will always seek to put research into its wider, fuller perspective,' he stated.

The company - which will initially focus on the IT/telecoms, technology, financial services and media sectors - has already completed a project for Sony Ericsson, and is currently conducting a number of global commissions for clients.

Johnson added that Volante is planning to make several 'high profile' appointments during 2010.

Web site: www.volante-research.com .