Former CIA Officer to Drive Insight at Best Buy

In the US, technology and entertainment products retailer Best Buy has appointed former CIA Intelligence Officer Bill Hoffman as Senior Vice President, Consumer Insights, helping to guide the rapid expansion of the firm's insight function.

Most recently, Hoffman worked for McKinsey's, where he served as a leader in the Global Forces Service line, and in McKinsey's Center for Managing Uncertainty, where he helped clients understand external forces shaping consumer sentiment.

Prior to this, Hoffman was a Partner at Gallup; responsible for relationships with some of the firm's leading retail, hospitality and financial services clients. He also held various SVP roles directing strategic planning for National City Corporation's Private Client Group, and leading customer segment strategy for Bank of America in the Competitive Intelligence and Strategy unit.

Hoffman began his career as an Intelligence Officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) where he earned the Balkans service medal and two exceptional performance awards from CIA Director George Tenet.

'We're excited Bill is bringing his extensive experience in strategic intelligence gathering and planning to Best Buy,' stated Barry Judge, EVP and CMO. 'He will be a valuable, seasoned addition to our leadership team and the new consumer insights capability.'

Web site: www.bestbuy.com .