Chime Hires Research Head for Facts International

In the UK, marcoms group Chime has appointed Gill Rumbold as Research Director, to head up the Research and Analysis team at its Kent-based full service and field & tab agency Facts International.

Along with Facts International, Chime's Research & Engagement Division comprises Opinion Leader Research, Tree, CaucusWorld, Naked Eye and Brand Democracy.

Rumbold (née Solly) joins from flavour and fragrance industry specialist Givaudan, where she worked as Head of Global CMR and Marketing for Research & Technology.

Before this, she was Global CU Director at Quest International, a Director at Ipsos ASI, and a Board Director and Deputy MD of Pegram Walters (UK). Earlier in her career, she held AD and SRE roles at Market Trends, IRB International and client-side at London Electricity.

In her new position, Rumbold will also lead Facts International's cross-divisional advertising, brand and new product development function.

'Gill is a senior operator with many years experience gained in senior research positions on both the agency and client-side,' states Crispin Beale, the division's CEO. 'Her appointment further demonstrates our commitment to attracting the brightest talent within the research sector and is another example of our business poaching a senior-level client-side researcher.'

This hire comes shortly after Chime announced the appointment of Sinéad Jefferies, who will lead Opinion Leader's research and insight business when she joins from the Royal Mail in the early summer.

In addition to these two senior appointments, Beale said the division is close to poaching another 'senior industry figure' to join the team, and that another announcement is expected in the next few days about the appointment of a Group Operations Director.

Web sites: www.chime.plc.uk and www.facts.uk.com .