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Rubinson Leaves ARF
Joel Rubinson is stepping down from his role as Chief Research Officer of US body the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF), from September 2010. Rubinson will establish his own consulting practice, but will continue to consult for the ARF on its Research Transformation and Shopper Insights initiatives.
 ARF President and CEO Bob Barocci says that in the two years Rubinson has been in the post, the ARF has 'gained considerable momentum... producing significant industry impact-driven deliverables' - it has also attracted over 100 new members in the past 18 months. He notes Rubinson's particular contribution to 'transforming the impact of consumer insights, understanding how to think about building strong brands in today's new marketing world, leveraging listening and social media, and shopper insights.'
Rubinson says of the decision: 'I want to work directly with clients to help them succeed in the new digital world, leveraging the thinking that has emanated from industry leaders via the ARF.'
A published author, AMA instructor and university lecturer, Rubinson was SVP, Head of Advanced Solutions for Synovate North America before taking up the ARF role. Prior to Synovate, he worked at the NPD Group for many years, having started his research career at Unilever. He holds an MBA in statistics and economics from the University of Chicago and a BS from NYU.
It is not clear how the ARF will seek to fill the gap, with a direct replacement or some other strategy, but in the statement on its web site (www.thearf.org ), it notes that its 'pursuit of new and innovative research leadership has already begun' with the appointment last week of David Marans as EVP Media.
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