Maru/Matchbox Hires Chief Client Officer and President

Former Kantar exec Brian James has joined Maru/Matchbox as Chief Client Officer (CCO) and President of Consumer Goods and Services.

James (pictured) joins from Kantar, where he was President of Brand Performance and Member of the company's North American Insights Leadership Team, and brings more than twenty years of MR industry experience. During more than a decade at Millward Brown, he established the company's Chicago office; led the transformation of the company's North American service delivery model; and created a new regional business by integrating two of its offices. Promoted to EVP and Managing Director of Milward Brown, he then led the company's Midwest and West Coast operations.

In his new role, he takes responsibility for one of the portfolio company's most significant verticals in Consumer Goods and Services; while as Chief Client Officer he will oversee development of measurements to ensure client satisfaction and define best practice; plus the launch of a services model for a technology-enabled insight services company.

Maru Group CEO Ged Parton comments: 'Brian is an exciting and world-class addition to Maru and we are delighted to announce his appointment. He has a superb track record in building deep, strategic client relationships and throughout his career has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. I am proud to bring him on board as part of the team at Matchbox'.

The company has made a raft of recent senior appointments, including Danna Kress as VP in its Qual Centre of Excellence this week.

Web site: www.marumatchbox.com .