Former MB Chief Mary Ann Packo Joins Hypothesis

In Los Angeles, insights design and strategy agency Hypothesis has appointed former Millward Brown North America CEO Mary Ann Packo as a Senior Partner, leading client growth, research innovation and talent acquisition.

Hypothesis, which also has offices in Seattle, combines consumer-centric qual research, advanced analytics, strategic thinking and data visualization to help brands of all sizes. Packo (pictured) joins with more than 25 years' MR sector experience. Most recently, she served as CEO of Kantar's Gold Rush initiative to expand into the US Western region.

She began her career in 1986 at NFO Worldwide, which was later merged with TNS, prior to the latter's integration into Kantar. After a stint as CEO responsible for setting up joint venture Ipsos-NFO Europe, Packo moved to Media Metrix as President and COO, before returning to Kantar's Millward Brown as its leader in North America, and then serving as CEO Kantar Insights NA. Separately, she currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF).

Maria Stark, Hypothesis founder, comments: 'We are extremely excited to expand Hypothesis with the extraordinary vision and high energy Mary Ann brings with her. Her commitment and contributions to our industry are truly unique and will no doubt continue to be a strong force as we look at the world in new ways. We proudly welcome Mary Ann to Hypothesis and its future'.

Web site: www.hypothesisgroup.com .