Key Hire and Promotion for GBK Collective

In the US, consumer behavior analyst and consultancy GBK Collective has appointed former Kantar exec Rob da Silva as Executive Vice President, while promoting Brian Smith to the role of EVP, Strategic Insights.

The company offers a proprietary research model combining sector knowledge, research expertise and data analytics to help clients understand industry trends. In LA, da Silva (pictured) joins with nearly 30 years' industry experience. He was previously SVP of Kantar's Millward Brown Digital, SVP and MD of Ipsos MediaCT, and held senior roles at Kantar-owned Added Value. In his new position, da Silva will advise clients across product and marketing strategy, brand equity, customer segmentation and advertising effectiveness.

Smith joined last year as SVP, based in the Seattle area, from WPP-owned Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates (PSB) where he was SVP, Behavioral Analytics. Before this he spent nine years at Microsoft, latterly as Senior Product Marketing Manager, and earlier as the firm's Senior Competitive Strategy Manager. Following his promotion, he will continue to oversee strategic insights and analytics engagements - working with clients to improve brand equity, increase customer lifetime value and drive growth.

GBK co-founder and CEO Jon Greenwood says 2021 has been 'a year filled with growth' for the company. He adds: 'Today we're doubling down on our commitment and investment to hire the industry's best product and marketing strategy, insights and analytics leaders to deliver even more value to clients. We're thrilled to welcome Rob da Silva, as well as recognize Brian Smith with a well-deserved promotion'.

The firm, which is headquartered in New York, with additional operations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Seattle and London, is online at www.gbkcollective.com .