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Knowledge Networks Fills CEO Role
US MR supplier Knowledge Networks has named Simon Kooyman as its new CEO. Kooyman is a former leader of Ipsos North America and also held key leadership positions at VNU. He succeeds John Lewis, who left in December 2005 to become President and CEO of AC Nielsen USA.
Kooyman assumes his new role today and will be based in the company's New York office. From 2001 to 2005, he was Chairman and CEO of Ipsos North America and Chairman of Ipsos-ASI worldwide. During his tenure, through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth, the revenues of the North American company nearly quadrupled - and for the first three of these four years it was named the fastest-growing research firm in the US by Inside Research.
Prior to this, as the first President of the VNU Marketing Information Entertainment Group, Kooyman promoted Internet-based data collection and implemented online delivery of the Group's products. Earlier in his career he worked outside the marketing information field, as President of Campina Melkunie's Industrial Ingredients Division, Corporate Controller of Royal Wessanen, and a consultant at Arthur Andersen Management Consultants in The Hague.
Kooyman comments: 'I see exciting growth opportunities for KN in its proven areas of expertise - new product development, brand health, advertising effectiveness and measurement, government and public policy studies, and analytics.' KN Board Member Fred Harman, General Partner at Oak Investment Partners, adds: 'Simon is expert at cultivating business growth that is sustainable and adds key innovations to established brands and points of difference. We look forward to supporting him as he helps KN fulfill its potential for leadership and customer service.'
The firm is on the web at www.knowledgenetworks.com .
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