RI Names Worldwide Qual Spokesman

Luc Rens, Research International's (RI) Regional Director of Qualitative Asia Pacific, has been given an expanded role as Lead Co-ordinator and Spokesperson for the firm's worldwide qualitative team.

Rens has been with RI for more than 12 years, during which time he has developed expertise in identifying marketing growth opportunities for clients by generating insights, ideas and concepts. Prior to taking on the regional role, he was Senior Vice President of RI USA.

Bob Meyers, the group's Worldwide CEO, said that the appointment would strengthen RI's qualitative network and fulfil the need for a unified global qual strategy and a more closely integrated qual/quant research offering.

'To me, it is clear that qualitative thinking is a big RI asset and essential to future product development', said Meyers. 'In this role, Luc will work with our regional qual leaders to ensure we properly align with our overall worldwide qualitative strategy and that the qualitative team has direct input into our product development process.'

Research International is an operating company of the Kantar Group, within WPP. Earlier in the week, RI announced its plans to acquire a majority stake in shopper research specialist Zdology in China (www.mrweb.com/drno/news8125.htm ).

Its web site is at www.research-int.com .