Synovate Appoints New Gulf Leader

Synovate has appointed George Christodoulides as Managing Director of Synovate Gulf in Dubai, with responsibility for the firm's business in the UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

Christodoulides began his market research career at the company's predecessor in Cyprus 15 years ago, and was first based in Dubai between 1995 and 1997 when he led several regional accounts in the FMCG, automotive and financial sectors. He takes on his new role from his previous position as MD of Central Europe (Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic), and before this, he served as General Manager for Synovate Hungary.

Christodoulides replaces Andreas Zachariou, who was promoted to the position last June, and who has now been named Executive Director - Consumer Insights for Central/Eastern Europe and the Middle East (CEEME).

Synovate CEO for CEEME Kurt Thompson says that under Zachariou's leadership, the company's business in the Gulf has been on a constant growth path, while Christodoulides was instrumental in its continued growth in Central Europe. He adds: 'Our immediate goal is to expand our services offerings across a wider range of sectors in the Gulf, and George is ideally suited to take on this challenge.'

Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group, employs more than 5,700 staff in 121 cities across 57 countries and is on the web at www.synovate.com .