Ipsos MORI Names Head of Reputation Centre

In the UK, Milorad Ajder has been appointed as MD of Ipsos MORI's Reputation Centre (RC), replacing Stewart Lewis who will retire at the end of the year after more than 30 years with the firm.

Most recently, Ajder headed his own research consultancy Ajder Associates, which ran projects combining research, brand strategy and change management for clients such as BT, CNBC Europe and Dupont, as well as a European Reputation Panel of senior communications executives reviewing corporate reputation and brand management issues.

Prior to this, Ajder headed the Corporate Brand Management Division of ORC International. During his career, he has regularly published articles on attitudes and practices in corporate branding, and is a frequent speaker at industry events.

To ensure a smooth transition and handover, Ajder will work closely with Lewis, who joined MORI in 1976 after graduating in Modern Languages from Cambridge University.

He will report to MD of Public Affairs, Ben Page, who commented on the appointment: 'Milorad is passionate about the role of research within the corporate environment and believes it should be seen as a strategic resource that delivers both business critical insights and an action plan for change.'

Ajder added that he is looking forward to building on the achievements of the centre, and said that its growth ambitions lie not just in the UK, but in Europe as a whole.

Ipsos acquired MORI in 2005, in a deal worth £88m. Ipsos MORI is online at www.ipsos-mori.com .