Integration of China/Hong Kong Operations at TNS

Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) has announced the integration of its Hong Kong and Mainland China operations. The amalgamation, which unites activities across offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, establishes TNS as the strongest supplier of market information in China.

Overseeing the transition will be current Managing Director of TNS Hong Kong, Wander Meijer, who will ultimately assume responsibility for the integrated operations and marketing of the Hong Kong and China offices. Working closely with Mr. Meijer will be Ashok Sethi in his new role as Managing Director of TNS China, which he assumed on November 1st, following the relocation of former MD, Susan Sabanos to the USA.

Commenting on this latest move, Mr. Meijer said, 'Our similar business cultures, vision and values have enabled us to create a smooth and deliberate process to combine the best of our operations. During this integration, our goal is to continue to offer best-in-class service with the least amount of disruption as possible whilst simultaneously developing our portfolio of ad-hoc offerings.'

In recognition of the benefits and increased opportunities presented by joining forces, the integration has been designed to maximize the company's collective resources. The move will see the strengths of TNS Hong Kong's leading-edge research facilities combined with TNS China's continuous tracking of consumer purchasing behaviour - the only consumer panel on the Mainland. Furthermore, through its part ownership of CVSC-TNS Research (CTR) and CVSC-Sofres Media (CSM), TNS is able to offer a full range of media research services. CTR and CSM respectively provide the most comprehensive advertising expenditure and television audience measurement and monitoring services available in China.

'The potential for growth in the market research industry in China is huge - we expect the market to double within the next 5 years, up to US$ 370 million,' stated new MD TNS China, Ashok Sethi. 'More companies are moving into China and are requiring up-to-date and accurate information. Similarly, domestic companies are increasingly seeking greater market insight. China is unquestionably an important market for TNS right now, and one that we are committed to developing'.

Mr. Sethi's promotion to Managing Director comes after 13 years spent with the company. With 22 years of experience in market and social research in India, Hong Kong, Indonesia and other Asia Pacific countries, he brings with him a vast range of experience in both qualitative and quantitative research.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

• TNS China
• All news