Mark Cranmer Joins Kantar As CEO Of Research International
Mark Cranmer joins Kantar as CEO of Research International
21 February 2006 – Mark Cranmer, the outgoing CEO of Starcom MediaVest EMEA, is taking on the role of Worldwide CEO of Research International.He is replacing Roger Banks who is in discussions about another role within Kantar.
Research International is one of the top research companies in the world, recognised for its global reach and expertise in areas such as innovation, market strategy and brand experience. The business operates in over 50 countries, has 2500+ employees and works with blue chip clients around the world. Mark will begin his new role on1st May and will report to Eric Salama, CEO of Kantar, WPP’s insight, information and consultancy unit.
Mark’s appointment, coming just months after the acquisition of a majority share of Research International’s Chinese business (the largest ad hoc research company in China) and the acquisition of Pentor (one of the leading research companies in Poland) is evidence of the ambition which Kantar and WPP have for Research International.
According to Salama, it is designed to accelerate RI’s ability to generate consistently brilliant and practical insights and to be a faster, more proactive partner for its clients.
Mark has spent his career in a variety of advertising and media agencies. He created Motive for BBH, then created a coherent network for Publicis out of the deals involving BBH, Leo Burnett and D’Arcy. This represents the first change in employer for Mark for 13 years.
Eric Salama said:
“I’m thrilled that Mark is joining. He’s entrepreneurial, understands what clients need and is committed to developing solutions proactively for them, is passionate about developing talent within his businesses and intolerant of average work”.
Mark Cranmer said:
“I am really excited by the change in direction that Research International gives me. It’s a strong global business, rich with unique capability and talent. I have spent the last year assessing the opportunities ahead of me and I’m convinced that RI’s area of intelligent solutions through unique learning and insight provision is the space I want to be in. I am looking forward to adding new impetus and value to the team”.