Kevin Ford Takes NatCen's 'Top' Research Role

UK not-for-profit body NatCen Social Research has hired former Hall & Partners innovation specialist Kevin Ford as Director of Research, to head the organisations six research departments.

London-based NatCen focuses on social research to understand social behaviour and inform policy. Last week, the organisation signed a three year partnership agreement with RTI International, through which the two organisations will share knowledge and expertise and build their research capacity and capabilities.

Ford takes up his new role from brand research agency Hall & Partners where he worked as Global Head of Research Solutions, prior to which, he was European Head of Solutions at Harris Interactive. He began his career as a graduate trainee with RSL/IPSOS, and spent 25 years there in a number of roles including International Development Director and latterly, Head of Innovation and Marketing Sciences.

In his new position, Ford will oversee a range of research projects - from major quant initiatives such as the British Social Attitudes Survey, Growing Up in Scotland, and Family Resources Survey, to qual work in areas such as crime and justice through to social media and secondary analysis.

CEO Penny Young comments: 'Kevin's expertise in new product development, getting the most out of data, and understanding what clients want will bring an exciting new edge to our social research offer. We are delighted to have attracted such an experienced professional to lead our already excellent research teams.'

Ford replaces William O'Connor, who left NatCen about a month ago after a decade with the organisation, and is currently working as a freelance Research Consultant.

Web site: www.natcen.ac.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.