Smith to Leave Illuminas, Pursue Training Interest

David Smith, current Chairman and CEO of UK-based Illuminas Global, has announced he will leave the company at the end of 2006 to focus on training and personal development interests. John Connaughton will become CEO.

Illuminas was formed from the merger of Smith's own agency DVL Smith and Hauck Research, and has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Austin, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Connaughton says the firm 'exists solely due to David's inspiration and perspiration', adding: 'On behalf of more than 150 colleagues worldwide, I would like to thank him for his enormous contribution to the consultancy and to the market research industry as a whole.'

Connaughton has played a key role in the development of Illuminas, most recently as MD of its London head office. He will be supported by COO Martin Cary, Creative Director Jonathan Fletcher and four MDs: Cathy Forrest (New York), Jay Shutter (Austin Texas), Kathy Hurst (The Wire) and Mary Taylor (Viewpoint).

According to Smith: 'It has been a great privilege to be the chairman and CEO of Illuminas and I'm delighted to hand over to the strong management team that has grown with our thriving business. John has been a fellow research professional at Illuminas for over 15 years and I am sure he will use this opportunity to take the business to the next level.'

Connaughton says the firm plans to further develop its global operations via key business centres around the world.

Illuminas is part of the Media Square plc group and is online at www.illuminas-global.com . Media Square was floated on AIM in September 2000 and has pro forma turnover in excess of £200m and around 1,800 employees.

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

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