Ipsos Finds New President for US Public Affairs Unit

Ipsos has appointed former Microsoft and IBM exec Julia Glidden as Group President of its US Public Affairs practice. She replaces interim leader Michael Link, who takes the new role of Chief Research and Operations Officer.

Glidden most recently served as Chair of UK-based data & analytics firm Pivotl, and earlier worked as Corporate Vice President for Microsoft's worldwide public sector business and General Manager of Global Government Industry at IBM. A D.Phil in International Relations from Oxford University, she has driven digital transformations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and acted as an expert advisor to organizations including the UN, the EC and the World Economic Forum.

Ipsos says her appointment will ensure its clients in the public and private sectors receive 'the insights solutions they need to innovate, adapt and grow'.

Link, who earlier in his career was President and CEO of Abt SRBI, has taken the interim Public Affairs role over the past six months, and in his new CROO position will continue to represent Ipsos' research externally to clients while managing internal operations and procedural improvements. Meanwhile Clifford Young continues as President of Ipsos Polling & Societal Trends.

Mary Ann Packo, CEO of Ipsos North America, says of the new hire: 'With a forward-thinking approach to communication, collaboration and leadership, Julia has proven herself many times over by steering large organizations through successful transformations toward double-digit growth. Her passion for innovation and deep public sector experience will be invaluable to our clients and essential to our business as Ipsos Public Affairs enters an exciting new era'.

Group home page: www.ipsos.com .