Chedore Hands Synovate Leadership to Philpott

Aegis-owned Synovate has appointed Robert Philpott as its new Global Chief Executive Officer, replacing Adrian Chedore who will retire on 1 September.

Chedore, who took up the role in 2001, will continue on the Aegis Board of Directors until the end of the year, and he will also act as a Consultant for Synovate and Aegis on specific projects.

In 1991 he was one of the founders of Asia Market Intelligence, which was acquired by Aegis in 2000. Prior to that, he served as Regional MD of Frank Small & Associates in Asia Pacific and as MD of AGB McNair in Hong Kong. Before moving to Asia, Chedore held positions in research, brand management and advertising in the UK.

Chicago-based Philpott has been with Synovate since 1996, serving in various roles across the Americas, Western Europe and Asia Pacific prior to taking up his global responsibilities.

Before being appointed COO in 2006, Philpott served as CEO of Synovate's offices in the US, Canada and Latin America. He moved to Chicago in 2003 from Hong Kong, where he had served as Director responsible for managing the firm's business across 11 Asia Pacific countries.

In his new role, Philpott is responsible for overseeing the company's business unit profitability, business systems and processes, and quality control. He is a key member of the executive team that sets corporate strategy for the research company.

He comments: 'Adrian leaves a strong legacy, and I look forward to building upon the dynamic culture he has created. Despite the challenges of the current economic environment I believe that we have the talent and client focus to ensure that the Synovate story of success will endure.'

Web site: www.synovate.com .