Hall & Partners, Open Mind in Australian JV

Brand and communications research specialist Hall & Partners has teamed up with the Open Mind Group to launch a joint venture in Australia, headed by former Research International (RI) Exec Louise McCann who will be based in Sydney.

Headed by Dr Vicki Arbes, The Open Mind Group specializes in advertising development and concept testing, as well as brand and corporate reputation research.

Before taking up her new role, McCann oversaw RI's Asia Pacific offices in Australia, prior to which she was the firm's Australian and New Zealand CEO. Earlier she was CEO of OzTAM, the provider of metropolitan audience data.

Commenting on her appointment as Managing Partner, McCann said: 'The whole advertising model in Australia is going through its most significant change since the introduction of television and I believe the Hall & Partners approaches on advertising will bring significant benefits to both the creative and communications process.'

The firm will announce further appointments shortly.

Web sites: www.hallandpartners.com and www.openmind.com.au .