Burke's President & CEO Retires After 28 Years

In the US, Dr Michael Baumgardner, the President & CEO of full service marketing research firm Burke, Inc., is to retire from the firm in October, after more than 28 years of service. He will be replaced by current President Jeff Miller.

Baumgardner championed the cause for full service market research agency Burke to become 100% employee owned. He took up his current role in 2004, after working his way through the company in a series of senior management positions.

'Though it will be difficult to leave an organization and business that I have enjoyed so much over the years, with three children and nine grandchildren, my wife Sharon and I feel that it is time for me to step down and clear the way to start a new chapter in our lives,' stated Baumgardner. 'I leave with every confidence that Burke will continue to thrive under Jeff's leadership.'

Miller joined Burke in 1987, since when he has served as COO with overall responsibility for the operational and client service units, prior to becoming President last year.

He is a frequent presenter at industry events and his research papers have been published in a number of professional journals. Miller is past Chair of the external advisory Board of AC Nielsen Center for Marketing Research at the University of Wisconsin, and is the current Chair of the MMR Advisory Board at The University of Georgia.

'Michael has been an outstanding mentor for me,' said Miller. 'His long-range vision and strategy for the company will continue to guide us for many years and I am looking forward to building upon our leadership position in the marketing research industry.'

The company, founded in 1931 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is online at www.burke.com .