Opinion Leader Founders Leave to Start New Firm

In the UK, Viki Cooke and Deborah Mattinson, the founders of Opinion Leader Research (OLR), have left parent company Chime to set up their own agency.

The pair became Chime's Research and Engagement Division Joint Chairs, when last year the group appointed Paul Tredwell as CEO of its Research and Engagement division. Tredwell since left the company, after less than six months in post.

Cooke and Mattinson co-founded OLR in 1992, and in 1998 their firm was acquired by marcoms group Chime.

Speaking to DRNO today, Chime CEO Chris Satterthwaite wished Cooke and Mattinson well with their new venture, and said he would soon be outlining the group's plans for the future of its Research and Engagement Division.

Last August, revenue in Chime's Research Division - which includes Opinion Leader, Brand Democracy, Caucus, Facts International, Ledbury Research, and Naked Eye - fell to £4.58m from £7.41m in the prior year period, while operating income dropped 26% to £3m.

At the time of going to press, Cooke and Mattinson could not be contacted about their future plans.