GfK Names MDs for Innovation and Brand & Comms

GfK Custom Research North America has moved John Wittenbraker to the newly created post of Managing Director of its Corporate Innovation division, and appointed James Conrad to replace him in the role of Managing Director of its Brand & Communications team.

Wittenbraker has more than 27 years' market research experience. He joined the firm in 2004 when GfK acquired brand tracking specialist ARBOR, where he had served as President and Managing Director.

In his new position, Wittenbraker will oversee GfK's Research Center for Excellence (RCfE) and Product Innovation function. 'John will ensure that we continue to drive marketing science solutions into our product portfolio, while accelerating the adoption and utilization of our innovative service offerings,' states Thomas Finkle, co-President, GfK Custom Research North America.

Conrad joins to fill Wittenbraker's previous role as MD of Brand & Communications, overseeing its multidisciplinary teams of consultants who specialize in research on brand strategy, management and communications.

He brings nearly two decades of marcoms and media research experience. Most recently, he worked as EVP at strategic research firm Hotspex, prior to which he was President of Millward Brown Canada and part of its North American leadership team.

'As our clients adapt to the ever-changing business landscape, James will be an integral component of our business development and the building of client service teams,' adds co-President David Krajicek.

Web site: www.gfkamerica.com .