Affinnova Adds Offices in Germany and France

US-based product innovation technology firm Affinnova is opening offices in France and Germany, adding to its existing European presence in the UK and Switzerland. In addition, it has hired former Nielsen and Ipsos exec Jerome Simulin to lead its extended European operations.

Affinnova's patented technology identifies the concepts with the greatest market potential from a range of options. Once identified, top concepts are then measured against relevant benchmarks and competitor concepts based on consumer preference.

Last week, Affinnova announced that it is more than a third of the way through creating 105 new jobs; mainly at its HQ in Waltham, MA, but also at offices in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and internationally.

Simulin joins with more than 20 years' experience in strategic consulting, marketing research and sales. Most recently, he led his own strategic marketing consultancy, before which he was VP EMEA at Nielsen BASES, and Deputy General Manager at Ipsos Novaction & Vantis.

In his new role, based in the firm's Paris offices, Simulin and his team will develop new accounts and manage existing clients. He will also be responsible for recruiting new research directors and client services managers for the new European operation.

'The addition of Jerome to our already successful European team allows us to support a significantly larger client base and demonstrates Affinnova's commitment to strategic growth in Europe, where business is up 50% year over year,' states President and CEO, Waleed Al-Atraqchi.

Web site: www.affinnova.com .