GfK Promotes Three Leaders in AsiaPac

GfK has promoted three of its senior Asia Pacific execs - Frans Janssen to Executive Managing Director for the region; Stanley Kee to MD, Southeast Asia; and Benny Villanueva to General Manager for GfK Philippines.

Based in Singapore, Janssen's new role has expanded to include responsibilities for China and Japan. He was previously MD, GfK Asia, responsible for Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India. Prior to that, he managed GfK Retail and Technology's Latin American operation, based in Chile, for nearly six years. Before joining the firm, he held senior positions at Sony, where he latterly worked as VP and Marketing Director of Chile and Bolivia.

In his new role, Janssen reports to Gerhard Hausruckinger, Chief Operating Officer of GfK Retail & Technology.

Kee, who was previously Regional Commercial Director, now reports directly to Janssen, and is responsible for GfK's overall business in the ASEAN region, helping the countries expand beyond the traditional electronics markets while also developing local capabilities. Additionally, Kee continues to co-ordinate commercial activities in APAC.

He joined GfK Asia initially to head the company's imaging business, and added Telecommunications to his portfolio in 2003. He was then appointed to spearhead business development in Asia in 2007, and two years later was appointed Regional Commercial Director for GfK Asia, and a member of the region's management team.

Villanueva's new position involves steering the Consumer Experiences and Consumer Choices businesses in the Philippines, with responsibility for their overall profitability and quality of service. He has more than 35 years' research experience on both the agency and client side. Prior to GfK, he was a Research Consultant with IPSOS Taiwan, and the Senior Director and Head for Consumer Research with Nielsen, Taiwan.

He reports directly to Kee for the Consumer Choices business.

Web site: www.gfk.com .