Filz Leaves Research Now Amid Exec Team Changes

Martin Filz is stepping down from his role as MD for EMEA and APAC at online sampling and data collection firm Research Now, to 'pursue a new opportunity' within the market research industry. He is leaving as the firm announces several changes in its global executive leadership team.

Filz (pictured) joined Research Now in 2009 as Client Development Director, Asia, and later that year, he was promoted to the position of MD, Asia Pacific based in Sydney Australia. A year ago, he became MD in the UK, and in January, he took up the post of MD for EMEA.

Earlier in his career, Filz was a Director at Capgemini, and MD of digital marcoms agency BlueFreeway, prior to which, he served as Northern Europe MD for Nielsen//NetRatings, and MD Europe at RedSherriff before its integration into Nielsen.

Commenting on Filz's departure, Research Now's President and CEO Kurt Knapton said: 'During his tenure with us, Martin helped expand our business in Asia-Pacific and Europe. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best in his new endeavors.'

Separately, John Rothwell has re-joined the company in a dual role as Executive Vice President of Supply at Research Now, and President of parent firm e-Rewards' portfolio companies. Rothwell, who was e-Rewards' first employee in 1999, will be responsible for leading the supply management and delivery of the group's research panels and social media offerings, as well as growing the group's portfolio. He previously worked as a Management Consultant at Accenture and Booz Allen Hamilton before serving as President and COO of Ignite Technologies, and as a Strategic Partner with Wellington Associates.

Knapton welcomed Rothwell back to the organization, adding: 'John played an integral role in helping to start our business and is uniquely qualified for this new role given his strong background in entrepreneurship and innovation.'

Research Now has also promoted three senior execs. John Tan moves from SVP of Global Operations, to Executive Vice President of Global Operations. Before joining the firm in 2010, he was responsible for operations at Greenfield Online.

Miles Worne, Chief Strategy Officer, returns to London, UK from Plano, US to assume additional leadership as Managing Director for EMEA, with responsibility for further developing and overseeing Research Now's business initiatives in EMEA. He joined the company in 2009, prior to which, he served as Strategy Projects Director at Cadbury, and worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company.

Finally, James Burge, MD for APAC, will join the Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Knapton, while continuing to lead the growth and development of the Asia-Pacific business. Before joining a year ago, he founded market research business Roadmap Europa, and served as VP of Market Research, Asia Pacific and Latin America at Nielsen//NetRatings.

Web sites: www.researchnow.com and www.e-rewardsinc.com .