TNS Hires Two for BMRB Social Research Arm

In London, specialist social research division TNS BMRB has hired former NatCen director Carli Lessof as Director of Development, and former EdComs Research Director Desiree Lopez as Head of Qualitative Research.

TNS BMRB was established in 2009, following WPP's acquisition of TNS. The division offers insight into public policy matters for government and not-for-profit clients, through a range of approaches including bespoke proprietary research, random probability survey capabilities, social media marketing and polling.

Lessof was most recently Director of Innovation and Development at NatCen Social Research, where earlier she built the longitudinal survey team. She worked previously for the National Audit Office and the Department of Work & Pensions. In her new role, she will continue to build TNS BMRB's portfolio of research studies, while playing a leading role in methodological innovation.

Lopez joins with seventeen years' international experience, spent working with policy makers, private and third sector clients. Most recently, she led the Communications and Behaviour Change research practice at EdComs, prior to which she spent five years at the Institute of Education, leading research to inform policy and practice in the area of adult basic skills.

At TNS BMRB, Lopez will lead the qual team, which specialises in policy evaluation, public communications research and behaviour change, and public service improvement. She replaces Darren Bhattachary, who has moved into a global role at TNS.

Dr Michelle Harrison, who heads up TNS BMRB, comments: 'Carli and Desiree are both leading social researchers, well recognised in their respective fields, and their appointments will further strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding work to our clients in Whitehall.'

Web site: www.tns-bmrb.co.uk .