SMG Insight Hires in UK, US and India

YouGov-owned sports and sponsorship specialist SMG Insight has appointed Richard Brinkman as Director of Strategy and Growth in the UK; Tracy Schoenadel as Senior Vice President, North America; and Joseph Eapen as Senior Vice President, India.

SMG Insight was launched by former Comperio Research VP Frank Saez in 2010. Later that year, YouGov acquired a minority stake in the firm, which then moved into YouGov's office in London.

Brinkman most recently served as Global Head of KantarSport, after six years with the WPP-owned firm. Prior to this, he was Head of Sales & Marketing/Commercial Director at Watford Football Club, Sales Director at Chrysalis Radio, and Sponsorship Director at BBJ Media Services, where he worked for nearly a decade.

Saez comments: 'Richard's appointment is an indication of how quickly SMG Insight is expanding. His experience and market know-how will be invaluable as we continue to develop innovative, responsive tools, whilst broadening our client portfolio both in the UK and internationally'.

Also joining from Kantar is Schoenadel, who previously served as VP at Kantar Media, and before this worked at TNS for nearly twelve years. Meanwhile, Eapen joins from sports marketing researcher Repucom where he served as SVP, South Asia, and previously held a number of high profile roles including CEO of industry body the Media Research Users Council (MRUC); Head of Research at Mediaedge.cia; various senior positions at PARC - Gallup International, AGB Italia (now Nielsen) and TGI Arabia.

Saez adds: 'Joseph's in-depth knowledge, leadership and business acumen will serve as an invaluable asset as SMG Insight strengthens its core operations and expands its services across India and South East Asia'.

Web site: www.smg-insight.com .