Wendt Joins GfK in Top North American Media Role

GfK has appointed former Disney and MTV exec Laura E. Wendt as EVP, Media for both its Consumer Experiences and Consumer Choices divisions in North America.

Wendt starts work today in the New York City office, providing strategic leadership and overall account and business management for the continent. She also joins the group's global media initiatives on single-source research, mobile panels and other high-profile topics.

She joins from Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) where she was VP, Regional Content and Business Development, guiding the firm's video-led digital content and platform expansion strategy across Asia. Prior to this she worked for six years as VP and Managing Director of Disney Channels Southeast Asia, covering ten APAC markets. Here she launched two Korean joint ventures with SKT and helped Disney Channel rise to being the top family brand in the region.

Prior to Disney she was SVP of Research for MTV Networks' Nickelodeon Networks Group, managing a team of 45 and raising the profile of the Nickelodeon, Spike TV, and Nick[at]Nite brands. She has also worked as Manager of Research at Home Box Office (HBO); VP of International Research at Turner Broadcasting Sales; and MD of the International Research Division of Frank N. Magid Associates Ltd.

Web site: www.gfk.com/us .