Maru/edr Opens Office in New York

Research and advisory services provider MARU Group has opened an office in New York for its Maru/edr business, offering CEM, voice of the customer feedback, and multichannel consumer insight across the North America region.

Founded earlier this year, MARU Group is led by former Synovate/Ipsos Global CEO Ged Parton, and backed by private equity finance company Primary Capital Partners. Maru/edr was formed following the group's acquisition of Hampshire, UK-based eDigitalResearch (edr) in February. The new North America base will be overseen by Ted Chen (pictured), who joined the company last month after serving as SVP at ORC International; and working for Vision Critical ad MD, Satisfaction and Loyalty; and Ipsos Loyalty as SVP.

Parton comments: 'Our investment in Maru/edr North America cements our commitment to technology-driven voice of the customer research and we're delighted to have Ted on board. Ted's unique expertise in the customer experience market and tremendous insight talent will give businesses the data and advisory insight needed to grow in a changing economy'.

Separately, MARU Group's technology and communities business MARU/VCR&C (formed after the acquisition of Vision Critical's North American Research Consulting division) has been re-named Maru/Matchbox.

Web site: www.marugroup.net and www.marumatchbox.com .