Schoenbart Becomes NPD Chief Exec

In the US, retail information firm The NPD Group has promoted President and Chief Operating Officer Karyn Schoenbart to the role of CEO, succeeding Tod Johnson who will continue full time as Executive Chairman.

Schoenbart (pictured), who joined the firm in 1983, previously oversaw NPD's commercial practices, product, IT and operations, leading its expansion with the introduction of a number of analytics solutions. Earlier, she served as President of Syndicated Tracking Services, launching a POS tracking service for prestige beauty, fashion footwear, and houseware sectors; and running NPD's Custom Research Business, which was subsequently sold to Ipsos. In addition, she sits on the Board of The Resolution Project, a non-profit organization that develops socially responsible young leaders.

In her new role, Schoenbart will continue to oversee global operations and execution of the business while working with Johnson on strategy. Johnson, who will intensify his focus on long-term planning, research and special initiatives, comments: 'This promotion, to a large extent, reflects how we are operating today and supports our goals to develop our leadership and continue on our trajectory of successful growth. It recognizes Karyn's contributions, including leading the transformation of our company with the introduction of more consultative business solutions which complement our tracking data in more than twenty industries.'

Web site: www.npd.com .