Grail Hires Market Strategies' Rob Stone as CEO

In New York, insight and analytics provider Grail Research has hired former Market Strategies International leader Rob Stone as Chief Executive Officer.

Originally founded in 2006 as part of Monitor Group, Grail provides insights to technology, consumer products and life sciences firms, to help them launch products, build brands, evaluate M&A/partnership deals and address competitive threats. In 2009, the company was acquired by knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firm Integreon, which itself was acquired by NewQuest Capital Partners seven years later. Today, Grail employs a worldwide workforce of nearly 250 consultants, analysts and technologists.

Stone (pictured) joins after nine years at Market Strategies International, which acquired his tech and financial research firm Doxus. An active industry leader and speaker, Stone currently serves as Chair of the Insights Association. In his new role, he will focus on expanding Grail's offerings in primary and secondary research, predictive analytics and strategic consulting. Integreon CEO Bob Rowe has until now doubled up as leader of Grail Research.

Amit Gupta, Board Director and Founding Partner at NewQuest Capital Partners, comments: 'Rob Stone distinguishes himself as a leader in the insights industry, where he has helped transform research companies into long-term consultative partners for numerous Fortune 500 clients. His unique combination of management acumen, consultative expertise and industry vision makes him an ideal choice to lead Grail through its next phase of growth'.

Web sites: www.grailresearch.com and www.integreon.com .