Browne to Lead Shopper Research at Walnut

UK-based Walnut Unlimited has appointed former Kantar Head of Shopper Ivan Browne to lead its own, newly enhanced shopper research offer.

The firm is part of marcoms network the Unlimited Group, and was created in 2017 when the group combined four of its existing insight businesses - one of them already bearing the name. Walnut focuses on what it calls 'human understanding', with a strong element of neuroscience in its offer, and has recently launched new product testing approach TrueLiking and comms, media and ad testing tool adMIRE.

Browne (pictured) brings more than 25 years' experience in understanding shopper attitudes and behaviour, most recently from a decade at Kantar, where he also worked as a Consulting partner. In his new role, he will continue to expand the recently extended shopper offer, further embedding behavioural science and neuroscience capabilities, and will report to Director Chris Bland, who comments: 'Shopper research has always been a staple for brands looking to understand their customer's path-to-purchase. 2020 has been a year full of uncertainty, meaning it has never been more important to re-establish a connection with shoppers changing mood and behaviour through a human lens. We are thrilled to have Ivan on the team, whose experience will help drive our shopper capabilities and support brands looking to reconnect with shoppers after an unprecedented year'.

The company is on the web at www.walnutunlimited.com .