Forethought Hires Stein for New Global CEO Role

In Australia, customer and marketing analytics firm Forethought has hired former Annalect ANZ CEO Darren Stein as its first Global Chief Executive Officer.

Melbourne-based Forethought uses quant methods underpinned by advanced analytics and qual techniques, to model consumers' implicit, discrete emotions as opposed to the rational drivers of their brand choice. The firm's approach draws from psychology (cognitive, emotional and societal) and micro-economic theory, supported by neuroscience techniques.

Stein (pictured) joins after more than two years, leading Omnicom-owned data and analytics firm Annalect in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this, he was CEO of IPG's digital marketing services platform Cadreon, and he worked for News Corp Australia as Director, Insights, Analytics and Strategy, responsible for creating a new team charged with analysing feedback from both readers and advertisers. Earlier, he spent eight years at telecoms operator Optus, where he latterly served as General Manager, Insights, Segmentation & Planning, in charge of a team of 40; and he spent two years as an Account Director at Jigsaw Strategic Research.

Stein takes up his new role in September, and Diane Shelton, CEO of Forethought Australia, will be moving into a different role, but staying with the firm. Founder and Chairman Ken Roberts comments: 'Anyone who knows Darren or has come across his work, would agree that he is uniquely qualified to lead the further expansion of the Forethought business and it is extremely exciting that he agreed to join the firm and lead this next phase.'

Web site: www.forethought.com.au .