MRI-Simmons Hires 605's Brian Katz for Advanced Ad Role

In New York, consumer insights specialist MRI-Simmons has appointed long-time industry exec Brian Katz as Vice President of Advanced Advertising, helping publishers, media and alternative measurement companies use the firm's consumer dataset for advanced ad initiatives.

Launched as a joint venture in 2019, MRI-Simmons is co-owned by GfK and SymphonyAI Group, with GfK as the majority partner. The firm specializes in providing insights on the American consumer, using thousands of attitudinal and behavioral data points, gathered through ongoing surveys and passive measurement.

Katz (pictured) joins with more than 25 years' experience in TV and digital research, audience insights, sales and data strategy. Most recently, he was SVP of Sales at TV measurement and analytics company 605. Before this, he worked for strategy and custom research company Magid as SVP, Product and Data Strategy; video marketing tech firm Eyeview as VP, Head of Advanced TV; and TiVo as SVP, Audience and Purchaser Insight; having earlier held leadership roles at NBCUniversal and Paramount Pictures.

In his new position, working closely with the Commercial team, Katz will be involved in the growth of advanced advertising revenue and product innovation. Josh Pisano, SVP of Business Development and Product Strategy, comments: 'We see the advanced advertising ecosystem as an area that is rife with opportunity, and I am excited to add Brian to lead the growth of this sector. His extensive experience in media will help accelerate the utilization and adoption of MRI-Simmons' essential consumer insights throughout the advanced advertising landscape.'

Web site: www.mrisimmons.com .