Former Starbucks Exec Named Ignite 360 CEO

In the US, consumer insights, strategy, and training firm Ignite 360 has appointed former Starbucks exec Lisa Osborne as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding its founder Rob Volpe, who is moving into the position of Chairman and setting up a new company, Empathy Activist.

San Francisco-headquartered Ignite 360 provides a 'human-centered, holistic 360 degree approach', by tapping into the 'hearts and minds' of customers. Projects range from brand strategy and communications to innovation and shopper insights.

Osborne joins from Starbucks, where she served as Shopper Insights Manager. Before this, she was Manager, Consumer Insights at General Mills, having begun her career at GfK, where she spent eight years. She takes over the CEO role from Volpe, who founded Ignite 360 in 2011, after roles at qual specialist Axen Research, Wild Planet Toys, and Kraft Foods. In his next venture, Volpe will be expanding his work in empathy awareness and skill building through speaking and training engagements.

Volpe comments: 'Lisa's incredible talent and expertise, commitment to the company's mission, strategic acumen, and deep-rooted understanding of our clients' needs make her the ideal leader for this next step in Ignite 360's journey. She will take the company to great new heights by bringing our special blend of insights and storytelling rooted in empathy to help more companies grow.'

Web site: www.ignite-360.com .