TNS Reshuffles Senior Management in ALM Region

TNS has appointed a new Regional Operating Board for the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (ALM) region, led by former TNS Regional MD Jamie Hall, who assumes overall responsibility for the region as ALM CEO.

The announcement follows last month's move by the Kantar Group to merge the TNS Custom business with Research International (RI). Under Hall's direction, the new team will be responsible for the overall leadership and strategic development of the ALM region.

He will be supported by Heather Payne - previously Asia Pacific CEO for RI - who takes over from TNS Regional Director for Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan, David Richardson, following his move to a lead global client role. In her new position, Payne will take Board responsibility for the firm's International Research Centre and the combined operations of Hong Kong and Singapore.

In South Asia, Stephen Jenke will continue his regional responsibilities for the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, as well as taking on responsibility for ALM Operations and IT.

Outside Asia, Wander Meijer and Steve Hamilton-Clark will continue to lead the Latin America (LATAM) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions respectively, while the company's operations in Africa, India and Oceania are headed by Chris Riquier, former MD for Oceania.

Similarly, Clive Little retains his regional role in charge of the company's 'Areas of Expertise' in addition to his overall responsibility for 'Sectors'. James Fergusson, previously responsible for Sectors, will have a specific remit for the Emerging Market Strategy and associated Business Development reporting into Hall.

Paul Durant, previously TNS Asia Pacific Regional Finance Director, becomes Regional Chief Financial Officer, supported by Steve Gardner whose new role of Regional Finance Director encompasses a number of specific geographies as well as that of Financial Director responsible for integration.

Retaining her regional responsibility for People and Culture is Michelle Griffin who will be supported by Alice Lee in her new senior regional role, and work closely with former Research International Group HR Director Catherine Connolly, who is now Global Head of HR for the merged businesses.

Stepping down from the TNS Board and moving into senior consulting roles are John Smurthwaite, former TNS ALM Chairman, and Stuart Campbell-Morris, previously Regional Director for Middle East, Africa and India, who will continue as Chairman of the TNS companies in the Middle East and South Africa.

Hall commented: 'The new Board has a formidable wealth of experience and expertise that will dramatically impact our drive to become the number one custom research business in the world. I wish them all the strength to succeed in supporting the global, regional and local teams during this exciting and very active period in the history of TNS.

Web sites: www.tnsglobal.com , www.research-int.com and www.kantargrouptns.com .