2CV Founder Fills Cello Research Chair

Cello Group has announced a new board for its Cello Research division, with Vincent Nolan, founder of its subsidiary 2CV, as Chairman, and Jane Shirley as CEO.

Cello bought Nolan's company - which now has a turnover in excess of £10m and a program of international expansion with its first offices in the US - in October 2007 for around £10.9m.

Nolan said it was an honour to be selected for the role, and that priorities for the new management structure include 'helping to ensure the successful performance of individual businesses, optimisation of professional resources and enhanced cohesion across the group.'

Shirley has over 15 years' experience working on both the client and agency side. Currently joint group MD of Insight Research Group alongside Nicola Cowland, she has played a major role in estalishing it as a globally reputed specialist healthcare research agency. She now takes primary responsibility for developing centres of excellence within the Cello Research group and extending its fieldwork capabilities.

Both Nolan and Shirley will continue to play an active role in their agencies, and both will become managing partners of the broader Cello Group. Richard Gilmore remains Chairman of Cello Research and Consulting.

Cello Group CEO Mark Scott comments: 'Vincent and Jane's appointment to the Cello Research Board is a positive initiative which we expect to yield operating efficiencies, improve the group's competitive position and drive further synergies.'

Web sites: www.2cv.co.uk , www.insightrg.co.uk and www.cellogroup.co.uk .