MRS appoints former J Walter Thompson Chief as President

Date: 2 January 2004

The Market Research Society (MRS) has announced today that it has appointed Jeremy Bullmore CBE, former Chairman of J. Walter Thompson, as its next President. He will take up the role in Spring 2004.

Jeremy Bullmore has considerable experience of the market research profession. Following his 33-year career at London-based advertising agency, J. Walter Thompson, Bullmore was appointed a non-executive director of WPP in 1988, a position he still holds. He was a non-executive director of the Guardian Media Group for 10 years and from 1981-1987 served as Chairman of the Advertising Association.

Bullmore is equally well known as an author. His most recent book, published in 2003, was the third edition of Behind the Scenes in Advertising, and he is a regular contributor to Campaign, Management Today and Market Leader. Bullmore is also a much sought-after figure on the international speaker circuit. He was awarded a CBE in 1985.

Speaking on his vision for the future of the market research industry in a recent interview, Jeremy Bullmore said, "I imagine large, global agencies will inevitably dominate the market for large, global assignments. However, in the sensitive search for consumer insight, they will be at no natural advantage over smaller, national rivals."

Bullmore continued, "Equally, there is no suggestion that clients will come to want all of their research, advertising and marketing to be delivered by one umbrella agency. For all disciplines, clients will continue to demand the best quality and rock-like integrity. If a single umbrella can deliver both, across all disciplines, there may well be an ease-of-communications bonus; but that's what it will be - a bonus."

The MRS Presidency is an honorary position and the holder of the title works as an ambassador for the market research profession. It also enables experience and wisdom from beyond the market research industry to be brought to bear on The MRS' key policies. Jeremy Bullmore succeeds Professor Michael Thomas to the position of MRS President. Professor Thomas has held the position since 1999.

Jennie Beck, Chairman of The MRS, commented, "We are delighted that Jeremy has accepted the presidency of The MRS. He is a very well-respected figure in the marketing profession and will bring a fresh view and new thinking to the role."

Jennie concluded, "Professor Michael Thomas has made an invaluable contribution to The MRS and the wider marketing industry during his five year tenure. He will be missed. However, I am sure that Jeremy Bullmore will prove an excellent successor and, at a time when the market research profession is undergoing rapid change, we will value his experience and leadership."

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