Abraham takes strategic development role at TNS

by Suzanne Bidlake, Brand Republic 06-Mar-06, 08:00

LONDON - TNS has installed John Abraham in the newly created role of head of strategic development and marketing. The move is one of the key pieces in new chief executive David Lowden's five-year strategy outlined last month.

Abraham will be charged with developing new business opportunities, leading the corporate marketing team and overseeing TNS Interactive, the internet division. More specifically, Abraham's remit will involve developing new business services and methods across the company.

He reports directly to Lowden, TNS' former chief operating officer who took over the chief executive reins from Mike Kirkham in January.

The shake-up sees group marketing director Chris Goard remain in position, along with Ulf Andersen, head of TNS Interactive. They now report to Abraham.

An appointment to the new role of innovation director is also expected soon.

Abraham relocates to London from Mumbai, India, where he was regional director of TNS's Asia-Pacific region. He began his market research career as one of the founders of the company that became TNS in India.

Lowden said Abraham brings with him industry experience and "an innovative approach" to business.

Lowden said: "He will also bring the entrepreneurial spirit that we need to identify, develop and build new business opportunities in the marketplace."

Abraham said he looked forward to helping build TNS's reputation for innovation and expertise and "delivering new thinking to our global clients and sectors."

Lowden has identified the company's prime strategy as helping clients deal with "complex types of research situations and offer more business insight".

TNS claims to be the world's biggest custom research company. It also provides social and political polling and supplies consumer panel, TV audience measurement and media intelligence services.

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