Millward Brown Announces Greater China and AMAP Leadership Transition

BEIJING, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Millward Brown, a global leader in brand, media and communications research, today announced leadership transitions for both its Great China operation and the Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific (AMAP) region. Rana Deepender, currently Chief Client Solutions Officer, AMAP, has been appointed as head of Millward Brown Greater China. He will take over Greater China’s leadership from Adrian Gonzalez, who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company’s AMAP region. Gonzalez succeeds Travyn Rhall, who was recently named Global CEO, Millward Brown. In his new role, Gonzalez will report to Rhall and also join Millward Brown’s global board. Both Rana Deepender and Adrian Gonzalez’s appointment will be effective on 15th July 2013.

Deepender has been with Millward Brown for 14 years in senior management and client roles, including the last five as Chief Client Officer, AMAP. "Rana's deep understanding of our clients and solutions, combined with his strong leadership skills, make him well suited for the role leading our Greater China business, which will be based in Beijing," Gonzalez said.

Deepender said: "Our China business is now the third largest for Millward Brown globally. Our success has come from a relentless focus on creating meaningful impact for our clients and growing our talent. As China enters a phase of creating value not just by manufacturing, but also by building great brands, our offer becomes even more relevant."

Gonzalez has nearly 20 years of experience with Millward Brown. He opened Millward Brown’s first office in the AMAP region – Sydney in 1994 – and expanded the company’s footprint, opening and leading offices in New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam and Korea. In 2006, Gonzalez was instrumental in launching Millward Brown’s joint venture in China, Millward Brown-ACSR, which is, today, the leading brand insights agency in China. 

Newly appointed Global CEO, Rhall, commented, "Our employees, clients and partners will benefit from Adrian’s extensive research background, deep experience in emerging markets and strong leadership skills – truly a unique and powerful combination. He is the perfect leader to ensure Millward Brown and our clients seize the myriad opportunities in the AMAP region and to lead the organization through its next phase of growth."

About Millward Brown

Millward Brown is a leading global research agency specializing in effective advertising, strategic communication, media and brand equity research. Millward Brown helps its clients build strong brands and services through a set of comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. It has 88 offices in 58 countries. Specialist practices include Dynamic Logic (global leader in measuring digital marketing effectiveness), a network of media experts (measuring media effectiveness), Firefly Millward Brown (our global qualitative network), The Neuroscience Practice (using neuroscience to optimize the value of traditional research techniques) and Millward Brown Optimor (focused on supporting clients to maximize their return on brand and marketing investments). Millward Brown is part of Kantar, the insights, information and consultancy division of WPP. To learn more, visit www.millwardbrown.com.