Ipsos chairman and CEO Didier Truchot has appointed former Nielsen executive Suresh Ramalingam as CEO of South East Asia.

Ramalingam’s remit includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, with immediate effect.

Ramalingam joins Ipsos from Nielsen, where he worked for more than two decades in various leadership roles covering the Middle East and Africa, South East Asia, South Asia, Greater China, LATAM and Eastern Europe regions.

He has extensive research and management experience across sectors.

Prior to joining Ipsos, Ramalingam was the Managing Director of Nielsen Consumer Insights (LATAM, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia).

In his new position at Ipsos, Ramalingam will be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and report to Christophe Cambournac, CEO of AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa).

Truchot said: “Ipsos will aggressively pursue its accelerated growth plan with emphasis on significant business opportunities from the emerging markets.

“A dedicated leader like Suresh will help map out and implement a South East Asia strategy focused on leveraging our capabilities, solutions and people to assist current and potential clients to address their business priorities.”

Ipsos CEO (AMEA) Christophe Cambournac added: “There is a significant potential to further grow Ipsos’ business in South East Asia. Suresh is an expert in emerging markets and knows South East Asia very well having lived and worked there.

“Having Suresh join our team is a clear demonstration of our commitment in realising Ipsos’ accelerated growth ambition, but also clear evidence of the attraction of our vision and ambition.”

Commenting on his new role, Ramalingam said: “I am very excited to lead the South East Asia region at Ipsos to provide clients with the best solutions and actionable insights that will help them address their business priorities.

“Talent mentorship and development, coupled with laser-sharp client focus, and providing innovative solutions will be a key priority for the region.”