Analytics company Kantar has appointed long-time employee Jon Foged as the managing director for its Australia and New Zealand insights division.
Wayne Levings, APAC president for Kantar’s insights division, said the creation of the new Australian-based leadership role across the ANZ region is the culmination of a multi-year transformation.
“Kantar is at the intersection of brand building and technology, enabling our clients to deliver growth in a fast-changing environment,” Levings said in a statement.
“Jon and his leadership teams have a clear history of building strong performing businesses across APAC. He has a core mantra focused on our people, our culture and our clients and we are looking forward to his leadership to continue the growth of our businesses in Australia and New Zealand.”
Melbourne-based Foged has a 17-year tenure with Kantar and is renowned at the company for his strategic, commercial and people-focused leadership across APAC.
He has been CEO of the insights division in Australia since 2018 and was previously chief strategic and business development officer for the APAC region and CEO for Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Foged has also held managing director roles in Singapore and Malaysia.
Jason Shoebridge, CEO of Kantar New Zealand, will leave the business in April, after more than a decade with Kantar and its predecessors.
In thanking Foged for his leadership, Wayne Levings added: “Jason has ensured that Kantar New Zealand has been a leader in the strength of its relationships, profitability, and together with his team, has won several industry accolades and is steadfastly admired by clients and colleagues alike.”
Shoebridge said Kantar New Zealand is in good hands with Foged, a fellow Kiwi.
“I leave Kantar in good heart. I believe the people at Kantar are among some of the best in the business and are incredibly adept at providing our valued clients with quality insights to drive growth and success.”
Foged added: “I am really excited about working with our New Zealand team and extending the outstanding legacy of Jason.
“I would like to personally thank Jason for his leadership and the role model behaviours he has demonstrated over his many years at Kantar. He has always been a strong and vocal supporter of the New Zealand business and as an outcome, Kantar has the market leadership position and reputation.”
Foged takes on his new responsibilities with immediate effect.
