Sydney, Australia – Insights and consulting company Kantar in Australia has appointed two new senior leaders to strengthen its media, analytics, and customer experience capabilities. These new hires are Straford Rodrigues, the new head of media and marketing effectiveness, and Lee Catlin, the new senior director of customer experience. 

Rodrigues was previously the partner of Kantar Analytics Practice for Australia and APAC, and the partner of brand and marketing ROI practice for the USA. His global experience across the UK, US, Singapore, and Australia is underpinned by a unique combination of research, media and analytics. 

Meanwhile, Catlin was the former director of corporate reputation and customer experience at research firm Ipsos. She brings with her a wealth of experience as a strategic advisor for some of Australia’s well-known brands and Top 100 ASX companies. Her expertise in human-centred design and behavioural economics will help empower brands in facilitating deeper connections with their customers.

Commenting on his appointment, Rodrigues said, “I am here to drive media measurement and analytics innovation to meet our client’s evolving needs, connect disparate data sources to support clear business decision making for clients, and help them re-balance immediate sales performance with the long-term building of brand value.”

Lee also commented, “Kantar’s commitment and passion to people, and true hunger for growth and innovation makes me excited by what I can deliver. Kantar has an amazing client portfolio and I look forward to adding extra customer insight to their program to ensure the acceleration of client growth.”

Jon Foged, Kantar’s managing director of insights for ANZ, noted that they are committed to leading the market to ensure their clients accelerate growth through insights and human understanding powered by great thinking and exceptional technology.

He further shared that Rodrigues brings to Kantar a unique mix of media, analytics and team leadership experience, coupled with a proven track record of delivering commercial success.

“The addition of Lee Catlin coupled with our Head of CX Maree Taylor delivers a CX powerhouse to support clients to understand how their brand promise delivers to the customer experience and if the customer experience reflects the brand promise,” said Foged.

In June 2021, Kantar Australia has announced the appointment of Irene Joshy as the new head of creative for its Creative Domain division. Joshy will now resettle in Australia from her Singapore base.