Millward Brown ups Fuentes to LatAm CEO

In his new role, Fuentes will report to Millward Brown global CEO Travyn Rhall and will also join the company’s global board.

Fuentes, a 20-year research veteran, has led Millward Brown’s rapid growth in Southeast Asia since 2005, increasing revenues more than five-fold and launching businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and, most recently, Myanmar.

Previously, he was managing director of the company’s business in Singapore. Earlier in his career, Fuentes held senior roles at ERGO (acquired by Millward Brown in 2000 ) in Spain and Research International in London.

Rhall said: “Having worked closely with Gonzalo over the past seven years, I know that his experience in emerging markets and proven leadership skills, supported by a strong client focus, will make a significant impact on our business in Latin America. He has done an outstanding job with our team and our clients in southeast Asia and I am delighted he will have the opportunity to build on this in his new role.”

Fuentes replaces Fabian Hernandez, who was responsible for setting up Millward Brown’s Latin American business 15 years ago. Hernandez will retire in early 2014 following a 35-year research career.

He joined Millward Brown in 1998 and has been a member of the global board since 2006. During his tenure as CEO of Latin America, the company’s business in the region grew more than 20% annually.

“Fabian has been instrumental in ensuring that our offer, innovation and expansion kept pace with the needs of the market,” said Rhall. “On behalf of everyone at Millward Brown, I wish him the very best in his retirement.”