Bloomerce founder named SSI CEO

US-- Bloomerce founder Kees de Jong has replaced Jim Follett as CEO of Survey Sampling International (SSI).

Follett had only been in the role for two years, but was asked to step aside as a different “more entrepreunerial” approach was called for, de Jong said in an interview with Research.

He said the company was gearing up for the “next phase” of the research industry, which would require “new ways of sourcing respondents” that go beyond the panel-based approach that dominates today's market. However, he was tight-lipped over specific plans.

De Jong said Follett – a former chief operating officer of NOP World – had done much for the business in terms of operating excellence and in aligning the US, Asian and European arms.

“He and the company are still friends,” de Jong said. “He understood the need for change.” Follett was unavailable for comment.

SSI chairman Robert Kamerschen said: “These are interesting, exciting, and, admittedly, challenging times – times that require proactive moves. Kees has a strong knowledge of the marketing research industry and has been a valued consultant to SSI for some time. The board is very pleased that Kees accepted our invitation to deepen his role within the company.”

By his own admission, de Jong was “phasing out” of the organisation, having sold his European panel company Bloomerce to SSI in 2005.

He is joined at the helm of the sample provider by Dennis Beckingham, the company's new president and chief financial officer.

Author: Brian Tarran