The position will be open twice a year and people will be invited to fill the role for a period of up to two months on each occasion. “It will be offered to those who can bring another perspective to our world, drawing on other disciplines and specialisms,” said co-founder Caroline Hayter.

Monique Rotik (pictured), an independent consultant with an interest in behavioural economics and advocacy, is the first to hold the position. Before running her own business, Collaborate Research, Rotik was head of telecoms, media and technology for Jigsaw Research and a research director for Opinion Leader, TNS and Research International.

Hayter said: “The cross-pollination of Monique’s experience in the fields of behavioural economics and advocacy together with Acacia Avenue’s commercial edge will be a powerful and exciting combination.”