Garofalo, who replaces Iain Findlay, has joined from Double Helix where she was director of strategic marketing research. She previously spent 16 years at TNS Healthcare, latterly as global strategic board director, before setting up her own agency Essense, which was later wound up.

Doctors.net.uk chief executive Richard Adams said the firm’s market research business is key to its international expansion plans.

Garofalo said: “I’m excited to be joining a business that is at the forefront of healthcare research, and that has such ambitious objectives.” As part of Doctors.net.uk, MedeConnect is “uniquely positioned” to embrace the opportunities presented for research by digital media, she said.

As well as looking after all business operations, she will also lead the development of new products and services.

MedeConnect’s clients include nine of the UK’s ten largest pharma companies and public sector organisations including the Department of Health and the National Audit Office.