Stein (pictured) was appointed chief executive of Omnicom Media Group’s Annalect in Australia and New Zealand in 2019. Prior to that, he was chief executive of Cadreon.

Stein will lead the Forethought team and support innovation across brand strategy, econometric modelling and customer experience, working with clients across North America and Asia-Pacific.

Diane Shelton, who has been chief executive of Forethought Australia for the past four years, will remain with the business as a specialist adviser and board member.  

Ken Roberts, founder and chairman, Forethought, said: “Forethought’s continued multinational success, and its plans for further growth, meant it was time to create the role of global chief executive.

“Anyone who knows Darren or has come across his work, would agree that he is uniquely qualified to lead the further expansion of the Forethought business.”

Forethought is headquartered in Melbourne with an office in New York. The company offers insights, diagnostics and measurement for brand strategy, execution and performance tracking.