Lewis, who has been with Barb for over seven years, is leaving to set up his own media research consultancy.

He was appointed to the newly created role of head of insight in April 2017.

Justin Sampson, Barb chief executive, said: “I’ve worked with Joe Lewis both as a commissioner and supplier of television audience measurement services. I admire his decision to strike out on his own; he leaves Barb with our best wishes for success.”

The TV audience figures provider has also appointed Jessica Bromley as communications manager, tasked with raising Barb’s profile. As part of her role, Bromley will be responsible for communicating the planned 2018 launch of Project Dovetail, an audited cross-device measure that will integrate Barb’s panel data and online TV viewing census data.

Bromley joins from ITV, where she handled corporate communications for ITV Studios’ global production and distribution network.  

Following the departure of Lewis, Barb is looking to recruit a new insights manager.