Houghton (pictured) was previously managing director for Europe at Nunwood Consulting, a role that also included overseeing the firm’s New York office and insight and analytics teams.

Before her time there she was at Millward Brown where she progressed from research executive to group account director heading up the London office.

At CIE she will take a seat on the board and work across some of the firm’s “most prestigious” accounts.

CIE chief executive Crispin Beale said: “Sarah’s experience, both agency and clientside, will help us continue to provide comprehensive insight and actionable engagement solutions to our clients. Her commitment to excellence and clarity translates perfectly into CIE’s clear and open-minded approach to clients, and her overseas experience makes her ideally placed to continue our international expansion.”