Shelton (pictured) joins from KRC Research where she held the role of associate director and worked with clients including Mastercard, Cargill and Filofax. She previously spent three years working for Ipsos where she specialised in brand tracking and consumer research.

Chairman Andrew Hawkins said: “Our quantitative research team is one of our flagship assets and Pru’s experience and background make her the perfect leader to drive continued growth.”

Meanwhile, the firm has also created two new senior roles that have been filled by existing staff. Katherine Peacock has been promoted from research team manager to director of research and marketing manager Simon Thwaites has been given the new role of director of client services.