Rutan moves to the new company from DigitalMR financial backer Masmi – where he will continue to work as director of technology -and will be based at the firm’s new office in Ohio.

His role at DigitalMR will see him focus on the company’s syndicated web listening reports, in particular ones covering the financial services, smartphones and retail apparel sectors.

DigitalMR managing director Michalis Michael said: “This appointment is in line with our strategy to have a strong presence in the main global MR markets. Ryan combines the skills sets that make DigitalMR unique in the marketplace: an understanding of state-of-the-art technology combined with research expertise and business acumen.”