Russell (pictured) joins from Harris Interactive where he was head of the public sector division. Earlier in his career he had spells with Millward Brown and TNS where ran a number of national and international accounts for both firms.

Chime said that Russell would play a “pivotal part” in expanding Opinion Leader’s services to both public and private sector clients.

Crispin Beale, chief executive of the research and engagement division said: “Having worked with Neil in the past I am delighted that he has taken the decision to join our team. Neil is a talented individual with a considerable breadth of strengths, particularly in his public sector expertise and knowledge. He will help us to continue to deliver excellence to our clients into 2011 and beyond”.