The Chime-owned agency has created the role for Kettle (pictured), whose responsibilities will now be extended to include overseeing and managing the growth of the business, including potential M&A activity and international expansion.

One of Kettle’s first initiatives as managing director will be to extend the client services team as she looks to recruit a range of additional research professionals. She has over 15 years research experience, having started her career at Facts International, with spells at Synovate and fragrance house Givaudan before re-joining the Facts team in 2007. She was appointed to the Chime Insight and Engagement (CIE) group board in 2010.

Chief executive of CIE group Crispin Beale said: “I am delighted to announce Emily’s promotion, which is as a result of her natural leadership skills and excellence in research delivery. Emily is passionate about delivering results that drive genuine positive change and her hugely successful career can, in part, be attributed to her ability to really get under the skin of the commercial drivers of a client’s business. This is a promotion she thoroughly deserves and that will push the company forward onto an even greater growth trajectory.”