He joins from UBS where he was executive director for market research and analysis and was previously senior vice president of Ipsos North America’s financial services business.

Cottings (pictured) has also held various business intelligence and strategy roles at the Bank of America and The Principal Financial Group.

Thomas Finkle, the firm’s chief client services officer, said: “Doug brings extraordinary management and fact-based consulting skills to our organisation. His expertise will bring a new vision to our financial services business which, we believe, will strengthen our ability to provide clients in this challenging sector with the insights they need to help their businesses grow.”

Cottings will be based at GfK’s Princeton, New Jersey office.