Kitching (pictured) has spent 25 years at Unilever, working in multiple senior leadership roles in global and regional teams.

Prior to his time at Unilever, Kitching worked in research and policy roles at the BBC World Service, as well as public sector organisations in the UK and Australia.

In addition, Kitching was chair of the Market Research Society Senior Client Council between 2020 and 2023.

Hakan Yurdakul, chief executive and co-founder at Bolt Insight, said: “Robert brings a unique combination of deep client-side experience, strategic leadership and a passion for human understanding.

“His track record of building insight-driven organisations and connecting insight to real business impact makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team. We are delighted to welcome him to Bolt Insight.”

Kitching added: “Throughout my career, I have seen the power of insight when it is truly embedded in decision-making, not as an output, but as a driver of growth and innovation. I am excited to join a team that shares this belief and is building a more agile, impactful future for insight.”