Hunt (pictured), formerly director of insights and senior vice president at Edelman Berland, has also held roles at ICM Research and Penn Schoen Berland.

At Simpson Carpenter she will be tasked with creating a unit focusing on communications research, strategy consulting and innovation, as well as developing the company’s corporate reputation practice.

“Emily is a rare breed – a truly creative thinker with proven strength in using quantitative, qualitative and digital research to help clients develop insights which really drive business strategy and boost the bottom line,” said Simpson Carpenter founder, Tom Simpson. “She is the perfect person to help us move Simpson Carpenter forward through the next stage of its development, and we are thrilled that she is joining us.”