Lawton (pictured) specialises in the economic evaluation of intangible assets and business case evaluation, as well as environmental economics and econometric analysis of cultural, community and social impacts.

In his new role, Lawton will work across a range of policy areas and use economic evaluation techniques quantify and value the economic, social and environmental impacts of policies.

Lawton will also lead on building Ipsos Mori Public Affairs’ evaluation team’s in-house economics knowledge and expertise.

Prior to joining Ipsos Mori, Lawton was director of research and analysis at Simetrica-Jacobs, and before that he was on secondment at the Cabinet Office Analysis and Insights Team.

Trinh Tu, managing director of public affairs at Ipsos Mori, said: “Ricky’s expertise in the valuation of intangible assets is a significant boost to our evaluation team and I’m delighted he’s joined Ipsos Mori’s Public Affairs team at this exciting time.

“His experience and academic pedigree will further enhance our evaluation offer to public sector clients.”