Passingham, whose appointment by Ipsos was first revealed by Research back in May, was formerly TNS chief executive for Northern and Eastern Europe, a role she had held since January 2010. Prior to that she was CEO of TNS Europe Custom for three years and managing director of TNS Worldpanel for six.

Ipsos co-president Didier Truchot said: “Judith’s track record in developing new business and services at a global level, together with her strong capacity to ensure local implementation, made her the ideal candidate to lead IIS.”

Passingham will report directly to Truchot, and will have full global responsibility for all IIS services. She will also be a member of the Ipsos management board.