Based in Vancouver, Paul (pictured) will oversee operations, community management, recruitment, and member services, while continuing to develop and improve Maru/Blue’s communities.

She spent about 15 years at Ipsos in a number of roles, particularly working with online panels and was most recently senior vice-president, digital services with Toluna.

Rob Berger, managing director of Maru/Blue, said: “Her more than 20 years experience in panel, insight community and digital online technology will be a great asset. Having worked with Julie before, I am thrilled to have her join the Maru/Blue team.”

Maru Group CEO Ged Parton said: “Her commitment to high standards is exactly what we need to maintain the quality that Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight pollster ratings recently recognised, when they cited Springboard America as the #1 most accurate online sample source.”