Weir, most recently joint head of digital, media and technology research at YouGov, has been appointed as director of research and client service and Mitchell joins as research manager from broadcaster A+E Networks.

Weir and Mitchell will be responsible for optimising the running and maintenance of the core Barb household panel.

Emma Holden has also been appointed to the Barb client service team, taking up the role of service development director. She will be responsible for overseeing development and implementation of new services and techniques such as Dovetail, FocalMeter and i33, a new audio matching capability.

Richard Poustie, managing director, audience intelligence at Kantar Media UK and Ireland, said: “We are expanding the Barb client service team to deal with the increasing complexity of the programme, bringing in senior talent to ensure we are continuing to drive innovation, while ensuring vigorous research thinking is focused on maintaining and improving the health of the core panel.”

Yesterday ( 18th March) it was announced Kantar would be operating all of its businesses under the single brand name of Kantar. Kantar Media is retaining its existing branding until the beginning of April.