Da Silva (pictured) joins the company from Kantar’s insights division, where he was senior vice-president. He has previously held roles at Ipsos and OTX.

At GBK Collective, he will advise clients on product and marketing strategy, brand equity, customer segmentation and advertising effectiveness. He is based in California.

The company has also promoted Brian Smith to executive vice-president, strategic insights. Based in Seattle, Smith joined GBK in 2020 and prior to that worked at Deloitte and Microsoft.

Eric Bradlow, co-founder, GBK, said: “We’re excited to welcome Rob as one of the top strategic insights leaders in the country, as well as elevating Brian’s role with a promotion to executive vice-president. 

“I have no doubt that their leadership will fuel new growth for our client partners, inspire our talent, and continue to elevate our work as a collective team.”

Brand strategist Kimberly Whitler has also joined the business. Whitler is associated professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and previously worked in general management, strategy and marketing in the consumer packaged goods and retail sectors, including Procter & Gamble and PetSmart.  

Jeremy Korst, president, GBK, said: “Kim has significant experience and deep understanding of how successful brands must maintain a sharp focus on their target customers, while pivoting to meet changing customer needs and behaviour.”