Earlier in his career, Rapp was in charge of the research team at AOL before founding cross-media measurement agency Marketing Evolution in 2003. He was also a founding member of online advertising agency DoubleClick.

Knowledge Networks has made a raft of promotions alongside Rapp’s appointment. Richard Cattrone moves from SVP of operations to chief operating officer; J. Michael Dennis from SVP and senior managing director to EVP of government and academic research; Justin Edge from SVP and senior managing director to EVP of health care research; Patricia Graham from CMO to chief strategy officer; Audrey Rosen from SVP and senior managing director to EVP of CPG/retail research; and Ellen Veccia from SVP of advanced analytics and consulting to chief research officer.

Agency boss Simon Kooyman said: “These promotions strengthen Knowledge Networks on many fronts, expanding the senior team that is leading our company, ensuring continued excellence in our client interactions, and preparing for future growth.”

“At the same time, we are adding an all-star researcher to our media team. While complementing our proven approaches and expertise in media research, Ethan will help us develop new territory in digital and cross-media ad studies.”