The company says the changes are being made “to respond to client needs even faster and more efficiently” following the integration of GMI in September 2011. Cayton, who joined in 2009, will now replace Ribeiro in the post of global chief operating officer.

Filz’s promotion comes just nine months after he was appointed by GMI as managing director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. The company says his promotion will see him take responsibility for operations across the combined company. All three (pictured) will continue to report to David Day, global CEO of Lightspeed Research.

Day said: “I can think of no time in Lightspeed Research’s history that is more exciting than today. Our business is evolving at a rapid pace, and we are focused on innovation and technology that optimise our efficiency and ensure that our offer meets our client evolving research needs. We are fortunate to have some of the finest minds in the industry that understand not only our current business, but more importantly, where we want to be in the future. This new structure strongly positions us to get there.”