Prior to joining Madano, Smith led the research and insights team at Ketchum and also helped build the insights function at The Red Consultancy, working across consumer, corporate and healthcare.

The appointment comes as Madano’s parent company, Montreal-based Avenir Global, recently acquired Thinks Insight & Strategy to support the group’s strategic and research capabilities. 

Michael Evans, president and managing partner at Madano, said: “Chris joins Madano at a really important point in our growth and evolution. The insights market is changing rapidly, and we were looking for someone with the strategic mindset, commercial instinct and leadership qualities to help shape the next phase of our offer.

“Chris brings deep expertise across research, analytics and communications, alongside a strong track record of building high-performing teams and trusted client relationships. Just as importantly, he’s a great cultural fit for the business, and I’m delighted to welcome him to the leadership team.”  

Smith added: “Using evidence and data to help organisations with big ambitions navigate complex challenges is exactly what drives me and I’ve seen first-hand with clients like Allergan and Goldman Sachs how powerful that can be when insight is truly integrated with communications strategy.

“I’ll be bringing my experience of leading data and insights teams and bridging the ‘So what?’ gap to deliver effective, high-stakes communications. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”