Clarkson, who will be based out of Jeddah, says he hopes to help set and achieve new standards for market research in the country.

“As a former client I am well aware of the challenges to producing high-quality research in this market,” he said. “I intend to make the most of this opportunity to help Masmi become the most professional player in the Kingdom.”

Clarkson has worked in Saudi Arabia for the past nine years, most recently as head of retail research at the National Commercial Bank and before that as head of market research for Panda Supermarkets.

Before moving to the Gulf he was marketing research manager for Asda in the UK.