McLeod (pictured) has spent the past five years at Kantar Indonesia, most recently as chief commercial officer. Prior to that, he was deputy head and group account director for Kantar Millward Brown.

The company has also appointed two trainee researcher executives, Gabriella Cross and Zoe Harding.

The hires come as Netfluential is developing an emotional needs framework. Chief executive Jeroen Verheggen said: “Our new recruits will add value and strengthen both our philosophy and culture. Richard is passionate about helping clients leverage research to drive action and generate growth, and Gabriella and Zoe are rising research stars.”