Brennan “will work exclusively on behalf of Newsworks in the UK for a minimum of 12 months”, according to a statement – however Brennan does remain a shareholder and partner in online research agency Nepa, whom he joined in October.

At Newsworks, Brennan will work with chief executive Rufus Olins on implementing the organisation’s 2014 insight programme.

Olins said: “Dave is a rare beast, combining a forensic approach to research and a wonderful ability to unearth and articulate the real story with showmanship and humour. We are greatly looking forward to working with him and I am confident that he will become a key member of the Newsworks team.”

Brennan’s last major role was as research and strategy director for TV marketing body Thinkbox, prior to which he was head of group strategic insight at Associated Newspapers.