Atkins (pictured) has held the role of business development director at the firm for three years, prior to which he was group account director at Toluna. He replaces current managing director Patrick Diamond, who will remain within the business with a focus on leading new client innovations.  

Tim Hughes, who has been with the company since 2011, has been promoted to deputy managing director, working alongside current deputy managing director Tiziana Del Bene.

The two will take up their new positions on 1 April.

Diamond said Atkins has had “a tremendous impact on the business”, and added: “We are certain he will continue to grow the business with Tiziana and Tim as we adapt to meet new challenges in data generation.”