Ballon (pictured) was last at IpsosOTX where he was EVP of the media and entertainment practice, and was previously at Nielsen where he held the role of president of Nielsen film and home entertainment.

His new role at Synovate will see him responsible for building and leading a new team in North America. Robert Skolnic, president of Synovate North America, said: “I am very pleased to have someone of Howard’s calibre, especially with such vast media and entertainment experience, joining the North America team.”

Meanwhile Matt Couture has rejoined Synovate Marketing Management Analytics as senior director within the client service and analytics team.

Couture spent five years between 2002 and 2007 at ImmediateFX – which is now Synovate MMA – as well as spells with Henry Rak Consulting partners, ACNielsen and Hudson River Group.

Synovate MMA’s managing director of operations Sheila Baker said: “Matt’s cross-industry knowledge and expertise with various advanced analytic solutions align well with the needs of our global clients.”