Jenny Irons has joined the firm as global head of qualitative insight, following a spell with broadcaster the Seven Network, where she held the role of head of research and insights. At The Leading Edge, she will be responsible for driving the firm’s qual offer and practice, as well as leading innovation and integration around digital insight development.

The Leading Edge has also moved Sydney managing partner Chris Paxton to the new role of global head of strategy. Paxton, who has been with the company seven years, will now be responsible for rolling out the agency’s strategy capabilities across its offices in Sydney, Singapore, London and New York.

Last week, we reported on the appointment of Lee Naylor as global head of quantitative research and analytics.

CEO Andy Bateman (pictured) said: “These roles are central to our service offer to clients and represent a revitalised core practice discipline in our business. Each of the roles is global in nature and is intended to drive quality, consistency and innovation in our thinking across all geographies and clients; knitting together our disciplines and our network.”