Marketing services group Optimisa has announced the appointment of Michelle Norman as CEO of its market research businesses which include Quaestor, Andrew Irving Associates and Buckingham Research.

Michelle has more than 20 years of research experience, having previously held the posts of CEO and managing director of Synovate UK, leading the business through a period of significant change, including the successful integration of Synovate’s various businesses and acquisitions.

Prior to Synovate, Michelle was MD of Sample Surveys Research Group, which was acquired by Synovate in 2001.

Commenting on her appointment, Norman said, “Optimisa has some highly regarded research brands and great people. I look forward to leading the businesses through to their next stage of development”.

Optimisa’s Executive Chairman, Ron Littleboy, said he was delighted with Michelle’s appointment: “It’s been a difficult 12 months for our research businesses, but I’m confident that Michelle’s experience and knowledge of the research business, together with her motivating leadership style will really help us strengthen our market research operations in the UK”.

Michelle joins the business full time on October 19th.