"We've had growth in all markets for the last two years from both multinational clients and strong local clients. Indonesia is moving very fast on local projects and multi-regional projects," said Heather Payne, chief executive officer of Research International. "We always look at hiring locally and our policy is of grooming local talent rather than bringing over expats."
As a result, the company has reorganised its senior staff line-up. Miriam Rustam, former qualitative research team leader in Indonesia, has taken the role of general manager to lead the Indonesia office. Rustam, who joined the agency in 2001, replaces Iwan Murty, who has moved on to a marketing role at a pharmaceutical company.
Payne added: "Miriam combines excellent technical re-search skills with a broad knowledge of marketing and branding."
The company has also named Sunando Das as regional director consumer understanding and branding to work with clients across Asia-Pacific.
Das will continue to be based in Singapore from where he leads the regional marketing science centre, part of a global network of statistical experts who develop research thinking and techniques.
Rosalynn Tang, meanwhile, has been promoted to deputy managing director in Singapore. Tang joined the agency in a management role in 1999 and in addition to the nearly 15 years of qualitative research experience has worked on strategy planning and developing business.
Gillem Lawson, who has helped build the agency's qualitative business in Thailand, has taken the role of regional director for innovation. "We are seeing more companies moving their base to Thailand and this has led to more multinational work," noted Payne. She added that with its Southeast team in place, Research International would focus on strengthening its line-up in North Asia.