CONNECTIONS: Loo takes charge after NetValue chief resigns

SINGAPORE: NetValue has appointed Jack Loo, Singapore country manager, as president to replace Darlene Lee, who has left the company to pursue her own interests.

The appointment coincides with several other staffing changes, including the departure of Clayton Fitts, vice-president of sales and marketing.

According to Loo, the company has also expanded its research capabilities to include offline research and data mining services.

Vivian Cho, NetValue's newly promoted press manager, said there are no plans to find a replacement for Fitts' post as his departure was part of downsizing efforts by the company.

Loo will relocate to Hong Kong at the end of February and will oversee NetValue's Asian operations.

He said: "There are changes that have taken place at every company in view of the recent economic downturn and the terrorist attacks on the US. And that's what we are doing - streamlining operations to make them more efficient. It's not exactly what we like to call downsizing.

"The first year of setting up a company is very difficult and I think we have now reached the stage where we have a strong presence in the region, particularly when you look at some of our competitors such as NetRatings are pulling out of countries or, like iamasia, closing operations.

"We are expanding our services because of demand from clients. We are going into data mining to help our clients and are offering offline behavioural research and other marketing to complement what services we already offer to clients."

He said new reports would be introduced, including the e-lifestyle report, which would offer new segmentation.

The research company will also consolidate its quarterly-type data.

Loo previously worked as research director at global market research company The Gallup Organisation in Singapore.

He has several years experience in research which also includes internet measurement and online strategies.

Loo is currently handling consulting work for major portals, media agencies, telecommunication companies and financial institutions.