Three new SVPs for the materials sector
22 August 2024
In Los Angeles, insights and marketing group Material announced the hiring of three new senior executives: Maury Giles as SVP, Growth, Arun Kumar as SVP and Global Data and Analytics Practice Lead, and Kate Whittle as SVP, Strategy and Innovation.
Material combines insights, data engineering, design and technology to help companies improve their customer relationships, drive growth and develop customer-centric business models. The company grew out of the LRW Group (formerly Lieberman Research Worldwide) and was rebranded four years ago following a series of acquisitions including Greenberg Strategy, Kelton Global, Tonic Insight and icanmakeitbetter.
Giles brings over 25 years of experience designing market research and applying actionable insights to communications, customer experience, and product and service strategy projects. He joins from Heart+Mind Strategies, where he was Chief Growth Officer. He previously founded his own consultancy, Pursuit Strategies, and founded Ipsos’ Strategy3 division. In his new role, he will contribute to Material’s continued growth in integrated solutions across insights, strategy, marketing and technology.
Kumar joins from Hero Digital, where he was EVP and Global Practice Lead for Data and AI. He previously held senior data and analytics roles at Publicis and Wunderman Thompson. He brings extensive experience in driving client growth and success, building high-performing data and insights teams, and expanding organizational capabilities and effectiveness through the strategic use of data and AI.
Whittle (pictured) most recently worked at PSB Insights, including roles as MD of Research Excellence, Chief Experience Officer and most recently Chief Client Officer. Described as a highly influential and motivating team leader, she will now play a key role in Material’s Strategy and Insights practice, developing innovative new solutions and offerings that adapt to ongoing changes in the business landscape and evolving client challenges.
Bill Kanarick, CEO of Material, commented: “Each of these leaders brings tremendous value to Material, our customers and our collective ability to unlock human insights and deliver transformative solutions to complex modern business challenges. In line with Material’s core values, Maury, Arun and Kate all boldly embody what it means to be a builder. I look forward to their impact as we continue to strengthen our connected teams and develop innovative solutions for the customers we serve.”
Website: www.materialplus.io.
