Darren Bhattachary, formerly co-chief executive of Kantar Insights UK & Ireland, joins Basis as chief executive of the new division. He will work alongside Dan Clay, previously managing partner of UK research at strategic communications firm SECNewgate.

Basis Social will work with public policy clients, combine commercial and social research and draw on multi-disciplinary networks. Both Bhattachary and Clay have previously worked with government departments and non-departmental bodies. 

Founded in 1990, Basis offers ad hoc and tracking research for clients in sectors including media and entertainment, retail and financial services, and has offices in London, LA, Chicago and New York. In 2018, the company launched healthcare practice Basis Health in the US and UK.

Rune Mortensen, chief executive, Basis Group, said: “Darren and Dan both bring deep expertise in social research, together with an innovative, agile mindset. Their bespoke, method agnostic, client centric approach is a perfect fit for Basis.”