Cottle (pictured) joins the company from The NPD Group, where she was executive director, client development.

Prior to that, she was group director of insights at Numerator, leading the brand insights practice, and has also served as group director of insights at Havas Media Group.

At Engine, Cottle will be responsible for leading client development with a focus on innovation. She is based in New York.

David Albert, general manager, Engine Insights, said: “Cathy is a proven industry leader with expertise in client and business development, consumer research, and retail and brand insights. I know that Cathy’s diverse background and industry knowledge will be an asset to both our clients and future clients.”