Barnes (pictured) joined Escalent in 2016 and has most recently held the position of chief commercial officer.

In the newly created role, Barnes will be responsible for leading the company’s global team, building relationships with clients and identifying opportunities for investment, partnerships and alliances.

He remains on the executive committee and continues reporting to chief executive Melissa Sauter. 

Prior to Escalent, Barnes was senior vice-president for Acturus, senior adviser to the chairman of the Democratic Caucus, U.S. House of Representatives; and managing partner for Pulsar Research and Consulting. He also co-founded the Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut.

Sauter said: “Chris is an exceptional leader who is equally skilled at driving value for clients and motivating teams to achieve their goals. Years ago, Escalent set in motion a clear purpose and vision for the business, and Chris has been instrumental in helping us realise that vision and establish strong relationships with our employees, clients and shareholders.”