Swinton (pictured) was one of the co-founders of market research technology company RealityMine in 2012. He served as a non-executive board member with the company until March. Most recently, he co-founded venture capital firm Crow’s Nest Ventures, providing capital to mobile technology, consumer insight, retail and health tech organisations.

GfK and Swinton have worked together in various capacities in the past few years, including the integration of RealityMine cross-platform behavioural data with GfK’s MRI database in 2014.

In the new role, he will develop and execute GfK’s data strategy in North America, including finding partners to help with the development of data solutions for the company. He will be based in GfK’s New York office.

Gregg Lindner, regional managing director of GfK North America, said: “Rolfe is a pioneer in many areas that have become central to GfK’s work and mission. He brings an unusual combination of measurement expertise and entrepreneurial savvy to his new role, and he is deeply familiar with GfK’s existing businesses.”