Ramalingam has held various leaderships at Nielsen over the past two decades, most recently as managing director of Nielsen Consumer Insights for Latam, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

In his new role, he will focus on growing Ipsos’ business in the region, which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Priorities will include mentoring and growing talent and developing new client solutions.

Didier Truchot, chairman and chief executive at Ipsos, said: “A dedicated leader like Suresh will help map out and implement a South East Asia strategy focused on leveraging our capabilities, solutions and people to assist current and potential clients address their business priorities.”

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ramalingam will report to Christophe Cambournac, chief executive of AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa).

Cambournac said: “There is a significant potential to further grow Ipsos’ business in South East Asia. Suresh is an expert in emerging markets and knows South East Asia very well having lived and worked there.”