Halligan replaces interim chief executive Dorus van den Biezenbos, who took up the role in July after Doug Peiffer stepped down from the role.

Halligan joins OzTAM from KPMG, where she is a partner within KPMG Customer, specialising in marketing, marketing technology and media advisory.

She has around 25 years of experience in senior client, media owner and agency roles, including Zenith, MediaCom and Coca Cola, where she worked as media manager.

Van den Biezenbos will continue as a consultant to OzTAM after stepping down from the interim chief executive role.

OzTAM independent chair, Mark Buckman, said: “The board and I are delighted that Karen will join OzTAM as its next chief executive. It is her unique combination of experience that makes Karen the perfect choice to lead OzTAM through its next exciting phase.

“Karen has an impeccable reputation and tremendous senior experience across agency, client, media owner and consulting. She brings the perfect blend of skills and experience to lead OzTAM forward.”

OzTAM launched its viewing measurement VOZ in May, and plans to roll out VOZ Streaming, a multi-broadcaster broadcaster video on-demand (BVOD) measurement tool, next year.

Halligan said: “The opportunity to join a team that is transforming to deliver a globally leading and evolving measurement solution, underpinned by new technology, was just too good to pass up.

“During my time in the industry, and more recently at KPMG, I have been working closely with clients to understand and demonstrate the importance of measuring marketing and the returns derived from these investments.

“The opportunity to leverage the OzTAM data to position marketing as an investment and not just a cost will be at the forefront of my mind as we continue to front into a rapidly evolving media industry.”