Cint has been selected as Lightspeed’s primary technology platform to manage panels and programmatic exchange, in a bid to make it easier for clients to choose from a wider variety of data sources based on timing and pricing needs.

Its includes how Lightspeed interacts with sourcing partners, the underlying technology, and its executive management.

Lightspeed will replace its existing tech platform with Cint’s sample procurement tool Access Pro to add operational efficiency and speed-to-market in managing projects with a single automated process. It will also use Cint Engage to manage its proprietary double-opt-in (DOI) panels and Cint’s Private Network capabilities to consolidate some of the existing sources in direct private-pricing deals.

In terms of executive management, Marc Ryan has been appointed in the newly created role of chief data officer. Ryan joins from Kantar Millward Brown and will oversee platform strategy and engineering resources as well as expanding use of survey and non-survey data.

Caroline Frankum, global chief executive officer of Lightspeed, said: “Clients want to find truth through data, but increasing pressures on time and budget mean they also need faster, more flexible and cost-effective options for their insights projects.

“This shift allows us to alleviate these pressures by removing some of the complexities involved in effectively exploring, cross-referencing and validating key sources in today’s data landscape.”

This announcement follows Lightspeed’s launch of the Gravity Network, to increase the reach of programmatic options globally, in August 2017.

Tom Buehlmann, chief executive officer of Cint, added: “Cint’s partnership with Lightspeed is transformational. Cint’s platform and solutions will be seamlessly implemented into Lightspeed’s ways of working and increase automation and efficiency.”