Topiol is taking over from Liz Boffey, who left the company in February this year.

He has worked in the market research and customer experience sector for more than 20 years, and joins from Nudge Rewards, the technology-based employee engagement company, where he had been managing director EMEA.

Topiol has also worked at consumer experience company Empathica, where he was also managing director, which became InMoment following its acquisition by Mindshare.   

Earlier in his career he was chief operating officer of mystery shopping at GfK NOP and technical director of mystery shopping at NOP World.

Ged Parton, CEO of Maru Group, said: “Gary is widely recognised as a leading figure within the sector who has invaluable experience across a number of geographies. I have no doubt his leadership will play a vital role in the continued growth and success of the company.”