Beams (pictured) joined the company in 2012 as a senior research manager and has since held roles in client servicing and business development. Prior to Maru/Matchbox, she worked at the Office for National Statistics on the design and delivery of the 2011 census.

In the newly created role, Beams will oversee the delivery of the company’s UK strategy, working with the client services, sales and marketing teams.  

She will work with Gary Topiol, chief executive at Maru/Matchbox UK, who retains his position as business lead and continues to lead day-to-day management.

Ged Parton, chief executive, Maru Group, said: “Sarah has played a fundamental role in the development of our UK business over the past several years. With Sarah’s expert knowledge, determination and total commitment to continuous improvement, I know she’ll lead our UK teams to deliver business-changing insights for our clients.”