Dunn joins the company from the Office of National Statistics, where he has held various senior roles including leading the social survey research division.

More recently, he has been responsible for the statistical design and production of the 2021 census in England and Wales.

In addition to his ONS work, Dunn has also been deputy head of the Government Social Research (GSR) service since 2019, leading and supporting social researchers in government. 

Craig Watkins, UK chief executive at Kantar Public, said: "Ed brings with him deep expertise in social research, and hands on experience of the transformation of social survey research having been at the forefront of innovation over the last 15 years. He will lead the Kantar Public UK offer in large population studies incorporating new technology and approaches."

Kantar Public completed its sale to private equity firm Trilantic Europe, and divestment from Kantar Group, in September this year.

The business has since appointed former long-standing Kantar chief executive, Eric Salama, as its global chair, and made senior hires in the UK and Singapore.