Sampson (pictured) takes up the post from early August, having previously been responsible for the post-merger integration programme arising from Kantar owner WPP’s £1bn takeover of TNS in October 2008.

Before that, Sampson was UK managing director of TV audience measurement firm AGB Nielsen, a post he took up in April 2006 after 18 months as director of customer relationship management at UK television network ITV Sales, and nine years before that at industry body the Radio Advertising Bureau, latterly as managing director.

Creston CEO Don Elgie said: “ICM is one of the premier research agencies in the UK with an excellent list of blue chip clients. I am proud that is has thrived under the ownership of Creston and that the strong management team is now being augmented with the arrival of Justin.”

Sampson’s predecessor Sparrow announced his resignation from ICM in February, after 21 years with the company. He and his fellow co-founders sold ICM to Creston four years ago in a deal worth up to £37m.