Bolus (pictured) has been research manager at Barb since 2003, and replaces Tony Wearn in the role of director.

Wearn had the job for 11 years and is taking time off to travel before returning to Barb in a consultancy capacity later this year.

Before joining Barb, Bolus was head of research at Zenith Media and before that was production audience research manager at Carlton Television.

Barb chief executive Bjarne Thelin said: “I am delighted to appoint Simon as Barb’s new research director. He has first-class research skills, experience of many aspects of the media industry from support of media planning and buying to analysing and interpreting schedule performance, and an extensive knowledge of the Barb system. He has worked closely with Tony Wearn in the introduction of the new Barb contracts and will play a valuable role in ensuring an effective dialogue with our stakeholders.”

A new audience measurement system run by TNS went live last month.