Knapman joins The Sound Research from Essential Research, which was acquired in 2011 by SPA Future Thinking. He replaces Andrew Davidson, who was managing director, Europe since the firm opened its London offices in 2009. Davidson has joined Flamingo as head of UK practice.

Knapman, who was a partner in Essential, was a senior director within SPA Future Thinking and previously worked at the BBC for eight years as head of BBC new media research and later head of pan-BBC research. He has also worked at Millward Brown.

In his new role, he will help the agency advance its consumer research offerings with a strong focus on helping brands to do things differently through digital technology. He reports to the company’s president Ian Pierpoint and will start in the job in April.

Earlier this month, The Sound Research reported 25% growth in commissions last year to $7.4m, making 2012 the most profitable 12 months in its five-year history. The Vancouver-headquartered company has offices in Canada, the US and UK. Clients include Google, Diageo, Pepsi, Nike and MTV.

“I look forward to building on the considerable success that the Sound has already enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic, and to helping the firm to embark on the next phase of growth,” said Knapman.