The changes will see Rudling (pictured) continue as head of insight and analytics at the firm’s Human Understanding Lab as well as taking on the managing director role, with Bland having left for a new venture.

Rudling was previously managing director at Walnut Unlimited between 2017 and 2021, when she was replaced by Bland.

The rearrangement will also see Realise Unlimited managing director Stephen Welch leave the company, with Realise’s customer data capabilities rolled into Walnut Unlimited.

Walnut Unlimited has also appointed two new research directors, with Vanessa Henry leading the shopper team and Raluca Usery joining the expanding qualitative team.  

Henry joins from IGD, and will focus on shopper research, while Usery was previously at GfK and specialises in fast-moving consumer goods research.

Rudling said: “We have lots of exciting opportunities ahead and I’m so pleased to be working closely with the wider Walnut team once again, dedicating my time to the managing director role.

“Walnut has grown significantly in recent years and now includes a data science and analytics arm and a 20-strong qual team. 

“Blending our skills with neuroscience, behavioural science and our traditional market research skills allows us to deliver much deeper human understanding to our clients.”