MUMBAI: TNS, the world's third largest global market information organisation, has announced the expansion of its brand & advertising division. It will be headed by research industry leader and branding/advertising expert Larry Mock. Mock was formerly president and CEO of The Council for Marketing & Opinion Research (CMOR) and VP of Procter & Gamble's Consumer and Market Knowledge Group Worldwide.

The announcement comes in the wake of TNS' recent rebranding announcement and builds upon the company's philosophy of being the Sixth Sense of Business. Mock said, "TNS is one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive global market research organisations. As such, TNS is in a strong position to anticipate market trends. Today's global marketplace and complex consumer base offer a distinct challenge to marketing organisations to raise the bar in terms of creating brands, building brand value and developing compelling and motivating communication of that value.

"For example, we see more clients approaching us with a unique tableau of branding and advertising issues that necessitate a new approach to brand/ad understanding and research. These needs can be importantly addressed by leveraging TNS' global footprint and extensive product portfolio."

CEO, TNS Intersearch Bruce Shandler said, "The driving force behind the brand and advertising division is TNS' proactive response to a growing market demand for new research methodologies that not only collect data, but offer greater analysis, integration and synthesis of information and insights to support multi-national brands. Larry will create the capability to make all of this possible."