Laura Wendt Joins GfK
Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Laura Wendt, a specialist in television and digital video research, has joined GfK as executive vice-president, media, for the consumer experiences and consumer choices organizations in North America.
Based in New York, Wendt will provide strategic leadership, insuring that GfK’s global media strategy is supported and implemented throughout North America, and will take part in global media initiatives on high-profile topics such as single-source research and mobile panels.
Wendt will also be responsible for overall account and business management of GfK’s portfolio of projects and products in the region.
Wendt has held leadership roles at a variety of major TV networks and technology companies, including Disney ABC Television Group, MTV Networks, HBO, and Turner Broadcasting. Most recently, Wendt was vice-president, regional content and business development, at Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel), where she guided the company’s video-led digital content and platform expansion strategy across Asia.
Earlier, Wendt was vice-president and managing director of Disney Channels Southeast Asia for six years, with responsibility for 10 APAC markets. During her tenure, Disney Channel rose to become the #1 family brand in the region. She also successfully launched Disney Channel Korea and Disney Junior Korea, both joint ventures between Disney and SKT. Wendt earlier held the positions of senior vice-president of research for MTV Networks’ Nickelodeon Networks Group; manager of research at Home Box Office; vice-president of international research at Turner Broadcasting Sales; and managing director of the international research division of Frank N. Magid Associates Ltd.
GfK is one of the world’s leading research companies, with around 13,000 experts working to discover new insights into the way people live, think and shop, in over 100 markets, every day. In 2012, GfK’s sales amounted to €1.51 billion.
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