CHICAGO – April 4, 2006 – Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the leading global provider of enterprise market information solutions for the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, today announced that it has named John Lawlor division president and general manager of its Panel and Test Solutions business. Lawlor is the former president of Ipsos-ASI North America, part of the Ipsos Group, one of the world’s largest survey research firms.
During the past year, IRI has continued strengthening its Consumer Network™ Panel, developed a series of integrated insights, shopper and specialty panels, and introduced revolutionary new personal collection devices and surveys. In his new role, Lawlor is driving the continued innovation and growth efforts of the consumer and shopper research and insights businesses.
Additionally, Lawlor will focus on new and innovative approaches to combining the company’s enhanced panel services with its point-of-sale (POS) data and industry-leading BehaviorScan® in-market testing service offerings to provide clients with the most comprehensive view of the consumer and the marketplace to make more informed decisions about their businesses.
“John brings a deep understanding of consumer-based panel insights that will greatly benefit both IRI and its customers,” said IRI President and Chief Executive Officer Scott W. Klein. “Through a unique combination of assets and differentiated capabilities, John and the IRI Panel and Test Solutions team are poised to deliver focused insights on specific types of shoppers, buying groups, and product purchase occasions to provide unparalleled intelligence that was previously unavailable. John’s vast experience in consumer research and his proven leadership skills will serve him well as he works to further strengthen our powerful test and panel business.”
Before joining Ipsos-ASI, Lawlor was president of Spectra Companies, a unit of VNU. He joined Spectra in 1996, and prior to assuming the role of president and chief executive officer in 2001, he held a series of executive positions, including leadership of the Client Service and Product Development organizations. Prior to joining Spectra, Lawlor spent four years with IRI. In his last role with the company, he served as senior vice president of Client Service and was responsible for the global leadership of the Unilever business. He began his career at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Lawlor holds undergraduate degrees in biology and economics from John Carroll University. He also attended Executive Development Programs at the Wharton School and at Ashridge in the United Kingdom.
About Information Resources, Inc.
Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) is the world’s leading provider of enterprise market information solutions and services, empowering its clients to grow their business profitably in a complex marketplace. Driving the transformation of the consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail, and healthcare industries, only IRI provides a unique combination of real-time market content, advanced analytics, enterprise performance management software, and professional services. The company’s portfolio of services, solutions, and technology enable leading retailers and their suppliers around the globe to see what they are missing, act faster with greater confidence and win at the shelf. Ninety-five percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 in CPG and retail leverage IRI to power their business. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com.