TNS focuses resources in Africa

Following the TNS and RI merger in 2009 and the partnership announced in March with RMS, TNS is now focusing on the region. Kim MacIlwaine, who is presently Interim CEO of RI South Africa, will take on the role of CEO Africa and Middle East.

MacIlwaine background

MacIlwaine joined Unilever (UK) in 1979 and spent 25 years working for the Unilever Group, including as MD and chairman of the Unilever Food business in South Africa from 1996 to 2004. Since 2009 he has served as independent non-executive director of AVI Ltd, a South African consumer products company and is also director of the Coca-Cola Retail Regional Council for Africa.

TNS MEA presence

TNS Africa and Middle East has offices in South Africa, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Morocco, with affiliates in Pakistan and Mauritius. Through its partnership with PSM, it has affiliates also in Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Congo and Ghana.

Pedro Ros, CEO of TNS, said: "I look forward to working closely with Kim as we go into 2011, with this change giving us an increased client focus and strong commitment to further develop in this high growth region."