The Nielsen Company has appointed Piyush Mathur (pictured) as managing director for its South Asia business. Mathur will be based out of Mumbai and will report to Christophe Cambournac, president of consumer research, Asia Pacific, India, Middle East and Africa, The Nielsen Company.

The appointment follows the retirement of Partha Rakshit from the post, after 28 years. However, Rakshit will continue to be associated with the company as consultant on special projects.

Said Cambournac, "India provides a major growth opportunity for our clients and for Nielsen. We wanted someone who had prior experience in a growth market and has worked closely with clients to help them win in the market place. Piyush is a passionate corporate entrepreneur with a proven record of achievements and is talented in applying marketing science to meet strategic objectives and maximize business performance. We are sure that he will lead the region to meet the organizational goals of Nielsen and help our clients achieve their objectives."

Added Mathur, "There is a huge spotlight globally on South Asia and India, and I am truly excited to be part of this rapidly growing economy. My vision over the next few years is to help our clients grow profitably while helping Nielsen transform into becoming an academy company.”

Mathur joined Nielsen (ORG-MARG) in Delhi in 1994 as a research executive. He has been with the company for over 15 years across the Indian sub-continent, Middle East and North Africa.