Taylor, Schanzer step up from key internal roles
January 15, 2015: New York, NY: Kevin Taylor and Gary Schanzer have taken on new leadership roles in key GfK teams in North America – Schanzer with the Digital Market Intelligence (DMI) team, and Taylor with Technology. The moves bring seasoned, client-oriented leadership to areas of keen interest to marketers across product categories.
Taylor, who previously served as GfK’s SVP and Consulting and Global Key Account Manager for Microsoft, has been promoted to EVP of Technology, overseeing work for all North America technology clients. Schanzer, who has managed DMI on an interim basis for several months, will now fill that role permanently; he will also continue serving as the Shopper and Retail Strategy team’s Managing Director.
“Kevin and Gary are smart leaders who understand the most important issues on marketers’ minds,” said Holly Jarrell, Chief Client Service Officer of GfK Consumer Experiences North America. “Their knowledge of tech, digital media, and shopper marketing position them to be of maximum value to our clients, and to guide their teams in delivering insights that make a difference.”
Taylor began his career in the late 1990s working for a research agency in Silicon Valley that catered to technology clients. From there, he spent over 10 years at Microsoft and Facebook, where he ran brand tracking and product development research, marketing communications development and effectiveness research, and marketing strategy.
As EVP, Taylor will shape Technology’s overall vision, serving as a thought leader and building a successful team of key account managers capable of growing new business.
Taylor holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and MS and PhD degrees in Social Psychology and Statistics from the University of Florida.
Throughout his career, Schanzer has developed and honed his ability to craft strategic insights for a wide variety of industries. For many years, Schanzer worked as a consultant for Information Resources and Meridian Consulting, creating diverse, analytical studies for the food, healthcare, beauty, office, and pet food industries. In 2004, he co-founded Interscope, a sales and marketing consultant agency later acquired by GfK.
Schanzer will also maintain his presence as an industry thought leader, speaking at workshops, conferences and engagements around the country.
Schanzer holds an MBA in Marketing, with concentrations in Decision Sciences and Legal Studies, from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a BA in Economics from Princeton University.
About GfK
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