Toluna Founder To Step Down As CEO After 25 Years

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Toluna Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frédéric Charles Petit, plans to step down from the role following the appointment of his successor, as the consumer insights and market research technology company begins a planned leadership transition.

Petit, who founded the company 25 years ago, will remain on its board of directors, retain a significant shareholding and take on a strategic advisory role following the transition, according to Toluna in a statement.

Toluna said its board, in consultation with Petit, had initiated a structured succession process, with a handover plan in place to ensure continuity for clients, employees and business partners. The appointment of the next CEO is expected to be confirmed shortly.

“Founding and building Toluna over the past 25 years has been the privilege of my professional life,” said Petit, adding that the company had a strong foundation, an established team and a technology platform positioned for the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered consumer insights.

Meanwhile, Toluna Chairman, Bruce Haymes thanked Petit for his leadership and commitment, saying he had built the company from an idea into a global business with a strong platform and a clear strategy for the future.

The board supports the planned transition and welcomes Petit's continued contribution as a board member, adviser and shareholder, Haymes said.

Under Petit's leadership, Toluna pioneered the integration of online consumer panels with research technology and more recently advanced its position in AI-powered insights.

Toluna said its strategy, client commitments and daily operations would continue without disruption throughout the transition as the company pursues its growth plans in technology-enabled and AI-powered consumer insights.

-- BERNAMA