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Savanta appoints two new female board members

As part of Savanta’s second birthday (cue virtual birthday party) we are delighted to make three key appointments to the Savanta Board.

As part of Savanta’s second birthday (cue virtual birthday party) we are delighted to make three key appointments to the Savanta Board.


London – 1st February 2021. Roger Perowne, Global CEO comments: “As a company 2020 has seen us work on a wide range of activities; acquiring and integrating Future Thinking UK, launching the new Savanta Essentials range, adding a range of new trackers, winning the Best Data Collection category at the MRS Operations awards and our continued commitment to the MRS CEO Pledge.”

“I am also immensely proud of a range of stand-out initiatives, including our involvement in ‘For the Woman’ campaign in conjunction with the Women’s Association, as well as dedicated initiatives for Black Lives Matter and Pride Awareness. In addition to celebrating the past years successes, we look to the future and are excited to start 2021 by announcing several key appointments to the Savanta Board. I would like to thank Barbara Gurhan, Caroline Hawkings and Bart Read for their commitment to the success of Savanta over the past two years and I look forward to working alongside them as we spearhead the next stage of our growth.”

Caroline Hawkings has been appointed Savanta’s UK Managing Director. Prior to this position, Caroline was EVP in Research, Insight and Consulting, specialising in the retail sector. Among other responsibilities, Caroline sits on Savanta’s People Committee.

Commenting on her new role, Caroline said: “As we start 2021 in this ‘new normal’, I am really excited to be able to lead the UK team here at Savanta. Our focus is as strong as ever, delivering exceptional insight with clear commercial direction. Front and centre will be a commitment to culture and progression, ensuring we create a truly diverse and inclusive workplace and environment.”

Savanta has also appointed Barbara Gurhan to the board as Chief Financial Officer. Barbara was previously Group Finance Controller at Savanta.

Commenting on her new role, Barbara said: “I am thrilled to step into the CFO role and continue working with the executive team to ensure Savanta’s continued success. Potential for growth is tremendous given our talented and passionate people, cutting edge technology, and our international presence. I am proud to be part of the Savanta family and look forward to the great things we can achieve together.

Bart Read, Chief Technology Officer, has also been appointed to the Savanta board and has been instrumental in leading the development of Savanta’s software products and services.

Commenting on his new role, Bart said: “Savanta has a relentless focus on prioritising investment in technology to yield the greatest value to its customers. I will be focussed on combining investment with the right appointments, to build teams that deliver high quality software products, services, and automation.”

For more information contact [email protected]