MUMBAI: International media and marketing research firm Arbitron has announced that Manish Bhatia has joined the company in the newly created position of executive VP, new product innovation.

Bhatia will report to Arbitron executive VP, COO Sean Creamer.

He will direct the Arbitron cross-platform initiatives and lead the teams that are developing additional research services outside the company's core radio business.

Creamer said, "Throughout his 23-year career, Manish has been a leader and an innovator in the development of advanced research services for new and emerging media. He has collaborated with major media and Internet companies to develop solutions that helped these companies make informed decisions about their media strategies.

"In addition to his leadership role for the company's growth initiatives, Manish will serve as a key partner for the Radio Service Innovation team which is led by Gregg Lindner, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer. Gregg and Manish will both focus on ways to leverage the potential of our PPM technology and consumer panel for current and emerging customer groups".