TNS provides market measurement, analysis, insight and advice in more than 110 countries. An official release informs that Hall has worked across all areas of market research and consumer insight; and has been president of NFO Asia Pacific since 2001.

Hall joined NFO in 1997 when it acquired CM Research, an Australia-New Zealand based research company that he founded 15 years earlier. Prior to that, he was the marketing services manager at Reckitt and Colman, New Zealand.

TNS' chief executive Mike Kirkham made the following remarks about the appointment: "James brings with him a wealth of industry experience, as well as the extensive local knowledge that we need to drive forward our business in Asia Pacific."

Hall added: "I am excited at the immense opportunity for both our clients and our own growth in Asia Pacific - that is provided by the scale and scope of the combined operations of TNS and NFO. I look forward to working with a regional team and country management to capitalise on the strengths of our two organisations".

The release further states that John Smurthwaite will continue in his current role as chairman of the company for the Asia Pacific region. TNS works with national and multi-national organisations to help its clients develop effective business strategies and enhance relationships with their customers. NFO has recently joined the TNS Group.