Karen Watson Named Chief Communications Officer For The Nielsen Company

March 20, 2008- New York, NY- The Nielsen Company today announced that Karen Watson has been appointed Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Communications.  Watson, who joined the company in 2006 as SVP, Communications for Nielsen Media Research, will report to Susan Whiting, Executive Vice President of the Nielsen Company.

In her new role, Watson will be responsible for managing communications between Nielsen and its key audiences and stakeholders, both inside and outside the company.  She will oversee the company’s media relations, internal communications, client communications and public outreach functions worldwide. 

“At the core of Karen’s new responsibilities is ensuring that Nielsen’s global communications operation is moving forward from a position of strength and innovation and that it is well positioned to support our company’s key growth initiatives,” Whiting said.  “Karen has demonstrated the leadership and strategic vision necessary to communicate Nielsen’s role as a global company that is fully equipped to measure an increasingly digital environment.

Watson brings to this position more than than 25 years of experience in media, marketing, public affairs and government relations.  During her time at Nielsen she has managed the team leading the rebranding of our company and, in addition, oversaw the creation and launch of Hey! Nielsen, the company’s new social networking website for entertainment enthusiasts.

From 1996 to 2005, Watson served as Vice President, Government Relations for EchoStar Communications Corporation (parent of the DISH Network) and, before that, worked in the executive and legislative branch of the Federal Government. She also spent 10 years in broadcast journalism at National Public Radio and the MacNeil/Lehrer Report.

About The Nielsen Company

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek). The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit www.nielsen.com.

 

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