Simmons Research, the leading source of essential consumer intelligence, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Feigenson as Chief Executive Officer.  Simmons was acquired by Symphony Technology Group in late 2015, after 11 years under the umbrella of Experian Consumer Research and now runs as an independent company.

Feigenson was most recently the Chief Revenue Officer at Nielsen Catalina Solutions where he led the company’s commercial functions, including sales, client consulting, marketing and programmatic.  Prior to Nielsen Catalina Solutions, Feigenson ran Nielsen Digital for 6 years, transforming it from a panel-based research business to a real-time data and analytics business which achieved high double-digit growth. During his tenure, he successfully launched Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings, Nielsen Audience Segments and Nielsen’s programmatic business, and participated in the acquisitions of Vizu and eXelate.  Prior to Nielsen, Andrew ran sales and product for private equity and venture backed companies, including ECI Conference Call Services (sold to West Corporation) and Rave Mobile Safety.   Feigenson’s addition to the executive team signifies an intent to expedite innovation, in a world of big data and machine learning.

“Simmons is in a strong position and undergoing a rapid technology transformation to become further integrated into the digital and traditional advertising ecosystem,” said Simmons Chairman and Symphony Technology Group Operating Partner John Ouren. “With his accomplishments as a leader and significant digital experience, this is the perfect time for Andrew Feigenson to become Simmons’ CEO.  Under Andrew’s leadership, Simmons will continue to build on its strong relationships with leading media companies and agencies, while expanding relationships with advertisers and new media companies.”

 “Simmons has a long, tenured history as the leading provider of insights into the US Consumer,” said Feigenson. “With the right investments in technology and data, it is on the way to radically changing the way marketers understand their customers. I’m honored to have an opportunity to work with Symphony Technology Group and John to lead this transformation.  Symphony Technology group has an amazing track record with companies like IRI, Symphony Health Solutions, AlphaImpactRx, and Symphony EYC, among others, in driving transformation to the benefit of customers, employees and investors.”

Pat Pelligrini, previous President and Chief Research Officer, will be leaving the company.  “We appreciate Pat’s service to the company and leadership in the transition of Simmons from Experian to being an independent company in the Symphony portfolio,” said John Ouren.