Kinetic launches global think tank unit

Based in New York, Kinetic Futures will further research consumer behaviour and track technology's effect on the communciations landscape.

The WPP agency has named Kinetic North America's director of marketing and research, Jeremy O’Brien, as managing director and global futurist of the unit. According to the network, O’ Brien's experience living and working in Europe, Asia and North America, and language fluency in English, Japanese, French and Spanish, made him a top candidate for the role.

“Kinetic has always been a very forward-looking company, and it is a testament to our vision and success that we are dedicating ourselves to exploring the far future of our business," Kinetic’s global CEO, Steve Ridley, said of the launch.

Kinetic launched in 2005 as an OOH buying specialist under WPP. It now concentrates on connecting brands with consumers’ lifestyles and environments. The agency employs 900 people and claims global billings of US$4.4 billion.