NielsenIQ (NIQ) has appointed Julian Crane as the new Managing Director for its business in the UK & Ireland. His role will be to oversee the research firm’s operations across the region, taking over from Rachel White, who has been appointed as the new APAC Regional President.
The appointment comes after a strong period for NIQ UK & Ireland, which has been the company’s fastest-growing European market for the past three years.
Crane has more than 25 years of experience in FMCG and beauty. He spent the past six years as General Manager UK & Ireland at Henkel Consumer Brands Hair Professional. This followed over a decade as Sales Director for Henkel Beauty Care Retail and two years as Global IKAM managing Tesco and Walgreens Boots Alliance. He began his career at First Drinks Brands, managing grocery and wholesale channels for leading spirits and wine labels.
Commenting on his appointment, Crane said: “This is an inspiring moment as NIQ continues to invest in helping clients navigate and win in an increasingly fragmented marketplace. With The Full View – our connected measurement model – we capture every shopper, every channel, and every shelf, turning complexity into clarity. By combining omnichannel retail data with real consumer behaviour in one single platform, we empower clients not just to keep pace, but to spot opportunities, act smarter, and decide with confidence.
“I look forward to working with our talented teams to drive growth, innovation, and lasting impact.”
Emilie Darolles, Regional President Western Europe at NIQ, added: “The UK & Ireland is not only one of our fastest-growing markets but also a key driver of innovation across Europe. With his extensive leadership experience and record of delivering sustained growth, Julian is exceptionally well placed to lead the next phase of our journey in the region. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to investing in top talent to ensure we deliver the insight and partnership our clients need to succeed in a rapidly changing retail environment.”
