David Miliband and Matthew Postgate join Kantar Public as Non-Executives

Kantar Public has announced the arrival of two Non-Executive Directors, as the firm looks to build on its early momentum as an independent brand. Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband, and ex-BBC technology chief Matthew Postgate will now sit on Kantar Public’s global management board.

After a management buyout backed by Trilantic Europe in 2022, Kantar Public commenced independent life with more than 700 people in over 20 countries. The firm offers independent specialist research, evidence and advisory business providing services to government and the public realm, across all aspects of public policy. The company is now working to deliver on its next phase of purpose-based growth, with big plans including a new rebranding for later in 2023.

Amid this, the appointment of two Non-Executive Directors aims to bolster the company’s global board, and help steer the firm’s transformation in the coming months. According to Eric Salama, Global Chair of Kantar Public, both DavidMiliband and Matthew Postgate bring “diversity of thought and deep understanding of the evolving issues affecting societies and citizens around the world”.

Salama added, “Given our evidence and advisory work across the public policy spectrum, and the growing role that technology plays in collecting and making sense of multiple data streams, I am thrilled that David and Matthew are joining our Global Board as Non-Executive Directors with immediate effect.”

Miliband becomes a Kantar Public Non-Executive alongside his present role, as President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, a New York-based humanitarian non-governmental organisation. He is also well known for his earlier career as a statesman, having held a number of cabinet positions before being appointed as UK Foreign Secretary, under Gordon Brown’s premiership. The appointment saw Miliband become an important figure in the UK’s global anti-terror efforts with the US – and according to reports from The Guardian, this included regular consultation with MI6.  

Commenting on his appointment, Miliband commented, “I love the purpose that sits at the heart of this business - delivering better outcomes for individuals, governments, society as a whole, and particularly for those whose voices may not otherwise be heard.  I’m excited to work with Eric and the wider team at Kantar Public on this unique business.”

Postgate meanwhile also arrives with public sector experience. He currently works in climate technology and is lead NEM at UK Strategic Command within the Ministry of Defence. In his 25 years of experience in managing the impact of digital technology, he was previously the BBC’s Chief Technology and Product Officer, with responsibility for building the corporation’s world leading mobile services. Notably, he was part of the leadership team that conceived and launched BBC iPlayer.

Postgate added, “I’ve been involved in the benefits that technology innovation and transformation can bring when truly aligned to human needs and challenges for over 20 years. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to be part of the journey with Eric and the rest of the team.”

The duo will join Kantar Public’s Global Management Board alongside: Joe Cohen, Founder; Anthony Bellau, Managing Director and Lorenzo Cirio, Principal - all from Trilantic Europe – along with Dr Michelle Harrison, Global Chief Executive Officer; Zarina Ward, Global Chief People Officer and Mark Hinton-Jones, Global Chief Financial Officer, who are also members of the Global Executive Board at Kantar Public. The Global Management Board is Chaired by Eric Salama.