• by Joe Mandese , May 28, 2026

Patrick de Regt, who joined global marketing and media research trade association ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion And Marketing Research) as COO in November 2025, has been named CEO.

It was not clear at presstime who de Regt is succeeding in that role, but ESOMAR previously named Parves Khan director general and CEO in July 2022, and does not seem to have announced her departure.

Khan's LinkedIn profile indicates she discontinued her association with ESOMAR in January 2024.

de Regt's appointment comes as ESOMAR's U.S. counterpoint -- the Advertising Research Foundation -- is undergoing an executive search for a new CEO to succeed Scott McDonald who is set to retire early next year.

De Regt brings more than 20 years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience across operations, organizational development, digital transformation and business strategy, including several ad agencies.

In a related move, ESOMAR announced it will begin recruitment in June for a new Chief Profession and Advocacy Officer role to oversee professional standards, advocacy, public affairs and ethical guidance.