In his new role as managing director, Barnett will report to Andrew Wildblood, senior vice-president of .
Barnett, who is a veteran at having joined in 1997, will oversee the company's global network of offices.
Wildblood said: "His commitment to the company over the past 11 years has enabled him to play a central role in making Comperio the successful brand that it is today."
Comperio Research is a full-service market research agency specialising in sport, sponsorship, event, tourism and media sectors.
As a division of IMG, Comperio has access to an international network of 60 offices in 30 countries. Its clients include Le Mans, Wimbledon Championshipsand the Red Bull Air Race.