Telford, who will take up the post in January, replaces Michelle Norman, who has decided to take a career break and spend more time with her family.
Robert Philpott, Synovate's chief operating officer, said: "The UK's progress, especially in this challenging business environment, is one that we will continue to focus on and develop. The appointment and relocation of Jill is a demonstration of that commitment."
Telford was appointed managing director of Synovate's Hong Kong operation in 1999 and was promoted to CEO for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea in 2007. She began her career in market research in London in 1986 and worked for a number of different agencies, before moving to Asia.
Norman became managing director of Synovate in 2007 and she was promoted to CEO in 2007.