The former executive vice-president of Synovate US and Synovate Healthcare will head up the firm's New York office and takes the position after a 21-year career at Aegis and 26 years in market research.
Skolnick was instrumental in expanding the company's specialist divisions and practices in the US.
Adrian Chedore, Synovate's global chief executive, said: "We're very pleased that Robert has accepted this promotion. His tenure and experience with many facets of the company, along with decades of market research experience, allows him to fully understand the business and help guide our direction going forward."
Skolnick began his career in political consulting and was admitted to the bar in 1977. He is a graduate of Queens College and has a JD from Brooklyn Law School.
He said: "I look forward to continuing to integrate industry sectors, build centres of excellence and develop new practices in a global context."
Skolnick replaces Robert Philpott who had been serving in a dual role as chief executive of Synovate US and global chief operating officer. Philpott will continue to be based in Chicago where he will concentrate on his global responsibilities.
Synovate operates in 50 countries around the world providing a range of market intelligence services.
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