Gordon takes over from Paru Minocha, who has been overseeing the India business for the past nine months since Alok Shanker stepped down for health reasons.
Minocha remains executive director and will now manage the research side of the business, focusing on people management, client development and service.
Gordon takes up his new role from September and will be based in Mumbai, reporting to Tim Balbirnie, Synovate's CEO for South Asia.
He will have overall management responsibility for Synovate's offices and operations in India and one of his first tasks will be to develop and implement a comprehensive five-year business plan to optimise growth.
Gordon has experience in managing IT, legal, quality systems, administrative support and facilities, including acquisitions and offshore business reviews.
He began his market research career in 1996 at Sample Surveys in Kent, where he became finance director.
When Synovate acquired Sample Surveys he became finance director at Synovate and later he became head of business services as well as leading the consumer services account group.
Balbirnie said: "India is a priority market for Synovate and Mick's appointment bolsters an already-strong senior management team.
"By adding Mick's experience and leadership to the team, we now have rock solid credentials in operations, client relations and research across the team."
Gordon said: "I have met the top team of Synovate India and I'm impressed. I'm very much looking forward to working with them to ensure our clients get the highest level of service, benefiting from our local expertise and global outlook."