Urinyi will be based in Princeton, New Jersey, working with the senior global team. He will report to Anne Hedde, president and group chief executive.
Urinyi joined Lightspeed in January 2001 as director of strategy and was subsequently promoted to vice-president of finance.
In his most recent role as group chief financial officer, Urinyi was responsible for overseeing global accounting processes and ensuring financial policies supported Lightspeed Research's corporate strategy.
Hedde said: "Chris has an extensive knowledge of our business and has been a key contributor to Lightspeed Research's growth and success.
"In his new role, he will add significant value to our business and will help us to successfully take advantage of the growth opportunities that we are afforded."
Prior to joining Lightspeed, Urinyi held business development and financial analysis roles at Honeywell International.
Urinyi said: "I am excited to take on this new challenge and look forward to building on the rapid growth of the company.
"Lightspeed Research is well positioned in the industry and will continue to deliver the quality online market research solutions that our clients have come to expect."