Schmidt will be responsible for running the entire marketing information group. In addition, Schmidt will continue to look after the global ACNielsen business, which he was accountable for before the promotion.
Under Schmidt, the group will centralise its marketing and new product development for existing services and for the creation of next-generation services at a global level.
Schmidt said the restructure of VNU Marketing Information will enhance the strengths of individual businesses and the group as a whole.
"It will put us in a better position to address our clients' most pressing needs through a valuable suite of services that combines all the advantages of our proprietary consumer and market information, our unique global reach and our advanced analytical, consulting and integrated business solutions," he said.
Information technology will also be centralised to improve operating efficiency and all VNU marketing information businesses will collaborate at regional level to develop client service plans that include all of the group's services.
Rob van den Bergh, chairman and CEO of VNU, said: "The new structure will enable us to take a more co-ordinated approach to serving client needs, accelerate the development of a new generation of high-value business solutions, improve our operating efficiency and enhance our opportunities for long-term growth."
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