Growth in India from Global Expertise and Local Knowledge

In July 2009, GfK Retail and Technology increased its stake in its Indian joint venture with Nielsen to 50.1% to create GfK-Nielsen India Private Limited. In January 2010, GfK's James Randall will take up the role of Transition Director for this new company.
We caught up with James to find out more about GfK's latest global expansion…

What was the rationale behind the deal?

"Significant economic reforms in the early nineties have led India to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world.  Representing one sixth of the global population, and with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.8% for the past two decades India now ranks as the 12th richest economy in the world and expects to see inflation during 2010 in high single digit figures. India obviously holds enormous potential for GfK Retail and Technology."

What is the current situation?

"At present, the company is already the leading provider of retail data in India for the technology categories, through a small, experienced and hugely valuable team of employees. There is an existing local business and panel, which will be aligned to GfK methodology in 2010.

The new synergy offers unique opportunities for expansion of product coverage and access to international clients generating new service opportunities for local and international manufacturers.  It makes perfect sense for GfK Retail and Technology to add this exciting and emerging market to its portfolio. I am confident that we can marry GfK's global expertise with the local knowledge from an established and committed research team.

The India and Asia teams are currently working hard to implement Gfk's methodology and world leading Star Track system."

What plans do you have going forward?

"We will build an independent GfK Retail and Technology company, where we will combine the application of local knowledge with excellent retail audit research. In addition we will establish a local office and IT infrastructure, supplementing and developing the existing staff. 

As previously mentioned GfK's world-leading Star Track platform will be implemented to provide a superb standard of tried and tested deliverables. We plan to expand the portfolio of products by bringing our research tools to new markets, benefiting from the expertise and the experience of our Global Directors to grow revenue. At the heart of everything we do, we will ensure that GfK's strong heritage and DNA are present.

It promises to be a challenging year but I am confident that the blend of GfK's resources and innovation accompanied by the sound local knowledge on the ground will mean it will be a rewarding one."

On a personal level – how are you feeling ahead of January?

"This is a fantastic opportunity. I am hugely excited about the chance to live in such a vibrant city as New Delhi and I am relishing the prospect of what I am sure will prove an eye-opening and fascinating experience."

James Randall

James Randall joined GfK as a University intern in 1995, graduating to IT Business Group Director in 2003 where he was responsible for successfully integrating the IT Panel purchased from Romtec, before becoming Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland.

In four years he helped grow the business by over 40% whilst continually improving margins. In 2008 the UK team won the GfK Fugger Award for Outstanding Performance out of 160 subsidiaries.