LONDON--Sam Knowles has departed his role as planning chief at Salt to join Echo Research as integrated services director.  

Knowles will be responsible for developing and marketing integrated research services across  earned, owned and paid media, for Echo and its new owners Ebiquity. He leaves Salt after five years. 

The hire reflects the broader scope of Echo’s capabilities since its acquisition by Ebiquity. 

“The incorporation of Echo into Ebiquity means that, for the first time, a single company can analyse and source insight from marketing spend across all channels – advertising, sponsorship, traditional PR, and social and digital media,” said Echo CEO Sandra Macleod. “We have brought Sam on board at this time to turbo-charge the integration of our services and lead the development of new approaches that bring together all our disciplines.”

Knowles’ experience includes retail (Tesco, Thorntons and Wickes), FMCG (Knorr, Lipton, Domestos and Tilda) and professional services (RBS/NatWest and Reed Elsevier).

“In a social media world, where brand management is now the province of both brand owners and their customers, only Echo and Ebiquity can measure and demonstrate ROI in the round,” added Knowles. “I’m thrilled to take on this challenge and believe that our truly integrated approach to research and measurement will prove a compelling offer to brand custodians worldwide.”

Knowles has worked in PR consultancy for more than 20 years, in strategic planning and business development roles.