Phil Bird steps down from Sample Answers

Mark Dent will fill the CEO role on an interim basis until a successor is appointed and Tony Dent remains chairman.

Bird (pictured) joined the sample company in January 2016 having previously been data processing director and head of data development and delivery for GfK.

Jeff Altman of EXIMS acquisitions, a major shareholder in Sample Answers, said: "We are delighted for Phil to have this new opportunity and sad to see him go. We are all grateful for the manner in which he has set the company on a new course.”

Bird added: “I am sorry to be leaving Sample Answers. It has been a hard decision but I feel that I have achieved all that I set out to do and that the time is right to take on new challenges in my area. The team at Sample Answers has been very supportive and I would like to thank them for all their commitment and hard work. The business is in excellent shape and I look forward to seeing how it develops and grows".

Private partnership EXIMS, an investment vehicle formed by a group of market researchers and publishers, invested in Sample Answers two years ago.