Matt Benson

M.Mkting

Matt Benson is the Managing Director of Synovate Wellington with over 10 years experience consulting to the government and private sectors. Matt has expertise in the development and project management of a range of market research studies, from complex statistical analysis to qualitative research and strategic planning. He has also been responsible for managing the relationships of some of Synovate's most valued clients.

Matt has significant experience working with clients from research through to identifying key issues, to preparing detailed marketing and communications plans. He has experience operating in workshop and consulting environments helping clients develop clear objectives and appropriate strategies. In each of these projects Matt has been responsible for the overall project deliverables and has worked closely with clients across all elements of the research and planning process.

Matt specialises in the design and project management of large, complex community and consumer attitude surveys. Until Feb 2007 Matt was responsible for managing the research program for Synergy, Western Australian’s leading energy company. This contract has extended over 8 years and includes one of longest running continuous customer satisfaction, brand and advertising tracking studies in Western Australia. Matt has been instrumental in this organisations evolution from Government utility to Competitive Energy Retailer. As part of this relationship Matt has designed a range of reputation projects.

Matt also worked closely with the Western Force, Western Australia’s new Super 14 Rugby Union side. Matt was involved in developing the bid which led to Western Australia being awarded the new Super 14 side over Victoria. He then led the brand development team which developed, via community consultation and internal management facilitation, the brand strategy and ultimately the name and identity of the Western Force. Matt has also been instrumental in helping the Western Force secure sponsorship deals, establish KPI scores, and develop reporting structures.

Matt has introduced new and innovate research methods to Synovate clients including ethnography, video diary and semiotics to assist clients, such as the Western Force strengthen their brand, improve service delivery and build a loyal supporter and sponsorship base.

Matt was also responsible for the ongoing management of key accounts with the Western Force, Murdoch University, Silverchain (an aged car nursing provider and Western Australia’s largest employer), BHP Billiton and the West Coast Eagles (reigning AFL champions).

Matt has a Master degree in Marketing at the University of Western Australia. He has a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing and General Management and has well-developed facilitation skills through completing a Facilitation course within the MBA program of the UWA Graduate School of Management under Dr Ron Cacioppe.

Matt is an Associate Member of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI), and an active member of the Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS) presenting at events and conferences. He has also been a regular guest Lecturer at the University of Western Australia.