Neil Saunders of Verdict Research has joined the KPMG/Synovate Retail Think Tank (RTT) as its newest member.
Mr Saunders joined Verdict Research in 2001 and is a consulting director at the company. He also serves as a non-executive director of train operating company First Great Western and is a visiting fellow at the University of Surrey's School of Management. He previously worked for the John Lewis partnership, working on store planning and website development.

He said: "I am delighted to have been invited to join the RTT and look forward to adding my views to those of the group. It is currently a fascinating and fast-changing time for my sector and I believe our work can help to provide valuable insight for UK retail businesses.

KPMG head of retail and RTT founding member Helen Dickinson said: "Neil's wealth of knowledge and insight regarding retail strategy will add an authoritative new voice to contribute to our debate on retail health and the issues facing the sector."