Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research (LMSR) Names New CEO

November 17, 2008 | 12:57 pm

Michael Maslansky to Continue Firm’s Expansion Into Corporate and

Public Policy Sphere; Frank Luntz to Serve as Chairman Emeritus

NEW YORK, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, the only market research firm specializing in language strategy, announced today that President Michael Maslansky has been named CEO, effective January 1, 2009. Founder and outgoing CEO Frank Luntz will relinquish day-to-day responsibilities and assume the role of chairman emeritus.

The move comes as New York and Washington, D.C. based LMSR continues its evolution from behind-the-scenes political influencer to non-partisan strategic consultancy for clients in the corporate and public policy worlds. As CEO, Maslansky will continue to apply the same methodology that wins campaigns and sways public opinion to test and articulate the “words that work” for clients’ brands and products, public policy issues, sales tactics, corporate social responsibility efforts and employee outreach.

Known for his far-reaching impact in the political world, Luntz developed the methodology that LMSR now applies to a much broader set of issues in corporate and public affairs. Maslansky has been president of LMSR for the past 5 years.

“It’s an exciting time for the company. We’re helping corporations and organizations differentiate themselves by developing truly credible communications that communicates with -- rather than talks at -- their audiences, whether voters, customers or employees,” said Maslansky. “How CEOs, companies, and entire industries communicate often means the difference between success and failure. At the end of the day, it’s not what they say that really matters, but what their intended audience actually hears -- whether it grabs their attention, and ultimately, whether it influences their behavior. And that’s what we help clients do.”

“Michael is the ideal person to take the firm to the next level,” said Luntz. “At no time in recent history has the importance of clear, credible and persuasive communications been greater than it is today, with corporate American facing unprecedented financial challenges and a new era in Washington.”

The Luntz, Maslansky Method of Language Strategy, including instant response dial technology used recently by news organizations such as CNN and FOX News to track voter reaction to the presidential debates, is used to understand how target audiences “hear” messages and how to craft the precise language that resonates most powerfully with those audiences. Clients from Pfizer to Bank of America to Microsoft to Starbucks turn to LMSR for a linguistic strategy that provides real ROL -- return on language.

“Michael and his team have helped us to redefine the way financial services companies talk about their products and service. They have an exceptional ability to learn and understand different aspects of our business and provide smart, insightful strategic guidance to people who have spent decades in the industry,” Gary DeMoss, Managing Director of Van Kampen Investments. “They are THE experts when it comes to developing the best language and messages to credibly communicate with customers in today’s skeptical environment.”

Prior to being named President of LMSR, Michael Maslansky was president of MarketResearch.com, a leading market intelligence company where he remains on the Board. Previously, he was a corporate attorney with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

ABOUT LMSR

Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research, an Omnicom Group Company, is a non-partisan, market research and communications consultancy, blending both strategic communications and research to devise the most effective, game-changing messaging strategies. With experience in both the corporate and public affairs arenas, LMSR helps clients tackle vital communications challenges including communications crises, product launches, sales challenges, regulatory issues, marketing strategies, legal arguments, and media assaults.

Founded in 1992 by Frank Luntz, Luntz, Maslansky Strategic Research is the only market research firm in America that truly specializes in language. LMSR uses tools such as Instant Response dial sessions, surveys and traditional focus groups to find the exact words and phrases that make a real difference to clients’ target audiences. LMSR has offices in Alexandria, VA and New York City. For more information, please visit www.luntz.com.