Kantar names Sam Rihani Sweden MD

Kantar has appointed Sam Rihani as Managing Director of Kantar Sweden, effective immediately. He will lead the company’s operations in Stockholm and oversee its work with local and international clients.

Sam Rihani joins Kantar from wellness start-up Hale, where he served as Interim CEO and prepared the business for expansion, focusing on efficiency, reorganization and scaling. He previously spent more than a decade at Meta, most recently as country director for Sweden and Finland, managing operations across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Leadership experience across media and tech

During his career, Sam Rihani has also held several non-executive roles, including a board position at IAB Sverige. His background spans media, technology and digital platforms, with responsibility for commercial growth and market development.

Kantar supports Swedish and international organizations in strengthening consumer relationships and building brand value. Globally, the company works with 98 of the world’s 100 largest advertisers. In Sweden, its clients include Scania, Polestar, H&M, Scandic and Vattenfall, as well as several European automotive groups.

Focus on brand growth in changing markets

Gonzalo Fuentes, CEO, Kantar’s Insights division in EMEA: "Sam’s wide-ranging experience in the media and tech sectors make him an asset to Kantar in Sweden at a time when our clients are looking to us to guide them through the challenges that lie ahead. And while AI is changing everything, one thing still sets organizations apart: their brand. At Kantar, we provide the intelligence that drives brand growth, and I look forward to working with Sam to help our clients shape strategies that are grounded in the connection between consumers, brands and enterprise value."

Sam Rihani, Managing Director, Kantar Sweden: "Businesses across all sectors are facing an environment defined by constant change, where agility and transformation are essential for continued success. In today’s rapidly evolving market, it’s critical for both established and emerging organizations to understand how to navigate these complexities effectively. Kantar is uniquely positioned to support clients as they adapt to these shifting dynamics, providing partnership and intelligence that empower brands to grow, innovate, and build lasting equity in an unpredictable landscape."

www.kantar.com

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