Global consumer and market researcher Mintel International Group said it hired Pete Giannakopoulosas president for the company's Chicago-basedMintel Americas’ Consumer Packaged Goods(CPG).

Officials said Giannakopoulos will oversee Mintel’s consumer and market research offerings. Drawing upon a global research base, the company offers clients both published and custom research.

“With his strong background in publishing, sales and marketing, we know that Pete is going to be instrumental in Mintel’s continued growth in the coming years,” said Jon Butcher, CEO of Mintel Americas. “The continued sales growth and expanding news presence of Mintel during the economic downturn has demonstrated how relevant Mintel’s insights are to marketers today.”

Giannakopoulos has held senior management positions at business-to-business media companies, most notably Stagnito Communications. He has served North American and Latin American audiences in the food, beverage, packaging, health and beauty, pharmaceutical, green and agricultural industries. His experience spans print, electronic, social, event and custom media platforms.

“I am extremely excited to be joining this very talented team, and I believe that Mintel is well positioned to provide the kind of strategic thinking and actionable insights that our clients are seeking,” said  Giannakopoulos