• by David Goetzl , April 6, 2010

Ira Sussman, who has overseen research at the cable trade group for six years, has taken a top post at Nielsen, where he replaces an executive who shifted roles in February. Sussman joins as the senior vice president and managing director for client services in the national TV business.

He takes over for Catherine Herkovic, who left the national ratings unit for a post involving "quality initiatives" in the media operations.

Sussman has been senior vice president of research and insights at the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau since 2003.

In a note to clients, Sara Erichson, president of Nielsen media client services in North America, said she is taking on a new role on a client solutions team, part of a company restructuring.

In regard to Sussman, she said he brings "expertise, business acumen and enthusiasm" to his role. He earned total compensation of $361,000 at the CAB in 2008, the last year federal filings are available.

Erichson added that Nielsen is "making some changes to our client services organization" aimed at improving customer service. Those include forming client solutions teams like the one Erichson will be heading and tapping strategic account mangers assigned to work with top clients.

Sussman will report to Dave Thomas, president of global media client services.

Among Sussman's work at the CAB were two studies about cross-platform consumption and resulting advertising opportunities, an area Nielsen is increasingly focused on. Also, he oversaw a study involving VOD, DVRs and Internet video and the media's advertising options.

Before the CAB, he headed research at Initiative.