In a move to extend its core B2B licensing business to the consumer market, Getty Images has appointed Dunnhumby head of strategy and planning Andrew Hamilton to the newly created role of senior vice president of data and insights.

Hamilton will be responsible for developing and implementing a data strategy to gain the visual communication company a better understanding of consumer behaviour whilst developing new commercial opportunities.

“Getty Images creates the world’s best imagery – we live our lives surrounded by it on the covers of newspapers, movie screens and throughout our social media feeds,” commented Hamilton.

“I am thrilled to be joining the company at this exciting time, as it looks to embrace new opportunities within both the B2B and consumer space. I look forward to contributing to the company’s strategy for growth.”

Prior to working at the customer data and science consultancy, Hamilton held senior management consulting roles at Accenture and Booz Allen Hamilton. He will be based in New York, reporting to chief executive officer and former Yahoo senior vice president EMEA Dawn Airey.

“Our Getty Images Everywhere strategy is delivering our world-class content to everyone – to our almost one million advertising, publishing and corporate customers, as well as to people that simply love viewing and sharing the world’s very best imagery,” added Airey.

“Establishing an even more in-depth understanding of the interests and needs of visitors to gettyimages.com is integral to this strategy. Andrew brings with him a rich background and expertise in data and strategic insights, and will play a critical role in Getty Images’ future growth. We are thrilled that he will join our team.”

This latest appointment comes as the company drives forward its growth strategy, including the formation of a new Innovation Group led by chief innovation officer Steve Heck and the launch of a Getty Images Virtual Reality Group dedicated to the creation and distribution of virtual reality content.