Laurie Demeritt Named CEO of The Hartman Group, Inc.

Laurie Demeritt has been named CEO of The Hartman Group and will succeed the Bellevue, Wash.-based custom research and consumer culture consultancy’s namesake founder, Harvey Hartman, who is stepping aside but will continue as chairman.

“This is the right time for me to step back and work on several initiatives that are important to me both personally and professionally, but, moreover, it is time for Laurie to move into this significant role,” explained Harvey Hartman.

Demeritt, who currently serves as president and COO and who will assume her new role effective Jan. 2, 2013, began her career with The Hartman Group more than 15 years ago as a marketing intern and worked her way through management positions of sales, marketing, and operations and became the firm’s president and COO in 2005.

“Laurie brings such passion, dedication and experience to the role that the transition will be seamless,” continued Hartman, noting Demeritt’s strong team-building skills and “clear vision for the future direction of the company while appreciating the rich heritage upon which The Hartman Group was built. She knows, as well as anyone, what The Hartman Group has always stood for,” added Hartman, who described the executive transition “as a very exciting announcement for me personally, not only because it recognizes the excellence and outstanding achievements of Laurie over the years, but it also feels great to know that the company is in very capable hands for the future…for our clients and our team members.”

The Hartman Group is a leading provider of global research on consumer culture, behaviors, trends, and demand and a leading advisor on market strategy to the world's best-known brands. Through a unique suite of integrated custom, primary research capabilities, market analytics, and business strategy services, The Hartman Group uncovers opportunity spaces and avenues for growth for clients across the consumer-driven marketplace.