Abt Associates names new leader of research and data collection arm

Abt Associates has named Scott Royal president and CEO of Abt SRBI, its survey research and data collection arm, effective April 1.

Royal is currently the company’s division vice president for U.S. Health, and has served in this role since 2008.

Current Abt SRBI CEO, Mark Schulman, will continue to serve the company as founding partner and chief research officer, focusing on day-to-day oversight of project execution and client relationships, Abt said in a release.

“Mark is a giant in the field of survey research, and he will now be able to devote his full attention to assuring the continued high quality of Abt SRBI’s work and recruiting top talent,” said Jay L. Knott, executive vice president for Abt’s Global Business.

Royal holds a Ph.D. in public health, and was responsible for starting and leading the company’s public health and epidemiology practice, the company said.