Data analytics and advisory firm Escalent has named Christopher Barnes as the company’s president. In this new role, Barnes is responsible for leading a global team of executives to grow their sector’s business and profitability, building long-lasting, impactful relationships with clients, and identifying opportunities for investment, partnerships and alliances. He joined Escalent in 2016 and most recently held the position of chief commercial officer. Barnes remains on the company’s Executive Committee and continues reporting into CEO Melissa Sauter.
“Chris is an exceptional leader who is equally skilled at driving value for clients and motivating teams to achieve their goals,” said Sauter. “Years ago, Escalent set in motion a clear purpose and vision for the business, and Chris has been instrumental in helping us realize that vision and establish strong relationships with our employees, clients and shareholders. I look forward to the next chapter of Escalent’s journey with Chris serving as president.”
Barnes has earned a reputation as a strategic leader with decades of success across business, policy and academia. Prior to Escalent, he served as senior vice president for Acturus; senior advisor to the Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, U.S. House of Representatives; and managing partner for Pulsar Research and Consulting. He also co-founded the Center for Survey Research & Analysis at the University of Connecticut where he led ongoing studies on the business climate presented to regional economists quarterly. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times and Time Magazine.
Barnes earned a master's degree in political science with a concentration in survey research at the University of Connecticut and a bachelor’s degree in history from Kenyon College.