Understanding Consumers & Entertainment Consumption 

Russ Crupnick, vice president and senior music and movies analyst for The NPD Group, works with NPD’s client service team and clients to create best practices that leverage the vast information resources available in these industries. As senior analyst, he provides expert media commentary and executive-level guidance, industry analysis, and overall strategic value to NPD’s clients.

Steeped in the music and DVD/video industries, and with more than 20 years of experience in the development, management, and application of consumer tracking panels, Russ has appeared as a commentator for broadcast news outletsincluding CBS “Marketwatch” and CNBC. He has been extensively quoted on industry trends in Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Billboard, Video Business, and Variety to name a few. He is a regularly featured speaker at the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), and DisplaySearch and Home Media Retailing conferences. Russ has also been a guest lecturer at the music schools at Belmont University, New York University, and University of Arkansas Center for Retailing Excellence. Nationally recognized expert on music and video/DVD industry sales and consumer trends.

Russ has served NPD as president of the Behavioral Tracking business unit, and as VP of Corporate New Business Development. Prior to joining NPD, he held several positions at ACNielsen, including VP/group director of the Homescan Consumer Panel unit and VP/director within Nielsen’s Category Management team.

Russ has extensive background in targeting systems using GIS and geodemography, as well as experience in brand positioning research.