IN John Binks, the former commercial director of GfK, who died last month, the industry has lost an exceptional professional and an inspiring human being. In a career spanning 30 years, John's knowledge and passion touched countless people across the industry. With a background in management accounting, John joined what was then AGB in 1984 where he was instrumental in launching the Retail Audit Panel in the UK, which became GfK in 1989. John has inspired clients and colleagues, both locally and internationally, through his public speaking and coaching, with his cutting edge knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry - always delivered with a wonderfully dry humour.