As Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Primary Insight, David is responsible for managing finances, operations and technology. In addition, he has been charged with building, managing and growing Primary Insight both domestically and internationally into the Asian markets, with a focus on China. David was originally recruited into Bear, Stearns in 2005 to build Primary Insight from ground up, given his experience at the second largest player in the space, Vista Research. In April, 2009, David led the Management Buyout of Primary Insight from J.P. Morgan into an independent entity. Previously, David was First Vice President at Vista Research, a Standard & Poor’s company at the time, and competitor in the primary research space (2003-2006). Before joining Vista Research, David spent seven years at Jupiter Research, a technology research and advisory firm, where he held several executive positions, including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales (1997-2004). David graduated with honors from Colgate University and today resides in Westchester County with his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters, Madison and Emma. David is Series 7 and 63 Licensed.

Leighton Thomas

As Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Primary Insight, Leighton is responsible for global sales and revenues, distribution, and strategic partnerships across all key markets. Leighton was originally recruited by David DeRose into Primary Insight, a Bear Stearns company at the time, in order to establish, build and grow the business internationally in London and across the European markets. Prior to joining Primary Insight, Leighton was First Vice President at Vista Research. As one of the primary hires, he was instrumental in growing every aspect of the firm, culminating in the sale in 2005 to Standard & Poor’s. Prior to entering the primary research industry, Leighton held sales and trading positions at Schwab Capital Markets, Epoch Partners, and Salomon Smith Barney. He received a BA in International Affairs from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Leighton is Series 7 and 63 Licensed.

Thomas B. Wheeler
Managing Director and Senior Sales Executive

Tom joined Primary Insight shortly after its management buyout from J.P. Morgan in 2009. Prior to joining Primary Insight, he was a Senior Vice President at Vista Research, an independent research shop headquartered in New York. During this time, Tom managed a client base of over 30 hedge fund and private equity analysts, with a primary focus on the North American market. Prior to joining Vista Research, he was a Regional Sales Manager of Cell Ventures, the largest exclusive agent of Cingular Wireless. He began his career as a Regional Sales Specialist for Sepracor Pharmaceuticals. Tom holds a BS in Accounting from Fordham University in New York City.

Harrison White
Managing Director

As Managing Director, Harrison is responsible for furthering the Client Services Management team and ensuring the quality of Primary Insight’s service. Since joining Primary Insight in August 2007, she has worked in client servicing and account management. Prior to joining the firm, she acquired her Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina Law School. While in school, she worked as a Judicial Intern for the Chief Judge of the Federal District Court in the District of South Carolina and was a Summer Associate with The Hood Law firm in Charleston, South Carolina. She is a standing member of the South Carolina Bar Association as of May 2007. Prior to pursuing a law degree, she worked for IMG Worldwide in New York City. She holds her BA in Mass Communications from Washington and Lee University.

Fany Fang
Managing Director, Asia

Fany Fang is responsible for Asia-China operations with headquarters in Shanghai. Prior to joining Primary Insight in July 2009, she founded the Shanghai and Beijing office of Reuters Insight, an expert network organization within Thomson Reuters. She led the strategic plans and development for Greater China, bringing over 5 years of experience in the primary research industry.