MRS management
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Jane is responsible for the leadership of MRS. Jane was previously at HM Revenue & Customs where she developed and led the individual customer function and the behavioural evidence and insight unit.
Before moving to HMRC in 2006, she held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations including Shell, Unilever, the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the BBC, where she was responsible for the iconic 'Perfect Day' campaign which, as well as winning advertisement of the year, raised £2.5m for Children in Need.
Before moving to HMRC in 2006, she held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations including Shell, Unilever, the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the BBC, where she was responsible for the iconic 'Perfect Day' campaign which, as well as winning advertisement of the year, raised £2.5m for Children in Need.
Debrah is responsible for all MRS operations and leads the Society’s standards, policy and public affairs activities. Debrah graduated from Southampton University in the early 90’s with an honours degree in Geography.
She first worked in accountancy and then moved to the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) in 1994. After working in auditing and compliance for ABC, she joined the management of MRS in 1999 to establish a new Standards and Policy department.
Debrah is the co-author (with Peter Jackson) of the book, Quality in Market Research: from Theory to Practice and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
She first worked in accountancy and then moved to the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) in 1994. After working in auditing and compliance for ABC, she joined the management of MRS in 1999 to establish a new Standards and Policy department.
Debrah is the co-author (with Peter Jackson) of the book, Quality in Market Research: from Theory to Practice and is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
With over 15 years experience in B2B publishing and events, Nikki leads the planning and implementation of logistics, production and delivery of all products and services issues throughout the MRS.
As Content and Digital Director at MRS, Christian oversees the editorial, digital, advertising and data teams, including industry news platform research-live.com. Christian works closely with the MRS Delphi Group and other industry experts to produce special reports that distill the latest thinking on critical issues for the insight and data analytics sector. He has worked in a number of industries as a journalist and editor, and has managed digital communications for several international businesses.
As Membership and Marketing Director, Helen is responsible for the membership, company accreditation, training and qualifications functions as well as the marketing strategy and ops at MRS. Having worked for three professional bodies for the past 25 years, she specialises in membership marketing and commercial product delivery for membership organisations.
She worked for six years from 1986 for the Chartered Institute of Quality (CIQ) as editor and then head of communications, and in 1993 moved to head up the marketing team for 11 years at the institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
With a degree in social science focusing on society and psychology, her original subject matter interests are proving very useful for working in the research sector. Helen recently completed the Marketing Week Mini-MBA in Marketing and was awarded an A.
She worked for six years from 1986 for the Chartered Institute of Quality (CIQ) as editor and then head of communications, and in 1993 moved to head up the marketing team for 11 years at the institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
With a degree in social science focusing on society and psychology, her original subject matter interests are proving very useful for working in the research sector. Helen recently completed the Marketing Week Mini-MBA in Marketing and was awarded an A.
Before joining MRS William spent seven years at the Institute for Family Business looking after their recruitment and retention strategies. There is nothing more that he likes to do than speak with his members and discuss what they really care about and how they can benefit most their membership. William has spent a career in sales and business development roles, both B2C and B2B, for businesses of all shapes and sizes, so he is excellently placed to understand the challenges they face.
William has an MBA from City University business school, in his spare time he very much enjoys cycling, swimming, running and where possible skiing, generally anything outside or fitness related.
William has an MBA from City University business school, in his spare time he very much enjoys cycling, swimming, running and where possible skiing, generally anything outside or fitness related.
Samantha has worked at MRS since 1991 in a variety of roles and Departments, including Conference & Events, Training and Qualifications.
She is now responsible for the delivery of all detailed operational and service development relating to both individual membership and MRS qualification programmes
She is now responsible for the delivery of all detailed operational and service development relating to both individual membership and MRS qualification programmes
No Biography Available
Dan is the Head of Facilities and IT Infrastructure; he has worked at the MRS since 2005. Dan is responsible for IT and Facilities, this includes Health & Safety, contract & contractor management and project management. He is responsible for putting in place various green initiatives, the day to day management of the same and is currently working on ISO certification for several areas of the business. Prior to working at MRS Dan worked for several solicitor’s companies for 16 years in similar roles.
Dan has a BSc in Environmental Geology, and has put a PhD in Palaeoclimatology on hold. Outside of work he has advanced scuba diving certification and loves to spend winter months traveling to sunny climes and diving world famous as well as some lesser known dive sites with his wife – which was scuppered by the pandemic!”
Dan has a BSc in Environmental Geology, and has put a PhD in Palaeoclimatology on hold. Outside of work he has advanced scuba diving certification and loves to spend winter months traveling to sunny climes and diving world famous as well as some lesser known dive sites with his wife – which was scuppered by the pandemic!”
As Head of Training and Development, Teresa oversees the training department covering open and on-demand courses as well as our in-company provision. Since joining MRS in 2019, she has been committed to ensuring that professionals across the sector have access to high-quality, relevant training that supports their development and long-term career success.
Teresa holds a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Resources, providing a strong foundation in both behavioural science and strategic people development. Her career has spanned multiple industries, beginning in hospitality - where she led recruitment, team management and training – she later transitioned into learning and development roles within the healthcare sector, including NHS.
Teresa has a longstanding passion for market research and considers her role at MRS a career milestone. She is proud to contribute to a field she deeply values by helping equip researchers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
Teresa holds a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Resources, providing a strong foundation in both behavioural science and strategic people development. Her career has spanned multiple industries, beginning in hospitality - where she led recruitment, team management and training – she later transitioned into learning and development roles within the healthcare sector, including NHS.
Teresa has a longstanding passion for market research and considers her role at MRS a career milestone. She is proud to contribute to a field she deeply values by helping equip researchers with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
On behalf of MRS Main Board, the MRS Management Board is charged with oversight and scrutiny of the performance and direction of MRS from a financial, business management and reporting perspective.
The Management Board is specifically responsible for:
- Links between MRS Main Board (strategy/policy/priorities) and Staff (implementation/operations/delivery)
- Business plans and budgets
- MRS as an employer
Chair
John Haworth
Members
Debrah Harding
Phyllis Macfarlane
Dr. Nick Baker
Jane Frost
MRS Board is made up of MRS members elected by the membership from across the research sector. MRS Board is responsible for MRS achieving its overall vision, mission and objectives.
Chief Commercial Officer at Interactive Investor
Saj joined the team at interactive investor as Chief Commercial Officer in May 2022. Saj has more than 30 years’ experience in commercial, customer, marketing & digital transformation roles.
In this role his accountabilities include propositions, customer acquisition, retention, brand, planning and content and PR.
Outside of work Saj likes keeping fit, reading and finding obscure music and fashions from the 60's and 70's, and is an avid Spurs fan.
Saj joined the team at interactive investor as Chief Commercial Officer in May 2022. Saj has more than 30 years’ experience in commercial, customer, marketing & digital transformation roles.
In this role his accountabilities include propositions, customer acquisition, retention, brand, planning and content and PR.
Outside of work Saj likes keeping fit, reading and finding obscure music and fashions from the 60's and 70's, and is an avid Spurs fan.
James Endersby has made a significant contribution to the research sector through his support, advocacy, and his team’s development of the Opinium Workplace Mental Wellbeing audit, which has been adopted by MRS and in the US and Australia. He has also supported a number of other organisations, including as a Board member of the Alliance of International Market Research Institutes (AIMRI), and been a long-term advocate of a wide range of inclusion initiatives, Women in Research (WiRe), Colour of Research (CORe) and championing diversity and inclusion through his media platform Significant Insights.
On receiving his Fellowship, James says: “MRS is the fabric of the UK research sector - advocating in the highest corridors of power, developing our current and future leaders, promoting the highest professional standards and bringing together everyone from clients, to agencies, to those considering a career in research. It is a huge surprise and a massive honour to be awarded a Fellowship. It has inspired me to do even more to support our great sector.”
On receiving his Fellowship, James says: “MRS is the fabric of the UK research sector - advocating in the highest corridors of power, developing our current and future leaders, promoting the highest professional standards and bringing together everyone from clients, to agencies, to those considering a career in research. It is a huge surprise and a massive honour to be awarded a Fellowship. It has inspired me to do even more to support our great sector.”
Jane is responsible for the leadership of MRS. Jane was previously at HM Revenue & Customs where she developed and led the individual customer function and the behavioural evidence and insight unit.
Before moving to HMRC in 2006, she held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations including Shell, Unilever, the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the BBC, where she was responsible for the iconic 'Perfect Day' campaign which, as well as winning advertisement of the year, raised £2.5m for Children in Need.
Before moving to HMRC in 2006, she held senior roles in both public and private sector organisations including Shell, Unilever, the Department of Constitutional Affairs and the BBC, where she was responsible for the iconic 'Perfect Day' campaign which, as well as winning advertisement of the year, raised £2.5m for Children in Need.
Shazia Ali is Director and Founder of Mint Research.
Rebecca Cole is Managing Director of Cobalt Sky, an award-winning market research operations company specialising in online data collection and data processing. She joined Cobalt Sky as a graduate in 2006 and is a highly experienced web scripter and quantum programmer. As well as being on the main board of the MRS, Rebecca chairs the MRS Representation in Research steering group and has spent over 10 years on the board of the Association for Survey Computing (ASC) which she now co-chairs.
Josephine is a Fellow of the Market Research Society and has spent most of her career focused on understanding Gen Z.
As part of the senior team at Savanta she leads its Next Gen practice. She was the Managing Director of YouthSight research until it was acquired and before that she spent nearly a decade at GfK.
Josephine is an active member of MRSpride, presenting the podcast OUTsights, and is passionate about making market research an industry where everyone can succeed.
Josephine is a regular on the international conference circuit, sharing her take on generational theory supported by Savanta’s unique State of the Youth Nation tracking data.
As part of the senior team at Savanta she leads its Next Gen practice. She was the Managing Director of YouthSight research until it was acquired and before that she spent nearly a decade at GfK.
Josephine is an active member of MRSpride, presenting the podcast OUTsights, and is passionate about making market research an industry where everyone can succeed.
Josephine is a regular on the international conference circuit, sharing her take on generational theory supported by Savanta’s unique State of the Youth Nation tracking data.
Geoff is an independent research consultant, having previously spent a number of years as a Research Director at Synovate and Ipsos MORI. A passionate exponent of qualitative research, he has also spent time clientside and in key account management. He is Chair of the Market Research Standards Board.
LaShanda is Associate Director, Qualitative Research & Engagement Centre, Ipsos UK. As a researcher she has a keen interest in amplifying the voices of those who may not always be involved in research and incorporating the use of innovative methodologies.
She is active in the wider market and social research space as a member of the MRS &more leadership team, sitting on the working group for the MRS People & Talent programme within the new and returning talent workstream and on the committee for Social Researchers of Colour (SROC). She is active on conferences and panels within the industry, often advocating for young researchers. Recently she was recognised as a finalist for MRS young researcher of the year and a Significant Insights 30 under 30 honouree.
She is active in the wider market and social research space as a member of the MRS &more leadership team, sitting on the working group for the MRS People & Talent programme within the new and returning talent workstream and on the committee for Social Researchers of Colour (SROC). She is active on conferences and panels within the industry, often advocating for young researchers. Recently she was recognised as a finalist for MRS young researcher of the year and a Significant Insights 30 under 30 honouree.
Georgie White, CMRS, is a commercially-driven leader with deep expertise in customer, insight, data, and commercial strategy. As Director of Customer Insight at NatWest, she leads the transformation of insight capabilities to fuel business growth. Previously Chief Customer Officer at Holland & Barrett, Georgie has delivered strong commercial results and led high-performing teams across major brands including BT/EE, British Gas, Hive, Capital One, and Merrill Lynch.
She sits on the Market Research Society Board, chairs its Senior Client Council and is a member of the EDI council, and champions inclusive leadership, building teams that drive lasting value for customers and business.
She sits on the Market Research Society Board, chairs its Senior Client Council and is a member of the EDI council, and champions inclusive leadership, building teams that drive lasting value for customers and business.
Seema has over two decades of media research experience encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Having worked in publishing for the majority of her career she has specialised in working with commercial, marketing, subscription and editorial teams.
Seema has a passion for building bespoke research functions within organisations focusing on commercial outputs, an area that is constantly evolving.
Currently, at The Economist, she leads a group research function which focuses on growth, retention and product development across B2C and B2B business units. Previously she led research teams at Future Plc and Dennis Publishing Ltd.
Seema has a passion for building bespoke research functions within organisations focusing on commercial outputs, an area that is constantly evolving.
Currently, at The Economist, she leads a group research function which focuses on growth, retention and product development across B2C and B2B business units. Previously she led research teams at Future Plc and Dennis Publishing Ltd.
Liz is Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Norman International.
Liz began her career in market research with IBM, where she was part of a pioneering team assessing the viability of PCs—an early indication of her instinct for identifying opportunity. After roles in media analytics with Media Audits, Liz sought a more people-focused path and, in 1985, entered recruitment. She founded Elizabeth Norman International (ENI) in 1989 to champion talent across the evolving Insight industry.
Driven by a commitment to diversity and inclusion—shaped by her own experience as a dyslexic professional—Liz created ENI to help individuals find roles that reflect their strengths and passions. Today, ENI operates globally from its London base, recruiting across Market Research, Data Analytics, UX, CX, and beyond.
As CEO, Liz oversees training, strategy, and marketing. She is also the founder of SIGn (Silver Insights Generation), an initiative to promote the value of professionals over 50 in the Insight sector.
Liz began her career in market research with IBM, where she was part of a pioneering team assessing the viability of PCs—an early indication of her instinct for identifying opportunity. After roles in media analytics with Media Audits, Liz sought a more people-focused path and, in 1985, entered recruitment. She founded Elizabeth Norman International (ENI) in 1989 to champion talent across the evolving Insight industry.
Driven by a commitment to diversity and inclusion—shaped by her own experience as a dyslexic professional—Liz created ENI to help individuals find roles that reflect their strengths and passions. Today, ENI operates globally from its London base, recruiting across Market Research, Data Analytics, UX, CX, and beyond.
As CEO, Liz oversees training, strategy, and marketing. She is also the founder of SIGn (Silver Insights Generation), an initiative to promote the value of professionals over 50 in the Insight sector.
Adrian Sanger is Global Head of Shopper at DVJ Insights and a long-time contributor to the research and insights industry. He also runs Spinsight Consulting, supporting agencies and start-ups as they sharpen their offer and grow.
He has over 25 years of experience at companies including Kantar, dunnhumby, Nielsen and GfK. At DVJ, he leads the global Shopper offer, helping brands understand how people shop and how to win in retail
Adrian is a board director of the Market Research Society and a member of the MRS Delphi Group. He supports high standards, new thinking and the next generation of talent. He has a long-standing interest in innovation and takes an active role in helping new methods launch and take hold.
He writes and speaks on how insight can lead to better commercial outcomes, with a focus on shopper behaviour and decision-making.
He has over 25 years of experience at companies including Kantar, dunnhumby, Nielsen and GfK. At DVJ, he leads the global Shopper offer, helping brands understand how people shop and how to win in retail
Adrian is a board director of the Market Research Society and a member of the MRS Delphi Group. He supports high standards, new thinking and the next generation of talent. He has a long-standing interest in innovation and takes an active role in helping new methods launch and take hold.
He writes and speaks on how insight can lead to better commercial outcomes, with a focus on shopper behaviour and decision-making.
No Biography Available
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©2025 The Market Research Society,
15 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0JR
Tel: +44 (0)20 7490 4911 Email: info@mrs.org.uk