ESOMAR Council Candidates

1. No sitting member of Council (except Past Presidents) may endorse election candidates – however, their endorsements may NOT go through official ESOMAR channels
2. Representatives may support whomever they wish, as long as they do NOT do so through ESOMAR channels
3. Official ESOMAR channels (ESOMAR email database / Directory / Networking tool / Centrally organized events /MyESOMAR), may only be used for promoting VOTING, not candidates
4. None of the Amsterdam staff may endorse or publicise candidates
5. For any events organized from Amsterdam centrally (but excluding any locally organized events), if an electoral candidate for an officer position is included on the agenda, then all of the candidates for that position should be included in the agenda too, to ensure balance.
6. The canvassing period runs from the moment of formal announcement of candidates until the closure of the voting.
7. Canvassing is allowed through any non-ESOMAR channel, direct or indirect, as long as all privacy / GDPR rules are respected and obeyed. (ESOMAR channels are defined above).
8. This implies that the ESOMAR directory and membership messaging system cannot be used for canvassing. Social media, personal relationships, owned or available contact details or other public information may be used as a basis for canvassing.
9. The frequency and tone of canvassing is up to the candidates to decide, within the limits of what can be expected of ESOMAR members in good standing.
10. If complaints are made to the election committee or its members, the election committee will deliberate and decide on possible sanctions (including the potential exclusion of a candidate) based on the evidence at hand.
11. All decisions of the Elections Committee are final – and have been agreed to in candidate application forms

Since I joined the Council in 2014, ESOMAR, and our industry as a whole, has experienced a climate of rapid change. But 2020 really threw the industry into disruption. With a global pandemic, borders locked and cities on lockdown and a continued rise in nationalism around the world, ESOMAR projected a 30% retraction in global research spend. As a result, our industry, and ESOMAR, is in need of a hard pivot to support the rapidly changing needs of our research community around the world.

So why me for President? Why now? With over 25 years of research experience as a serial entrepreneur and now an industry growth strategist and advisor. I have a keen understanding of how to navigate rough waters during turbulent times. My businesses survived the dot com crash of 2001, a major economic recession in 2007 and now a pandemic. If there is one thing I excel at, it's pulling my businesses and clients through tough times - and I'm committed to doing the same for our industry and for ESOMAR.

That means the following:
1) Expanding on Joaquim Bretcha's platform of "building bridges" so that we're a truly global association that serves our members on any and every continent.
2) Bringing younger researchers into ESOMAR so that, as an association, we remain relevant to the new generations that are driving the evolution of the industry.
3) Opening our arms to data scientists as well as second- and third-party data providers so that the importance of data quality and ethics isn't lost as our industry evolves.

Whether I'm at home in the US or in Greece, or traveling around the world (which I hope we can get back to in 2021). I take great comfort in knowing that, wherever I go, there is an ESOMAR member who can share their unique perspective with me. I've worked very hard over the past six years years to earn your trust as a Council member and, most recently, as Vice President. Now I hope to earn your vote for President. Thanks so much, in advance, for your support.

Read Kristin's election statement.

I truly BELIEVE in our Data & Analytics Industry, in our Community and in its People, for good decision making and societies. With over 6 years on ESOMAR Council and in the current position of Treasurer, I am standing for Presidency, strongly motivated to keep using my experience to lead our Community to a better tomorrow. We are at a crossroads. We have seen fantastic initiatives and innovation, we also live in a world with many differences (regions, generations, practices, regulations). We therefore need to maintain our efforts to reinforce our Community and to adapt to the evolving and highly complex ecosystem in which we must thrive. We can together make a difference. Let's shine inside and outside our Industry with pride. Let's be bold and rigorous, enlightening and celebrating our talents and our ethics.

To ACHIEVE this, I will lead the transition to position ESOMAR as the truly innovative and visionary hub, committed to its members and our Industry, supporting actively tomorrow's people, organizations and societies, thanks to technology and human-centricity. I seek to lead our Community to SUCCEED in being:

1) Stronger: let's reinvent ourselves for a powerful Industry, showcasing our capacity to innovate, demonstrating the value of Insights to companies and to societies, for sustainable growth and progress.

2) Better: let's work for human and business purposes, guiding and protecting citizens and organizations with ethics, for trust and freedom.

3) Wider: let's offer the possibility to everyone, locally and globally, to access easily our industry and the ESOMAR Community, being truly diverse and inclusive.

4) Brighter: let's create links between technology and human expertise (AI, CX, Behavioral Sciences, ..) with openness for more meaningful and accurate decision making. Let's shine, let's be bold and ethical, let's shape our future, let's succeed and celebrate our talents together!

Read Anne-Sophie's election statement.

The world is undergoing a revolution, and you have the opportunity with your ESOMAR Council vote, to influence how our Association is going to help its members emerge stronger.

- Continuing to build bridges. When I ran for the Council elections in 2018 I promised to collaborate with national associations and seek alliances with other sectors of activity. I have successfully contributed to rebuilding and strengthening ties with associations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Peru. I will continue collaborating with the organization of local events, seeking exchanges between different regions, and helping to create a local association where there isn't any. I can contribute in this area because of my multicultural background, my vocation to work in associative activities, and my commitment to the mission and values of ESOMAR.

- Collaborate in the transition towards a new world. Many colleagues have small structures which have been affected by the pandemic. We must all help the Research community in its reconversion by providing training, networking and exchange of experiences among members. Pandemics have also been catalysts for new opportunities, and ESOMAR must collaborate in this sense. I will share my experience throughout multiple reconversions during my 32 years in Market Research, from PAPI to CATI, CAWI and now to Data Science, but also to work remotely and adapting to the new ways of connecting.

- Promote the reconversion of ESOMAR's value proposition. ESOMAR has the same challenge as any company: adapt its value proposition to the new post-Covid world. One particular area I commit to working on is the development of the professional training in specific issues and medium-term training for the new generation of Research professionals. There is a void in many countries and ESOMAR has members with university teaching experience who would gladly collaborate. As a university teacher myself I can contribute to this activity from the Council.

Read Alain's election statement.

After having served as a member of the council for the last few years, and during the moment when the world completely changed for all of us, I have a very clear vision on what researchers need in the next evolution of a membership body like ESOMAR. I'm a person who lives comfortably in several worlds, at once: I'm American but have been in France for just shy of a decade. I'm a trained qualitative researcher who got her start in quantitative methodologies. I got my training as a consumer insights professional, but now focus largely on user experience research. It is precisely this adaptability that I want to lend to ESOMAR as Vice President.

During my time on Council thus far, I have worked with my colleagues to create two important subcommittees that help ESOMAR focus some of its efforts on key member populations, and open the doors to important folks who aren't members yet: The first focuses on needs faced by Young members and potential members--ensuring that we continue efforts to promote our industry to students and recent graduates and cultivate the best incoming talent. And the second focuses diversity and inclusion--ensuring that we engage thoughtfully and respectfully with everyone, and to move ESOMAR towards being accessible to those whose voices are so often silenced.

I have also raised the banner for Service Design and User Research professionals, who are largely unaware of ESOMAR, but who are engaging in work that would definitely benefit from the great work this organization undertakes. It is imperative that we connect with this other world, and join forces to learn from each other, do better research, and create more impact for the world at large. As Vice President, I would hope to work alongside the president to continue to place emphasis on growing and diversifying our member body, to unite those working in research across any spectrum and, most importantly, to increase the value of what an ESOMAR membership offers each and every one of us.

Read Nikki's election statement.

It is indeed a pleasure running again for the ESOMAR council. With an enriching and rewarding tenure working as a part of the ESOMAR council in last two terms, by contributing in the area of membership growth, promoting young researchers, and engagement with representatives and local associations. I would like to serve 3rd and final term as a part of the council to accomplish my activities and plans on behalf of ESOMAR. The digital medium, which was already occupying central stage, has been given a surge due to the pandemic. It has thrown newer challenges for the industry in terms of innovative research methodologies, leading to social and cultural issues in adopting new methods. The challenge for our industry has increased even more than before to STAY RELEVANT. I believe ESOMAR can contribute significantly in this regard to stay relevant, by making it easier to recognize, embrace, and adopt digital methods.

I have a vision that: With the changed market dynamics, ESOMAR should conduct more activities for sharing and learning about changes in research practices, methodology, and use of technology. ESOMAR can leverage its resources like ANA (ESOMAR's resources library), Videos, ESOMAR Plus (Assistance for compliance challenges like GDPR), so that members can access the resources whenever they need. ESOMAR should also invest in the future by promoting young researchers at local level, working together with local associations. Initiatives could be taken up by ESOMAR to invite and attract more research buyers to be part of our community, thereby enhancing the insights landscape of the future. ESOMAR can work even more closely with local associations in each country for promoting the ICC/ESOMAR Code on Market and Social Research and ESOMAR Professional Standards.

Read Umesh's election statement.

My name is Seyi Adeoye.

1. I am an African with travel and a 19-year work experience spanning countries in Africa, Europe, and North America.

2. I am a creative thinker (always looking for the less obvious and the aha!), very passionate about Africa and its potentials, and I am also a global team player with partnerships and relationships across all continents of the world.

3. I absolutely subscribe to ESOMAR's ideals, deeply appreciate the global community focused work that has been done to date; with emphasis on data utilization as a core decision enabler, protection of the same, and growth of the research and insight profession.

4. I intend to bring to the council membership table; an 'always-on' unique and diverse perspective to its 'glocal' growth-driven initiatives; bring to bear my strong business acumen in shaping how we respond to the massive shifts we are experiencing within our industry while creating increased levels of awareness + involvement amongst all stakeholders; across the different regions.

5. Additionally, I bring to the table my sincere willingness to serve our global community and impact the entire value chain; while collaborating with other council members in doing this.

6. Lastly, I intend to drive growth in membership, engagement, and visibility for ESOMAR amongst diverse groups and regions of the globe; thus making the organization increasingly more relevant to all stakeholders.

Read Seyi's election statement.

Passionate researcher with a strong resolve to make brands stronger, advertising engaging and customer experiences delightful. Love to talk to people across the globe and learn from their experiences and opinion. Wish to join the ESOMAR council, furthering my quest to contribute to the evolution of the discipline through disseminating knowledge, encouraging people to join/ learn, given COVID, tech enhancements and increasingly complex consumer behavior.

Read Ankesh's election statement.

I believe it is time for all leading organizations to work on sustanability taking the 3Ps pillars into action including People and Planet in addition to Profit. I have worked on this for the past 5 years and have found that it doesn't only benefit to the organization but also people's well being as well as community's well being. I hope I can extend my knowledge and experience to Esomar who must continue to lead this industry in the healthy direction.

Read Dangjaithawin's election statement.

I would love to help spread the word about the fantastic work ESOMAR is doing. My focus would be to reach more client audiences, the world of analytics/experience marketing, and those in smaller researcher companies - by helping them understand the relevance of ESOMAR, wherever they are in the world or in the industry. ESOMAR is the only truly global research organisation - and is unrivalled in its ability to share ideas globally, make new global contacts (and friends!), and to become inspired by new ways of problem solving.

Read Edward's election statement.

I'm passionate about 3 things:

Inclusion
We have a long way to go, the industry is simply not diverse enough. I see lots of people who look like me, and this is not good enough. I want to see more people from a Black, Asian or any other Ethnic Minority background both joining our industry and advancing in it so that everyone can see someone who looks like them, and feel at home. Not only is it the right thing to do it's also good for us as an industry, bringing in different voices, talents and perspectives.

Ethics
When you know in your gut that what you're being asked to do just doesn't seem right then you know it probably isn't, and it isn't in the best interests of participants who are, after all, the lifeblood of our industry. That's where our ethics and guidelines come in. They protect us from being forced, even where it is perfectly legal, into doing the wrong thing. They are probably also what keeps us from being regulated to the point where we cannot do quality research. We must stand firm behind them and keep them relevant.

Quality
I am very lucky. I was taught reasonably well, I had good mentors. I was sponsored to take the diploma of the Market Research Society in the UK. I have had the chance, given my role, to read many more textbooks and academic articles about research than the average researcher gets. What I have learned, more than anything, is how little I knew when I really needed that knowledge and how much better my research would have been had I known then what I know now. By being better than all our competitors at generating valuable consumer insights we will maintain our place in the boardroom. What is it that we are better at? I think it's asking questions and, more than that, understanding the answers we get back, and caring enough to strive to be closer to the elusive truth.

If elected to Council these are the perspectives I will bring to every discussion and decision I'm involved in: Is it fair? is it right? Is it as good as it could be?

Read Pete's election statement.

I am responsible for insights management in Takasago Pt Ltd, Flavors Division, across Asia Pacific. With over 25 years of experience in market research on the agency and client-side, my background is diverse covering FMCG, technology, flavors and fragrances to services, including cable television to banking, etc. My experience spans across Asia as well as the U.S. I have been lucky that my first job (and likely last job) was in market research which allowed me to be a life-long student - constantly learning about markets, products and services, how to conduct research, how to listen to consumers, how to decode consumers' attitudes, etc.

When I started my journey, the market research industry was just developing in Asia. There was even no market research course available in the university then! I was fortunate to work with and meet many people who had generously helped to enrich my learning and career. Then and now, I heavily relied on the many resources of professional bodies like ESOMAR, MRS, etc. I believe ESOMAR will continue to play an important and relevant role to support the development of researchers around the world as well as to further the industry. This is especially so in uncertain COVID-19 times where the world has become smaller and more connected than ever.

Why am I applying? Simply, that I would like to contribute, in any small way, because I believe in the role that ESOMAR has in bringing the industry together and uplifting its standards as well as best practices. I have greatly benefitted because of the many who had come forward to run for the Council to support ESOMAR.

Read Siew Hoong's election statement.

As an ESOMAR Council Member I would like to focus on 3 points that are close to my heart: promoting the insights profession towards students and young professionals, promoting the importance of insights and consumer centricity at the client side (especially internal stakeholders of corporate researchers) and fostering knowledge sharing within the global insights community. I really look forward to putting my passion for research, my experience within the profession and my global network within and outside of the community at work to promote ESOMAR and its objectives.

Read Tom's election statement.

Ladies and Gentlemen Hereby I apply to become Esomar council member for 2021-2022. Why?

1st: Because I'm convinced that ESOMAR is useful and necessary for our industry and 2nd: Because I'm convinced that I'll be useful and important for ESOMAR

1st: Why is ESOMAR so important? Market and Opinion Research is an important industry. It is THE industry which helps decision makers to know, what consumers (brands) and citizens (politics and public institutions) feel and think. That's why MR had and has some exceptions in their rights of data collection (vs direct marketing). But the world changes. Digital changed the game and it will continue to change it. As an industry, we need a strong global voice and an institution which defends our interests amongst law makers. GDPR and data privacy is one topic, but another threat is that the GAFA get into an oligopolistic situation in data-ownership. But Esomar is also important to promote our knowledge amongst brands. E-commerce and digital marketing is becoming more and more important. A lot of decisions are taken in these areas based on other available data, ignoring Market Research knowledge.

2nd Why may I help ESOMAR? I'm international, I know about MR and operations, I know about Sales, I'm hard working. My 4 grand-parents were from 4 different ethnic origins, my parents are Turkish, I'm German, my wife is Tunisian and my daughters says she's French. I worked and work in our offices in Germany, in France and the UK, and with clients and partners all around the world. As MD and now COO from a digital data company, working with more than 1.000 clients, brands, MR agencies and 300 Scientific Research Institutions, I know about data privacy and standards in operations. And as I'm a sales guy, I'll be helpful to promote ESOMAR.

There's a 3rd reason to apply: becoming ESOMAR council member will be useful for me personally, to enrich my horizons, professionally and humanly. Thank you for your attention! Sincerely, Orkan

Read Orkan's election statement.

It's been, and remains, a difficult time for our industry but let's start to BUILD BACK BETTER. I will champion three "once in a lifetime" opportunities to embrace genuine reform.

1. MENTAL WELLBEING: Put workplace mental wellbeing first. Advocate, nurture, and protect the collective wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, & employees as this has never been more important. As we see our teams return to offices with blended & more flexible working patterns, we must commit to BUILDING BACK BETTER. We must grasp the once in a lifetime opportunity to design our new workplace patterns around our people, our most important asset. Opinium already support country associations pro bono to gather these insights & I believe ESOMAR can advance this globally.

2. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: Truly embrace diversity & inclusion, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because harnessing diverse opinions, ideas, backgrounds and feelings is the very essence of market research. If elected I will champion making diversity an industry super-power, not an obligation.

3. OUR YOUTH: Representing the industry to appeal to more bright young minds. Election will allow me to increase my international efforts to bring our industry's incredible people, their journeys, lessons & stories to life through my not-for-profit content platform, Significant Insights. Its primary goal is to act as a resource for young researchers to learn from others ? both those more experienced & young researchers, on the way up. My focus would be to inspire & encourage more talent to join our industry. If elected I'll focus on using this unique moment in time to encourage our industry to focus on our greatest assets, our people. Post Covid-19, we have a rare moment where it will be up to all of us to build back the industry we want for future generations.

My hope is that we can harness this moment to BUILD BACK BETTER with a more caring, employee-centric, diverse, welcoming and inspiring sector. Thank you!

Read James's election statement.

I am CiCi, starting my career at SPSS China agency to train SPSS. Then 2005, I joined GMI as Project Manager, associate operation director, till country manager in China. In 2012, as GMI and LSR merged, I left GMI and joined SSI as director for GC market. Now I am the director for global key accounts in APAC. And now as you know SSI has been merged with RN and changed name as Dynata. I have spent 16 years in online marketing research in two great companies in China. I have experienced online MR industry changes in China entering China market, developing and being more and more mature.

I love this industry and love the persons I am working with, love the persons in this industry. With the economic development in China, more and more Chinese companies want to go abroad to know how persons in those countries thinking. Meanwhile the same demand for China market. I wish with my experience in this industry, as ESOMAR China representative or later on, if I have chance to be part of ESOMAR council member, I can be the bridge between Chinese companies and the world.

Read Qian's election statement.

It's time to give a rebirth to ESOMAR. We need to get back to basics and:

1) Re-think the role of ESOMAR and understand the needs of all researchers segments -consumer insights, CX, UX, data analytics, data scientists, etc.

2) Re-think procedures and structure. We need to remove barriers and enable the transformation: from the organization supporting market researchers (old school) to the community for all professionals supporting business decisions with data (driven by values and needs for each segment).

3) Using the momentum of industry transformation and big IPO deals to get investors' and key tech players attention, thus get resources to consolidate the industry, deliver values, and enable both global activities and local representatives' support Join me with your ideas and comments! It's time for the #NEWESOMAR.

Read Dmitry's election statement.

I am an award winning industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in Insights, both on the supplier and buyer side. I currently work for Mars, one of the largest private companies in the world. I am passionate about working with my peers in the industry to ensure we are evolving our skills, capabilities, mindset and tools to maintain relevancy and continue to create value.

As a Member on the Council, I want to ensure that we find ways for Suppliers and Buyers to truly connect with each other and engage in dialogue to overcome barriers and work closer together to solve common problems that we all face. For example, diversity and inclusion in both our teams and in our research, evolving mindsets and ways of working to embrace technology and automation, changing the way we work from slow perfection to fast progress and from gatekeepers to data democratizers and powerful storytellers.

My greatest learning has come from attending conferences, connecting with new people outside of my company and industry and being involved in ESOMAR. I want to help the organization to grow its membership base, both in North America and globally. We especially need more buyers involved in order for it to be a two-way dialogue that represents the entire industry, not just one side. Lastly, I want to bring some fun and light-heartedness, because we have the best jobs in the world - and sometimes it can be easy to forget this.

Read Michelle's election statement.

I have been an active member in the research and insights industry since 2003. In that time I have helped a number of small companies grow from a professional approach to business development so I have a particular interest in startups and how to best leverage the industry resources to their benefit. I have recently left GreenBook, the producer of the IIEX conferences, to join SampleChain, a research tech startup that is addressing industry challenges around the security and quality of online sample.

Should I be elected to Council I plan on speaking for the small companies, the startups, that don't often get the attention and focus that they both deserve and, quite honestly, need to thrive. Additionally, I will focus on helping member companies with open jobs help fill them with experienced and worthy professionals that are in search of their next endeavor. Nothing contributes to a healthy industry more than as full an employment profile as possible and companies with open positions typically operate in a less efficient manner.

Lastly, with my events experience I believe I can be a great resource to ESOMAR in the current virtual environment and a return to normal life which is hopefully in the not-too-distant future. Thank you.

Read Matt's election statement.

Purpose: Build a culture of data-informed insights-led decision making, leveraging data science & intuition to drive meaningful business outcomes. ESOMAR has always been at the forefront for the Market Research industry. It has brought the best out of us, and helped us learn from each other and become better.

ESOMAR has helped us appreciate that the MR Industry has a lot to offer to, and a lot to learn from – as the World transforms through Data. Data & Analytics is attracting attention like never before. The advent of Big Data triggered by the Social/Digital/Mobile revolution coupled with technological advancements – in processing power and advancements in Data Science solutions (AI/ml), have made data & analytics the new buzz word.

This should have been a windfall for MR, given it was built on the strong foundations of insights & analytics. But…

Have we really taken advantage of this tailwind?

Have we embraced the Data revolution ourselves, given its scale - depth, breath & velocity?

Have we showcased the power of insights to inspire how Data is leveraged?

With rich 25 years of experience across the agency & client side, I am looking to trigger these conversations by joining the ESOMAR Council.

I look forward to your support to my candidature in this endeavor.

Together we can drive a meaningful change.

Background: Global functional leader with 25yrs experience - across the Industry (Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola & Research International); in multiple markets (USA, Thailand & India) and organizational structures (Corporate, Region, Country).

Highlights: Proven track record of building high performing Insights teams across line & matrix environments; Consistently recognized for delivering business impact by uncovering game-changing insights; Successfully created and scaled innovative/agile research solutions leveraging advanced analytics across diverse cultures.

Current Role: Global Functional leader for Insights & Analytics, with a 40+ member team across 6 locations.

Read Pavi's election statement.

The world is undergoing a revolution, and you have the opportunity with your ESOMAR Council vote, to influence how our Association is going to help its members emerge stronger.

- Continuing to build bridges. When I ran for the Council elections in 2018 I promised to collaborate with national associations and seek alliances with other sectors of activity. I have successfully contributed to rebuilding and strengthening ties with associations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Peru. I will continue collaborating with the organization of local events, seeking exchanges between different regions, and helping to create a local association where there isn't any. I can contribute in this area because of my multicultural background, my vocation to work in associative activities, and my commitment to the mission and values of ESOMAR.

- Collaborate in the transition towards a new world. Many colleagues have small structures which have been affected by the pandemic. We must all help the Research community in its reconversion by providing training, networking and exchange of experiences among members. Pandemics have also been catalysts for new opportunities, and ESOMAR must collaborate in this sense. I will share my experience throughout multiple reconversions during my 32 years in Market Research, from PAPI to CATI, CAWI and now to Data Science, but also to work remotely and adapting to the new ways of connecting.

- Promote the reconversion of ESOMAR's value proposition. ESOMAR has the same challenge as any company: adapt its value proposition to the new post-Covid world. One particular area I commit to working on is the development of the professional training in specific issues and medium-term training for the new generation of Research professionals. There is a void in many countries and ESOMAR has members with university teaching experience who would gladly collaborate. As a university teacher myself I can contribute to this activity from the Council.

Read Alain's election statement.

ESOMAR is indeed the authoritative global voice for the data, research and insight communities, and I benefited from its knowledge, guidelines and networks, especially in the last 10 years. The ESOMAR voice has been instrumental in my knowledge growth, my execution of research and empowerment of clients and partners that I work with. I would want more research practitioners to benefit from the immense wealth that ESOMAR offers.

I would desire that ESOMAR becomes a pivotal reference for the insight industry in Africa, and not just a sporadic reference. I see myself helping to increase the volume of ESOMAR on the continent, not just for researchers, but also for clients ...Not just for individual, but also for institutions. My networks have grown significantly, working with passionate people such Phyliss McFarlane and Anne Alu, to learning and increasing in knowledge from individuals such as Kim Smouter.

It would be my honour and desire to serve on the ESOMAR Global Council and do my bit to have more individuals, organizations and associations grow from associating, collaborating and joining ESOMAR. In Africa this would greatly elevate the research practice and recognition, It would be my desire to see universities in key African cities be influenced by association with ESOMAR to offer formal courses in Market and Social research. I also, with my candidature seek to show that ESOMAR and thought leadership in our field is possible even from those in emerging markets. I see an opportunity to serve. Am ready and willing to serve

Read Jonathan's election statement.

It is indeed a pleasure running again for the ESOMAR council. With an enriching and rewarding tenure working as a part of the ESOMAR council in last two terms, by contributing in the area of membership growth, promoting young researchers, and engagement with representatives and local associations. I would like to serve 3rd and final term as a part of the council to accomplish my activities and plans on behalf of ESOMAR. The digital medium, which was already occupying central stage, has been given a surge due to the pandemic. It has thrown newer challenges for the industry in terms of innovative research methodologies, leading to social and cultural issues in adopting new methods. The challenge for our industry has increased even more than before to STAY RELEVANT. I believe ESOMAR can contribute significantly in this regard to stay relevant, by making it easier to recognize, embrace, and adopt digital methods.

I have a vision that: With the changed market dynamics, ESOMAR should conduct more activities for sharing and learning about changes in research practices, methodology, and use of technology. ESOMAR can leverage its resources like ANA (ESOMAR's resources library), Videos, ESOMAR Plus (Assistance for compliance challenges like GDPR), so that members can access the resources whenever they need. ESOMAR should also invest in the future by promoting young researchers at local level, working together with local associations. Initiatives could be taken up by ESOMAR to invite and attract more research buyers to be part of our community, thereby enhancing the insights landscape of the future. ESOMAR can work even more closely with local associations in each country for promoting the ICC/ESOMAR Code on Market and Social Research and ESOMAR Professional Standards.

Read Umesh's election statement.

ESOMAR is indeed the authoritative global voice for the data, research and insight communities, and I benefited from its knowledge, guidelines and networks, especially in the last 10 years. The ESOMAR voice has been instrumental in my knowledge growth, my execution of research and empowerment of clients and partners that I work with. I would want more research practitioners to benefit from the immense wealth that ESOMAR offers.

I would desire that ESOMAR becomes a pivotal reference for the insight industry in Africa, and not just a sporadic reference. I see myself helping to increase the volume of ESOMAR on the continent, not just for researchers, but also for clients ...Not just for individual, but also for institutions. My networks have grown significantly, working with passionate people such Phyliss McFarlane and Anne Alu, to learning and increasing in knowledge from individuals such as Kim Smouter.

It would be my honour and desire to serve on the ESOMAR Global Council and do my bit to have more individuals, organizations and associations grow from associating, collaborating and joining ESOMAR. In Africa this would greatly elevate the research practice and recognition, It would be my desire to see universities in key African cities be influenced by association with ESOMAR to offer formal courses in Market and Social research. I also, with my candidature seek to show that ESOMAR and thought leadership in our field is possible even from those in emerging markets. I see an opportunity to serve. Am ready and willing to serve

Read Nikki's election statement.

I personally had spent twenty years in P&G CMK, doing all different consumer and market research work. Then I joined QuickDecision two years ago because I want to see how much we can leverage digital and mobile to transform the industry from the agency side. In these two years, I was shocked by how much the tech and digital can change the way we are in touch with consumer and interact with them. Without stepping out my office in Guangzhou, I can find a consumer in Brazil and discuss her experience with TikTok in a few hours.

So I'm very keen to share and discuss how this can be used outside China and so that we can all transform our beloved consumers research and bring more value to our client to make Quick and Right business Decision. I'd love to run for ESOMAR council and hope you will vote for me!!

Read Perry's election statement.

I am a widely renowned expert in the marketing & data science space, with a track record for innovation and excellence. I currently lead the global Marketing & Data Science practice at GfK, managing a network of over 100 science professionals. I am a regular contributor to industry conferences and publications, with many awards for this work. I have a long history of teaching, both science and research topics, for the MRS and for many other research institutes. I have developed innovations in many areas of marketing/data science and research, most latterly an award-winning modular survey methodology, a hybrid research design approach, as well as a unique approach to measuring brand equity. I am keen to bring this experience to the ESOMAR mission.

Client organisations are awash with data nowadays. And it's without doubt that they need to understand consumers in an increasingly complex world. What they are looking for from the Insights industry is integrated insight, the ability to draw information from a range of different data & information sources to solve their business problems. Across qual & quant survey data, but also behavioural & transactional data, streaming data, digital and social media data.

We need deep analytic understanding to maximise and optimize the value from all of these data streams. So the application of data science, machine learning and AI are vital assets for our industry. I really feel that my expertise in these areas can help to shape, inform and support ESOMAR's offering to the Insight community. I have extensive experience of innovation within these areas, crafting insight solutions that deliver maximum understanding from all available sources.

Read Corrine's election statement.

Understanding WHY and finding our WHY is a true driving passion that I have had for many years. This is how I fell in to research field and fell in love with the power and potential of the industry. Our skills can truly make a difference, for small start up businesses, larger corporations, NPOs but also on a personal level - understanding our own WHY. 20 years ago as a VERY YOUNG and INEXPERIENCED researcher I had the opportunity to attend & speak at my first ESOMAR APAC conference. I attended a workshop, I listened, learned, I connected with many new colleagues (now friends!) on both client and agency side. I saw the raw talent of the industry, and the role that ESOMAR plays in shaping, providing guidance and opportunity for people like myself that are connected to the industry. Frankly I was hooked.

For those of you that know me I have high (!!) levels of passion for the POTENTIAL OF THE FUTURE - with a dream, a vision, a positive can do attitude and a plan we are can create the future. And for many years I have aimed to give back to the industry as much as I could. Through 2020 we have seen a further acceleration of industry transformation - the saying "the pace of change will never be this slow again" ... was so real in 2020!

As Congress Chair in 2017 I marvelled at ESOMAR celebrating 70 years ... staying relevant and strong for 70 years is not easy - & wondered what the next 70 years would hold. I have decided to run for council with the goal to not just "wonder" but to give back and apply my experiences on agency and client side, insights, strategy and marketing teams. And couple this with my passion for development and future of the research industry to stay relevant and strong. To be part of council that will craft & lead global industry policies & guidance, inspire & develop new members, to realise our new research reality & unlock the transformations we need for next 70 years.

Read Vanessa's election statement.

I apply to ESOMAR's council in order to continuously promote and contribute to the necessary change of the market research industry in terms of methodologies and collection modes.

My focus is to ensure a continuity in the level of quality, guided by the evolution of the world we all live in.

I would love to work on the evolution of the ESOMAR questions and rules, and help new companies offer or develop new offer lines; propose trainings & professional meetings.

I also dream of increasing engagement and introduce cross-discipline and cross-industries meetings and specialities.

Read Charlotte's election statement.

Back in the 90s, my first job out of University was in Market Research. I was fortunate enough to work with the first big data, EPOS. That technical grounding and a desire to solve problems by doing things differently, has served me well over my career. I can genuinely say I love data and technology and how it helps businesses succeed. I'm now in my third decade in the insights industry and have been lucky enough to experience both supplier and client side, as well as a wide range of methodologies and technologies. It's often said that variety is the spice of life ? I couldn't agree more. The insights industry never ceases to amaze me, from the inquisitive and smart people I meet to the huge commercial impact it can have for clients.

However, the industry it is not without its challenges. The disciplines of opinion or market research, social data, data science, analytics and statistics are still too disparate and at times confusing. Self-serve platforms, automation and Machine Learning present challenges around quality and ethics. And whilst great strides in standards and a code of conducts have been made, such as ESOMAR 28, there is some way to go in other disciplines.

I share ESOMAR's vision for bringing the insight fields together. For developing or improving standards, ethics, and code of conduct for the future. Insights also play an important role in giving a voice to communities and minorities around the globe. I'm a huge advocate of diversity and representation, ensuring not just opportunity for all but representing the communities we work with. I hope that with my experience and energy can help ESOMAR achieve its goals and over the next two years, and I intend to give as much time as possible a member of Council.

It's with great pleasure that I submit my candidacy and would very much appreciate your support. If you have any questions for me, please email me jt@delineate.agency. Thank you.

Read James's election statement.

Being part of a big picture means that the colors one brings forth needs to be blended into creative yet reflective work for appreciation of all. With the dynamism of our world today, it would be important to look out for, anticipate and review aspects that affect our businesses in the context of the natural changes, occurrences and developments that we witness. Many African countries, for example, are inundated with changes and signs of growth and development in numerous areas that marketing practitioners experience daily.

If elected as Member, ESOMAR Council, I would among other things, be supporting specific policies and actions on Education. The industry stands to gain from engaging Marketing & MR professors at Universities to get students to become aware and be engaged with ESOMAR. The industry, especially in Africa, would gain immensely from having graduates and certified personnel available in human resource; not only would they perform better at whichever establishment they work, they would promote research and insights as they rise up the ladder and by extension, support growth paths efficiently and professionally.

Another high interest area for me would involve New Technology companies and Technology-related associations with my interest being to find means to have them gainfully carried along in ESOMAR programs not only globally but in the regions also.

Read Joy’s election statement.

Greetings to my fellow ESOMAR members! I've been in the market research industry for nearly 20 years. Now more than ever, our industry needs innovative thought leaders who have a proven track record of advocating and educating; and who can help shepherd our community through these challenging times.

As Chief Research Officer at InnovateMR, I am responsible for panel quality, best practices and sampling methodologies as well as spear-heading the firm's Insights platform. Prior to joining Innovate, I was a member of the executive team at uSamp where I developed the company's global panel and led the firm's mobile research division. I got my start in market research at Harris Interactive, where I played an instrumental role in developing the company's first full-service online research practice. I later joined the panel team, focusing my efforts on research-on-research, survey methodology, modal transition, specialty panel development and online engagement for the Harris Poll Online. I have presented at such conferences as AAPOR, the MRMW North America and Europe, The MRS, The Insights Association's Corporate Researcher (CRC) and NEXT conferences, IIEX, SampleCon and I have published research related to engagement, online survey design, quality and mobile best practices.

If elected, I am committed to fostering learning opportunities for members, and I will serve to unite our global organization through new collaborations and partnerships. I very much believe that as seasoned business professionals, our greatest contribution and duty should be to invest in this industry's future trailblazers. I resolutely believe that my vast experience, professional accomplishments and research contributions further reinforce my commitment in helping our industry flourish at the nexus of both innovation and scientific rigor.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve the ESOMAR community and I would be deeply honored to receive an appointment to this esteemed Council.

Read Lisa's election statement.