Mumbai: Market Research Society of India (MRSI) celebrated excellence in the market research and insights industry at the 7th edition of the Golden Key Awards, recognising outstanding professionals, organisations, and innovations shaping the sector. The event brought together researchers, industry leaders, brand custodians and young professionals, with 14 awards presented across categories along with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
The ceremony featured a keynote address by Anne-Sophie Damelincourt, Consultant and President of ESOMAR, who highlighted the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the research and insights ecosystem. Speaking about global collaboration and the future of the industry, Anne-Sophie Damelincourt said, “We are currently working on a joint ESOMAR-MRSI event on AI and technology scheduled for 2027. This will not be just another event, it will be a platform for deep dialogue between researchers, technologists, and business leaders, offering practical guidance on applying AI responsibly in research and insights, while bringing together global and regional perspectives to shape what’s next. By co-creating this initiative, ESOMAR and MRSI are sending a clear signal: the future of insights will be collaborative, global and grounded in ethics.”
The evening also featured a fireside chat titled The Craft of Quiet Brilliance with National Award-winning actor Vikrant Massey, in conversation with Shafali Arora. During the discussion, Massey reflected on his professional journey, the role of resilience in shaping success, and the parallels between storytelling in cinema and insight generation in research.
During the event, MRSI also unveiled its refreshed logo, marking an evolution of the organisation’s identity. The new visual identity reflects MRSI’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening ethical standards and supporting the growth of India’s research and insights community.
Among the key winners, Rohit Bansal of Hindustan Unilever Limited was recognised as Best Researcher Under 30, while Kantar won Best Operations Team of the Year. Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd. was honoured for Best Client Servicing Team, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited received the award for Best Client Insight Team. Other notable winners included Ipsos, Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Quantum Consumer Solutions, and Jigsaw Brand Consultants, among others, across categories spanning innovation, analytics, AI, and research impact.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on B. V. Pradeep in recognition of his enduring contribution to the research and insights industry.
Commenting on the occasion, Nitin Kamat, Chief Growth & Partnerships Officer at TAM Media Research and President of MRSI, said, “The market research and insights industry in India is witnessing significant growth, driven by digital acceleration, evolving consumer expectations, and the integration of AI and advanced analytics. With each edition, the Golden Key Awards continue to recognise work that demonstrates the power of research in delivering strategic, communication, and business impact, while reflecting the evolving standards of excellence across the ecosystem. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions and for raising the bar of excellence in the industry.”
The 7th Golden Key Awards was supported by several leading organisations including Advent International, Haleon, Nestlé India, ITC Limited, Amazon, Toluna, Tata Consumer Products, Diageo and NielsenIQ, among others. The awards continue to highlight the role of research-driven insights in shaping business strategy and decision-making across industries.
