Mumbai : Kantar, the market research arm of WPP, has named Preeti Reddy as the successor to veteran Thomas Puliyel at IMRB International.
Reddy will take over as the global market research agency’s president, following Puliyel’s retirement this August . Reddy, currently senior vice-president at IMRB, will work with Puliyel during the next few months as the transition takes effect, IMRB said in a statement. Upon taking charge as president, she will report to Kantar president Wayne Levings.
A market researcher with three decades behind her with agencies such as TNS and consultancy companies such as Technopak, Reddy joined IMRB as CEO of the Sri Lankan operations in 2009. Later she moved to India and worked on various research assignments and projects.
“Preeti brings a combination of strong client leadership, general management and consulting capabilities. With the very strong leadership team she has around her, IMRB will continue to build on its world-class foundations,” said Levings.
IMRB ranks among the leading market research agencies in India. Its rivals include players such as Nielsen and IPSOS.
Puliyel has had two stints with IMRB. One between 1981 and 1992 and the second one between 2000 till now. Under Puliyel, an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta alumnus, IMRB has been named ‘Research Agency of the Year’ eight times since 2005.
Puliyel has also served twice as president of the Market Research Society of India in recognition of his knowledge and experience.
