Mumbai: Market Research Society of India (MRSI) has announced that B.V. Pradeep will be conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 7th Golden Key Awards. The ceremony, which celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership in the research and insights sector, will be held on March 6, 2026, in Mumbai.
With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, B.V. Pradeep has played a pivotal role in transforming market research into a strategic business function in India and globally. An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, he spent nearly three decades in leadership roles at Unilever across India and international markets. During his tenure, he pioneered research frameworks and insight-led methodologies that evolved into global best practices.
He is widely credited with championing consumer centricity and formalising the shift from traditional Market Research (MR) to the Consumer & Market Insights (CMI) function. His contributions include conceptualising and implementing large-scale consumer insight systems, workshop processes and behavioural frameworks that helped organisations translate insights into actionable strategies. From advancing sensory research in tea and brand equity measurement in the 1990s to designing behaviour change models and consumer-centricity programs, Pradeep’s work has significantly influenced how brands engage with consumers.
Beyond India, Pradeep has been an influential voice in the global insights ecosystem. He served on the Governing Council of ESOMAR as Vice President and Treasurer, and played a key role in strengthening India’s standing in the global research industry. His leadership roles have included Chairperson of the Joint Technical Committee for Television Audience Measurement, Governing Council Member of Media Research Users Council, and President of MRSI from 1999 to 2005. He currently leads his consultancy, Catalyst-4ur-Growth, advising clients and research agencies on marketing, insights and analytics strategy.
Speaking on the same, Nitin Kamat, Chief Growth & Partnerships Officer, TAM Media Research and President at Market Research Society of India, said, “B.V. Pradeep’s contribution goes far beyond methodologies and frameworks; he shaped mindsets and expanded the horizon for the sector’s growth beyond FMCG. His work placed consumers at the heart of organisations and elevated insights as a strategic growth lever. He has also played a critical role in shaping MRSI’s position and we are truly honoured to recognise his unparalleled legacy with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Key Awards.”
Paru Minocha, Managing Director, Qualitative Head, APAC at Kantar, and Committee Chair for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th Golden Key Awards, added, “B.V. Pradeep’s contribution to the research and insights industry cannot be measured. He has pioneered frameworks that unlocked growth for both clients and agencies and has been pivotal in creating a space for India in the research industry globally. His work consistently strengthened the strategic role of consumer insights. We deeply appreciate his contributions and thank him for his lasting impact that shaped the future of the research and insights in India.”
The esteemed jury panel for the Lifetime Achievement Award was chaired by C K Sharma, Former Strategic Consultant and Principal, Gallup. The jury included Chandan Mukherji, Ex-Director & Senior Vice President, Strategy, Marketing & Communication, Nestlé India; Manish Makhijani, CEO, Hygiene Care – RSPL; Dr. Meena Kaushik, Chairperson, Quantum Consumer Solutions Pvt. Ltd; and Prasun Basu, Chairman, Inteliphyle Ltd.
MRSI’s Golden Key Awards continue to serve as a benchmark of recognition within the research and insights ecosystem, honouring the professionals and organisations driving strategic growth through research and consumer understanding.
