RI Training Veteran Goes It Alone

After 15 years with Research International (RI), the firm's Worldwide Director of Learning & Development (L&D) Daniel Wain is leaving to set up his own UK-based training consultancy, Daniel Wain Consulting.

Wain worked in research and business development during his first 10 years with RI. However, in 2002 he was selected to lead the UK L&D strategy, which he later rolled out internationally across the company. He also became known as an advocate for people development within the wider research community, having previously led the expansion of the BMRA's (British Market Research Association) training programme prior to its integration with that of the MRS (Market Research Society).

RIUK CEO Julian Bond described Wain's departure as 'a significant loss', and said that RI hoped to continue to employ him on a freelance basis.

Wain won't be leaving the agency until he has completed the decentralisation of its L&D function in mid-August. Until then, he will be helping recruit L&D professionals for each RI region and reducing the size of the corporate leadership function. He explained: 'I plan to pass on my L&D brief as I would wish to receive it,' and added: 'I owe RI so much, especially the friendships and memories.'

Wain talked to the MRWho supplement in December 2005 about his views on staff retention and motivation - see www.mrweb.com/who.

RI operates in 50 countries around the world, and runs a formal training programme to sharpen employee skills and ensure consistent best practice. The firm is online at: www.research-int.com , while Wain can be contacted at: dw@danielwain.com.