MRS Names Last Two Anniversary Year Fellows

The UK's MRS has awarded the final two Honorary Fellowships of its 75th anniversary year to Baroness Gail Rebuck, Chair and CEO of Penguin Random House UK since 1991; and former Unilever CEO Paul Polman.

The MRS (Market Research Society) said the awards - the last of 15 announced for the anniversary - were in recognition of the Rebuck and Polman's 'evidence-based approach to business purpose and decision-making'. In particular, Baroness Rebuck has consistently promoted research and been a role model as a female business leader - in her current role since 1991 - while Polman has shown a lifelong commitment to 'putting social value and sustainability at the heart of business' - most recently through his strong support for the MRS Net Zero Pledge, which commits a business to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2026, but earlier 'putting sustainability at the forefront of Unilever's corporate strategy', and as a member of the U.N. Panel which helped draw up its Sustainable Development Goals. He is also co-founder and Chairman of IMAGINE, an organisation which mobilises business leaders in tackling climate change and inequality.

Baroness Rebuck said she was honoured by the award and commented: 'We were the first book publisher in the UK to set up a consumer insight department, which was unusual at the time. The book industry has now transformed globally, highly valuing the science of market research and data analysis, alongside the art of finding the best stories and creating bestsellers'. Polman said the award was 'a great distinction'.

Web site: www.mrs.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.