Anita Watkins is New IA Chief Exec

US professional membership organisation the Insights Association has found its new Chief Executive, former Kantar researcher Anita Watkins. She replaces Melanie Courtright, who left three months ago to become Chief Strategy Officer at Sago.

Watkins (pictured) has worked at Kantar and predecessor companies for twenty-eight years, most recently as Chief Innovation, Creative and Qualitative Solutions Lead for Kantar Insights North America. She led TNS / Kantar Qualitative operations in North America from 2001 to 2017, and in 2017 was promoted to Global Head of Qual. In 2021 she took on an additional role as Global Solutions Leader for Innovation.

She also serves with industry organizations and academic institutions, including the ARF Board of Trustees, the University of Dayton, School of Business Advisory Council, and Chair of the Michigan State University MSMRA Advisory Board. Her work to advance the industry has found particular focus in developing the next generation of insight leaders, as well as advancing rigorous quality and ethical standards.

Courtright served as IA's CEO from January 2020 until the end of October last year.

Terrae Schroeder, Senior Director of Marketing Strategy & Insights at Heartland Food Products Group and 2026 Board Chair of the Insights Association, says the CEO Search Committee engaged with 'an exceptionally strong and diverse slate of nearly 40 candidates from across the insights and analytics profession,' and adds: ' with Anita we are confident we have selected the right leader to guide us forward.'

Watkins herself comments: 'I've spent my career believing in the power of insights to drive better decisions and better outcomes. To lead the Insights Association - an organization so central to our industry's integrity, growth, and future - is a true honor. I look forward to working with our members to shape the future of the insights profession and the important impact it has on business and society.'

As CEO, Watkins will work closely with the Board of Directors, members, committees, partners, volunteers, and staff to advance the IA's mission of 'promoting the value, integrity, and future readiness of insights and analytics companies and the profession worldwide.'

Web site: www.insightsassociation.org .