Daily Research News Online

The global MR industry's daily paper since 2000

Instella Founders Bring in Former FiftyFive5 Colleague

September 14 2026

In New South Wales, Australia, newly-launched research consultancy Instella has appointed qualitative researcher and brand strategist Samantha Yann as a Partner.

L to R: Darren Kemp, Samantha Yann and Keira BraybrookInstella was launched three months ago by Darren Kemp and Keira Braybrook, who formerly worked together at FiftyFive5. The company combines 'deep expertise in strategy, human understanding, and market dynamics', and helps clients with strategy development, customer insight, product and proposition design, and performance optimisation.

Yann (pictured centre) brings more than 30 years of experience in insights and strategy. She spent around seven in Account Manager and Director roles at ad agencies in Brisbane, Sydney and London, before moving into brand strategy, and joining Stancombe Research and Planning in 2008, and The Leading Edge in 2014. For the past nearly nine years she has held Senior Consultant and Director roles at FiftyFive5, where she worked extensively with Instella's founders, whom she describes as 'two partners I know and trust implicitly.'

Braybrook says the hire 'reflects the consultancy's commitment to bringing together experienced practitioners who can help clients move confidently from insight to action.' She adds: 'Sam brings exceptional qualitative expertise, strategic thinking and genuine curiosity about people. She strengthens our ability to connect human understanding with commercial action, ensuring our clients receive the depth of thinking and senior partnership that defines everything we do.'

Web site: www.instella.com.au .

L to R: Darren Kemp, Samantha Yann and Keira Braybrook

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

Select a region below...
View all recent news
for UK
UK
USA
View all recent news
for USA
View all recent news
for Asia
Asia
Australia
View all recent news
for Australia

REGISTER FOR NEWS EMAILS

To receive (free) news headlines by email, please register online