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Bob Meyers Worldwide CEO
What inspires me about my work is the opportunity to meet and learn from so many people in every corner of the world. I am always amazed by the wide diversity of experience and thought; while at the same time fascinated by the underlining values we all share.
Global leader Bob Meyers was appointed Worldwide CEO of Research International in August of 2007. Before taking on this role, he served as Chairman and CEO of the Millward Brown Group, where he was responsible for the group's entire body of worldwide operations. A seasoned researcher and a recognized industry thought leader, Bob began his career at the United States Testing Company, and then moved to the Home Testing Institute. After that, he joined International Harvester and then Ad Factors in 1977, shortly after it began operations.
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Bridget Armstrong U.S. CEO
I am inspired by people. My husband and sons who are my source of passion and energy, consumers who challenge us to understand the things they truly want, and my colleagues who stretch me to think beyond the present.
Bridget Armstrong', assumed the role of U.S. CEO in 2008. Before coming onboard, Bridget served as SVP of Sales and Client Services for the Central Region of MarketTools, Inc. Prior, Bridget held senior leadership roles at TNS and NFO WorldGroup, where she gained a tremendous amount of research experience. She works diligently to partner with clients to help them innovate and build strong brands, by leveraging the breadth and depth of RI's research expertise and solutions. She began her career in market research on the ground level, working in data processing and statistical programming before moving into client-servicing roles.
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Julian Bond Chairman UK
I am inspired by sports people that can combine sublime technical skill with absolute fearlessness.
An indispensable member of our global management team, Julian Bond proudly serves as the UK Chairman. Prior to assuming this role, Julian was Global Managing Director of RI's Marketing Science Group. Julian joined Research International in 1982. In 1984, he joined Research International's technical development area, utilizing computer modeling and advanced statistical analysis in market research. Translation: Julian understands the science behind marketing so our clients don't have to. Julian developed the MicroTest simulated test market model and specializes in developing micro-modeling approaches for product and brand development.
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Catherine Connolly Worldwide HR Director
I am inspired by my family and friends who never fail to surprise me by the lives they lead and the people they are.
Catherine works with colleagues on the Worldwide Management Board to develop a clear people proposition for RI. She started her career at NatWest Bank, moving from there to Management Consultancy at KPMG. After that, Catherine joined the Tempus Group (CIA) as Director of People and Culture and, following its acquisition by WPP, served in the same role at Mediaedge (CIA). Prior to joining RI, Catherine was Director of Human Resources for Cambridge Antibody Technology. These days, her main focus is in the areas of Talent and Performance Management, working to sustain a culture that supports RI's vision and strategy.
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David Errington Worldwide Finance Director
I am inspired by the amazing dedication to get things done and by working with so many people across the business to drive the commercial agenda together.
David Errington is responsible for the financial leadership and financial management of Research International's worldwide operations. David's goal is to ensure RI is both competitive and profitable while maintaining a high level of corporate responsibility. David started his career as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte Haskins & Sells before joining WPP in 1992 as Director of Internal Audit. He joined Research International in 1996 and given the financial responsibility of building a network of RI-owned companies in Asia Pacific. David assumed the mantle of Worldwide CFO in 1997.
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Paul Edwards CEO UK
Seeing the work we do having an effect on a clients business is a real inspiration.
Paul joined RI UK in the summer of 2007 after serving as UK Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis. In his 30 year career he has worked mostly in communications agencies including BBH and Lowe as well as spending time on the client side. Paul is no stranger to WPP, as he served as Chairman and CEO of the Henley Centre. Paul started his career as a trainee with Research International -- after 25 years, he came back.
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Heather Payne APAC CEO
I am inspired by the `can do' attitude and the team work that I have the pleasure to experience in Asia everyday.
Heather Payne is CEO of RI's Asia Pacific division, which includes China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Heather joined the market research industry in 1986 after servicing in an array of marketing roles. After 9 years working in client services with TNS, Heather joined RI in 1997 and took up the role of MD for RI Australia. Heather then moved to Hong Kong as MD, then to RI UK as Global Account Director for Unilever and took an appointment to the WWMB. In 2004, Heather returned to Asia as Research International's regional CEO and brought with her a wide range of experience, expertise, and insight to serve RI clients around the world.
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Douwe Rademaker Worldwide Director of Marketing
I am truly inspired by passionate people. People who dare to take risks and willing to go the extra mile to chase their dreams.
Douwe Rademaker started his career at Research International as project leader in the Netherlands. After three years, he left RI Netherlands and went to work for RI USA as Vice-President. After that, he joined McKinsey & Company in Amsterdam, but eventually came back to RI Netherlands as CEO. In 2005, he served as CEO of Research International Japan. Then, in 2007, Douwe was appointed to the Worldwide Management Board and Managing Director Continental Europe. Since 2008, he serves as the Worldwide Director of Marketing.
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Frank Voehl-Hitscher Continental Europe CEO
I am inspired by my family. My wife and our two sons are the counterbalance to my business life. Whenever possible, my sons and I attend football games of our favourite club. Go Werder !"
Frank Voehl-Hitscher became Research International's CEO of Continental Europe in 2007 and has been a member of the World Wide Management Board since 2003. Frank joined Research International Germany in 1979 as a humble trainee. In January 1990 he was appointed Member of the German Board, and in 1999 became CEO of Research International Germany. Frank's considerable experience in Brand and Advertising Tracking and simulated test market systems means our clients receive unparalleled direction.
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Kirk Ward Global Product Development Director
I am inspired by underdogs - finding a way to win when the chips are down and the odds are against you. As the boxer Jack Dempsey once said: "A champion is the guy who gets up when he can't.
Kirk Ward brings 30 years of global marketing research experience to Research International from both the supplier and client sides of the business. Before joining RI, Kirk served as Senior Vice President and Central Region Sales Manager for MarketTools, President of Innovation Focus-Research, and Vice President of Integrated Business Intelligence at Hershey Foods where he was responsible for all consumer research, syndicated data management, and category management analysis. Kirk has owned a marketing research consultancy and was VP and Associate Research Director for Tracy-Locke/BBDO in Dallas.
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Andrew Wish Worldwide Director of Operations & Excellence
I am inspired by a group challenging the sacred cows in any particular business and coming up with creative ways of doing things differently and more effectively. Then being able to look back on well executed plans that really make a significant and tangible business difference. Outside of work it is about watching my children grow and flourish.
Andrew Wish, appointed to WW Director of Operations & Excellence in 2007, is accountable for ensuring RI develops a strong, globally consistent IT infrastructure, high class databases, systems, software applications, and electronic deliverables. He leads the Worldwide Operational Excellence initiative designed to ensure that our core business processes yield maximum efficiency. Andrew joined RI as CEO South Africa and CEO Africa in 2004 after 14 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including the role of South Africa's AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals CEO. He brings to RI extensive experience in general management, marketing, and human resources.
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