At MRII, we pride ourselves on advancing the field of market research through world-class education and fostering leadership in this dynamic industry. This year, we are delighted to welcome a remarkable group of new board members whose expertise, passion, and vision will help shape the future of MRII and our profession.
Our new board members bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to education, innovation, and the growth of market research professionals. These individuals embody what makes MRII special: the ability to attract leaders who are deeply passionate about empowering others in this field. Here’s what inspired each of them to join our board:
Marc Ryan, Principal Consultant, Darkmatter Solutions
Marc has witnessed the constant pace of industry change from the earliest days of paper-based studies through today’s AI-driven landscape. “I’m thrilled to join the MRII Board because I’ve seen firsthand how continuing education can transform careers and elevate our entire industry,” he shared. “Our industry is at an inflection point with AI and advanced analytics, but these tools are only as good as the research principles underlying them. MRII’s curriculum gets this balance right, and I’m excited to help expand access to these resources for practitioners at all career stages.”
Varun Sharma, Director, Global Analytics & Insights, Gilead Sciences
“I’m honored and excited to join the Board of Directors of the Market Research Institute International (MRII). With more than 13 years in market research, my career in biopharma insights has shown me firsthand how rigorous, thoughtful research can directly shape better decisions — ultimately helping innovative medicines reach the patients and physicians who need them most. Market research has been central to translating complex scientific advances into meaningful, real-world impact, and MRII has long been a cornerstone in developing the skills, standards, and community that make that work possible.
I’m especially passionate about giving back to the profession and supporting the next generation of market research professionals. The mentorship, education, and resources championed by MRII play a critical role in preparing researchers to drive impact across industries, including healthcare. I’m excited to contribute to MRII’s mission and to collaborate with fellow board members to help strengthen the field and continue advancing market research as a force for positive change.”
Nick Graham, Founder, Vertemis
Nick Graham, founder of Vertemis and former senior insights leader at PepsiCo and Mondelez International, said it was an enormous privilege to be joining the MRII Board of Directors.
“MRII plays a critical role in shaping the skills and standards our industry needs – and that role has never been more important than it is today, as the function of insights and the tools we use are being fundamentally redefined.
In joining the MRII Board, I’m excited to bring my experience transforming Insights teams to help MRII continue to expand its reach and evolve its educational offerings, equipping the next generation of insights leaders with the confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in this new reality.”
Nancy Hernon, CEO & Co-Founder, G3 Translate
“I’m honored to join the MRII Board of Directors because I believe that excellence in market research begins with understanding its fundamental principles – and that understanding becomes even more critical when research crosses cultural and linguistic borders,” Nancy shared. As CEO of G3 Translate, a translation and localization company specializing in market research since 2006, Nancy has witnessed firsthand how proper education and adherence to best practices directly impact research quality across cultures and languages.
With over 16 years of leadership experience in the Insights Association, including serving as president of both the New York and Southwest (South Central) regional chapters, Nancy brings a unique perspective on the intersection of language services and research excellence. “As our industry embraces AI and new technologies, the fundamentals of sound research methodology matter more than ever. I’m excited to contribute to MRII’s mission of providing clear pathways for learning and professional development, particularly as we navigate how to maintain research integrity in an increasingly automated and globalized world.”
Sima Vasa, CEO & Founder of Infinity Squared Ventures, Co-Founder of Paradigm Sample
I joined the board of Market Research Institute International (MRII) because this is a critical moment for our industry. The rapid acceleration of AI is fundamentally reshaping how insights are generated, interpreted, and acted upon—but it also raises important questions about rigor, ethics, and the role of human judgment. Having spent my career building, operating, and advising research and technology-driven businesses, I believe deeply that education must evolve as quickly as the tools we use.
MRII plays a vital role in ensuring that the next generation of insights professionals is not only fluent in new technologies, but also grounded in sound methodology, critical thinking, and professional standards. Serving on the MRII board allows me to contribute my experience at a time when thoughtful leadership, education, and stewardship are more important than ever.
James Cummings SVP, Global Head of Consumer & Business Intelligence at Kenvue
I am thrilled to join the MRII Board because I care deeply about the future health and relevance of the insights, foresights and analytics function.
Our industry has always depended on people — and it always will. But the world around us is evolving rapidly. It is faster-moving, more technology-enabled, more complex, and far less predictable than ever before. The skills that made professionals successful yesterday will not be enough to ensure success tomorrow.
We can no longer rely on employers alone to build future capability. Each of us is responsible for our own growth, but navigating that path is not easy. The pace of change, the expanding role of data, AI, and automation, and the increasing strategic expectations placed on insights professionals demand new tools, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking.
I believe the future strength of the insights industry depends on our ability to support those with curiosity and drive — by giving them access to the right education, skills, and frameworks to thrive in this new environment. MRII plays a critical role in shaping that future, and I would be honored to contribute my experience, energy, and commitment to helping build the next generation of insights leaders.
Pavi Gupta, Former VP Insights & Analytics, Chobani
I am honored to join the board of Market Research Institute International, a not-for-profit educational institute, dedicated to advancing industry knowledge globally. I believe while AI will accelerate access to information, value will be created by unlocking deep Human Insights.
MRII continues to outpace industry changes by launching innovative approaches to upskill emerging leaders. I am grateful for this opportunity to share my expertise shaped over ~3 decades, learning from some of the best minds across the industry.
Jeff Krentz, Founder of Skye Isle Ventures
I am delighted to join the MRII Board of Directors to advance its mission of advancing the knowlege, practice and adoption of market research, insights and data analytics globally.
The industry has never experienced a period filled with so much challenge and opportunity. I am confident that most the best practices and standards created by MRII will stand the test of time but some things will also need to evolve and adapt to the changing industry dynamics.
I look forward to working with the Board and other industry stakeholders to ensure that that MRII education and training remains state of the art. Such evolution will be essential to not just keeping the industry relevant, interesting and innovative but enable it to thrive for many years to come.
Priti Mehra, Founder of The Cobalt Curve
I see the insights industry at a critical inflection point. AI and automation are expanding what’s possible, but they’re also amplifying noise. The real work ahead isn’t just about new tools—it’s about stronger judgment, clearer standards, and better education for the next generation of insights leaders. MRII has a unique role to play in this shift by advancing leadership and industry knowledge at a time when continuous learning, clarity, and responsibility matter more than ever, and I’m excited to contribute at this pivotal moment.
