Aviva’s Jan Gooding named president of Market Research Society
Aviva’s global inclusion officer Jan Gooding has been named the next president of the Market Research Society (MRS), taking over from Dame Dianne Thompson.
Jan Gooding
Gooding has served at Aviva since 2008 when she joined as marketing operations director before becoming group brand director. In January, she began a new role as global inclusion director, spearheading the company’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive culture and ultimately more diverse workplace across the group.
Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS said: “As a widely respected and high-profile business leader with proven experience of using research to direct brand strategy, Jan will make a fantastic president. Her impressive background in marketing coupled with a strong commitment to driving diversity will help us to continue to attract the variety of voices we need as a sector in order to best reflect society.”
In addition to her experience at Aviva, Gooding is chair of the LGBT equality charity Stonewall, chair of PAMCo (Publishers Audience Measurement Company), an executive committee member of WACL (Women in Advertising London) and a fellow of the Marketing Society.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Throughout my career, trustworthy insight has been central to making good decisions. The right research helps you understand where you are, how you got there and the best options going forward. MRS has been a constant presence, holding our sector to account and always challenging us to use research both ethically and effectively.
“I am delighted to be taking the helm at a time when it has never been more important to maintain high standards and foster our shared understanding of best practice.”
Dame Dianne Thompson has served in the role for the past three years and was thanked by Frost for “the enormous contribution she has made in enthusiastically championing the value of social and market research.”