Annette White – Research Hero

MRS has announced its Research Heroes for 2025 to shine a spotlight on the sector’s unsung heroes. Annette White has been named one of the Research Heroes for this year. 

Photo of Annette White

Annette White, research director, BVA Group 

Annette initially joined BVA BDRC in 2000, moving from a client-side role at an insurance company. Over the years she has worked on a variety of projects for financial service clients, with specialism in B2B research. In more recent years, Annette’s role has evolved to include responsibility for managing the company’s ISO certifications and contributing to the work of the BDRC Group’s HR team. 


Annette was nominated because "she doesn’t just meet standards – she raises them. Annette anticipates issues before they arise, delivers ahead of deadlines, and handles sensitive HR matters with discretion and compassion. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and her proactive mindset is a cornerstone of our organisational success. "

1. What is the biggest challenge you have faced during your career? 

It’s not really a challenge in the traditional sense, but I often find myself having to explain to people I meet outside of the industry what market research actually is – what it involves and why it’s important – and that there’s so much more to it than simply asking a few questions. 

2. What will be the next big trend or development in the research industry, and why? 

The current buzz seems to be all about AI – it’s growing impact and how it will continue to evolve. Like most industries, we need to embrace the opportunities, but at the same time ensure that we continue to value people who bring that essential human insight, and that we don’t always assume AI is right.

3. Who inspires you as a researcher? 

I’m fortunate to work alongside so many smart and talented people at BVA BDRC, which makes it hard to single out just one individual. That said, I am always impressed by our CATI team who achieve hundreds of interviews every week, working to strict quotas, and ensuring that key tracking studies are delivered on time.

We hope you enjoyed this article.
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