Pollster and political strategist Mattinson (pictured) spent three years as director of strategy in the office of Sir Keir Starmer in the run-up to the 2024 UK general election.

Prior to the 1997 UK general election, Mattinson advised Tony Blair, then was pollster to Gordon Brown throughout his time as chancellor of the exchequer and as prime minister. She co-founded insight consultancy BritainThinks – now Thinks Insight & Strategy – in 2010.

Mattinson takes up the role of president at MRS during the organisation’s 80^th anniversary year, making it the world’s oldest professional body for research and insights.

Deborah Mattinson, president, MRS, said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the MRS team – with its 80 years of success in guiding us through a hard-to-predict future.  Our sector’s remarkable resilience is due to our continued relevance, and, right now, our unique skillset is needed more than ever.  In a fast-changing world, information is power.  Looking at the next 80 years, market researchers will continue to thrive by flexing their muscles and translating information into insight and strategy.  We’ll relish the challenge.”

Jane Frost, chief executive, MRS, said: “We are delighted that Deborah will be taking on the president role.  As we celebrate MRS’ 80^th year, it is fantastic to have someone so widely respected and experienced who will bang the drum for this great profession and continue Saj Arshad’s excellent work.

“At a time when the financial and fiscal headroom for businesses and policymakers seems to tighten by the day, evidence matters more than ever.  Our insights and expertise give them the confidence and clarity to make decisions that positively impact their bottom line, and people’s lives.  We look forward to working with Deborah to keep expanding that impact.”

• In a forthcoming interview with Research Live, Deborah Mattinson discusses the value of insight and its role in UK politics.