Watkins (pictured) replaces Melanie Courtright, who left the Insights Association last year to become chief strategy officer at Sago.

In addition to her time as chief solutions leaders at Kantar, Watkins also had prior roles as global solutions leader for innovation and global head of qualitative research.

Watkins has also taken on several volunteer roles for industry organisations and academic institutions, including as a member of the Advertising Research Foundation Board of Trustees, at the University of Dayton, at the School of Business Advisory Council and as chair of the Michigan State University MSMRA Advisory Board.

Terrae Schroeder, board chair at the Insights Association for 2026 and senior director of marketing strategy and insights at Heartland Food Products Group, said: “After an extensive and thoughtful search, the CEO search committee had the privilege of engaging with an exceptionally strong and diverse slate of nearly 40 candidates from across the insights and analytics profession.

“Through this process, the board affirmed its shared vision for the organisation’s next phase of growth, and with Anita we are confident we have selected the right leader to guide us forward.”

Watkins added: “To lead the Insights Association – an organisation so central to our industry’s integrity, growth and future – is a true honour.

“I look forward to working with our members to shape the future of the insights profession and the important impact it has on business and society.”