Beaver (pictured) has been at Ipsos for more than 15 years, most recently as chief executive for the UK and Ireland, a role she has held since 2021.

Other prior roles at Ipsos include head of UK public affairs, and most recently chair of Ipsos’ Global Healthcare Service Line.

Before working at Ipsos, Beaver was an economist and consultant at PwC and Coffey International across European and international markets.

In June 2022, Beaver was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to research and is an honorary fellow of the Market Research Society.

Poitou is departing Ipsos to focus on personal projects. During his time at Ipsos, he launched the Horizons strategic plan and led the reorganisation of the company.

Laurence Stoclet, president of the Ipsos board of directors, said: “Kelly Beaver’s appointment is excellent news for Ipsos, its clients, and its employees.

“She is an experienced professional with deep industry knowledge, and she was identified as part of the succession plans developed by the board. She will continue to implement the Horizons plan and accelerate the group’s growth.” 

Beaver commented: “It is a privilege to lead Ipsos, a company whose purpose, people and potential I deeply believe in. Committed to its values – integrity, curiosity, collaboration, customer focus, and entrepreneurship, I have been continually inspired by the talent of our teams worldwide.

“At a time of growing demand for trusted insights powered by data, technology and human expertise, Ipsos is uniquely positioned to strengthen its leadership and drive long-term growth.”

Poitou added: “I am proud and happy to have contributed to writing a new chapter in Ipsos’ success story and to have fulfilled the mission entrusted to me by the board.

“None of what has been achieved over the past year would have been possible without the Ipsos teams, with whom I have had the immense pleasure of working. I am confident in Kelly’s abilities to further strengthen Ipsos’ growth and leadership.”