Sharp (pictured), who has been with the firm for a year and was previously president of the division, replaces Marilyn O’Brien in the role after the latter was moved to a global strategic advisory and client management role covering all of Ipsos.

Before joining Ipsos, Sharp spent 13 years at Procter & Gamble where she served in a number of marketing and research roles, including global and North American director of consumer and market knowledge for the firm’s home care division.

She also had a spell leading consumer and market knowledge for P&G’s Tampax brand globally, and feminine care products across North America. 

Jim Smith, Ipsos North America’s CEO, said: “For the last 12 months Ipsos Understanding UnLtd has continued to grow and flourish under Kristin’s leadership. Her promotion to CEO is well merited, as Kristen has achieved outstanding success since coming to Ipsos. I expect that pattern to continue as she assumes the role of CEO for the business and that the entire Ipsos Understanding UnLtd team will continue to provide our clients with innovative solutions for qualitative research.”