Jan Gooding to be MRS president

Gooding (pictured) will take up the position at the beginning of April, following the end of Dame Dianne Thompson’s three year term.

She joined Aviva in 2008 as marketing operations director before becoming group brand director; she led the development of the “Good Thinking” campaign which launched in the UK in early 2016.

In January she began a new role as global inclusion director at Aviva, fostering a more inclusive culture and ultimately more diverse workplace across the group.

Gooding is also chair of the LGBT equality charity Stonewall, chair of PAMCo (Publishers Audience Measurement Company), an executive committee member of WACL (Women in Advertising London) and a fellow of the Marketing Society.

Jane Frost, chief executive officer of MRS said: “As a widely respected and high-profile business leader with proven experience of using research to direct brand strategy, Jan will make a fantastic president. Her impressive background in marketing coupled with a strong commitment to driving diversity will help us to continue to attract the variety of voices we need as a sector in order to best reflect society.

“We would also like to thank Dame Dianne Thompson for the enormous contribution she has made in enthusiastically championing the value of social and market research.”

Gooding said: “Throughout my career, trustworthy insight has been central to making good decisions. The right research helps you understand where you are, how you got there and the best options going forward. MRS has been a constant presence, holding our sector to account and always challenging us to use research both ethically and effectively.  I am delighted to be taking the helm at a time when it has never been more important to maintain high standards and foster our shared understanding of best practice.”