The full announcement follows:

Progressive has announced that group managing director of Progressive, Carole Oag (pictured), has decided to retire 15 October 2013, after thirty years with the company. Through Carole’s leadership, Progressive has moved with the industry as it has changed, adapting to the increasingly competitive environment with clever research solutions and aided by the necessary resources and support frameworks

Although Carole has retired as group managing director, she will still stay on as financial director on a consultancy basis. She will be leaving the company in very capable hands with joint managing directors Diane McGregor and Sarah Ainsworth to continue her vision into the future.

“Carole has created such a vibrant and creative company and the people here are partly made by her nurturing and business coaching. She is a very hard act to follow but Diane and I will keep the Progressive flag flying safe in the knowledge that she is not far away. We wish you luck Carole,” Sarah Ainsworth remarks.

Carole herself comments: “Today is a very sad day as Progressive has been a huge part of my life and acted as a second family at times. I feel so honoured to have worked with so many wonderful clients throughout the years and will miss the brilliant friends I have made in the industry. But hey ho, it’s been a long time coming.”