The Global 30 Under 30

The Global 30 Under 30 2026

Editor 30 Apr 2026

Now in its sixth year, the 2026 Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30 List is officially open for nominations.

Across the world, a new generation of talent is transforming research, data, analytics and insights with bold ideas, fresh energy and extraordinary ambition. These are the people already making a difference today and shaping the future of our industry tomorrow.

Do you know someone whose talent, determination and impact deserve to be recognised? If so, nominate them, or even nominate yourself.

The annual Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30 List celebrates the brightest emerging talent from across the global insights community. It recognises those showing exceptional drive, creativity, leadership and passion, and shines a spotlight on the individuals set to become the future leaders of our profession.

Each year, the list showcases remarkable stories of achievement, innovation and progress. Last year’s winners inspired the industry around the world. Now it is time to discover the next 30 names ready to leave their mark.

Cornelius Barry, MD of Headline Supporter Rigour Research: “We are delighted to partner with Significant Insights.  In doing so we contribute to ensuring that the industry is an accessible, inclusive and welcoming place for researchers of all backgrounds to grow and share their unique experiences and knowledge for the benefit of the industry as a whole.”

2026 also sees a record year of support and advocacy for the Global 30 Under 30, with TEN organisations now jumping on board to support, champion and drive the initiative forwards. Their commitment deserves to be celebrated, not only for strengthening this important programme, but for helping to position our sector as a destination career for the next generation of talent. By investing in future leaders today, they are helping to build a stronger, more innovative industry for tomorrow.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear about the innovators, creators, leaders and thinkers aged under 30 who are making big strides in:

  • Market research
  • Consumer insights
  • Data and analytics
  • Strategy and foresight
  • Behavioural science
  • Customer understanding
  • Insight led change and innovation

This could be demonstrated through:

  • Outstanding day to day work for clients or stakeholders
  • Commercial or organisational impact
  • Leadership beyond their level of experience
  • Raising standards across the profession
  • Using insights to create positive change in the world

Entry requirements

Nominees must:

  • Be part of the global research, data, analytics or insights community
  • Be aged 29 or under on 27 November 2026
  • Be nominated by themselves or another person

Important 2026 dates

  • Nominations open: 1 May 2026
  • Nominations close: 30 September 2026
  • 2026 Global 30 Under 30 announced: 27 November 2026

Jim Whaley, CEO of Ovation and North American Board Member of Significant Insights: “As a long-term supporter of Significant Insights, I’m proud to be part of recognising the outstanding talent shaping the future of our industry. The Global 30 Under 30 is a powerful reminder of the creativity, curiosity and leadership coming through the next generation, and I’m delighted to help celebrate those making such an exciting impact.”

Why enter?

Being named in the Global 30 Under 30 List brings international recognition, raises your profile, builds credibility and places you among an inspiring network of rising stars already shaping the future of insights.

It is a chance to celebrate achievement, open new doors and be recognised as one of the people to watch in our global profession.

Enter now

Submit your nomination via the official entry form below and bring your nominee’s achievements to life. Our judges read every submission carefully, so make every word count.

This is your moment to recognise brilliance, celebrate ambition and champion the future of insights:

[Or use this link: https://forms.gle/khatu1UYU79SUJQdA]

The global judging panel

Once again, an outstanding international panel of senior client, agency and association leaders from across the insights profession will review entries and champion the next generation of talent.

Louise Sharpe, Senior Insight Manager at BT and Director at AURA Insight: “Excited to be joining the judging panel for the Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30. Recognising emerging talent is one of the most important ways we can strengthen our industry, and I look forward to celebrating the creativity, ambition and fresh perspectives that the next generation of insight leaders bring to our profession.”

Anita Watkins, CEO of the Insights Association: “I’m delighted to be joining the judging panel for the Global 30 Under 30 this year. Initiatives like this are so important because they shine a light on the exceptional talent emerging across our profession and help advocate for the next generation of insights leaders. By recognising their achievements early, we not only celebrate their impact today, but also help inspire the future growth, innovation and strength of our industry for years to come.”

Spanning multiple continents, disciplines and sectors, the panel shares one mission: to celebrate emerging brilliance and help elevate the future of insights worldwide:

Andrew O’Connell – Norstat (UK)

Angus Hunter – The Research Society (Australia)

Anita Watkins – Insights Association (USA)

Ankesh Agarwal – Majid Al Futtaim (UAE)

Annie Pettit – E2E Research Services (Canada)

Bob Qureshi – i-View (UK)

Cait Wilson – ŌURA (USA)

Crispin Beale – IDX (UK)

Dali Tembo – Culture Foundry (South Africa)

Diego Adolfo Chávez Terrazas – EyeSee Research (Mexico)

Finn Raben – Amplifi (Netherlands)

Harry Unwin – FC Bayern München (Germany)

James Endersby – Opinium (UK)

Jamie McCracken – (USA)

Jane Frost – Market Research Society (MRS) (UK)

Jillian Roche – Isentia (New Zealand)

Jim Whaley – Ovation (USA)

Joaquim Bretcha – (Spain)

Lisa Courtade – Organon (USA)

Lisa Wilding-Brown – innovateMR (USA)

Louise Sharpe – BT & AURA (UK)

Melanie Courtright – SAGO (USA)

Pallavi Dhall – Quantum Consumer Solutions (India)

Pravin Shekar – Krea eKnowledge (India)

Rachel Hawley – Fieldwork, Inc. (USA)

Seyi Adeoye – Pierrine Consulting (Nigeria)

Sinead Jefferies – Zappi (UK)

Shaahin Shariat -Blinkist (Germany)

Wiepke van der Wal (Netherlands)

Zoe Wilson – AustralianSuper (Australia)

See who made the 2025 Global 30 Under 30

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