Almy was appointed chief executive of the Marketing Research Association in 2010 and later managed the organisation’s merger with Casro, leading to the formation of the Insights Association.

He has led efforts to modernise the body’s Code of Standards & Ethics for Marketing Research and Data Analytics, expanded the Insights Association’s government affairs work through its input on the development of a US privacy law, and created an international chapter and Canadian Council.

The organisation has not yet appointed a successor for the CEO role.

Almy said: “Honouring years of requests by my wife and sons, I’ve decided that it’s time for a change and my next chapter. In discussion with our leadership, I indicated that I will leave at the end of the year to provide our board with the opportunity to find my successor. The insights and analytics community has a fantastic future ahead of it, and it’s been remarkable to have been a part of shaping it.”

David Rothstein, Insights Association board chair and chief executive of RTi Research, said: “David’s creativity, innovations, pursuit of excellence and support for others exemplifies the heart of those who created and nurtured the insights industry and profession. Our board and members are grateful for his service to our community.”