Dudding (pictured) joins the company from Nielsen, where she spent 11 years as associate director. Prior to Nielsen, she was a market research analyst at New Zealand Post. Her background in public affairs research includes work with Worksafe New Zealand, Regenerate Christchurch and the State Services Commission.

As part of the senior management team for Ipsos Public Affairs in Australia and New Zealand, Dudding will be responsible for driving the company’s public affairs strategy, expertise and senior client engagement.

Dudding takes up the role with immediate effect. Based in Wellington, she will report to Ipsos New Zealand managing director Carin Hercock.

Hercock said: “Amanda is the ideal candidate to lead our Public Affairs research in New Zealand. Her depth of research knowledge and experience, as well as her ability to build strong and collaborative relationships with her clients, are a tremendous asset as Ipsos continues with our determined expansion in the New Zealand market.”