Harrison (pictured, left), who has been chief executive of the business, formerly Kantar Public, for almost 10 years, will move to become president of Verian and chair of the new Institute, as well as sitting on the board. 

Verian’s chief operating officer, Philippa Edward (pictured, right), will assume the role of chief executive. Edward joined Kantar in 2024 and prior to that was chief operating officer at commodity intelligence services business ICIS.

As chief executive, she is tasked with growing Verian’s innovation in data collection and the use of AI, expanding its current offers to more markets and simplifying the company’s structure and ways of working. 

Verian is headquartered in London, with offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific and in the US.

The Verian Institute for Public Impact will be a forum to convene individuals including policymakers and citizens with the aim of more effective formulation of government policy.  Verian said further details would be released in ‘the coming weeks', but the move aims to support the company’s growth plans and help clients to have greater impact.

Verian, formerly Kantar’s public sector evidence and advisory division Kantar Public, divested from Kantar Group in September 2022 and sold to private equity firm Trilantic Europe. The business rebranded to Verian a year later.

Verian chair Eric Salama said: “Our business has thrived since we separated from Kantar, and we have gained share against our major competitors. But with the external environment changing rapidly and our clients in need of ever more cost-effective and impactful solutions, we must continue evolving. With Michelle and Philippa in their new roles, I have no doubt that we will be successful in doing so.”

Philippa Edward said: “The newly established Verian Institute will be a critical partner on the journey ahead – Verian will no doubt benefit from even stronger connection to our clients and continued access to the intellect and passion of Michelle Harrison.”