Cole (pictured) is managing director at IT research solutions Cobalt Sky and is serving her second term on the MRS main board. 

James Endersby is currently chair at MRS, having taken up the role in April 2024 for a two-year term, with Cole due to take over the position in 2026.

MRS has also confirmed that main board membership elections will be held from 3rd to 28th February 2025, with three positions available. 

The list of nominees for the main board elections are: Fiona Blades, Kirsty Fuller, Seema Hope, Elizabeth Norman, James Sallows, Iosetta Santini, Sabrina Trinquetel, Flora Vieites and Alexander Wheatley. 

Cole said: “Assuming the role of chair designate of the Market Research Society is both an incredible honour and a responsibility that I am eager to do justice to.

“I look forward to working alongside the exceptional MRS team, building on the fantastic work led by current chair James Endersby. Together, we will confidently navigate the future of AI and technology, driving forwards with purpose and seizing opportunities to champion the power of insight.”

James Endersby said: “I’m excited to work alongside Rebecca in her new role as chair designate of MRS for the next year because I think she will make an outstanding chair, and I’m delighted that I will be handing over the reins to her.

“No one is more hard working, knowledgeable and passionate about our society. Our £9bn sector faces numerous challenges and to have someone of Bec’s calibre leading the board, safe to say, the sector is in very safe hands indeed.”

Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS, added: “Rebecca has significant experience in online data collection and data analytics and processing. She is fully immersed in the development of the interface and integration of AI and other technological developments within research and is committed to helping build on MRS’ already significant services in this space.

“Rebecca is already well known for her work as a main board member of MRS and her many other roles, including as the inaugural chair of MRS’s Representation in Research Group.”