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MRSI honours top researchers at 7th Golden Key Awards in Mumbai
Industry leaders celebrate research excellence as AI reshapes insights
MUMBAI: The market research industry gathered in Mumbai last week to celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of insights.
The Market Research Society of India held the seventh edition of its Golden Key Awards on 6 March, recognising excellence across the research and analytics ecosystem. The event brought together industry leaders, brand custodians, researchers and young professionals, with 14 awards and a lifetime achievement honour presented during the evening.
Esomar consultant and president Anne-Sophie Damelincourt, delivered the inaugural address and highlighted how technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the research industry. She noted that deeper collaboration between global and regional players will be crucial as the sector adapts to new tools and evolving data landscapes.
Esomar consultant and president anne-sophie damelincourt said the organisation is working with MRSI on a joint event focused on AI and technology scheduled for 2027. She added that the initiative aims to bring together researchers, technologists and business leaders to discuss responsible applications of AI in insights and research while encouraging global collaboration.
The evening also featured a fireside chat titled The Craft of Quiet Brilliance with national award winning actor Vikrant Massey. In conversation with Shafali Arora, Massey reflected on his professional journey and the importance of resilience and authenticity, drawing parallels between storytelling in cinema and the art of building meaningful insights in research.
Alongside the awards, MRSI also unveiled its refreshed logo, signalling an evolution in the organisation’s identity. The new visual language aims to reflect the body’s role as a hub for expertise and innovation in India’s research and insights community while reinforcing its focus on ethical standards and industry excellence.
Among the winners, Hindustan Unilever Limited and several research firms featured prominently across categories ranging from technology innovation to business impact. Rohit Bansal of Hindustan Unilever Limited was named Best Researcher Under 30, while Kantar won Best Operations Team of the Year. Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt Ltd received awards for both client servicing and the use of artificial intelligence.
Other winners included Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited for Best Client Insight Team, Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd for Best Business Impact Through Analytics, and Quantum Consumer Solutions for Best Research Methodology Innovation.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to B V Pradeep in recognition of his long standing contribution to the research and insights community.
Tam Media Research chief growth and partnerships officer and MRSI president Nitin Kamat said the industry in India is experiencing significant growth driven by digital transformation, changing consumer behaviour and the increasing role of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics. He added that the Golden Key Awards continue to highlight how research can deliver meaningful strategic and business impact while raising the standards of excellence across the ecosystem.
The seventh edition of the awards was supported by several industry partners including Advent International, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestlé India, ITC Limited, Amazon, NielsenIQ and Ipsos, among others.
ITV News
Marico hands Pawan Agrawal charge of international business alongside CFO role
The consumer goods company restructures its global operations, with two regional heads now reporting to Agrawal and losing senior management personnel status from April 1st
MUMBAI: Marico Limited has given its group chief financial officer a bigger brief. The consumer goods company has elevated Pawan Agrawal to the dual role of group CFO and chief executive officer of its international business, effective April 1st, 2026, the company disclosed in an exchange filing on Wednesday.
The expanded mandate puts Agrawal in charge of Marico’s global operations across all markets, adding to his existing oversight of the company’s international business in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh. Two regional heads will now report directly to him: Binjit Kadakapcedlikayal, executive vice president for the Middle East and North Africa, and Ryan Bartram, managing director of Marico South Africa. As a result of the restructuring, both executives will cease to be classified as senior management personnel from April 1st, 2026.
Agrawal is no newcomer to the Marico story. He joined the company in 2004 and has spent over 25 years building expertise across financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, treasury, investor relations, taxation and governance. He has been a central figure in Marico’s push into digital-first brands, with acquisitions including Beardo, Just Herbs, True Elements, Plix, 4700BC and Cosmix all bearing his fingerprints.
Before Marico, Agrawal spent four years at Eveready Industries. A chartered accountant, he holds a B.Com (Hons) degree from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and was named CFO of the Year in the consumer sector at the CII CFO Excellence Awards 2023-24.
Twenty-five years in the making. Marico has clearly decided Agrawal has earned the keys to the world.
