The global research and insights industry is undergoing a leadership transition that signals a new era of strategic direction, as one of its most prominent foundations announced sweeping changes to its governance structure this week.
The ESOMAR Foundation, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, has appointed Karin Lieshout as its new President, succeeding John Kearon, who held the position since 2017. The move comes as the organization seeks to deepen its global impact across education, professional development, and community-driven initiatives in the market research sector.
A Leader With a Track Record of Transformation
Lieshout brings substantial corporate credentials to the role. As Co-CEO of SKIM, she played a pivotal role in transforming the firm from a modest startup into a globally recognized insights consultancy. Her experience scaling a business across international markets positions her well to lead an organization that operates at the intersection of industry development and social impact.
The appointment reflects a broader trend in the professional services sector, where foundations and industry bodies are increasingly turning to executives with proven commercial track records rather than traditional nonprofit leaders. Lieshout has signaled her intention to “deepen its impact for the benefit of our community,” suggesting a strategy that will likely blend business acumen with the foundation’s established philanthropic mission.
New Board Brings Diverse Industry Expertise
Alongside the presidential transition, the foundation has made several strategic additions to its board of directors, each bringing distinct capabilities that reflect the organization’s evolving priorities.
Mayke Harkema, also of SKIM, joins the board fresh off receiving the 2025 ESOMAR Young Enterprise Specialist Award, bringing a next-generation perspective to an industry grappling with rapid technological disruption. Her appointment signals the foundation’s commitment to integrating emerging talent into its leadership pipeline.
Jon Arthurs of Toluna adds a sustainability lens to the board’s deliberations. As environmental, social, and governance considerations become increasingly central to corporate strategy across all sectors, his expertise could help position the foundation at the forefront of responsible business practices within the research industry.
Dave Phillips of Kantar rounds out the new appointments, contributing more than four decades of industry experience. His deep institutional knowledge of the market research landscape provides the board with historical context and strategic continuity during a period of transition.
Strengthened Oversight Structure
The governance overhaul extends beyond the operational board. Martha Llobet and Lucy Davison, both members of the Esomar Council, have been appointed to the foundation’s Supervisory Board. This dual-layer governance structure mirrors best practices in European corporate governance and suggests a more rigorous approach to organizational oversight and accountability.
The strengthened supervisory function could prove particularly important as the foundation expands its programming portfolio, which currently includes education initiatives, scholarship programs, and the OneDay volunteer program that mobilizes industry professionals for community service.
Industry Context and Strategic Implications
The leadership restructuring comes at a critical juncture for the global insights industry. Market research firms worldwide are navigating the disruption caused by artificial intelligence, shifting consumer data regulations, and evolving client expectations around speed and accuracy of insights delivery.
For the foundation, these industry dynamics create both challenges and opportunities. The growing complexity of the research landscape increases demand for the kind of education and professional development programs the organization provides. At the same time, the rapid pace of change requires nimble leadership capable of adapting programming to meet emerging needs.
The transition from Kearon’s nine-year tenure to Lieshout’s presidency also represents a generational shift in how industry organizations approach their missions. Where previous leaders may have focused primarily on traditional philanthropic activities, the new leadership team appears positioned to take a more integrated approach that connects foundation activities directly to industry competitiveness and workforce development.
As the research and insights sector continues to consolidate and evolve, the strength of its professional infrastructure, including organizations like this foundation, will play an increasingly important role in shaping the industry’s trajectory and maintaining its relevance in a data-driven economy.
