Mumbai, Mar 09: The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) marked the 7th edition of the Golden Key Awards on Friday, 6th March, celebrating excellence and innovation across the market research and insights ecosystem. The event brought together industry leaders, brand custodians, researchers, and young professionals. A total of 14 awards, along with the Lifetime Achievement Award, were conferred to recognise outstanding contributions shaping the future of market research.
Anne-Sophie Damelincourt, Consultant, and President of ESOMAR, brought a global perspective to the ceremony, highlighting the rapid evolution of the research and insights industry, with technology and AI reshaping the way insights are generated and applied. Speaking on the future of the industry and deeper global collaboration, Anne-Sophie Damelincourt said,
“We are currently working on a joint ESOMAR-MRSI event on AI and technology scheduled for 2027. This will not be just another event, it will be a platform for deep dialogue between researchers, technologists, and business leaders, offering practical guidance on applying AI responsibly in research and insights, while bringing together global and regional perspectives to shape what’s next. By co-creating this initiative, ESOMAR and MRSI are sending a clear signal: the future of insights will be collaborative, global and grounded in ethics.”
In an engaging fireside chat titled The Craft of Quiet Brilliance with Shafali Arora, Vikrant Massey, National Award-winning actor, shared candid reflections on his journey, the setbacks that shaped him, and the importance of staying true to one’s craft. Drawing parallels between storytelling in cinema and insight-building in research, he spoke about resilience, authenticity, and the power of narratives that connect with people on a deeper level.
The following were the winners across 13 categories;
- ·Best Researcher Under 30: Rohit Bansal of Hindustan Unilever Limited
- ·Best Operations Team of the Year: Kantar
- ·Best Client Servicing Team of the Year: Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd.
- ·Best Client Insight Team of the Year: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited
- ·Most Effective Story-Teller Award: Hindustan Unilever Limited and SprintStudio.ai
- ·The Best Data Collection Innovation Award: Ipsos and Hindustan Unilever Limited (jointly awarded)
- ·Best Research Methodology Innovation Award: Quantum Consumer Solutions and Hindustan Unilever Limited
- ·Most Innovative Use of Technology Award: Hindustan Unilever Limited
- ·The Best Use of AI Award: Third Eye Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd. and The Qlue
- ·Best Research in the Social and Developmental Sector: PVALUE ANALYTICS
- ·Best Communication Crafting Research: Jigsaw Brand Consultants and Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited
- ·Best Business Impact Through Analytics: Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd.
- ·Best Business Impact Through Research: Quantum Consumer Solutions and Hindustan Unilever Limited (jointly awarded)
Additionally, the Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to B.V. Pradeep, recognising his lasting impact on the research and insights community.
Nitin Kamat, Chief Growth & Partnerships Officer, TAM Media Research and President, MRSI, said,
“The market research and insights industry in India is witnessing significant growth, driven by digital acceleration, evolving consumer expectations, and the integration of AI and advanced analytics. With each edition, the Golden Key Awards continue to recognise work that demonstrates the power of research in delivering strategic, communication, and business impact, while reflecting the evolving standards of excellence across the ecosystem. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions and for raising the bar of excellence in the industry.”
The 7th Golden Key Awards was supported by Advent International, Haleon, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Nestlé India, ITC Limited, Kantar, Amazon, Toluna, VTION, Tata Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd., Diageo, TheLightbulb, NielsenIQ, Third Eye Integrated Services, Knowledge Excel, Ipsos, and Global Matrix Survey.
