Women to watch in market research in 2026

New tech, shifting consumer expectations and even more pressure to turn data into clear business decisions are changing what strong insights leadership looks like. As a result, influence in the industry isn’t just about seniority, it’s about who’s shaping conversations and pushing the industry forward.

This list highlights women who were particularly visible over the past year, from conference stages to LinkedIn conversations to their work inside major organizations and more. 

Some are long-established leaders, while others are emerging voices gaining momentum. What they share is impact: They’re advancing how insights teams operate and how organizations actually use consumer understanding to make better decisions.

As we enter 2026, these are the women worth paying attention to — not just for where they work, but for how they’re influencing the future of insights. Let’s dive in!

Below are five extraordinary women to watch in 2026:

Laura Barber, Founder and Chief Wave Maker, The Ripple Impact Ltd.

Laura Barber is the founder of The Ripple Impact Ltd., a leadership and insights platform focused on human stories and strategic thinking. Through her podcast and thought leadership, she elevates conversations about leadership, brand strategy, human behavior and how small moments create lasting change.

Why to watch in 2026: Laura’s work brings a human-centered lens to strategic insights and leadership, blending behavioral perspectives with storytelling. As the industry places greater value on storytelling and impact-led thinking, her voice offers a strong viewpoint on how and why insights matter beyond data alone.

Natalia Tomaszewska-Lumpkin, VP, Consumer Insights PepsiCo Foods North America

Natalia is a senior global insights leader at PepsiCo, where she helps translate consumer and shopper behavior into innovation and portfolio decisions across their global organization. Her work reflects the growing expectation that insights teams operate as strategic partners, not just research providers.

Why to watch in 2026: As CPG companies continue to rethink how insights supports faster innovation and more connected decision-making, Natalia’s work at PepsiCo highlights what modern insights leadership looks like: Collaborative and closely aligned to business outcomes. Her visibility through speaking engagements and thought leadership content in 2025 also signals a growing voice in the broader insights community.

Myralda Derks, Chief Customer & Business Intelligence Officer, L’Oréal

Myralda Derks leads one of the most sophisticated global customer and intelligence functions in the industry. At L’Oréal, she sits at the center of consumer insights and business strategy, ensuring insights directly inform innovation and creative effectiveness. She was a key speaker at Cannes Lions 2025 on the role of intelligence in creative effectiveness and business decision-making, helping bridge the gap between insight and execution.

Why to watch in 2026: As brands push for tighter connections between insights, creativity and business outcomes, Myralda’s role reflects where the industry is heading. Her work highlights how intelligence and insights functions are evolving from support teams into core strategic drivers, making her a key leader to watch.

Jennifer Mancusi, CEO & Co-Founder, Growgetter

Jenn leads Growgetter, a company positioned at the crossroads of insights, marketing strategy and growth consulting. Her consistent visibility at key industry summits (such as Women in Research executive events) highlights her growing influence in shaping leader development and community building for women in research. 

Why to watch in 2026: Her blend of insights practice, storytelling and community leadership positions her as an emerging connector across research. Her thought leadership continues beyond her CEO role at Growgetter, including her session at the 2025 US WIRe Executive Leadership Summit, making her a voice to track as the industry emphasizes leadership development and inclusive networks. 

Shazia Ginai, Founder & Insight Strategist, Exhale Expand Ltd.

Shazia is a strategy and insights expert with a rich background, spanning C-suite leadership in global insights functions and consultancy.She serves as an advisory board member for Women in Research (WiRe) and is a featured speaker and facilitator at insights leadership summits.

Why to watch in 2026: Shazia’s influence continued to grow in 2025 where served as a session speaker at the US WIRe Executive Leadership Summit as well as WIRe Executive Leadership Summit Europe. Beyond live events, she appeared on leadership-focused podcasts, discussing topics such as navigating toxic workplace cultures and redefining success on more human terms. As the insights and research industry places greater emphasis on wellbeing and inclusive leadership, Shazia’s voice is increasingly relevant and worth watching in 2026.

If you’re working in market research in 2026, here’s how to put this list to work:

• Follow intentionally: Track these leaders on LinkedIn and through podcasts and newsletters, especially those regularly sharing thinking beyond their company walls.

• Watch the conference circuit: Many of these women are active at WIRe, MRS events, Cannes Lions and global leadership summits. Their speaking topics often preview where the industry is heading next.

• Look for shared themes: Across this list, recurring focus areas include AI in insights, cultural intelligence, creative effectiveness and leadership evolution — all useful signals for where to invest skills and tools.

• Use as a benchmark: For insights leaders and teams, this list can serve as a reference point for how roles are expanding beyond “research delivery.”

• Revisit annually: Influence in insights moves quickly. Use this as a living list, tracking who continues to show up, who’s gaining visibility and which new voices emerge as we continue into 2026.

The contributions of these women are shaping the industry in profound ways. Follow these leading and emerging trailblazers, learn from their experiences and join them in advancing the field of market research!