MRSI to present B.V. Pradeep with Lifetime Achievement Award at 7th Golden Key Awards

~ 7^th Golden Key Awards will take place on March 6, 2026, in Mumbai ~

February 24^th, 2026; Mumbai, India: The Market Research Society of India (MRSI) today announces that B.V. Pradeep will be presented with Lifetime Achievement honours at the upcoming 7^th Golden Key Awards. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, B.V. Pradeep has been a defining force in shaping the evolution of market research into a strategic business function globally and in India. Continuing to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership across the research and insights sector, the 7^th edition of MRSI’s coveted Golden Key Awards will take place on March 6, 2026, in Mumbai.

An Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore alumnus, B.V. Pradeep spent nearly three decades in key leadership roles with Unilever in India and abroad, where he pioneered several path-breaking research frameworks and insight-led methodologies that became global best practices. Having championed consumer centricity in his early days, he is credited with laying the foundation that transformed the MR function formally into the Consumer & Market Insights (CMI) role and function. Among his other significant contributions are conceptualising, designing, piloting and landing several consumer insight systems and workshop processes, at scale, to deliver high-quality, impactful, actionable insights. From revolutionising sensory research in tea and brand equity measurement in the 1990s to developing behaviour change models, consumer-centricity programs, and strategic insight systems, B.V. Pradeep’s work fundamentally redefined how organisations engage with consumers and translate insights into action.

In addition to his contribution in India, B.V. Pradeep has been a prominent figure in the global research and insights ecosystem. His influence extends through engagements with ESOMAR, where he served on the Governing Council as the Vice President and Treasurer. He also played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s standing in the global Market Research industry. He served as the Chairperson of the Joint Technical Committee for Television Audience Measurement, a Governing Council Member of Media Research Users Council (MRUC) and was also MRSI’s President from 1999 to 2005.  He currently leads his consultancy Catalyst-4ur-Growth, where he continues to provide strategy and support to clients and research agencies in areas of marketing, insights and analytics.

Speaking on the same, Nitin Kamat, Chief Growth & Partnerships Officer, TAM Media Research and President at Market Research Society of India, said, “B.V. Pradeep’s contribution goes far beyond methodologies and frameworks; he shaped mindsets and expanded the horizon for the sector’s growth beyond FMCG. His work placed consumers at the heart of organisations and elevated insights as a strategic growth lever. He has also played a critical role in shaping MRSI’s position and we are truly honoured to recognise his unparalleled legacy with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Key Awards.”

Paru Minocha, Managing Director, Qualitative Head, APAC at Kantar, and Committee Chair for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7^th Golden Key Awards, added, “B.V. Pradeep’s contribution to the research and insights industry cannot be measured. He has pioneered frameworks that unlocked growth for both clients and agencies and has been pivotal in creating a space for India in the research industry globally. His work consistently strengthened the strategic role of consumer insights. We deeply appreciate his contributions and thank him for his lasting impact that shaped the future of the research and insights in India.”

The esteemed jury panel for the Lifetime Achievement Award was chaired by C K Sharma, Former Strategic Consultant and Principal, Gallup. He was joined on the jury by Chandan Mukherji, Ex-Director & Senior Vice President, Strategy, Marketing & Communication, Nestlé India; Manish Makhijani, CEO, Hygiene Care – RSPL.; Dr. Meena Kaushik, Chairperson, Quantum Consumer Solutions Pvt. Ltd and Prasun Basu – Chairman, Inteliphyle Ltd.

MRSI’s Golden Key Awards continue to stand as a benchmark of recognition and celebration within the research and insights ecosystem by honouring the vital role of research, insights, and the professionals behind them.