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Meet the Leadership team

Although we’re all experts in market research, Vanson Bourne is built around a range of people performing different specialised and skilled tasks. Many of us work together on all research we perform to ensure that every project is authoritative, robust, and provides the best possible insight.

Neil Thorington
Managing Director
Caroline Foster
Finance Director
Chloe Byrne
Research Director
Dawn Smith
Operations Director
Neil Thorington
Managing Director

Neil has been Vanson Bourne’s Managing Director since 2018 and he takes a leading role in the development and implementation of our innovation-led strategy. Having gained a degree in Computer Science and Economics from the University of Kwazulu-Natal, Neil’s early career saw him working in the Information Technology departments of leading blue-chip companies before segueing across to market research some twenty five years ago. Since then, Neil has successfully led a variety of market research functions for some of the world’s largest and most innovative agencies.

Caroline Foster
Finance Director

Caroline joined Vanson Bourne in 2022 and leads the Business Services team which incorporates the finance, HR, IT and office management functions of the business. She joined to set up in-house finance processes, structure and reporting in line with the changing requirements of a growing business.

Caroline has been a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants since 2005 and has worked in a number of finance roles across many industries including aviation, construction, manufacturing and professional services.

Outside of work, Caroline loves to travel and, when at home, can be found walking her Golden Retriever, being a taxi service to her teenager or doing jigsaw puzzles.

Chloe Byrne
Research Director

Chloe joined Vanson Bourne in 2014 and now heads the Research Consulting team, dedicated to providing each client with exceptional support and a uniquely tailored service. Previously, as Head of Innovations, Chloe has always been forward-looking, exploring how emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, can enhance our delivery for our clients. In 2024, Chloe was honoured with the Market Research Society Research Heroes award for her outstanding contributions to the field. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys playing the piano, and trying out new crafts.

Dawn Smith
Operations Director

Dawn joined the Ops Team at Vanson Bourne in 2021, and has brought her extensive experience in data services, programming, scripting and management roles to bear. She’s driving team collaboration, efficiency improvements and streamlining workflows, whilst expanding the products we can offer clients and the skillsets across the teams.

Dawn delights in testing a new piece of software, learning new processes and loves it when her code works. She is relishing what she can do with AI, but equally frustrated with it too. She is also a huge advocate for data quality, and has found a perfect fit with Vanson Bourne.

Now our Operations Director, she brings her many, many* years of experience from small to large agencies, along with many anecdotes and ‘do you remember …?’ moments, that unfortunately, no-one else does. She is a Certified member of the MRS, a member of the ASC, and can be relied on for any advice on gardening. Always happy to discuss the best way to deal with slugs!

* (her words)

Learn about life
at Vanson Bourne

Working in the fast-moving, ever-developing world of technology, a career at Vanson Bourne offers something different every single day.

One of the best things about working at Vanson Bourne is the super supportive environment, I felt it from day one! Every day’s different, with lots to learn and chances to grow, plus working across teams keeps things fun, fresh, and full of positive energy.
Gurmeet, Scripting Manager
VB is one big family, with a very supportive and collaborative culture. The work is varied, meaning no day is ever the same. Work is a big part of life, making it so important that you enjoy it and the people you work with – VB ticks both of those boxes, promoting work-life balance, even when things get busy.
Lauren, Senior Research Manager

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