Kelly Beaver: A Visionary Leader in Market Research and Social Sciences
Kelly Beaver MBE is a prominent figure in the world of market research, leadership, and public affairs. As the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, she has made a significant impact on the research industry, with her career spanning several decades. Known for her commitment to evidence-based decision-making, her advocacy for gender equality, and her exceptional leadership at Ipsos, Kelly Beaver’s journey offers valuable insights into the world of corporate leadership and social impact. In this article, we explore Kelly Beaver’s age, education, family life, career at Ipsos, and her MBE recognition.
Kelly Beaver Age, Early Life and Education
Born in January 1983, Kelly Beaver is currently around 43 years old. She hails from Northern Ireland and attended Queen’s University Belfast, where she developed a keen interest in social research and policy evaluation. This solid academic foundation set the stage for her career in the world of public policy, research, and market analytics.
Her education continued to shape her professional trajectory. Today, Kelly holds several prestigious academic positions, including being a Fellow of the UK Academy for Social Sciences and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London. Additionally, she serves as a Gwilym Gibbon Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford University, where she contributes to advancing the field of social sciences.
Kelly Beaver Ipsos
Kelly Beaver’s career with Ipsos, one of the largest global market research companies, spans over a decade. She joined Ipsos in 2008, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her expertise in public affairs, corporate reputation management, and social research.
In 2011, Kelly became the Head of Policy & Evaluation at Ipsos MORI’s Social Research Institute, where she led research initiatives across policy areas both within the UK and internationally. Her work helped shape public opinion research, ensuring that policies were informed by credible, data-driven insights.
Kelly’s career at Ipsos reached new heights when she was appointed Managing Director of Ipsos’s UK Public Affairs division in 2018. Here, she guided Ipsos through complex political and social landscapes, providing valuable data to policymakers and businesses alike. In November 2021, she was appointed Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, where she currently leads the company with a focus on innovation, research excellence, and social responsibility.
Kelly Beaver’s Leadership and Impact
Kelly’s leadership style is characterised by a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, collaboration, and workplace flexibility. Under her guidance, Ipsos has implemented policies that focus on employee development and diversity. As a female leader in a male-dominated industry, Kelly is a passionate advocate for gender equality. She believes that organisations should support not only the professional development of their employees but also their personal lives, especially when it comes to parental leave.
Her commitment to supporting both men and women in balancing work and family life is evident in her personal experiences. In 2014, Kelly’s husband was one of the first in his workplace to take an extended paternity leave, allowing him to share the caregiving responsibilities when their daughter was born. This experience influenced Kelly’s advocacy for equal parental leave policies at Ipsos and in the broader business world.
Kelly Beaver MBE
In June 2022, Kelly Beaver was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to research, academia, and the COVID-19 response. This prestigious recognition was awarded as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The MBE acknowledges Kelly’s extensive contributions to the research community, particularly her leadership at Ipsos during the pandemic, where the company’s insights on public opinion played a crucial role in shaping the UK’s response to the crisis.
As a leader, Kelly’s influence extends beyond her corporate responsibilities. She frequently engages with the media and public, providing expert commentary on topics like public opinion, consumer trends, employee engagement, and leadership. Her ability to communicate complex research findings in an accessible manner has made her a highly respected figure in both the business and academic communities.
Kelly Beaver Husband and Family Life
Kelly Beaver is also a proud mother, and her family life plays an important role in her ability to lead effectively. She is married, and her husband has supported her in balancing their family responsibilities. As mentioned earlier, her husband took paternity leave to allow Kelly to return to work after their daughter was born, demonstrating their shared commitment to parenting and family life.
Despite the demands of her high-profile career, Kelly makes it a point to spend quality time with her daughter and husband. She values her family time and ensures that she maintains a healthy balance between her professional and personal life. This balance, she believes, is key to being an effective leader and fostering a positive workplace culture at Ipsos.
Kelly Beaver’s Influence on Ipsos and the Research Industry
Under Kelly Beaver’s leadership, Ipsos has remained at the forefront of market research. Her vision for Ipsos UK and Ireland is rooted in the belief that research should always be at the service of public good. Whether it is providing policy evaluations, conducting public opinion polling, or offering consumer insights, Kelly has ensured that Ipsos remains committed to delivering high-quality, impactful research.
Her leadership extends beyond Ipsos, as she also serves as a Trustee for Foundations, the What Works Centre for Children and Families, where she contributes to improving the lives of children and families through evidence-based interventions.
Kelly Beaver’s Legacy
Kelly Beaver’s journey from a young academic to the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in research and leadership. Her work has had a profound impact on the research industry, and her advocacy for gender equality, employee wellbeing, and parental leave has set new standards for the workplace.
Her MBE award and recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours are well-deserved acknowledgements of her hard work and dedication to improving the world through research and data-driven insights. As Kelly continues to lead Ipsos, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of leaders to prioritise both professional and personal responsibilities, while making meaningful contributions to society.
Conclusion
Kelly Beaver’s contributions to research, public affairs, and social science have earned her a distinguished place in the corporate and academic worlds. Her role as the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland is a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a passion for evidence-based decision-making. Kelly’s age, education, career at Ipsos, and family life all combine to form a remarkable journey of leadership, and her MBE is a well-deserved recognition of her efforts to make the world a better place through research and social responsibility.
FAQs
1. Who is Kelly Beaver?
Kelly Beaver MBE is the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, a leader in market research, public affairs, and social science advocacy.
2. How old is Kelly Beaver?
Kelly Beaver was born in January 1983, making her approximately 43 years old as of early 2026.
3. Is Kelly Beaver married?
Yes, Kelly Beaver is married. Her husband took paternity leave to support her after their daughter was born in 2014.
4. What is Kelly Beaver’s role at Ipsos?
Kelly Beaver is the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, leading the company in market research, public opinion polling, and social research.
