Zarina Ward joins Kantar Public as Global Chief People Officer

As Kantar Public commences life as an independent firm, it has appointed a new Global Chief People Officer. Zarina Ward joins the firm as it looks to strengthen its capabilities by ramping up its headcount.

Kantar Public’s Global CEO, Dr Michelle Harrison, said, “I am delighted to welcome Zarina to join us in the Kantar Public leadership team and as a member of our Global Board… We were looking for a CPO who would share our passion for what we do, and alongside our colleagues on the leadership team, work to ensure that we are providing our people with the best possible opportunities to develop their professional skills. In Zarina we have found an outstanding leader for the next phase of our journey.”

Launched in 2016, Kantar Public currently employs more than 700 people in over 20 countries. Initially part of the broader Kantar group, Kantar Public was part of a management buyout, backed by Trilantic Europe, earlier in 2022. Seeing Kantar Public establish itself as an independent business, the deal has seen Trilantic Europe partner with the management team to deliver Kantar Public’s next phase of purpose-based growth to create a better public realm.

A crucial part of that is the talent pool Kantar Public has access to. In her new role as Chief People Officer, will play a vital role in ensuring that the firm builds on its strong capabilities, deep expertise and inclusive culture in the coming months. In particular, a release from the firm noted the importance of Ward’s “deep expertise in Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) and a passion for inclusive, and therefore high-performing, people businesses”. 

On her appointment, Ward added, “I was inspired from the moment I spoke to Michelle about joining Kantar Public.  The opportunity to join a purpose-led organisation, ready to propel its people with a leading-edge employee proposition focused both on professional excellence and social purpose is irresistible.  In a world where securing and retaining talent is an on-going business challenge, it will be a privilege to join Kantar Public to shape a truly phenomenal people proposition.”

Bringing 15 years of experience to the role, Ward is well-versed in leading people and talent functions in professional services firms. Arriving from MindGym, where she led the People Function as Senior Vice-President, Ward was previously with a number of management consulting firms including Oliver Wyman. Before that, meanwhile, she had an extensive career in talent acquisition, including running her own business.