In an effort to accelerate its expansion and fortify its footprint in the United States, Leger, the largest Canadian-owned market research and analytics firm, proudly announces the addition of four stellar new members to its US team in sales and research, bringing decades of combined experience in Leger’s areas of focus.
Each of these new team members brings a rich tapestry of experiences and specialized skills that will significantly enhance our capabilities, drive innovation, and contribute to our mission of delivering actionable insights. Whether it’s CPG, health and wellness, luxury, retail, travel, and beyond, clients can continue to trust in Leger’s data as they make important decisions for their businesses.
The new team members who will join the team are:
- Wayne Link, Vice-President, Client Development
With over 30 years of experience in consumer insights, shopper insights, and brand management on the client side, Wayne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Wayne has demonstrated exceptional skill in applying strategic and data-driven approaches to achieve business results across a variety of business models including CPG, Hospitality, Retail, Pharmaceutical, and Durables. His notable accomplishments include leading innovative projects at MetrixLab, driving sales and differentiation at Ipsos, and pioneering virtual reality shopping software at PepsiCo.
- Ben Piper, Vice-President, Business Development
Ben has over two decades of experience helping brands extract actionable insights from data using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Ben has a rich background in research, spanning initial design through to full-service execution, data analysis, reporting, and storytelling. His broad experience covers a range of verticals including Consumer Packaged Goods CPG, Retail, Quick Service Restaurants, and Financial Services.
- Heather Hart, Associate Vice-President, Research
Heather's career is a testament to her passion for understanding customer needs, behaviors, and attitudes to craft strategic recommendations that elevate client satisfaction. With over two decades of experience on the supplier side and nearly a decade on the client side, Heather has led a vast array of marketing research projects across different industries and methodologies. Her expertise ensures that the insights she provides are not just relevant but also actionable. Heather's track record of success is built on a foundation of collaborative excellence and commitment to driving insights that matter.
- Matthew Luff, Vice-President, Business Development
Matthew is a seasoned consumer insights and sales leader with extensive experience in driving product innovation and building strategic relationships to enhance business growth. He recently was Vice President of Client Service at NAILBITER in Chicago, where he significantly contributed to product development and client relations. Prior to this role, Matthew held various leadership positions at Nielsen BASES from 2004 to 2022, where he specialized in the global restaurant sector, leading teams and boosting revenue growth. He began his career in client consulting and research analysis in the UK, quickly advancing through roles that underscored his ability to grow client relationships and manage high-stakes projects.
Alicia Ierardi, Executive Vice President, USA, at Leger, shared her perspective on this pivotal expansion, stating, “The decision to bring on board four distinguished professionals into our US division is more than a step towards enlarging our team: it's a leap into the future of expanding our AI, market research, innovation and analytics capabilities. With these hires' skillsets, we are enhancing our ability to listen to the pulse of the American market, anticipate trends, and deliver insights that drive success.”