Kelly Beaver MBE: A Leading Figure in Research and Social Sciences

Kelly Beaver MBE, the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, has made significant contributions to the fields of research, academia, and public policy. As a highly respected leader in the market research sector, Kelly’s leadership, dedication to evidence-based decision-making, and advocacy for gender equality in the workplace have earned her both professional acclaim and personal recognition.

Kelly Beaver’s Early Life and Education

Born in January 1983, Kelly Beaver hails from Northern Ireland. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her remarkable career in research and social sciences. She pursued higher education at Queen’s University Belfast, where she honed her analytical and academic skills. With a clear passion for research and policy, Kelly advanced her education to make meaningful contributions to social science, shaping her future in the world of market research.

Her academic excellence continued well beyond her university years, as Kelly became a Fellow of the UK Academy for Social Sciences and a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London. She also holds the distinguished position of Gwilym Gibbon Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford University. These roles reflect her commitment to furthering social science research, both within the academic community and in the wider world of public policy.

Kelly Beaver Age

Kelly Beaver was born in January 1983, making her approximately 43 years old as of early 2026.

Kelly Beaver Ipsos

Kelly Beaver’s career trajectory is a testament to her exceptional leadership and influence in the world of research. She joined Ipsos in 2008, where she quickly rose through the ranks. She has held various roles at Ipsos, starting as a Consultant at PwC Consulting and later progressing to senior positions. Her expertise in social research and corporate reputation management made her a valuable asset to Ipsos and its clients.

In 2011, Kelly became the Head of Policy & Evaluation at Ipsos MORI’s Social Research Institute. In this role, she led the development of an evaluation discipline across all policy areas, both nationally and internationally. Her contributions were instrumental in shaping the landscape of public opinion research in the UK and Europe.

In 2017, Kelly was promoted to Deputy Managing Director, Public Affairs at Ipsos, and by 2018, she was appointed Managing Director of Ipsos’s UK Public Affairs division. Her leadership within the company helped solidify Ipsos’s reputation as a leader in the field of public opinion research.

In November 2021, Kelly became the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, a role that she continues to hold with distinction. As Chief Executive, she has guided Ipsos through numerous challenges, always prioritising the use of evidence to inform decision-making and support the company’s clients across various industries.

Kelly Beaver’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Parental Leave

One of the defining aspects of Kelly Beaver’s leadership is her advocacy for gender equality and work-life balance. Throughout her career, she has consistently championed the importance of breaking down barriers for both women and men in the workplace.

In 2014, Kelly shared that her husband was one of the first in his workplace to take extended paternity leave to support her as she returned to work after the birth of their daughter. This progressive stance on parental leave is a reflection of Kelly’s broader commitment to equal parental leave policies and supporting both mothers and fathers during the early stages of parenthood.

Kelly’s belief in the importance of flexible working has influenced policies at Ipsos, where she has worked hard to implement hybrid working models and ensure that the organisation fosters a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of their gender or caregiving responsibilities.

Kelly Beaver MBE: A Recognised Leader

In June 2022, Kelly was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. She received this prestigious recognition for her services to research, academia, and the COVID-19 response. The award acknowledges not only her professional achievements but also her significant contribution to the national effort during the pandemic, where Ipsos played a vital role in providing data-driven insights to inform government and public health policies.

Kelly’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic saw Ipsos pivot quickly to provide valuable public opinion data that helped shape the UK’s response to the crisis. Her ability to balance operational leadership with her academic expertise enabled Ipsos to remain at the forefront of market research during a challenging time.

Kelly Beaver: A Passion for Research and Evidence-based Decision Making

At the heart of Kelly’s work is a passion for evidence-based decision-making. Whether in her leadership at Ipsos or her roles within academia, Kelly consistently emphasises the importance of using rigorous data and research to inform public policy and business decisions. She regularly speaks at conferences, provides commentary on current affairs, and engages with senior leaders on a range of topics, from trust and gender equality to employee engagement and consumer behaviour.

Her extensive work in the research sector has not only contributed to shaping public discourse but has also helped to elevate the role of research in decision-making at the highest levels. Kelly is a regular commentator in the national press and broadcast media, where she shares insights on public opinion, political trends, and societal issues.

Kelly Beaver’s Leadership Style and Philosophy

As a leader, Kelly is known for her open-door policy and her commitment to team visibility. She places a strong emphasis on supporting her team members and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Kelly’s leadership style is grounded in her belief that employees should be supported holistically, not just as workers, but as people with lives outside of work.

In her role as Chief Executive, Kelly makes a point of being visible and accessible, allowing her colleagues to engage with her directly and share ideas, concerns, and feedback. This approach has earned her respect and admiration from her team and peers alike.

Kelly Beaver husband

Kelly Beaver is married, and her husband took paternity leave in 2014 to support her after their daughter’s birth.

Kelly Beaver’s Family Life: Balancing Work and Parenthood

Kelly Beaver is also a devoted mother, and much of her leadership philosophy centres around maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She makes time to spend with her family, particularly her daughter, and prioritises quality time at home, ensuring that she is present for important family moments.

In addition to her work at Ipsos, Kelly actively participates in community initiatives and has a long-standing commitment to supporting social welfare causes. Her work extends beyond the business world, demonstrating her dedication to improving society through both her professional and personal efforts.

Conclusion

Kelly Beaver MBE’s journey from a young academic to the Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland showcases a commitment to excellence in both research and leadership. Her work in market research, public affairs, and gender equality has not only shaped the industry but has also set a benchmark for what it means to be a successful, ethical leader in the modern workplace.

Through her continued dedication to supporting employees, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and balancing the demands of family life with a high-powered career, Kelly Beaver remains an influential figure who continues to inspire others in the world of business, academia, and beyond.

In conclusion, Kelly Beaver’s career serves as a powerful example of how leadership can have a far-reaching impact, not just within a company but in society as a whole. Her contributions to Ipsos, academia, and social science research are invaluable, and her work continues to inspire and shape future generations of leaders.

FAQs

NewsDip.co.uk