Arrivals & Departures: Sarah Bolger appointed Colmar Brunton MD

EditorA+D, News Make a Comment

Sarah Bolger, formerly the chief client officer at research outfit Colmar Brunton NZ, has been announced as managing director of the company.

Bolger has more than 20 years’ experience in the market research industry, with more than a decade of that time with Colmar Brunton, initially joining as a graduate and then returning in 2013 after 12 years in London.

Jason Shoebridge, ceo of Kantar New Zealand, Colmar Brunton’s parent company, has been acting in the role since his appointment in February 2016, and is delighted Bolger has accepted the position: “Colmar Brunton is poised to achieve the next stage of its growth following on from a very successful 2017, and Sarah is the perfect person to lead this growth given her passion for Colmar Brunton and the skills she brings to the role,” he said.

“Sarah has extensive market research and planning experience, working with some of New Zealand’s biggest brands including Fonterra, McDonald’s and AA Insurance (and, of course, M+AD Daily). She also leads Colmar Brunton’s highly respected annual thought leadership research, Corporate Reputation Index and the Better Futures Report.


“It is a privilege to lead a business that is in itself a New Zealand success story.”

“Sarah always brings something extra to her relationships with both clients and staff, whether it is her empathy or her deep understanding of New Zealand business.”

Bolger says she is looking forward to leading Colmar Brunton’s next chapter: “It is a privilege to lead a business that is in itself a New Zealand success story – from backroom start-up to achieving international recognition for impactful work,” she says.

“Colmar Brunton has a special role to play in bringing the voice of consumers into the boardroom.

“There is a lot of satisfaction gained in seeing our clients empowered to make better business decisions because of confidence gained from consumer insights. That means a better future for their customers, their employees and the New Zealand economy.

“Colmar Brunton is built on a culture of integrity and invention and we continue to uphold these values as we embrace the digital age.”

Born and raised in Wellington, Bolger graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce.


Share this Post