Ipsos launches Strategy3 consulting practice in Canada
Ipsos, a France-based market research and polling firm, has launched Strategy3, its marketing strategy consulting unit, in the Canadian market. The unit will be led by newly hired associate partner Diane Ridgway-Cross.
Strategy3 launched in 2015 and leverages Ipsos’ extensive global research resources to help companies develop data-driven growth strategies. The firm says the practice combines the trifecta of a consulting firm, research agency, and innovation lab.
Strategy3’s offerings include brand strategy, trends and foresight, data analytics, customer strategy, corporate strategy, and innovation strategy.
With the expansion to Canada, Strategy3 will now operate in 22 countries – advising leading companies such as Coca-Cola, Google, and Visa.
“The addition of the S3 business in Canada represents a significant milestone in our company's evolution. We are confident that under Diane Ridgway-Cross's guidance, this service offering will become one of the key drivers of our success and further strengthen our position as a trusted partner to our clients," said Cynthia Pachovski, CEO for Canada, Ipsos.
Ridgway-Cross is a marketing industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. She has deep expertise leading business strategy, growth, and operations at leading agencies and delivering marketing excellence and growth strategy at large companies.
Ridgway-Cross previously spent nine years at McCann, where she was latterly SVP for business strategy and development in Canada. Before that, she spent seven years with Mullen Lowe US, latterly as principal managing partner.
Ridgway-Cross also spent one year as chief marketing officer of retailer The Men’s Warehouse.
She has an MBA from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Missouri.
“We are thrilled to welcome Diane to our business, and know that she is the right leader for the Strategy3 business in Canada,” said Oscar Yuan, global president for Strategy3. “The past few years have seen increasing demand from clients for our unique blend of insights and strategy-based consulting, and now being able to serve clients in the rich, diverse Canadian economy with a team on the ground is a great step forward for us.”
