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Sustainability Changemaker of the Year – Finalists 2026
12 May 2026

 

The Sustainability Changemaker Award seeks to recognise individuals in the research, insight and data analytics sector who are motivated to make meaningful change and take steps to be part of the solution to the growing climate crisis.

Nominations were open to all, and the judges looked for individuals who have made significant contributions in their organisations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices in line with the MRS Climate Pledge (or equivalent sustainability mark).

Congratulations to the two exceptional finalists below. The winner will be announced at the MRS Excellence Awards lunch on 5 June. The award reflects the MRS Sustainability Council’s commitment to relentlessly drive forward and embed positive change across the sector supporting organisations and teams on the journey to reduce carbon emissions.

The judges

Jonathan Hall CMRS (Chair), Managing Partner, Sustainable Transformation Practice, Kantar

Caroline Wren FMRS, CEO, MTM

Estelle Levacher MMRS, Founder & Director, Levelle Consulting

Jenny Kedros CMRS, Director, Kedros Consulting

Richard Barton MMRS, Managing Director, Red C Research

The finalists
Clare-Otridge-may26
Clare Otridge
Director, Grounded Research
Nominated for: Making sustainability part of how her business is run, influencing decisions and shaping the work carried out.
Clare says: “Sustainability is embedded at the heart of my leadership and business practices, drawing inspiration from my farming background. I have implemented tangible initiatives such as signing the MRS Climate Pledge, supporting hybrid and low-emission travel, measuring carbon footprint, and founding Project Wood, which has seen over 3,000 trees and hedgerows planted to offset the company’s impact.
I have also created innovative research methods to reduce travel and built sustainability expertise within the team, demonstrating that responsible leadership means making sustainability a core business value rather than a side initiative.”

The judges said: “We were impressed by Clare’s commitment to embedding sustainability into Grounded Research’s operations and decision-making. Her work with clients such as DEFRA and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit demonstrates the reach and impact of this approach, influencing climate and sustainability agendas at a high level.”

Karine Trinquetel-may26
Karine Trinquetel
Global Solution Lead, Sustainable Transformation Practice, Kantar
Nominated for: Turning sustainability from a reputational topic into decision-ready, equity-linked intelligence that helps brands choose and scale actions that matter.
Karine says: “My entry demonstrates measurable impact by transforming research into actionable, equity?linked intelligence that helps brands make better sustainability decisions and guide brand?led initiatives. By pioneering the BrandSustainability methodology and fostering industry?wide collaboration, this work connects sustainability directly with brand growth through extensive R &D, practical frameworks, reusable tools, and open knowledge sharing via booklets, webinars, and partnerships.
Overall, my work enables brands and marketers to apply validated metrics and robust guidance to drive meaningful change across organisations and the wider sector."

 The judges said: “Karine brings real momentum to sustainability. Her award-winning BrandSustainability methodology has been validated across 500+ brands and adopted by Diageo across 11 brands turns sustainability perceptions into a clear pathway to brand growth. She also equips others to act, creating practical toolkits and resources for wider industry use and sharing knowledge openly beyond her organisation.”


Nick-bonney-may26
Nick Bonney
Founder, Deep Blue Thinking
Nominated for: Building a business founded on sustainability, partnership, and conservation.
Nick says: “Since 2018, we have operated as a low-carbon, collaborative enterprise, offsetting emissions, supporting reforestation, and championing industry pledges. Beyond reducing our environmental impact, we have made significant financial contributions to a range of conservation charities, offered pro bono research to support ocean-related good causes, and applied our expertise to drive positive change in the sector."

 The judges said: Nick has combined innovative business practices, impactful charitable giving and dedicated advocacy to deliver measurable change for ocean conservation and beyond. His commitment to using his and others professional skills for a better, more sustainable future is inspiring.”

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