Global insights and consulting firm Kantar has appointed Yasmin Kathoria as managing partner of Kantar Consulting in South Africa, placing an experienced brand strategist at the helm of its local consulting business as artificial intelligence reshapes consumer behaviour and the way companies pursue growth.
Kathoria succeeds Eden Lanser, who is stepping away from the leadership position after more than two decades with Kantar. Lanser, whose tenure included three consecutive years of growth for the business, will continue working with the company and its clients in a consultant and advisory capacity.
The appointment comes as businesses face growing pressure to understand changing consumer preferences, identify new opportunities and sustain brand growth in an increasingly competitive market. According to the Brandspur Brand News Desk, Kantar is looking to strengthen collaboration between its South African consulting operations and its wider international network as companies adapt to the commercial implications of AI.
Kathoria joined Kantar Consulting South Africa in 2022 and most recently served as partner for brand growth strategy. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in global brand leadership and consulting, including a global directorship at Unilever in the United Kingdom, where she led teams across six continents.
Her professional background includes advising senior business leaders on complex brand and growth challenges, combining commercial strategy with an understanding of consumer behaviour, culture and people’s changing expectations of businesses.
In her new role, Kathoria will report to Mark Visser, global head of Kantar Consulting. Her appointment is expected to reinforce the relationship between the South African operation and Kantar’s international consulting network, giving local clients access to broader expertise and strategic insights.
Visser said Kathoria’s experience in global brand leadership and consulting, alongside her understanding of people and culture, would be valuable in her new position. He also acknowledged Lanser’s contribution to the business and the foundation established during his leadership.
Adeola Tejumola, Kantar’s executive managing director for the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, said the appointment would strengthen the connection between Kantar Consulting and Kantar South Africa. She highlighted Kathoria’s combination of commercial experience and understanding of human behaviour as an asset in helping clients identify opportunities for growth.
The leadership change comes at a time when artificial intelligence is influencing how consumers discover products, evaluate brands and make purchasing decisions. For businesses, these changes are increasing the need for reliable consumer data and strategies that can translate market intelligence into commercial results.
Kantar Consulting combines consumer and market data, proprietary brand growth frameworks and senior advisory expertise to support marketing leaders in making strategic decisions. Its services are designed to help businesses understand their markets, assess growth opportunities and respond to changing consumer expectations.
Kantar operates in more than 90 markets globally, using research, analytics, technology and behavioural insights to help organisations understand consumers and develop their brands.
Kathoria’s appointment places her at the centre of the firm’s efforts to connect global expertise with the needs of businesses operating in South Africa, where companies must navigate changing consumer habits and the growing influence of AI on marketing and brand development.
