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About us, who we are and what we do

Versus Research was founded in 2001, when a group of Hamilton-based advertising agencies needing fast, specialised market research joined forces. Since then, Versus has developed marketing solutions for hundreds of companies in the Waikato and throughout New Zealand.

Natalie Richards, Director

BMS (Hons) Marketing & Psychology, Dip. Finance, Member MRS NZ

Natalie’s been involved in market research for a number of years, starting out at TNS New Zealand as an Account Manager. She managed a variety of projects for a range of high-profile clients such as Air New Zealand, the University of Auckland, and Fairfax Media. In 2006 she joined Versus as a Research Director, and took the reins of the company in 2008. She’s best at taking key points from raw data and turning them into practical business solutions.

Aimee Smith, Research Executive

BMS (Hons) Economics & Marketing, Member MRS NZ

Aimee became part of Versus in 2008, fresh from a Researcher role at WaikatoLink, the University of Waikato’s commercialisation and technology transfer company.  Through WaikatoLink, she gained experience in assessing commercial viability of innovative ideas through significant market research and feasibility analysis. With an analytical way of thinking and strong attention to detail, Aimee can take complicated data streams and present them in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

Sam Thorburn, Project Co-ordinator

IAM Advanced Diploma in Admin Management MInstAM and Prince2 Practitioner

Sam has been involved within project lifecycles, primarily within the UK, for a number of years.   Working for Citibank, London, Sam gained experience of project management for a variety of financial and operational projects with demanding timelines.  Sam’s ability to ensure the smooth running of projects, along with the juggling of priorities will ensure clients are kept up-to-date with progress and that all deadlines are met.

 

Vaibhav Kawale, Research Executive

PGDip Management Communication, BMM Advertising

Vaibhav is the latest addition to the Versus team. He brings valuable research operations and marketing communications experience along with his genuine passion for consumer insights. Previously, Vaibhav worked with DigiPoll Ltd. Where he played an instrumental role in establishing their offshore CATI fieldwork centre in Mumbai, India. He also shouldered responsibilities of Head-Marketing Communications for a leading Indian retail fashion brand, Catwalk Worldwide and successfully engineered its brand communication strategy through execution of various marketing and corporate communication initiatives. Vaibhav takes pride in delivering insights that translate into actionable recommendations in order to ensure that real value is driven from the research.