Esomar names Aurélie Reynier head of data, innovation and AI

By AI, Created 9:58 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Esomar appointed Aurélie Reynier as Head of Data, Innovation and AI to expand its responsible AI work and strengthen data capabilities for members worldwide. The move puts her in charge of the association’s AI Task Force and new AI-enabled services as the industry faces faster change.

Why it matters: - Esomar is pushing deeper into responsible AI at a time when the data, research and insights industry is under pressure to set clearer standards. - Reynier’s role connects industry guidance with internal product and data work, which could shape how members use AI and digital tools. - The appointment supports Esomar’s broader effort to help the global insights community navigate AI with more confidence.

What happened: - Esomar appointed Aurélie Reynier as Head of Data, Innovation and AI. - The role is based at Esomar’s Amsterdam headquarters. - The appointment was announced on May 7, 2026. - Reynier will lead global AI initiatives and advance AI-driven capabilities inside Esomar.

The details: - Reynier will serve as operational lead for Esomar’s AI Task Force. - The task force will coordinate industry input and deliver guidance, frameworks and thought leadership for responsible AI adoption. - Reynier will work with the Esomar Council and external experts to reflect new AI developments in standards, professional guidance and member resources. - She will also lead development of Esomar’s data infrastructure and AI-enabled services. - Those efforts are intended to improve member experience and support new data-driven products, insights and digital capabilities. - Patrick De Regt, COO of Esomar, said Reynier brings strategic vision and practical execution. - De Regt said her experience in data capabilities and responsible AI will help Esomar provide clear guidance, trusted standards and support to the global insights community. - Reynier has more than a decade of experience in data strategy, digital transformation and responsible AI. - Her most recent role was Head of Data, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning at the Access to Nutrition initiative. - There, she built the organization’s data function, led cloud-based transformation and co-chaired its AI governance efforts. - Reynier said she is excited to join Esomar as the role of data and AI evolves quickly. - Reynier said there is an opportunity to provide clarity, build capability and support responsible use of these technologies for organizations and society. - Esomar said participants in the AI Task Force and more information about the initiative will be announced soon.

Between the lines: - Esomar is not treating AI as only a policy issue; the organization is tying governance work to operational services and member-facing products. - The combination of standards, task force leadership and data infrastructure suggests Esomar wants to influence both industry rules and day-to-day adoption. - The appointment also signals that responsible AI is becoming a core competency, not a side project, for trade groups serving data professionals.

What’s next: - Esomar will announce AI Task Force participants and additional details about the initiative soon. - Reynier will begin shaping AI guidance, frameworks and member resources. - Esomar is expected to keep expanding its work in AI, data and innovation across standards, professional development and member support.

The bottom line: - Esomar is putting a dedicated leader in place to turn its responsible AI ambitions into practical tools, standards and services for members worldwide.