We are delighted to share that Founder and Group CEO Richard Colwell has been named a 2026 Insight250 Legend, one of the highest honours in the global insights profession.

Presented in partnership with ESOMAR and mTab, the Insight250 Legends programme recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the insights industry through leadership, commitment and innovation. The 2026 shortlist featured 84 industry leaders and experts from 28 countries, with the winners announced on 2 September at the ESOMAR Congress 2026 in Valencia.

Richard is the first research practitioner from Ireland to be both shortlisted for and win the award and now joins a distinguished group of professionals whose work has helped shape and advance the global insights profession.

Commenting on the recognition, Richard Colwell said:

“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as a 2026 Insight250 Legend. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues, clients and industry partners who have continually challenged and inspired me. This recognition is as much a reflection of their contribution as it is of my own. The insights industry has never been more important in helping organisations understand people, navigate change and make better decisions. I am proud to have played a part in its development and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our profession.”

Richard founded RED C Research in 2003 and has grown the business into one of Ireland’s and the UK’s leading research consultancies, with a significant presence across Ireland, the UK and international markets. Over more than three decades in the industry, he has built a reputation for helping organisations better understand consumers, brands and society through robust research and clear thinking.

In addition to leading RED C, Richard has made a significant contribution to the wider profession. He currently serves as President of the Worldwide Independent Network of MR & OP, the global association of independent market research and polling agencies, and has previously chaired AIMRO, the Association of Irish Market Research Organisations. Richard has also been a long-standing contributor to ESOMAR as country representative for many years and other international industry initiatives.

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