https://www.thesoundhq.com/wp-content/themes/soundResearch

Some things you might want to know about us.


Our history.

Ian Pierpoint and Brynn Harris set up The Sound in a basement in 2006. Tired of working in the corporate world, they decided to launch an agency that redefined the world of qualitative research by being - wait for it - not boring.  John Broderick joined shortly after to open the NYC office (and by office we mean desk), followed by office launches in London, Toronto, Chicago and most recently Mumbai.  All the clients who worked with us in the first year still work with us today. We've moved out of the basement.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?


Our philosophy.

No, it does not.  Even the best research and brand thinking in the world is useless if no one is listening.  At The Sound, we deliver world-class research, innovation, and brand strategy in a way that makes people listen by being emotionally engaging.

Our leadership.

Ian Pierpoint

Founder & Chief Ideas Officer

Ian has extensive years of experience of marketing, planning, innovation, & branding & is recognized as one of the world's leading researchers.

Simon Dannatt

CEO

Simon is an experienced CEO & Corporate Strategist. He started his career with L.E.K. Consulting, became Manager & Partner with Capgemini Consulting, & then CEO with KAE, a strategic branding & marketing consulting firm based in London.

Lindsey Boyle

VP & Head of Vancouver

Lindsey is an experienced strategist and researcher with expertise in food and consumer technology for top brands including Google, AT&T, Maple Leaf Foods, and Nature’s Path Cereal.

John Broderick

VP & Head of New York

John is a globally experienced researcher, heading up the New York office. John is a skilled workshop facilitator and prides himself on delivering creative and inspiring workshops to land key insights for clients.

Stuart Knapman

Managing Director & Head of London

Stuart is a highly experienced researcher and strategist with both client and agency-side experience. His client-side roles included Head of Pan-BBC Research and Head of BBC Future Media Research.

Caroline Fletcher

VP & Head of Toronto

Caroline is a dynamic researcher and strategist with experience gained on both client and agency sides of the fence. She has held research roles at MTV, MuchMusic, and Rogers Communications before joining The Sound in 2011.

Kelli Johnson

VP & Head of Chicago

Kelli has spent her career uncovering the human stories of consumers and understanding the brands they love. Kelli sits on The Sound's management team and oversees the Chicago office.

Dave Rees

VP & Head of Film

An editor with over 16 years experience in the film industry. He has over 60 hours of network television under his belt including Showtime's 'The L Word,' USA Network's 'The Dead Zone,' and 'Andromeda.'

Brynn Harris

VP & Head of Analysis

As Head of Analysis, Brynn works with teams across our business, finding research narratives that move brands. Brynn specializes in identity formation and generational analysis (e.g. Gen Edge).

Harjot Bassra

VP & Head of Project Management

Harjot has over 10 years of experience in communications, publishing, and business management. She started her career as the publisher and editor of iStyle Magazine, a national print publication aimed at the South Asian diaspora in North America.

Matt Palmer

Head of Strategy

Matt is a creative-minded strategist with nearly two decades of agency planning and strategy experience, holding senior positions at the likes of FCB, JWT, DDB and Blast Radius.

Shannon McFarland

Head of HR

Shannon is an experienced Human Resources & Operations Director. With over 15 years’ experience working in the creative industry, & an M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, her passion is connecting people’s talents with business strategy.

Our internal development

The University of The Sound is the name for our internal training program.
We take training and development so seriously that we are not even allowed to write this section of the website in an irreverent manner.

The USR features:

Just like in real university, you will try to doze off through lectures, fall in love with a fellow student, imbibe a range of things we do not endorse or approve of, and end up in massive debt (Sorry, couldn't help that...)

The Sound believes in sharing knowledge. If you'd like access to our reports on people, culture and brands and be able to watch our documentaries (and even be invited to an event or two) then simply sign up below. Don't forget to click the 'I consent' button. Thanks!

* indicates required
Send me emails from time to time..
Email Format
×