In Memory Of
Remembering Tissa de Alwis
Tissa de Alwis, the former Managing Director of LMRB (Lanka Market Research Bureau) and the Director of Kantar Lanka passed away on March 28th, 2026, in Colombo. He would have turned 77 on April 9th, 2026.
Tissa was a pioneer of the Lankan MR Industry … who helped and shaped not only LMRB but also the Insights industry of Sri Lanka. He was highly respected and an influential leader whose contributions spanned over several decades. Tissa was instrumental in introducing the Household Purchase Panel and PeopleMeter based audience measurement in the Lankan economy and taking LMRB to greater heights and that too during the troublesome days of Lanka in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
Tissa would be remembered for being a great friend and host and each one of us who has visited Colombo have experienced the warmth and hospitality of both Tissa and his wife Ianthe. And what a host he was…. he will not only invite you to his house over dinner in his quaint and lovely bungalow in Colombo but also entertain you with his deep baritone voice as he strummed his guitar or his fingers running on the ebony and ivory keys of his piano as he sang Presley’s “Wise men say only fools rush in …” and yes you cannot help falling in love with this personality called Tissa De Alwis. Elvis Presley was his God …. he even made a “pilgrimage trip” to Graceland (Elvis’ estate and home in the US) …and we at IMRB/LMRB lovingly called him “Alwis of Lanka” !
And his jiving…no IMRB /LMRB Managers Meet or Conference was complete without Tissa in his brightly coloured shirts from Barefoot, jiving to Elvis’ “Blue suede shoes” and other old rock and roll numbers.
And way back in 1998, both he and I were at ESOMAR Berlin and one evening we did the Berlin Walk together posing in front of the Checkpoint Charlie and “The Wall” …..so many memories with Tissa and the lovely and fun times we had together both in and out of office, whether it was Colombo, India, Cairo or Berlin. And not to miss the hotly discussed topic of Lankan and Indian cricket teams of yore at the Colombo Rowing Club.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Ianthe and his two sons Tivanka and Sanoj and their families and may God give them strength to bear this huge personal loss. All of us of former IMRB and LMRB are bereft at this loss of a good soul called Tissa De Alwis…the “Elvis of Lanka”!
- Nikhil Rawal, Founder at PXLLens, Senior Vice President IMRB International (Kantar)
A deeply perceptive qualitative researcher, Neil brought rare cultural sensitivity and clarity to everything he worked on.
A Kantar veteran of over two decades, his journey spanned categories as diverse as cigarettes and jewellery. Yet what remained constant was the sharpness of his thinking, the depth of his curiosity and his unwavering commitment to understanding people.
He was generous with his time, dependable and deeply considerate - the kind of colleague you never had to second-guess, the kind of person you could always count on to show up when it mattered.
Whatever he did, he gave it his all. His work was not just a profession; it was both his pride and his play, something he immersed himself in completely. He was meticulous about getting it right, never taking the easy route, always striving for deeper understanding and better outcomes.
He combined intellectual rigour with genuine empathy. He could challenge you, disagree with you and push your thinking further. He was never afraid to question assumptions or challenge the status quo in pursuit of something better.
But there was so much more to Neil than his work.
What many will remember most is how he made people feel. He had a quiet warmth that put others immediately at ease. Conversations with him were effortless. You could begin with a piece of work, a cricket match or a book and somehow find yourself discussing something deeper and more meaningful.
Outside of work, his world was just as rich. His interests were as broad as his professional curiosity, from Tagore to Tintin, from Roger Federer to Sachin Tendulkar, from culture to sport. And then, of course, there was Argentina. He loved Messi and revered Maradona. It was more than fandom; it was a passion that reflected his deep appreciation for excellence, emotion, and the stories that connect people.
One of his favourite lines was: "There isn’t anyone you couldn’t learn to love once you heard their story."
In many ways, that sentiment captured how Neil lived- with empathy, openness, and an enduring belief in people.
He leaves behind not only an outstanding body of work, but also a lasting example of how to lead with curiosity, kindness, and humanity.
He is survived by his wife and young daughter, who meant the world to him.
He will be deeply missed.
- Paru Minocha, Managing Director, Head of Qualitative – APAC, Kantar
It was in June 1995 that Hari was headhunted to be the CFO for IMRB. Ramesh Thadani, the then CEO of IMRB, was looking for someone who could provide strong financial controls and performance tracking. While IMRB had in place many of the elements that go into managing a business, Hari elevated this to a much higher level with monthly business reporting to business units, project profitability, and aged debt management. After 13 years in the manufacturing industry, post business school, Hari managed the transition to a professional services firm effortlessly.
Hari was fun, his witticisms, his boyish grin and mischief in his eyes, and on occasion, his comedic impersonations and song revealed another, very different side of Hari. Hari enjoyed food. On our several trips to London, after a day of reporting on business, Hari would discover the best restaurants in the area serving Indian food.
Hari was demanding. Not just of others but also of himself. Everything had to be done just right. He had a phenomenal memory, a remarkable gift that he used successfully in negotiating with the UK Head Office as well as locally with the business unit heads. His head for financial systems and the structures that he created has placed the Company in very good stead to manage future growth. Hari, we salute you.
- Thomas Puliyel, Former President, IMRB International (Kantar)
In Loving memory of KK
He grew up in Kanpur, a boy with a cricket bat permanently by his side and a quiet, burning dream of playing for the country someday. Life, however, had other plans. The loss of his father came far too soon, and almost overnight, he had to set aside his dreams to hold his family together and carry forward his father's business.
When that too didn't survive, he didn't crumble. He simply picked himself up, left the city he loved, and came to Delhi humbled, but not defeated. He joined Heroites somewhat reluctantly (as he did what he hated most – a job, leaving his pride), and that one step opened the door to a decade-long journey through the world of market research, from Heroites to Exevo, Forrester to Market Xcel & GMO Research. Ten years that shaped him in ways no classroom ever could. Ten years that could have made anyone comfortable, but not Kartik. Beneath the professional, the entrepreneur in him was always quietly waiting.
On 17th July 2017, that entrepreneur finally stepped forward. He started iMAD, which he proudly called his "First Child", alongside Abhishek Soni, who emerged as his co-founder and trusted partner, playing an invaluable role in turning a shared dream into reality. And like all honest entrepreneurial journeys, it was anything but easy. Long economy flights, nights in dorms, sleepless hours spent hiring the right people and building a team from scratch. As a lifelong cricket lover, Kartik often said, "One player wins you matches, a great team wins you championships." He didn't just say it, he lived it. From the first big hire in the US to the first big hire in India, every person he brought in was a deliberate, hopeful step forward.
Within a year and a half of iMAD’s existence, the team moved from a small room in his 2BHK flat to iMAD’s first office in NSP, Delhi, and this journey grew into three offices in three years. And then the world was hit by a pandemic that no one was prepared for. But when COVID struck, Kartik didn't waver. He held firm to his team, his values, and his instincts and against all odds, iMAD recorded its highest revenue in the very first COVID wave. When the going got tough, KK simply kept going.
From 2 people to 75+. From a rented flat to a 225-seater office in Noida, half of which is company-owned. From one country to three continents. By every measure, iMAD had become something remarkable. And yet, even then, he would smile and say, "I haven't even started yet." He stood his ground, never stopped dreaming, and regarded people around him as his greatest achievement.
In the summer of 2025, life took a full circle and rekindled him with active cricket again. iMAD debuted in MRCL under his captaincy, a growing cricket league in the MR space in India, and despite the fierce competition with some of the finest MR companies, we brought the cup home. It was, by all accounts, one of the happiest moments of his life.
But beyond the leader and the entrepreneur, he was something even greater, the human being. Kartik had the kind of heart that made everyone around him feel seen, safe, and valued. He cared without keeping score. He showed up for people in their hardest moments without being asked. He walked into rooms and left smiles behind, not because he performed warmth, but because it was simply who he was.
To those who knew him, truly knew him, he wasn't just a colleague or a professional contact. He was family. A brother. The kind of soul that comes along rarely, and when gone, leaves an emptiness that words struggle to describe.
It still feels unreal. Maybe, as those closest to him have said, “God needed a beautiful soul, and that's why He called Kartik home too soon.” But down here, his absence is felt every single day. In the offices he built. In the people he believed in. In the laughter that still echoes in the memories of everyone lucky enough to have known him.
People don't forget souls like KK. They carry them - in their hearts, in their work, in every moment that quietly whispers his name.
Rest peacefully, KK. You were truly one of a kind. And you will be loved, remembered, and deeply missed, always.
Contributed By iMad Research Team including:
Abhishek Soni – Co-founder and Director, Quantitative
Research
Shantanu Sunil Saxena, CEO- APAC and EMEA
Pranjla Tyagi – Director, Research & CATI Services
Manish Dev, Associate Director, Client Services
A Leader, A Mentor, A Lasting Influence
I first met Sonia Pall in the early months of 2015 when we discussed the possibility of me joining Karvy Insights. Karvy Insights was in the early stages of its journey, and Sonia was one of the primary reasons I chose to take that step. Her conviction in the vision, the confidence she inspired, and the way she spoke about building the business made it an easy decision.
Sonia was much more than a boss to me; she was a leader from whom I learned some of the most important lessons in business and leadership. Watching her work every day was like attending a masterclass in management. Her ability to multitask, make bold decisions, think with clarity, stand firmly behind her team, and absorb immense pressure without ever letting it show was truly remarkable. She had a rare combination of sharp business acumen and genuine care for people.
What I admired most was the trust she placed in her team. She encouraged people to challenge ideas, backed them when it mattered, and created an environment where every opinion was heard. I will always remember the countless discussions we had in her room at our PHD office in Delhi. I often walked in with disagreements, questions, and different perspectives. She listened patiently, answered every question honestly, and never dismissed an opposing viewpoint. Many times, she would later tell me that those conversations had helped shape her thinking and even influenced her decisions. That openness to listen, reflect, and learn, irrespective of hierarchy, is a quality we all admired at Karvy Insights.
She was also someone who was constantly looking ahead. Technology in market research was something she was deeply passionate about, and we often discussed how it could transform the way research was conducted. She was always exploring how technology could improve data collection, bring greater agility to projects, and help the industry respond to evolving client needs. She encouraged all of us to embrace new ideas and think beyond the way things had always been done.
Her passing is a deeply personal loss. Even in the six years since I left Karvy Insights, we remained connected. I often shared my achievements, challenges, and important career decisions with her, and her guidance, encouragement, and perspective always meant a great deal to me.
Among the many discussions, achievements, and memories we shared, our late-evening drive in Amravati to the airport will always bring a smile to my face. I still remember how she ran through the airport in her saree to catch the flight. It was one of those moments that perfectly captured her spirit—determined, energetic, and never willing to give up until the very end. It is a memory I will always cherish.
I will miss her wisdom, her strength, and her unwavering belief in the people she led. Thank you, Sonia, for everything you taught me and for believing in me. The lessons you taught me, the confidence you placed in me, and the influence you had on my life and career will stay with me always.
- Dixit Chanana, Managing Director – India & North Asia (Japan and Korea), Toluna
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ashok Kumar Das: The Man Who Built More Than a Company
Some people build successful businesses. A few shape industries. Then there are those who build institutions whose values continue to guide generations. Ashok Kumar Das was one such leader.
For over four decades, Ashok played a defining role in the evolution of India's market research industry. His journey with Hansa Research Group began in 2002, after a distinguished 14-year career at ORG-MARG, where he had risen to become President, Customized and Media Research. To those who knew him, however, he was much more than an accomplished professional. He was a leader of quiet conviction, an exceptional mentor, and a person whose integrity earned lasting respect.
An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta, Ashok began his career at Exide Industries before discovering his true calling in market research. At a time when consumer insights were still emerging as a strategic discipline in India, he saw the power of understanding people beyond numbers. His curiosity, analytical thinking, and deep understanding of human behaviour helped shape the future of the industry.
During his years at IMRB and later ORG-MARG, Ashok led several landmark initiatives that transformed media and consumer research in India. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Television Audience Measurement (INTAM), developing the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), and introducing the Household Premiumness Index (HPI). These pioneering initiatives became trusted benchmarks that changed the way advertisers, media companies, and marketers understood Indian consumers.
At Hansa Research, Ashok's vision took on an even larger canvas. Over the next seventeen years, he transformed the company into one of India's leading independent consumer insights organizations, serving clients across more than 100 countries. He believed that Indian expertise could stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world and built Hansa on the foundations of quality, innovation, and trust.
His contributions extended well beyond the organization. As President of the Market Research Society of India (2011 to 2013), he championed higher professional standards, talent development, and industry collaboration. A passionate educator, he regularly shared his knowledge through MRSI, ESOMAR, and guest lectures at institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Bombay, inspiring countless students and professionals.
In 2019, Ashok transitioned from CEO to Senior Advisor at Hansa Research, continuing to mentor and guide the organization he had helped shape. His remarkable contributions were formally recognised with the MRSI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
Yet, those who worked closely with him remember him less for his accolades and more for the person he was. Calm under pressure, humble in success, and generous with his time, Ashok believed in nurturing people as much as building businesses. His words, "Every data that you see is wrong, unless proven otherwise," reflected his relentless pursuit of accuracy and his commitment to intellectual honesty.
Today, while his absence will be deeply felt, his legacy lives on in the values he championed, the people he mentored, and the institution he helped build. Every piece of research carried out with integrity, every decision guided by ethics, and every young professional inspired to ask better questions stands as a tribute to his life.
For Hansa Research and the entire market research fraternity, Ashok Kumar Das will always be remembered as a visionary leader, a trusted mentor, and above all, a remarkable human being.
- Hansa Research Group
“The passing of Ashok Kumar Das is a profound loss not only for Hansa Research but also for the entire market research fraternity. He was among the pioneers who helped shape India's market research industry at a time when consumer insights were still finding their place in business decision-making. Through his vision, intellectual rigour, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he played a defining role in establishing benchmarks that continue to influence our profession today. As we mourn his passing, we also honor a life that enriched our profession and inspired generations of researchers. We remain committed to carrying forward his vision and the values he so passionately championed. He will be remembered with immense respect and gratitude.”
- Praveen Nijhara, CEO, Hansa Research Group