Sandpiper Group, the preeminent independent reputation and policy management consultancy group based in the Asia Pacific, proudly unveils a groundbreaking expansion, Sandpiper Research & Insights. This novel research firm is dedicated to providing robust support for communications and public affairs practitioners.
Meet the Powerhouse Team
Steered by interim Managing Director Craig Young, Sandpiper Research & Insights is blessed with a diverse and talented team operating across the region. Paul Chong, a seasoned researcher, heads brand, market, and reputation research and measurement, while Alexander Thomas takes the lead in social and digital analytics. The team also includes Kelly Johnston and Iris Ng who excel in crafting thought leadership and partnerships.
Building on Strong Foundations
This strategic launch capitalizes on Sandpiper’s considerable existing dedicated research work, which has been essential in supporting communications and public affairs programs for clients. In the last year alone, this area of the business has experienced a significant growth surge.
Celebrating Industry Recognition
Simultaneously, Sandpiper Group enjoys another feather in its cap, being named Asia Pacific Large Agency of the Year for 2023 by both the PRCA and PRWeek.
A Glimpse into the Team’s Extensive Experience
Craig Young boasts 30 years of experience developing research and evidence-based programs to create positive policy and business outcomes for government and private sector clients in Asia Pacific. His career is adorned with senior roles at Nielsen, Roy Morgan Research, ORC International and Engine. Joining Sandpiper from Big Village, where he held the position of CEO for Australia, Young is a highly valued advisor to Government Ministries and C-Suites across the region.
Paul Chong, a research industry stalwart, has been delivering market intelligence, customer experience measurement and insights for over 30 years. His impressive portfolio includes HP, Visa, Shangri-La Hotels, Porsche, Caterpillar, T-Mobile, Jaguar Land Rover, and Great Eastern. Paul’s career journey began with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Reark Research before he co-founded NWC Research, one of Australia’s top 10 market research firms.
Also read: Australia’s Disappointment Over China’s Delay on Barley Tariff Review; WTO Case Revival Looms
Alexander Thomas, a proficient researcher and analyst, holds in-depth expertise in social media and data analytics. He has worked in market research, social listening, and corporate investigations across diverse industries.
Kelly Johnston and Iris Ng are notable figures in the Sandpiper Communications and Public Affairs team, with significant experience in creating thought leadership platforms that drive business value and build competitive advantages.
Emphasizing the Importance of Data-Driven Decisions
“In a world driven by data, we have had an increasing focus on building the research and insights capabilities within our business,” said Kelly Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, Sandpiper.
As a growing competitive advantage for our firm, the time is right to launch Sandpiper Research & Insights as a stand-alone sister brand within the Sandpiper Group. We are delighted to have Craig onboard to lead this business and to welcome Paul and Alex to our growing research team.
Kelly Johnston
I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge. Sandpiper Research & Insights meets a growing need in the market for research approaches that can help address the unique challenges faced by communications and public affairs practitioners.
Craig Young
With this addition, Sandpiper Research & Insights stands alongside Sandpiper Communications and Public Affairs, and Sandpiper Health, to form a robust conglomerate under the Sandpiper Group.
