the-harris-poll

Overview

The Harris Poll is a leading global market research and consulting firm established in 1956, renowned for its pioneering work in tracking public opinion and social sentiment. The company operates from its headquarters in Chicago with offices in New York, Los Angeles, D.C., London, Buenos Aires, and Toronto. As a subsidiary of Stagwell Media, LLC, The Harris Poll offers advanced analytics and strategic insights to clients across a variety of industries, supported by a strong legacy and modern innovation.

Leadership

• John Gerzema: CEO and a prominent figure in market strategy, recognized for his expertise as a pollster and NYT bestselling author.

• Will Johnson: CEO since 2017, known for his transformative influence on the firm, equipped with a business background from the Kellogg School of Management.

• Mark Penn: Chairman and a strategic leader at Stagwell, providing extensive experience in media and public affairs.

Key Milestones

• 1956: Establishment by Louis Harris, marking the entry into the market research field.

• 1960: Significant contribution to John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign.

• 1975: Influential in the removal of the mandatory retirement age.

• 1986-2010: Key contributions to legislative initiatives like the Americans with Disabilities Act and healthcare reforms.

• 2014: Acquisition by Stagwell Media, signifying a pivotal strategic direction.

• 2020: Introduction of QuestBrand platform, enhancing digital brand management capabilities.

Solutions and Offerings

The Harris Poll offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support clients in brand management, product innovation, and reputation enhancement:

• QuestBrand: A state-of-the-art SaaS solution offering real-time brand insights.

• Harris Custom Research: Provides data-driven insights for strategic business growth and risk management.

• Harris On Demand: Empowers businesses with quick access to essential data for agile decision-making.

Financial Performance

The Harris Poll generates an estimated annual revenue of $53.2 million, underlining its significant presence and impact in the market research sector. Strategic investment from Stagwell Media bolsters its technological and research capacities.

Recent Developments

• Acquired BERA in 2024, reinforcing its brand technology through enhanced Quest AI capabilities.

• High visibility in the Axios Harris Poll 100 for corporate reputation.

• Active in Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll collaborations, influencing public discourse and media strategy.

Competitor Profiling

YouGov

• Industry: Market research and data analytics.

• Headquarters: London, UK.

• Revenue: £335.3 million (2024).

• Leadership: Stephan Shakespeare (Chairman), Steve Hatch (CEO), Douglas Rivers (Chief Scientist).

• Employees: ~3,000.

• Market Position: Known for methodological agility and significant acquisitions like GfK's consumer panel.

Gallup

• Industry: Analytics and advisory.

• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA.

• Employees: 1,001-5,000.

• Specialties: Consulting, leadership, and global behavior analytics.

• Market Position: Notable for public opinion polling and consulting services globally.

Qualtrics

• Industry: Experience management software.

• Headquarters: Provo, Utah, and Seattle, Washington, USA.

• Employees: 5,001-10,000.

• Products: CustomerXM, EmployeeXM.

• Funding: Last received US$1.8 billion (2023).

• Market Position: A leader in experience management with a comprehensive product suite.

Stirista

• Industry: Marketing solutions and data services.

• Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas, USA.

• Revenue: $7.1 million.

• Employees: 156.

• Core Services: Data-driven marketing and digital execution.

• Market Position: Specializes in campaigns powered by detailed analytics.

Citizen Data

• Industry: Data marketplace.

• Founded: 2019.

• Mission: Supports social impact organizations with data-driven research and analytics.

• Market Position: Engages in nonpartisan civic and diversity-focused initiatives.

Strategic Insights

The Harris Poll competes in a dynamic landscape alongside firms such as Gallup, YouGov, and Qualtrics, each distinguished by unique strengths like technological integration and global reach. Understanding these competitors' methodologies and focuses allows The Harris Poll to identify strategic opportunities and potential partnerships in market research and consulting.