A robust assessment of big picture trends, combined with a disruptor-based planning framework.
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Business Not As Usual offers a robust assessment of big picture trends, combined with a disruptor-based planning framework. Leverage our foresight for more agile scenario planning that can flex to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Pressure test assumptions, map whitespace growth, and vet new partnerships.
KANTAR TEAM
Our leaders possess steadfast retail expertise, and utilize dependable data and analysis to steer strategic planning, tactical implementation, and development.
J. Walker Smith is the Knowledge Lead for the global consulting and strategy practices of Kantar. Walker has been described by Fortune magazine as “one of America’s leading analysts on consumer trends,” and he consults with clients globally about trends, futures, marketing, growth and business strategy. He is the co-author of four highly regarded books, including Rocking the Ages (1997), a book about generations that is now regarded as one of the standards in the field and included in the Cracking the Millionaire Code list of the top 101 marketing books, and Life Is Not Work, Work is Not Life (2001), selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the ten best work-life books of 2001.
Barry is one of Kantar’s foremost global commerce experts with a distinguished history of serving customers, partners, and people throughout his more than 30 years in the retail, food service, and FMCG industries. His 25-year career with The Coca-Company featured landmark achievements in the areas of customer leadership, customer marketing, ecommerce, innovation, consumer insights, category management, and future strategies. Before joining the Coca-Cola system, Barry worked for Pfizer (formerly Wyeth-Ayerst) for seven years in commercial, customer, marketing, and insights roles. Barry earned a bachelor's degree in business from the University of North Florida and an MBA from Mercer University. He is currently on the advisory boards of the Digital Marketing Institute, George Washington University Digital Marketing Program, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Expand your company‘s insights capacity with faster responses to burning questions, allowing your team to uncover more salient insights in less time.
KANTAR TEAM
Kantar’s Take Two, our monthly video series in which Kantar thought leaders Barry Thomas and J. Walker Smith unpack pressing trends in retail and the implications for the industry.
Find out how new tariffs by the US on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China could disrupt global land, sea, and air logistics...
Read more ›Nearly all shoppers are concerned about grocery prices. Will tariffs help or hurt?...
Read more ›Preview online category growth trends and the key macro trends driving them.
Learn more ›Our experts work with a variety of teams and cross-functional groups. We help clients pressure test assumptions, map whitespace growth, and vet new partnerships. So you’re not just prepared for what’s next in retail — you have the power to change it.