Kantar Names Yasmin Kathoria South Africa Managing Partner
The data and consulting firm has appointed a new leader to oversee its operations across the country.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
Kantar has appointed Yasmin Kathoria as the new managing partner of its consulting business in South Africa. She succeeds Eden Lanser, who is transitioning into an advisory and consultant role.
Why it matters
The appointment integrates the South African division more closely with Kantar’s global network. Kathoria’s leadership is set to steer the local office following three years of growth under Lanser.
New managing partner Yasmin Kathoria brings three decades of industry experience to the role. She oversees a local business that experienced three years of sustained growth under her predecessor.
The players
Yasmin Kathoria
She is the new managing partner for Kantar Consulting in South Africa with thirty years of professional experience.
Eden Lanser
The outgoing leader guided the business for three years and held a tenure of two decades with the firm.
Mark Visser
He serves as the global head of Kantar Consulting and oversees the firm's international operations.
The details
Kathoria previously served as Partner of Brand Growth Strategy at Kantar Consulting in South Africa and held a global directorship at Unilever. She will report directly to Mark Visser, the global head of Kantar Consulting.
Timeline
Yasmin Kathoria joined the South African team in 2022.
The appointment was officially announced on 27 October 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition aligns with the broader industry trend of promoting internal talent to strengthen the connection between regional offices and global strategy. It positions Kantar to maintain continuity while shifting its South African operations under a new executive mandate.
For clients and partners, the change signals a continuity of service as the regional office aligns further with international standards. Customers can expect a continued focus on brand growth strategy as the new management takes full operational control.
The takeaway
This appointment highlights the value of deep internal institutional knowledge when filling high-level executive positions. By promoting from within, the firm ensures that its new managing partner is already familiar with the local market complexities.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the South Africa People section.
