The Australian arm of The Research Agency (TRA) is accelerating its growth trajectory with a wave of senior promotions and a move into a new Sydney headquarters.
Since establishing its Sydney office in 2022, TRA has grown its team to 14 people, with additional roles currently being recruited. To support this sustained growth, the agency has relocated from The Commons to a new headquarters in Surry Hills.
The Sydney fit-out has been created as a people-first environment that reflects TRA’s values. The space has capacity for up to 30 people, supporting the agency’s continued expansion ambitions.
TRA also announces four strategic promotions across its Sydney and Melbourne teams.
In Sydney, Ferne McKinley has been promoted from account director to senior account director. McKinley first joined TRA in Auckland in 2019 as an insights specialist before relocating to Sydney in 2022 as a senior consultant. Her promotion marks nearly seven years with the company.
Gemma Hall has been promoted from account lead to account director, while Charlotte Saunders moves from qualitative lead to senior qualitative lead.
Sophie Cooper will also return to the business in May as senior account director, bringing extensive experience and further strengthening the Sydney leadership team. Cooper comes from a stint in London as Canvas8’s associate director, social sciences.
In Melbourne, Karthik Krishnamurthy has been promoted from senior consultant to account lead.
Terri Hall managing partner Australia at TRA, said the new headquarters and promotions reflect the strength of the company’s Australian momentum.
“Since launching in Sydney with just four people a few years ago, the growth of our team and our client partnerships has exceeded our expectations.
“Our new Sydney headquarters gives us the space and environment to continue building an exceptional team culture while delivering the clarity and commercial impact our clients expect. It’s been thoughtfully designed as a place where our people can come together to do their best work and where clients feel inspired when they walk through the door.”
Hall added that investing in people has been central to the agency’s success.
“These promotions recognise the incredible contribution TRA’s team in Sydney and Melbourne have made to the growth of the business. Ferne, Gemma, Charlotte, Sophie and Karthik are all outstanding future leaders who embody the curiosity, creativity and collaboration that define The Research Agency.”
