Global market research agency Kadence International has announced that Aman Makkar will transition from his role as ceo of Kadence India, effective June 30, 2026. The move marks the end of more than 20 years leading the India business and over four decades in the market research industry.
As the founding managing director and ceo of Kadence India, Makkar has played a key role in establishing the agency’s presence within the Indian market research sector. During the past two decades, he helped position Kadence India as a research and insights partner for clients across the region, while developing relationships with clients, industry peers and the wider research community.
Market research has been central to Makkar’s career for more than 40 years. Before joining Kadence, he spent over 17 years at IMRB and later held a leadership position at Research Pacific India. In 2006, he helped establish Kadence India and remained in the ceo role for more than two decades, overseeing business growth, client relationships and the company’s long-term development in the market.
Aman Makkar said: “Building Kadence India over the past 20 years has been an incredibly meaningful part of my professional journey. I’m deeply grateful to our clients, teams, industry peers, and everyone who has been part of that journey. While I’ll be stepping back from full-time operational leadership, market research remains very close to me, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
The transition plan will see Kadence International and its parent company, Cross Marketing Group Inc., continue supporting the India business. Katsunori Shimomura will serve as acting country manager, working alongside the wider leadership team to oversee clients, teams and ongoing operations during the transition period.
Ramsey Yomen, global managing director of Kadence International, acknowledged Makkar’s contribution to the business and the industry. He said: “Aman has been a major part of Kadence India’s story for more than 20 years. He has built deep relationships across the industry, with clients, and within our teams, and we thank him for the leadership and commitment he has shown throughout that time.”
Miki Igarashi, president and ceo of Cross Marketing Group Inc., added: “Aman has been an important part of the Kadence India business for more than two decades, and we thank him for his long-standing contribution, leadership, and commitment throughout that time. India remains an important market for the group, and we remain fully committed to supporting our clients, teams, and the continued development of the business in the years ahead.”
While stepping away from day-to-day operational leadership, Makkar intends to remain active within the market research community through mentoring, advisory assignments and broader industry participation. He also plans to dedicate more time to family, friends and personal interests, including following cricket more closely.
Kadence International said further updates on the interim leadership structure and transition planning will be announced in due course.
Kadence International operates across Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, providing market research and insights services focused on understanding consumer behaviour and delivering actionable business intelligence.
