Michael Brereton — fixed-term faculty member, executive in residence and leader in the global marketing industry — has received a lifetime recognition of distinction from the Insights Association. On Nov. 13, the industry group announced its inaugural class of Laureates, the highest level of merit in its new Insights Professional Certification program, including Broad’s Brereton among the honorees.
Michael Brereton, fixed-term faculty of marketing
“It was quite a surprise and a tremendous honor to be recognized like this alongside other leaders, many of whom I have always considered to be pillars of the marketing research industry,” he said.
Brereton was previously CEO of Maritz Research, the 12th largest research firm in the United States at the time, before bringing his expertise to MSU. He was the founding chair of the Master of Science in Marketing Research advisory board and has been guest lecturing in the program since its launch in 2011. Starting in 2015, he’s been teaching full-time, as one of many former industry leaders who guide students in this Broad program.
As a peer-nominated Laureate, Brereton is recognized as an outstanding member of the insights community, with a distinguished career marked by meaningful contributions that have advanced the profession overall.
“Michael Brereton’s selection as an honoree in the IPC Laureate class illustrates his expert leadership, extensive knowledge and the highest respect earned from C-level and senior executives within the marketing research industry,” Jessica Richards, MSMR program director, said. “He has blazed a trail of excellence inspiring countless marketing research professionals for the entirety of his career and is a remarkable leading professor for MSU MSMR academics.”
“Just as rewarding is how this recognition perfectly dovetails with the reason I was attracted to join the Broad faculty in my retirement from the business,” Brereton added. “This recognition states that ‘Laureates agree to lead by example in the areas of ethics and integrity, serve as mentors to less experienced colleagues and students and fulfill the role of ambassador for the industry.’ To me, that’s what our MSMR program is all about.
“Through this program, we aim to create the preeminent experience for developing the next generation of leaders in the field of insights and analytics. So, for me, being part of the team here feels like a great fit.”
In addition, Brereton is expected to stay involved in the insights industry through speaking, writing and contributing to the community dialogue, which should also be a natural fit.
This industry recognition is not only an honor for Brereton but also Broad’s program overall, showcasing its highly respected, top-ranked status as a leader in marketing research education.
Richards said, “Our client-centric program provides practical skills and knowledge to students with a variety of professional experience and backgrounds at full-time or part-time pace (in-person or 100% online formats), ensuring graduates a bright future in the marketing research, consumer insights and analytics career paths.”
