Tessa Baron
@tessabaron
Research Communities leader at SMG shaping its research strategy, quality standards, and AI-enabled workflows.
South AfricaWhat I'm looking for
At Service Management Group (SMG), I lead the Research Communities function, setting its vision, operating model, methodological governance, and quality standards. I’m also guiding the team through integration and organisational change while maintaining delivery quality and client confidence.
Previously, as Research Director at Service Management Group (previously Bulbshare), I designed and delivered qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research, turning complex business questions into recommendations and executive-ready storytelling. I also supported capability development, process improvement, and AI-enabled ways of working.
At KLA Market Research, I built the online qualitative offering, including Online Insights Communities, Chat Labs, and live groups, and developed a qualitative UX testing methodology. I led research from proposal through presentation and managed, mentored, and developed researchers and moderators.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Head of Function, Research Communities
Service Management Group (SMG)
Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)
Leads the full Research Communities function, setting vision, strategy, and operating model. Owns methodological governance, quality, and innovation roadmap, and leads team through integration and change.
Research Director
Service Management Group (previously Bulbshare)
Jan 2023 - Dec 2025 (2 years 11 months)
Led a team within the Research Communities function, combining people leadership with senior client delivery and research quality. Designed and delivered qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research for complex engagements.
Account Director, Qualitative
KLA Market Research
Jul 2013 - Dec 2022 (9 years 5 months)
Built KLA's online qualitative offering from the ground up, including Online Insights Communities, Chat Labs, and live groups. Led end-to-end research process and managed client relationships.
Senior Researcher
Columinate (now Human8 SA)
Nov 2011 - Jun 2013 (1 year 7 months)
Conducted research projects, likely involving qualitative and quantitative methods, for various clients.
Research Executive
KLA Market Research
Mar 2010 - Oct 2011 (1 year 7 months)
Executed research projects, supporting the research process from design to delivery.
Research Executive
TNS Research Surveys (Kantar South Africa)
Jan 2008 - Feb 2010 (2 years 1 month)
Executed research projects, contributing to data collection and analysis.
Researcher and Lecturing Assistant
Institute for Women's and Gender Studies, University of Pret
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 (11 months)
Conducted research and assisted with lecturing in gender studies.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Pretoria
Master of Arts, Research Psychology
Completed a Master of Arts in Research Psychology at the University of Pretoria in 2008.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
South AfricaAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
Job categories
Skills
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