The Ranksters

Ranksters are dangerous people because they strive to be the best. They push themselves hard everyday in work and in life. Imagine what that kind of person will do for your business.

Anik Karimjee, Principal

Prior to starting Rank, Anik developed his skills as a researcher and strategic planner through a career in market research and advertising. His experience in research spans more than fifteen years and has included senior positions at some of Canada’s largest research buyers, suppliers and ad agencies. During his career Anik has worked with a broad spectrum of clients and industries. From packaged goods to automotive, financial services to pharmaceuticals and almost everything in between, Anik has likely been there. His experience is also unique in that he has worked on every aspect of research from developing studies to interpreting them and developing strategic plans and communications briefs.

Anik has also served the research community. He is a past president of the Toronto Chapter of the MRIA (Marketing Research and Intelligence Association), has chaired research conferences, served on the MRIA Futures Committee, was a founding member of the Account Planning Group in Canada and has been designated as a CMRP (Certified Marketing Research Professional).

In his spare time Anik loves to seek out adventure. He is an avid sailor, has trekked in six continents and plans to explore Antarctica as soon as possible. He also likes to play hockey but admits he is a really bad skater.

Read Anik's Full Bio...

Brian Kneeshaw, senior business analyst

Brian comes to Rank with a dozen years of experience in packaged goods marketing, focussing on major national food and beverage lines. Always seeking to better understand Canadian consumers, Brian has honed his skills in brand management and market research for several large companies. He further enhanced his ability to translate research into actionable results while working in database management and analysis for NPD Group.

Well-schooled in developing and executing consumer driven activity, from research projects to strategic brand plans to new product launches, Brian is adept at sweating the details while also delivering the smarter solutions increasingly required in today's business environment. At Rank, one of Brian’s specialties is developing custom marketing effectiveness dashboards for clients.

Brian has a Bachelor's degree in psychology, an MBA in marketing, and is member of the MRIA. When he’s not working, you can find Brian roller blading, reading and home renovating.

CAROLE RIVARD-LACROIX, QUEBEC STRATEGIST

Carole, a PHD in Industrial Psychology, began her career in Human Resources at Culinar before joining their Marketing Group. As Project Manager responsible for the launch of Vachon Snack Cakes in the USA, Carole handled every aspect of the new business venture, from package design and product reformulation to consumer research, market testing, marketing planning and advertising development. Four years later she came back as Brand Manager for the Canadian market.

In 1983, Carole joined MacLaren Advertising as Account Director for Molson, GM and Via Rail. She then moved on to Léveillé Vickers & Benson in 1987, as Director of Client Services for Multi-Marques, the Dairy Bureau of Canada, Loto Québec and Bell Canada. In 1991, Carole was appointed Strategic Planner for Vickers & Benson and worked for clients such as Quaker Oats, Old South, Ontario Tourism, Mutual Life and HBC.

Carole started a consulting business in 1993 as the ‘Eyes, Ears & Heart’ of Quebec marketing. She is particularly proud of her 10 year long association with Gatorade, which was a period of significant growth for the brand in Quebec, as well as her 12 years with Bureau en Gros, a retail chain now enjoying iconic status in the province.

After working on many projects with Anik Karimjee over the years, Carole joined forces with Rank Research Group in 2006 as their Quebec Strategist. Unlike other Ranksters, her outdoor involvement has more to do with oil painting and astrophysics than sports.

Mary Ainger, Senior Research Director

After graduating from University of Toronto, Mary began her research career with Quaker Oats in London, England, helping them gain an understanding of food preferences among the nations’ large population of pet dogs and cats.

Since that time, Mary has acquired over 25 years’ experience in conducting primary and secondary research for a wide variety of private and public sector clients, working on both the supplier and buyer sides. Earlier in her career, she was a senior consultant at one of the top three international management consulting firms, and a research manager for a major chartered bank.

Mary has carried out research and customer satisfaction studies for clients in many types of industries, and has extensive abilities in all aspects of the research process. She is particularly adept at helping clients define their information needs, and ensuring that clients obtain useful, relevant and actionable information. Mary is a member of the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA).

Outside the research world, Mary spends some of her spare time at the gym taking spinning, weight training and pilates classes, with other interests including photography, gourmet cooking, reading and traveling.

Christy Heaslip, Finance and Business Planning

The phrase Christy hears most often upon meeting new people is ‘you don’t look like an accountant’. And it’s true. She’s a lot more dynamic than your typical accountant. Having been raised in an entrepreneurial family, Christy armed herself with an English literature degree, three years of additional schooling from two of Canada’s top business schools and a CMA (Certified Management Accountant) designation to prepare her for absolutely anything that came her way.

Christy began her finance career in public accounting where she worked with a diverse set of clients from both the public and the private sector. She soon moved client side to Canada’s largest retailer where she was involved in many high profile projects touching on areas such as technology, loyalty programs, credit and e enterprise.

She brings her service sector expertise to Rank after heading up finance groups in the ad business and in franchising.

When she’s not at the office Christy likes to be traveling. She is a CYA (Canadian Yachting Association) certified sailor, a yacht racer and an advanced level scuba diver with plans to become a dive master.

Kim Rood, Director Client Development

Kim brings a combined 15 years of marketing and client development focus to the Rank Team.

He contributes a past of developing unique marketing and sales campaigns that exceed ROI targets and delivered enhanced brand experiences across industries including quick service restaurants, financial services, satellite communications, retail design/consulting, sports marketing and office supply distribution.

Although one of the better story tellers on the Rank team, Kim's value to both Clients and Rank comes in the form of asking the tougher questions that get to the core of brand goals, improving internal processes, and of course, results for all stakeholders.

He's as passionate for client development as he is about Fly Fishing. When he's not thinking about the next opportunity for Rank he's normally lost in some remote part of Ontario pursuing anything that swims with a fly rod in hand. He’ll ask you to join him if you're inclined to give it a try.

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