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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, reflecting the rapid expansion of the market research agency’s local team and client base.
Since establishing its Sydney office with just four employees 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.
Formerly home to Special Australia and The Hughes Gallery, the iconic building has long attracted businesses looking to make their mark in one of Sydney's most creative neighbourhoods.
The recently refurbished office was developed in consultation with José Gutiérrez, founder of award-winning boutique architectural design practice José Gutiérrez Ltd, who brought his distinctive design sensibility to the fit-out. Gutiérrez also led the full architectural refurbishment of TRA's Auckland headquarters, ensuring continuity across the brand's workplace environments.
The Sydney fit-out has been created as a people-first environment that reflects TRA’s values of creativity, clarity and collaboration. The space has capacity for up to 30 people, supporting the agency’s continued expansion ambitions while providing a warm and inspiring workplace experience for staff and clients alike.
Alongside the office move, 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.
Also in Sydney, 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.
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.
Hall said: “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.”
TRA’s Sydney office supports a growing roster of Australian and global clients including Canva, Danone, Atlassian, Intercom, ANZCO, TPG Telecom, Uber, Entain and Breville.