Stephan Shakespeare

Founder & CEO

One of the pioneers of internet research, Stephan has been the driving force behind YouGov’s innovation-led strategy. He is the CEO of YouGov, having previously been both Non-Executive Chair (2023-25) and CEO (2000-23). He was Chair of the Data Strategy Board for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills 2012-13 and led the Shakespeare Review of Public Sector Information. He is a commissioner for the Social Metrics Commission, an independent charity dedicated to helping UK policy makers and the public understand and take action to tackle poverty. Stephan has an MA in English Language and Literature from Oxford University.

UK

INT

Ahead of its Hong Kong IPO, has fast fashion retailer SHEIN lost its shine in the UK?

Was the FIFA World Cup 2026 well-received compared to previous tournaments?

As bidders vie for easyJet, what kind of brand will they be buying?

As Lloyds sunsets the Halifax brand, will the public miss it?

Past the halfway mark of FIFA World Cup 2026, which sponsors are making the biggest impression?

Could The Works benefit from the troubles at TGJones?

Will Hugo Boss be a smart addition to the Frasers portfolio?

Andy Burnham’s call for Thames Water’s nationalisation may be popular with the public

As OpenAI reportedly prepares an IPO, what do the public make of ChatGPT?

Beyond fashion, can Vinted create a second-hand success story in other industries?

As England win their eighth Women’s Six Nations on the bounce, what did the public make of this year’s tournament?

With 150 former WH Smith stores likely to close, how has the TG Jones rebrand landed with consumers?

As Greene King puts 150 sites up for sale, what do the public make of the pub chain?

The Iran war and travel: How consumer sentiment towards Dubai, Israel, Turkey, and the United States has been affected since the start of the conflict

As Gap partners with Victoria Beckham, how does the mid-market retailer compare to premium clothing brands?

Arsenal or Man City may be the 2025/26 Premier League Champions – but they aren’t the healthiest brands in top-flight football

Could Waitrose’s shoplifting saga pose a real reputational risk?

As Unilever reportedly prepares to spin off Marmite, what do the public think of the savoury spread?

As Revolut receives a full UK banking licence, what do the public think of the fintech company?

Caffè Nero warns of rising prices. Will they affect the company’s brand perceptions?

A warm reception for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Ahead of the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s rumoured release, what do the public think of Samsung?

Debenhams Group scraps plans to sell PrettyLittleThing – but where does it fit into their portfolio?

What’s the answer to Quiz’s commercial misfortune?

Will a new owner take up Hobbycraft?

As River Island announces store closures, what do the public think of the brand?

IKEA’s new campaign puts the spotlight on quality – but what do consumers think?

As easyJet marks its 30th anniversary, how is the budget airline faring with the public?

JD Wetherspoon set to open 15 new pubs across the UK – and the public may welcome their arrival

Coca-Cola looks to sell Costa – but where does the coffee chain stand with the UK public?

Toby Carvery cut down an ancient oak tree – did the public roast them for it?

As Monzo reportedly mulls a UK float, how is the fintech bank perceived by the UK public?

Primark’s CEO resigns under a cloud – but has it affected opinion of the high street brand?

Have Trump tariffs affected willingness to invest in the stock market?

abrdn re-rebrands to aberdeen - but what do people think of the change?

Topshop teases a possible high street return – but do the public actually want it back?