Burke to Change CEO from September

US full service and specialist MR training firm Burke, Inc. has announced the promotion of Tara Marotti to President and CEO, from late September when CEO Diane Surette steps down after 29 years with the company. Surette says she believes the firm is 'ready for the next chapter.'

Burke was founded in 1931, is 100% employee-owned, and provides decision science, insights and innovation; while its subsidiary, the Burke Institute, provides education for MR and consumer insights roles. The company acquired innovation and growth acceleration specialist Seed Strategy ten years ago.

Marotti (pictured below) also joined the company nearly 29 years ago as a Project Manager, and assumed the role of President from Surette in August 2023, with former Head of Client Services John Thomas taking over her old role of CCO. Marotti, and has since held a number of roles, including most recently Chief Client Officer. Surette has been Chief Executive for six years, and has focused on strategic planning, technology and innovation, creating a solid infrastructure to support the firm's growth. A member of Burke's Board of Directors since 2007, she also was President and CCO prior to taking the top job.

Marotti was Head of Client Services between 2015 and 2019. She earned an MBA at the University of Cincinnati and holds bachelor's degrees in marketing and human resources from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. She has served on the Board since 2014. Surette describes her as 'an inspiring leader, who has forged strong partnerships with our clients and earned the trust and respect of our employees,' adding, 'Her ability to read the market and create strategic plans that allow our organization to navigate the changing business environment, combined with her strong business acumen, makes her the ideal candidate for the CEO role.'

Marotti says of her new role and her predecessor: 'I am honored to lead Burke and work alongside our exceptional executive team to build on the company's success. Diane has been an extraordinary mentor and visionary leader. Under her guidance, the organization has thrived and transformed intentionally to position us for growth. I am excited to continue Burke's legacy of success and lead us as we continue to evolve and grow'.

Surette says of her decision: 'Although I feel honored to have led the organization, I believe the time to leave is when you know the organization is ready for the next chapter. I've loved my time at Burke and working alongside all the wonderful people who make Burke so special.'

Web site: www.burke.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.