Belkist Padilla, President

Belkist Padilla, certified as a Master Moderator from RIVA, brings over 16 years of market research experience. She is an expert at developing the right research strategy and then helping clients uncover deep insights, whether for domestic or international research.

Belkist founded IMG in 2000, where she has taken the best learnings from her previous roles to create a dynamic company with the talent and customer service to handle both Fortune 100 and smaller clients. Lifelong training is a hallmark of IMG, and Belkist ensures that all her researchers are well equipped to handle your research needs. Her interest in innovation has also kept IMG on the cutting edge of exploratory techniques.

“What I really enjoy is giving our clients a glimpse into their customers’ lives; standing in their kitchen observing someone prepare a meal or sitting in the living room having a great conversation, all the while surrounded by the rich context of life – ethnography is a real kick!”
- Belkist Padilla

Special Expertise

• Domestic and international moderator, heavy focus on Latin America
• Bilingual / Bicultural (English / Spanish)

Past Experience

• Vice President / Director of Qualitative Research, for 8 years, Market Facts, Inc.
  (now Synovate)
• Top moderator for 5 years at Market Development (now TNS)

Training

• RIVA Master Moderator™ Certification (awarded to selected applicants who complete training in a series of courses, workshops and private study and then demonstrate skills and knowledge to an objective examination panel through both written and practicum examinations. Learn more at www.rivainc.com)
• Burke Institute Moderator training
• Ongoing Advanced facilitation training – Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI)

Gloria Cantéñs-Purchon, Director of Qualitative Research

With over 9 years of both qualitative and quantitative research, Gloria is known for her meticulous attention to detail. She is a RIVA-certified Master Moderator, and she excels at getting even the most difficult respondents to open up.

“I enjoy working on strategic planning, especially when clients come to us with a fuzzy picture of what they need and allow us to partner with them to design the study. This allows us to think critically about the best, most efficient ways to get their specific questions answered, as well as to expose more insights.”
- Gloria Cantéñs-Purchon

Special Expertise

• Domestic and international moderator, focus on Latin America
• Bilingual / Bicultural (English / Spanish)

Past Experience

• Manager of Research at Zubi Advertising
• Top moderator for 4 years at Market Facts, Inc. (now Synovate)
• Graduate work at North-South Center (think tank focusing on the Amerca’s)

Training

• RIVA Master Moderator™ Certification (awarded to selected applicants who complete training in a series of courses, workshops and private study and then demonstrate skills and knowledge to an objective examination panel through both written and practicum examinations. Learn more at www.rivainc.com)
• Burke Moderator Training
• Ongoing Advanced facilitation training – Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI)

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Lilia Ojeda Oster, Research Consultant

Lilia brings over 22 years of experience in understanding how to translate consumer insights into successful marketing campaigns. Lilia has a unique blend of agency / advertising experience, including P&G, Disney, Sunbeam, McCann Erickson, BBDO, and FOVA/Grey. She also has a strong appreciation for the client process, having spent many years as a Sr. Marketing Manager for Sunbeam Latin America.

As a moderator, Lilia has been RIVA trained and has been very successful working with clients in Latin American and US Hispanic markets.

“One of my favorite parts of the development process is translating the consumers’ feedback into a successful marketing /advertising campaign. I do believe that the final consumer has the last word, but we need to be careful how we read and use the results. I like to help our clients apply those insights wisely and effectively.”
- Lilia Oster

Special Expertise

• Domestic and international moderator, heavy focus on Mexico
• Bilingual / Bicultural (English / Spanish)

Past Experience

• Sr. Marketing Manager, for 5 years at Sunbeam Latin America
• Sr. Licensing Manager for 4 years at Disney Consumer Products LA Miami
• Sr. Marketing Manager, for 7 years at Colgate Palmolive Mexico
• Account Director (P&G) for 3 years at FOVA/Grey New York
• Intl. Account Director for 4 years at BBDO Mexico

Training

• RIVA training
• Ongoing Advanced facilitation training

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Jose R. Visbal, Assistant Project Director

Based in Colombia, Jose offers more than 30 years of experience on Project Management in Latin America, his background on planning and coordination of international projects is a great help to keep track of project details.

“I enjoy strengthening bonds with our clients by offering them top-quality services, fulfilling their needs, giving personal attention to details, and walking that extra mile to help on the success of a project.”
- Jose R. Visbal

Special Expertise

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research, especially in Latin America
• Domestic and international coordination
• Bilingual (English / Spanish)

Past Experience

• 15 years Senior Project Director Electric Power System
• 5 years Planning Director Water & Sewage Management [IMG]
• 10 years private consulting

Training

• Quality assessment and control
• Project Planning
• Ongoing Advanced facilitation training

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