Verity Elgee
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Savanta
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since graduating from Exeter in 2013, I started in a graduate role and have steadily progressed through positions including Research Executive, Research Manager, and Director. I’m now a Senior Director in consumer research and brand consultancy, leading a team of 12 and overseeing key accounts across luxury retail, fashion, and beauty.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I’ve always been curious about human behaviour and what drives the decisions people make, especially as consumers. That natural curiosity led me to a career in research and insight, where I could turn that interest into something commercially valuable. I love the variety of the work – no two projects or clients are the same – and it’s incredibly rewarding to travel the world for different projects, immerse myself in different cultures and markets, and deliver insights that genuinely shape strategy and drive impact for brands.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
What I enjoyed most was the variety of modules, which kept things engaging and helped me discover what I was really interested in. I had some fantastic mentors who really supported and challenged me, and the biggest highlight was the friendships I made on the course — many of which I still have today.
What did you most enjoy about studying here?
The campus, the lecturers, and the support system (e.g. careers advice).
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
The campus and the specifics of the Psychology course.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Studying psychology gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behaviour, critical thinking, and research methods—all of which are central to consumer insight work. It taught me how to ask the right questions and interpret data in a meaningful way.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Start broad — explore different sectors, industries, and research methodologies to understand where your interests lie. The world of consumer insight is hugely varied, from qualitative to quantitative research, and from tech to luxury brands. Stay curious, build strong analytical and communication skills, and don’t ignore the rise of AI and data tools — they’re becoming an essential part of the researcher’s toolkit.
What are your plans for the future?
My next progression would be to Vice President. As well as this, I aim to continue to lead and grow my team while delivering consistent impact for our clients. I want to stay at the forefront of the industry (i.e. greater adoption of AI), driving innovation in how we approach consumer insight and strategy.
