Esomar Says Farewell to Kathy Joe: Honouring a Remarkable Life and Legacy
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Kathy Joe, whose connection to Esomar spanned nearly half a century and whose influence on our community is immeasurable. Kathy passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, intellect, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to elevating the research and insights profession.
Kathy joined Esomar in November 1978, beginning what would become 47 years of continuous service to the organisation and to the global research community. Her career at Esomar was extraordinary not only for its length, but for the depth and breadth of her impact. She served in many pivotal roles, including Director of International Standards and Public Affairs, Co-Editor and later Consultant Editor of Research World, and in later years, Consultant to the Professional Standards Committee. Even after her retirement in 2016, Kathy continued to contribute generously as Editorial Consultant, mentor, historian, and wise counsellor to so many.
As Director of International Standards, Kathy led the development and global promotion of the ICC/Esomar International Code of Conduct, as well as key guidelines covering online, social media, mobile research, privacy, and opinion polling. Her work shaped the ethical and professional foundations of modern research practice worldwide. She established Esomar’s Legal and Public Affairs group, building bridges across continents and engaging with regulators, NGOs, and expert bodies such as W3C and ICC to protect and advance the sector.
Her editorial work—particularly with Research World—inspired generations of researchers. Kathy had an extraordinary talent for bringing clarity, nuance, and global perspective to complex issues. She commissioned and edited articles with a keen eye, elevating voices from around the world and ensuring that research remained relevant, insightful, and human. Her earlier editorial career at The Economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit, Euromoney, and Haymarket Publishing gave her a distinctive style that stayed with her throughout her life.
Kathy held a BSc (Hons) in Politics and Sociology from the University of Southampton, a foundation that nurtured her intellectual curiosity and lifelong passion for how societies function and change. Beyond Esomar, she gave her time generously to causes she believed in, volunteering for organisations such as Amnesty International and serving as Board Member and Secretary of Dance Connects.
To those who worked with her, Kathy was far more than a colleague. She was a source of wisdom, humour, and calm; a champion of professionalism; a guardian of ethics; and a friend whose warmth and compassion touched everyone she encountered. She had an extraordinary ability to bring people together—across cultures, disciplines, and generations—and she did so with humility, grace, and an infectious enthusiasm for the world of insights.
The loss of Kathy is felt deeply across Esomar and throughout the global research community. We are grateful for her immense contributions, her mentorship, her leadership, and above all, her humanity.
A memorial service will take place on 2 December at 13:00 CET and will be streamed online so colleagues and friends around the world may join in honouring her life. We invite all who knew her to honour her memory by upholding the values she lived every day: curiosity, integrity, kindness, and service. Additional details will be shared when available.
Kathy, thank you for everything. You will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
