Robert Herbst

Global Head of Research

Gravity Global

May 2026 - Current (2 months)

As Global Head of Research at Gravity Global, I lead Gravity Intel, the agency’s research and insights function. I partner with clients and agency teams to transform data, research, and market intelligence into actionable insights that inform strategy, strengthen decision-making, and drive business performance. My role spans research leadership, client consulting, and capability building across qualitative, quantitative, and syndicated business intelligence. I work closely with teams across the agency to ensure research delivers practical business value while continuing to expand Gravity’s research capabilities, innovation, and impact.

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Research and Insights Consultant

Robert Herbst Market Research Consulting

Apr 2022 - Apr 2026 (4 years 1 month)

Design and implement research and insights initiatives to support strategic planning efforts of marketing agencies and company’s across B2B and B2C categories and industries in the U.S. and in Europe.

Research Director

thWonder Agency

Oct 2018 - Apr 2022 (3 years 7 months)

Managed and directed all primary and secondary research projects on behalf of agency clients, internal teams, specialized services divisions and business development team • Oversaw the design and implementation of primary market research studies including supplier selection, study design, project management and summary/ presentation of research findings • Compiled, analyzed and synthesized secondary and syndicated research data to drive category and consumer insights • Provided expertise in matters of research techniques, methodology, and procedures • Assured quality of research projects with focus on actionable insights • Reviewed and evaluated new and existing research resources in terms of quality, cost, methodology and overall appropria

Research Director

THE COMPANY

Apr 2006 - Oct 2018 (12 years 7 months)

Built, grew and managed the research and insights function of the agency.

Business Development Manager

THE COMPANY

May 2003 - Apr 2006 (3 years)

Dual responsibility for heading business intelligence initiatives and supporting new business director in all business development efforts • Applied strategic research to support all areas of business development: Identified prospects and their marketing needs or business issues, developed highly customized proposals, presentations and sales materials, and worked closely with executive team to develop new business presentations.

Account Manager

THE COMPANY

Jun 2002 - May 2003 (1 year)

Helped develop and implement a highly personalized direct marketing campaign to low-penetration/high-potential accounts resulting in $1.2 million in new sales for BMC Software • Managed development and implementation of various international marketing efforts on behalf of BMC, including an extensive campaign in support of Control-M for SAP across multiple European markets • Helped develop a consumer-insight driven retail re-branding plan for GardenRige • Supported the launch of ConAgra’s Banquet Crock-Pot Classics , an IRI Top 10 New Product Pacesetter brand achieving $71 million in first year retail sales.

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Account Executive

Bates Southwest

May 2000 - Oct 2001 (1 year 6 months)

Reporting directly to president, conceptualized and implemented comprehensive marketing communications programs • Monitored campaign effectiveness, analyzed competitive activities, established and monitored budgets • Won National EFFIE Award for Advertising Effectiveness demonstrated on behalf of Lincoln Property Company • Strategic communication campaign for St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital increased patient inquiries by over 200% and net revenue by 10% or more than $40 million. The campaign received numerous ADDY Awards and Citations of Excellence. Bates Southwest was part of Cordiant Communications Group's advertising network, Bates Worldwide, with 180 offices in 80 countries. Bates ranked as a Top 15 U.S. Based Consolidated Agency Network

Account Executive

Grey

Mar 1999 - Nov 1999 (9 months)

Assisted CEO and Director of West Coast Operations launch new Grey Advertising subsidiary focused on the creation and development of strategic partnerships between brand companies, entertainment properties and new media • Prepared new business proposals/presentations • Helped develop and execute customized special events and promotional programs for clients • Provided assistance in developing product placement and tie-in promotional opportunities with motion picture and television properties. Grey Alliance was founded in 1999 as an entertainment and strategic marketing subsidiary of Grey Advertising/ Grey Worldwide -- the top U.S. agency brand and sixth largest world agency brand in 1998 and 1999. In 2005, Grey was acquired by UK-based WPP

Account Service Intership

Grey Group

Jan 1997 - May 1997 (5 months)

Evaluated film scripts and supported development of entertainment promotions.

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Account Service Internship

Bellot Agency Berlin Germany

May 1995 - Aug 1995 (4 months)

Managed special event projects from conception to completion.

Account Service Internship

BBDO Worldwide

Oct 1992 - Nov 1992 (2 months)

Collected and analyzed research data in support of communication strategy development for a new client. Connex/BBDO was the Berlin subsidiary of BBDO’s worldwide network. BBDO is one of the world’s leading agency networks with more than 290 offices in 75 countries.

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Account Service Internship

Flaskamp GmbH Flaskamp AG since

Aug 1992 - Sep 1992 (2 months)

Assisted production manager with project workflow and traffic management.

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