# Leah McTiernan

> Leah McTiernan is the Chief Marketing Officer of Toronto-based International Business University, bringing more than two decades of experience across advertising research, product activation, global research panels, brand strategy and communications. Her public record traces a progression from research manager to senior Ipsos executive, an award-winning contributor to advertising research, a published commentator on emotion and creative effectiveness, and a volunteer leader in Canada's communications community.

- **Role:** Chief Marketing Officer at International Business University
- **Organizations:** International Business University, Ipsos, IABC Canada East Region, Girls on the Run Ontario, Marketing Research and Intelligence Association
- **Education:** Master of Health Administration, University of Toronto, Business Administration and Management studies, University of Victoria, Psychology studies, The University of British Columbia
- **Known for:** Received the Advertising Research Foundation's 2012 Great Mind Quality in Research Award for Big Idea and advancements in qualitative research., Received an Advertising Research Foundation Great Mind President's Award in 2013., Helped launch Ipsos's Big Idea strategy-testing product in 25 countries in 2010.

## Career timeline

- **2000-2002** — Worked as a Senior Research Manager at Ipsos, managing projects in technology, telecommunications and financial services.
- **2002-2010** — Served as Vice President, Client Service at Ipsos and led the North American practice for the Big Idea strategy-testing product.
- **2010** — Helped launch Ipsos's Big Idea product globally across 25 countries.
- **2011-2018** — Led marketing, communications, training, brand and product management work for Ipsos ASI and Ipsos Connect.
- **2012** — Received an Advertising Research Foundation Great Mind Quality in Research Award for Big Idea and advancements in qualitative research.
- **2013** — Received an Advertising Research Foundation Great Mind President's Award.
- **2015-2018** — Served as a board member of Girls on the Run Ontario.
- **2018-2020** — Worked as Vice President, Product Activation at Ipsos.
- **2020-2021** — Worked as Senior Vice President, Product Activation and Communications at Ipsos.
- **2021** — Began leading global panels and communications at Ipsos, including work connected to the Ipsos iSay network in more than 55 countries.
- **2025** — Joined the IABC Canada East Region board in a leadership and professional development role.
- **2026** — Serves as Chief Marketing Officer at International Business University in Toronto.

## Achievements

- Received the Advertising Research Foundation's 2012 Great Mind Quality in Research Award for Big Idea and advancements in qualitative research.
- Received an Advertising Research Foundation Great Mind President's Award in 2013.
- Helped launch Ipsos's Big Idea strategy-testing product in 25 countries in 2010.
- Held leadership roles spanning client service, marketing, communications, product activation and global panel operations at Ipsos.
- Published commentary and research on advertising effectiveness, emotional response, research participation and mixed-mode research.
- Served as president of the Toronto chapter of the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association during her long involvement with the organization.
- Selected for a leadership and professional development director role with IABC Canada East Region.

## Latest updates

- **2026-06** — International Business University held a two-day convocation as its graduating community continued to grow; public posts credited McTiernan among the staff supporting the event.
- **2026-05** — IBU opened an Ottawa campus, and McTiernan was publicly acknowledged among the university leaders and partners involved in the milestone.
- **2026-02** — IBU opened its new Toronto campus at 655 Bay Street, expanding its emphasis on employer projects and experiential learning.
- **2025-06** — McTiernan was included in the proposed IABC Canada East Region board slate as Director, Leadership and Professional Development.

## Links

- Website: https://ibu.ca
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-mctiernan-881a1010

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/leah-mctiernan
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-08-25