Megan Routh is a Cultural Anthropologist, Strategist and Qualitative Researcher

who’s focused on fusing consumer insight, cultural foresight, and global context to inspire big-picture brand thinking.

From establishing positionings for cause-centric start-ups to uncovering deep-dive segment insights for legacy brands, to training clients to adapt unique qualitative approaches and academic theories into applicable, turn-key methodologies, she's helped companies like Peloton, Target, Facebook, Hinge Health and CBS uncover emerging directions in culture, business and consumer behavior to develop new strategies and innovate new products, services, and experiences.

Megan Routh
Quick-Glance CV

  • NYC/CPH

    In the fall of 2019, I established Near/Next: an agency focused on fusing consumer insight, cultural foresight, and global context to inspire big-picture brand thinking. From establishing positioning for cause-centric start-ups to uncovering deep dive segment insights for legacy brands, we've helped clients like Peloton, Target, Facebook, Hinge Health and CBS drive a culture of empathy for the consumer both now and for what's next

  • VaynerMedia, NYC
    At the start of 2018, I joined VaynerMedia as a founding member of their Cultural Anthropology department to help build a proprietary framework for cultural intelligence and future-thinking. Our combination Quant/Qual methodologies helped clients across CPG, fashion, finance and the arts build consumer-centric 360 brand communications including digital, social and experiential campaigns

  • Material

    At Material (formerly "LRWTonic"), I led a team of junior researchers in the design, implementation and execution of Qualitative research projects that helped our clients make informed, strategic decisions on both quick-turnaround questions and long-term business goals

  • Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve
    I first made my culture-obsession into a culture profession at FPBR. As an analyst of emerging trends, I helped clients understand how they could apply future-thinking to today's problems in order to differentiate themselves in their category through trend forecasting, nontraditional marketing, design, product innovation and brand positioning opportunities

  • University of Copenhagen

    After completing my undergraduate education, I decided to further my education as an Anthropologist by pursuing my Masters Degree at the University of Copenhagen's international corporate anthropology program.

  • University of Georgia

    At the University of Georgia, I double majored in both Magazine Journalism and Cultural Anthropology