Melissa O’Brien is Research Leader and Head of Research Operations at HFS Research. Melissa leads HFS’ research initiatives for all things customer experience, including contact center, digital marketing and sales, CX design and conversational AI. Her industry research focuses on key services dynamics within retail, CPG, travel and hospitality firms. Melissa also looks after operations across all research coverage areas, helping HFS realize our own version of OneOffice.

Melissa brings both hands-on industry and analyst experience to her role at HFS. She previously led IDC’s Worldwide Customer Experience Management Services program, including analysis of evolving contact center business process delivery and consumer communication trends. Prior to IDC, Melissa held various roles in the contact center BPO industry, including new client implementation, program design, and training development for contact centers in Manila and Cebu, Philippines.  Melissa has led plenary sessions at HFS FORA, NASSCOM, IDC Directions, and various other service provider and industry events.

Melissa graduated with honors from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in English and Communication, and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She is a Boston area native who enjoys traveling, kickboxing, and spending time outdoors including walking and hiking with her two adorably mischievous hounds.