Mindshare boss James Greet has jumped ship to take the helm at rival Ikon, after a massive clear-out of senior executives a fortnight ago.
Greet, who has been with Mindshare since 2006, is succeeding Dan Johns as CEO of the group, after he parted ways with the company in a sudden fashion, along with digital director Ellie Rogers, culture director Leonie Kerley and data analytics director Bevan Davies.
The move was precipitated by Ikon founder Simon White taking a new role for parent STW Group as director of media, sparking speculation the agency would transition from its people first approach.
Greet will take the new role in July but will be working at Mindshare for the next three months, although it is unclear whether the agency has already lined up a replacement for him.
In a statement White said: "James is the real thing; everyone in this industry knows that. The combination of two awesome winners – Ikon and James Greet – will shake up this industry for years to come.
“It is quite simply just about the most potent combination that could be created currently and more importantly for our future plans.”
He added the management clearout was done because of a need to “shift gear and accelerate towards a new and different, sharper industry leading capability” for the agency.
Speculation has been rife the agency could be set to become a full-service model, and White said there was a need to focus on “creativity and innovation”, although speculation of a merger with sister agency Bohemia was quashed.
Last June Greet was handed an expanded remit at Mindshare, taking on the Korea, Japan and New Zealand areas leading to more travel.
In his statement White hinted this may have been a reason for the move, adding: “It's a challenge perfect for where James is in his career, and enables him to keep learning and growing while staying home, in Australia.”
In another statement Greet said: “While the past three years with Mindshare has been both fun and full of achievement the opportunity to join one of Australia’s most successful 'people' brands and lead Ikon into its next stage of progress was too good to miss.
“It also allows me to focus my time and energy in building a business here in Australia. That said, with the history and provenance of the brand here, a terrific and supportive client list, combined with a fabulous team and culture, the opportunity to be a world leader in contemporary media is there for us to grab with both hands. I can't wait."
