Ikon has bolstered the leadership ranks of its Sydney and Brisbane offices, appointing two senior media and marketing practitioners following ongoing growth in both states.
In Sydney, experienced media professional Jason Smith has joined as Agency Director, reporting to Managing Partner James Sawyer. He brings more than 19 years’ experience gained at agencies including Joy, Bohemia, Zenith and Carat both in Australia and the UK.
Ikon Sydney Managing Partner James Sawyer said in addition to further developing Ikon’s services and diversifying its client base, Smith would be a key support in leading the agency and client teams.
“Jason’s background and breadth of experience will drive the Ikon Sydney business forward,” he said. “With skills honed across three continents, he has a wealth of knowledge to offer the Ikon business, combined with a collaborative leadership style and a focus on strengthening existing client relationships.
“Jason’s experience in leading large integrated full-service clients combined with his background in strategy is perfectly suited to our needs here at Ikon, guiding the client leaders of the future,” Sawyer continued.
Smith said of his appointment: “I was drawn to Ikon given we share an unwavering commitment to executing communications ideas that will affect consumer change.
“Developing strong relationships with clients, my team, creative and media partners alike to achieve measurable business results has always been a priority and one that fits well with Ikon’s proven approach. Teamed with a strong focus on strategy, I am excited by the prospect of working with Ikon’s existing team, and through its growth in the future.”
In Brisbane, Richard Woof has joined as Client Service Director and brings more than 20 years’ marketing experience gained predominantly in the UK with leading agencies such as OgilvyOne in Surrey.
During his career he has worked on a range of consumer brands, notably Ford of Europe where he led the first project to implement 3D animations online, as well as working with global tech providers to help organisations digitally evolve. An expert in both B2C and B2B marketing, his interest is in user experience and behaviour, and how content and context influence the way people decide what, how and when to buy.
At Ikon Brisbane, Woof (an avid traveler himself) has been tasked with working on one of the agency’s largest accounts, Flight Centre Travel Group. Reporting to Ikon Brisbane Managing Partner Chris Ernst, Woof will form an integral part of the growing agency which has more than 60 staff.
“We’re incredibly excited to add Richard to both the Ikon Brisbane family and more specifically the Flight Centre team. His depth of experience in assisting brands on their digital evolution paired with a genuine passion for consumer behavior and its impact on purchase decisions will be invaluable,” Ernst said.
“He’s also an authentic and passionate person who strives to make a difference, very much fitting the fabric of our business which is hugely important to us.”
Woof said of the appointment: “I’m thrilled to be joining Ikon to work on the Flight Centre account. Flight Centre is a massive brand with huge equity in Australia. Everyone there and at Ikon have such passion for travel, so I’m excited to be part of the team.”
The new appointments follow the announcement that Ikon had unveiled a new national structure as it looks to take a broader, cross-city focus.
Ikon is part of WPP AUNZ, Australasia’s leading marketing communications group.
