Full service agency, Ikon Communications, has announced the appointment of Chris Ernst as national head of performance, based in Brisbane.
Leading a team of more than 20 performance specialists, Ernst is charged with growing the agency’s performance product and ensuring every aspect of the digital strategy is fully integrated into clients marketing strategies.
Ikon’s chief operating officer, David Gerrie, said in the past 12 months Ikon had successfully expanded its unique decentralised performance team model and was delivering the best outcomes for its clients, especially in the sophisticated categories of retail, travel and wagering.
“The agency is driven by performance and focuses on creating campaigns that integrate into the overall marketing mix to work on many levels – engaging, informing, converting and ultimately performing,” said Gerrie.
“Chris’ skillset is vital to where we are going as an agency and as an industry, and we are delighted to have him on-board.”
Ernst joins Ikon from Reprise where he spent six years in both Sydney and London offices most recently as general manager, client advisory, Australia, overseeing both client relationships and delivery of performance solutions.
Prior to his time at Reprise AU, Ernst was with Reprise UK leading key accounts Coca-Cola and AB InBev (Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks), devising strategies across Paid Search, SEO and Social Media and driving new business opportunities for the agency.
Commenting on the move to Ikon, Ernst said, “I’m excited to lead a talented and passionate team of performance specialists and look forward to working with the team and wider business to deliver innovative and creative performance campaigns for an exciting roster of clients.
“Ikon offers a nimble and agile culture which complements how I work. The agency is fully prepared to grasp developments in this fast changing industry and run with them. That’s exciting and I’m looking forward to being part of the agency’s future.”
His appointment is effective from July. Ernst will also join the national executive team.
