Tag: Icon Agency

Canberra, Australia – Icon Agency has announced three senior appointments, with Dr. Jason Guo as the new chief technology officer, Andrew Mackay as executive director of digital, and Isaac Townsend as lead developer, to strengthen its presence and bolster its digital capabilities in Australia.

The key appointments come as the agency continues its mission to remain at the forefront of the web and service design spaces, meeting the needs of government and enterprise clients alike.

In his new role as chief technology officer, Guo will oversee the expansion of the agency’s technology stack and systems. He is a 20-year veteran in information technology with extensive experience in the public sector. 

Guo’s experience and unique insight into digital transformation processes ensure he is well-positioned to guide the technological journey of the agency.

Meanwhile, in his new appointment as executive director of digital, Mackay’s remit includes guiding and growing Icon’s burgeoning digital team to meet the growing needs of the agency’s rapidly growing client roster.

He brings with him a track record of digital success with his work at CRE8IVE, ACT Government, and Adelphi Digital. 

And to further complete the technical line-up, the agency brought in Townsend as its new lead developer. In his new role, he will drive software and platform development for Icon Agency, fortifying its competitive edge.

His wealth of experience and expertise from holding previous senior positions at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, EY, and Adelphi Digital makes him an instrumental part of the roster of strategic appointments.

Christopher Dodds, co-founder and managing director of growth and innovation at Icon, said, “Our vision has always been to push boundaries and deliver top-tier digital solutions for our clients. With the collective expertise of Dr. Guo, Andrew, and Isaac, we are now poised to expand our digital offerings into the DXP space and further develop our integrated digital communications and service design offering.”

Melbourne, Australia – Icon Agency, an integrated communications firm, has announced the appointment of three new senior staff, spearheaded by Emma Bridgeman as director of technology and B2B, Stefanie Safahi as senior account director, and Rania Aissaoui as account director. 

The new hires aim to deepen Icon’s technology and reputation management expertise, all to support the company’s growth. 

In Bridgeman’s new role, she will be based in Sydney. Prior to joining Icon, she held senior positions at Apple, Ogilvy, and Herd MSL.

Meanwhile, Safahi will also be based in Icon’s Sydney office. She previously served as the head of communications at Folklore Ventures, bringing her deep sector expertise across enterprise technology and the startup ecosystem to the agency.

Lastly, Aissaoui joins Icon after several years at Ogilvy and Teneo. Aissaoui’s previous work in crisis and reputation management allows her to add valuable experience to Icon Reputation, Icon’s specialty crisis and issue management division.

The hires continue a successful period of growth for Icon, which has seen the integrated agency establish offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane. The organisation has garnered industry recognition with a number of exciting client wins. 

David Radestock, executive director of communications at Icon, said the company’s continued search and appointment of best-in-class industry professionals was central to the agency’s ongoing success, and the new hires bring experience with large agencies and brands to bolster Icon’s team continuing the agency’s growth agenda.

Radestock said, “Hiring this talented trio demonstrates our commitment to bringing in the best consultants—and best humans—in the industry. They bring unrivalled experience and expertise, as well as the boundless curiosity and relentless drive that sets apart our team in the market.”

Radestock further highlighted the new team members’ varied backgrounds. 

“We continue to build the best team in the country in the knowledge that our growth is not because of the amount of people we add to the team, but the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches they bring,” he added. 

Speaking on the appointment, Bridgeman also said, “This is a great opportunity to spearhead Icon’s growing focus on the technology sector. With a group of exceptional clients and specialist consultants, we’re perfectly placed to grow rapidly through our best-in-class, truly differentiated offer.” 

Australia – Icon Agency has taken a significant step towards expanding its market presence by appointing Tom Lock as the new PR senior account director to lead its entry into the state.

With extensive experience managing prominent B2C and B2B clients in sectors like automotive, property, health, and FMCG, Lock joins Icon to spearhead growth in the Queensland market and enhance the agency’s national consumer and healthcare client portfolio.

Kate Ward, the national Consumer PR and Communications Director and Brisbane lead, expressed her excitement about Lock’s addition to the team. She emphasized his local expertise and experience in interstate markets, making him the perfect fit to support the agency’s expansion efforts in Queensland and oversee crucial national consumer client accounts.

In response, Lock said, “I’ve been watching Icon Agency’s growth with a keen eye over the past 12 months and am delighted to join Kate in building on the agency’s success and track record.

Lock’s arrival at Icon Agency is crucial for the business as it has experienced tremendous growth in the past year and with Lock’s shared vision, the agency believes in establishing meaningful and impactful work.

Together, Ward and Lock are set to lead the next stage of Icon Agency’s expansion while bolstering their national consumer PR offering.

Meanwhile, Lock’s appointment is effective immediately.

Australia – Icon Agency has announced Kate Griffiths’s promotion to the role of director of brand and change. In this new role, Griffiths will lead teams in this capacity, handling the development of creative behaviour change campaigns and brand activities with a heavy emphasis on building positive, cause-driven impact. Griffiths’s promotion takes effect immediately. She is based in Melbourne.

She brings her experience in tackling intricate briefs, addressing nuanced social issues, and providing guidance to brands undergoing changing journeys, helping them to become genuine catalysts for change in addressing social issues.

Joanne Painter, group managing director at Icon Agency, said, ”We are thrilled Kate is stepping into this position. Kate’s innate ability to collaborate, her thirst for work that matters and her interest in systems thinking, means our clients will receive the benefit of always having the right mix of different perspectives involved in each and every project. She is an invaluable asset as Icon Agency continues its growth,” said, Painter. 

Painter added, “Additionally, she will work closely with Icon’s executive team to promote proactive measures, accountability, and progress in the areas of equality, inclusivity, community reconciliation, and cultural initiatives.”

Meanwhile, Griffiths said, “I’m feeling invigorated by my new role. Icon’s executive team has actively encouraged the unconventional thinker within me to enhance and amplify the work we do. But also, how we do it.”

She added, “It’s a rare opportunity to work on complex social issues, whilst guiding socially conscious brands navigating changes in symbolism, strategy or culture. I can’t wait for this next chapter.”

Australia – Australian communications firm Icon Agency has announced that David Radestock has been promoted to the newly-created position of executive director of communications. Radestock, who formerly worked as the agency’s director of technology, will now be in charge of Icon’s Communications department and manage an array of tech clients, including Slack, Salesforce, and Schneider Electric.

The agency has also announced the promotion of Carly Vale to the role of business operations director. Vale, most recently the agency’s senior program director who began working for the organisation in February 2022, has continually shown excellent leadership abilities and successfully managed multiple projects. She will work closely with agency leadership in her new position to find possibilities for radical change, develop integrated processes, and make sure the agency has the capability of producing outstanding client work. 

The new promotions show the agency’s dedication to building an effective organisational framework to support its expanding team and clientele.

According to Icon Agency Managing Director Joanne Painter, Radestock was a perfect fit to lead the communications team, bringing experience across sectors and communications disciplines via his work with major brands, including Microsoft, American Express, Lenovo, Twitter and Commonwealth Bank.

“Since joining Icon earlier this year, David quickly earned the trust and respect of the entire agency. His passion and expertise have been clear from day one and ultimately he was an obvious choice to take on this critical leadership role,” she said.

Painter also added that Carly’s promotion followed her leadership on several successful projects and her new role addressed the agency’s need for an organisational structure to support its growing team and client roster.

“This new role is recognition of the fantastic work Carly continues to do and the great ideas and plans she has for the agency’s future. Her tireless work allows the rest of the agency to integrate seamlessly, delivering high-quality work for our clients. She is the agency’s backbone supporting all our teams across four States,” she said.

Australia – Co-founder and Managing Director of Australia-based Icon Agency, Joanne Painter, has been appointed to The PR Trust Board of Trustees of the global entity, The Future Communicators Foundation. Painter’s appointment to the Board marks the first Australian PR industry leader to join the US-based global Foundation. 

The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) provides scholarships, learning opportunities, and outreach programs that foster communication skills around sustainability, climate science, and social justice, focusing on developing countries and underserved communities. 

As part of Icon’s ongoing commitment to the FCF, the agency will be sponsoring two annual academic scholarships at $AUD 2500 each over four years. One scholarship will be offered to a First Nations Australian student, whilst the second will be open to post-graduate students in the communications and digital media fields. Full details are said to be announced later this year. 

“I look forward to working with The PR Trust on its Future Communicators Foundation scholarships,” said Joanne Painter.“I welcome the FCF’s focus on advancing diversity in the industry while focusing attention on important issues around sustainability, social justice, and climate. This fits perfectly with Icon’s purpose-driven ethos.”

“I’ve spent many years sitting on university advisory boards, so I see first-hand the importance of strengthening links between industry and academia. Icon has a long history of partnering with academic institutions to foster the next generation of communications professionals. Our decision to join FCF’s Scholarship program is an extension of Icon’s social responsibility program and my own experience advising and mentoring students over the past decade,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Richard Tsang, chairman of The Future Communicators Foundation Board of Trustees, commented, “We are very pleased to add Joanne to our Board of Trustees, she provides a welcome addition to the Board, extending our outreach initiatives and scholarships to the Australian continent.” 

Allard W. van Veen, founder of The PR Trust and Future Communicators Foundation, also said, “I have known Joanne for a number of years and have always been impressed by the mentorship, leadership and support she provides to up-and-coming communications professionals. Joanne will add a valuable perspective from the Australasian region as we expand our global initiatives.”

With over 30 years of experience in communications, Painter is an award-winning industry leader serving on the National Board of the Public Relations Institute of Australia for 10 years. She specialises in behaviour change communications, purpose-led marketing and digital transformation and is keenly interested in mentoring young public relations professionals.

She concluded, “We firmly believe that every business, large or small, has a moral obligation to contribute to human progress and the protection of the planet. Whether it’s sponsoring gender equality research or donating time to university boards, we’re big believers in getting involved and giving back to our industry.”

Melbourne, Australia – Australia-based Icon Agency has made a recent appointment that eyes to significantly boost its government relations capability. The agency appoints one of the top public affairs specialists in the market, Benjamin Haslem, as its new director of media and public affairs.

His experience in issues management, government relations, and high-level media training will see Ben become a key driver of Icon’s Reputation division, helping clients with corporate communications and reputation management.

Icon Managing Director Joanne Painter lauded Ben’s addition to the Icon team.

“We are delighted to welcome Ben to Icon. His expertise and experience at high levels of corporate and public affairs are a valuable asset that aligns very well with Icon’s portfolio of work and clients,” Painter said.

“Ben’s appointment deepens the bench of our Reputation team, which is capably led by another experienced ex-journalist, Mark Forbes. We’re also pleased to add Ben’s ‘can do’ attitude and positivity to our team. Ben’s presence in the Sydney office cements our place as a national agency, as we continue to consider opportunities for future expansion.”

Haslem has previously co-founded and led two leading public affairs firms, and boasts more than 30 years of experience as a journalist and communications expert, specialising in corporate communications, issues management, and government relations. He was also a journalist for The Australian for a decade, working as a federal and Victorian political reporter and High Court Correspondent.

Further to his experience, he was also previously CEO of leading independent Sydney public relations and government relations firm, Jackson Wells Morris, before co-establishing his own public affairs business of 10 years, Wells Haslem Mayhew.

Haslem will be based in Icon’s Sydney office, though his role as a senior advisor and media training expert will see him take on Australia-wide responsibilities as Icon continues to expand its national footprint.

Haslem praised Icon’s track record of impactful work and on his appointment said, “I’m very excited to join one of Australia’s foremost agencies. Icon has a great history of communications campaigns that make a real difference.”

“Icon’s strong portfolio of government and reputation management work is a great fit for my experience and skill set. I look forward to working with the team and tackling challenging communications projects.”

In November, Icon Agency has also named Scott Pritchett as new senior art director. 

Melbourne, Australia – Integrated creative, brand, PR, and digital agency Icon Agency welcomed award-winning creative Scott Pritchett as its new senior art director.

Pritchett is expected to elevate Icon’s offering of creative and integrated services across the board, as he will oversee the design and art direction of the company’s creative projects.

Before joining Icon, Pritchett was a senior art director at VMLY&R Melbourne and held the art director role at Dentsu. He also earned numerous recognitions in international award-giving bodies such as One Show, Spikes, AWARD, and Cannes Young Lions, amongst others. 

Icon’s Creative Director Andrew North said, “We’re very happy to welcome Scott to Icon. His previous work is a testament to his skill and we believe his guidance and oversight will support our entire creative team, who continue to produce high quality work across our entire client portfolio.” 

“Icon is committed to solving complex communications challenges, which requires diverse expertise and strong senior leadership. Scott brings a wealth of both,” North added.

Joanne Painter, Icon’s group managing director, also commented,  “Senior appointments like Scott’s are a vital part of our ongoing, sustainable business growth. As we add more senior positions and experts, each with their own experiences and strengths, we expand our ability to solve complex communications challenges and deliver award-winning work for our clients.” 

Pritchett also shared his excitement about working with the Icon Agency team, stating, “The team at Icon are a fantastic bunch and I’m excited to join them in making great, purposeful work.”

Prior to Pritchett’s appointment, Icon Agency has also previously welcomed Simon Hobbs as its new executive director of digital.

Australia – Australia-based integrated communications agency Icon Agency has been appointed by cloud-based software company Salesforce to manage its Australian communications for the global CRM leader in CRM.

The move will see Salesforce joining Icon’s expanding roster of global technology brands including ADP, Schneider Electric, and Luno. 

Salesforce said that it believes that business is the greatest platform for change and is committed to doing well and doing good, making the brand a seamless addition to Icon’s purpose-driven client base.

Joanne Painter, Icon Agency’s managing director, commented that they are thrilled to work with a value-led business, dedicated to trust, customer success, innovation, equality, and sustainability, and it’s a time of tremendous change and they need more innovators and change-makers to navigate significant headwinds.

“As a trusted digital adviser, Salesforce is perfectly placed to support the evolution of businesses to a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future. Salesforce is an ideal fit for Icon’s brand platform, ‘For people, with purpose’. We continue to cement our expertise in the tech sector to complement our existing strengths in healthcare, education and government Purpose is not just a lofty ideal. We’re committed to work that makes the world better, enabling us to rapidly expand whilst producing award-winning work. The results are clear: purposeful work works,” said Painter.

Just recently, Icon Agency appointed Simon Hobbs to step into its newly created role of executive director of digital. He will be leading Icon’s digital department with a focus on new business development and optimising the team’s processes and systems.

Melbourne, Australia – Australia-based integrated communications agency Icon Agency has appointed Simon Hobbs to step into its newly created role of executive director of digital.

In this new role, Hobbs will be leading Icon’s digital department with a focus on new business development and optimising the team’s processes and systems. 

Hobbs brings significant management experience, having previously grown multiple teams across agency and government. He previously consulted for the New South Wales government for two years, focussing on the complex content platform that is the nsw.gov.au website.

Commenting on his appointment, Hobbs said that Icon is in a fantastic position that aligns with his passions, and with recent and ongoing growth, there’s a great opportunity here for him to make a difference and help the team do their best work.

“Icon’s commitment to innovation is a real drawcard for me. We’re keeping one eye on the horizon to see what new technological opportunities are coming, like AI and the Metaverse,” he added.

Meanwhile, Chris Dodds, Icon’s managing director of digital, noted, “Adding Simon to our team reflects our commitment to constant improvement. In this next phase of growth his expertise and leadership will help our team operate at peak performance. Simon’s extensive experience with government projects strongly complements our strength and history of government work. We’re excited to add his knowledge and skills to our growing team.”

Joanne Painter, Icon’s group managing director, said “We continue to grow quickly thanks to the support and trust of our clients. Senior appointments like Simon strengthen our capabilities across all disciplines and allow us to offer multi-faceted, end-to-end projects.”