Ikon has appointed Lesley Edwards as national CEO, in a move that completes a year-long, agency leadership restructure.
Edwards, a six-year Ikon veteran and the founder of Ikon Brisbane, was appointed to the role of chairperson of the agency in June 2017. In that position, she has worked closely with COO David Gerrie to focus the business and strengthen its position in market.
Mike Connaghan, CEO WPP AUNZ, said during Edwards’s time as chairperson it had become apparent that she would prove more effective in a more hands-on national CEO role. As a result, she has been tasked with accelerating Ikon’s high growth trajectory, while moving the agency toward a tighter focus and stronger cross-office approach.
“Lesley has proven herself a strong and driven leader throughout her tenure with Ikon. As founder and managing partner the Brisbane office is at the top of the market. Lesley has already had a positive impact on the national business as chairperson. I could not think of anyone better to take Ikon to the next stage of its evolution, and we are extremely lucky to have a person of Lesley’s calibre willing to take on the challenge,” he said.
Edwards will continue to be based in Brisbane, and will be supported by Ikon’s national leadership team and managing partners in Sydney and Brisbane.
Ikon is a full-service agency and part of marketing communications group WPP AUNZ.