Ikon media chairman Simon White moves to reassure market, describing things as ‘business as usual’
Ikon Communications’s new chairman Simon White has attempted to reassure the market saying it was “business as usual” following the departure of national CEO Dan Johns and a number of senior executives.
In a statement issued this morning the company confirmed the departure of two members of its leadership team, national digital director Ellie Rogers and people and culture director Leonie Kerley along with “two mid level executives.”
The media agency, known in the industry for its high staff retention, said that this was part of the “normal cut and thrust of business.”
White – who co-founded the agency before selling to STW – said in the statement:
“As to be expected, there is a frenzy of speculation and conspiracy theories doing the rounds. The reality though is very simple and logical, totally part of our plans, and here are the facts.”
“First, Ikon is a great business in great shape, delivering deep value for a wide range of outstanding client organisations. Much of the credit for where Ikon is today rests with Dan Johns and his team.”
White has been named as media chairman, with responsibility for both Ikon and sister agency Bohemia, which he helped set up after leaving Ikon.
He also addressed the departures saying:
“Dan shared our view that now was the right time for new leadership to take Ikon to the next level. Dan steps down from this role with our respect, appreciation and a genuine intention to explore new partnership opportunities for Dan and STW.”
“As part of this change of direction at Ikon, two of the Ikon leadership team also left the business yesterday. This was the right call to accelerate the change we want. At the same time, two mid level executives also departed. That’s normal cut and thrust of business, and again, our call.”
“There is nothing else to say. It’s business as usual at Ikon, we’re working with total focus on our clients, we’re eagerly preparing to announce the new Ikon CEO within the near future…”
Sources have told Mumbrella that both White and STW CEO Mike Connaghan addressed staff at Ikon yesterday. It is understood they outlined the company’s new direction and that this would involve a closer relationship with sister agency Bohemia.
It remains unclear how much time per week White – who made several millions dollars from the sale of Ikon so does not need to work – will dedicate to his role.
The company also hinted at a new strategy for Ikon in the statement, describing the move “as part of a planned growth acceleration strategy.”
STW said it hoped to be able to announce the name of a new national CEO next week.
Nic Christensen
The full statement:
STW’s Ikon Confirms Additional Changes As Part Of Planned Growth Acceleration Strategy
Following yesterday’s announcement of the appointment of Ikon founder Simon White as STW Media Chairman and the resignation of Ikon CEO Dan Johns, Mr White today confirmed additional changes at Ikon.
“As to be expected, there is a frenzy of speculation and conspiracy theories doing the rounds. The reality though is very simple and logical, totally part of our plans, and here are the facts,” Mr White said.
“First, Ikon is a great business in great shape, delivering deep value for a wide range of outstanding client organisations. Much of the credit for where Ikon is today rests with Dan Johns and his team.
“The most dangerous thing in business is a great last result. We are relentlessly evaluating what we do, how we do it, what our clients need today and tomorrow, and how to keep changing ahead of the market to ensure we keep leading the industry and delivering best possible value.
“That’s what we are doing now. We’re evolving the direction of Ikon to ensure we innovate and change faster than the competition and faster than client needs. We’re making a great organisation even better.
“Dan shared our view that now was the right time for new leadership to take Ikon to the next level. Dan steps down from this role with our respect, appreciation and a genuine intention to explore new partnership opportunities for Dan and STW.
“As part of this change of direction at Ikon, two of the Ikon leadership team also left the business yesterday. This was the right call to accelerate the change we want. At the same time, two mid level executives also departed. That’s normal cut and thrust of business, and again, our call.
“There is nothing else to say. It’s business as usual at Ikon, we’re working with total focus on our clients, we’re eagerly preparing to announce the new Ikon CEO within the near future, and we’re extremely optimistic and excited about the next phase of an Ikon journey of success built entirely on the success and results we’ve delivered to our clients, and our people. That’s the end of it. As they say in the classics, the caravan has left town but the dogs keep barking. We’re moving forward with pace and a very clear focus. No doubt the chatter and speculation will continue,” Mr White said.
“It remains unclear how much time per week White – who made several millions dollars from the sale of Ikon so does not need to work…”
And you know this how, exactly?
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Was pretty common knowledge at the time.
also the Aston Martin DB5 he used to park downstairs at york st was a fair giveaway
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“First, Ikon is a great business in great shape, delivering deep value for a wide range of outstanding client organisations. Much of the credit for where Ikon is today rests with Dan Johns and his team.”
When great businesses get snapped up by larger businesses, often enough bureaucracy creeps in. It would be interesting to understand if this is happening at some of the agencies, which STW have purchased.
STW have certainly purchased some great businesses for sure.
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^^^^ WHAT HE SAID
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This outbreak will be the first of many brush fires that STW will endure I believe, while shareholders continue to unload.
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“We are 100% transparent in our business practices.” (except DSPs)
http://www.ikoncom.com.au/about/
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DB6, I think you’ll find, Former Staffer.
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Gees Former Staffer … I wish I’d been there for the DB5 fair giveaway!
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Lol @shamma who isn’t making money from their trading
desk you fringe!
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simon’s first job as chairman, take a two week holiday to New Zealand. Not sure how reassuring that is to the ikon staff and clients dealing with the resulting chaos of the decisions.
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@samuel …. do we assume all these agency clients are completely aware of the economics of these trading desks and confident that all the advice that tells them to place more and more money from other mediums and publishers is completely not motivated by revenue.
All seems a bit messy and bound to end in tears.
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@shamma your comments are based on the assumption that agencies are irresponsibly spending clients money via a trading desk purely for profit. I’m sure the agencies still have the clients best interest in mind, if campaigns don’t perform and all the budget had been traded via a DSP I’m sure clients will ask questions!
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Almost 2 years ago US based Doug Weaver gave this nice video presentation for the IAB(US) which goes someway to explain the place of agency trading desks in the exchange eco-system. Worth a look – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6av6zoTiebY&list=UUBfsELdeAEf_ozR0ryWXGDg&index=9
This ‘Digital MediaScape’ – which I’ve now been updating each month for 3 years – may be of interest as an overview to the Aust digital media trading landscape (agency trading desks included) – http://www.mediascope.com.au/g.....-exchanges
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STW for some reason has a habit of knocking off their agencies leaders when they are doing well to make space for company men. The result being STW is left with a lot of mediocre agencies.
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Seems everybody’s ‘moving forward’ these days.
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Funny I contacted them two weeks ago about an RFP and have not had a response….now i know why
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