Ikon managing partner Sharon Cookson returns to OMD
Ikon Communications’ managing partner Sharon Cookson has resigned from the agency after five and a half years, Mumbrella can reveal.
Cookson is returning to OMD Melbourne as managing partner after departing the agency as head of strategy, content and social in 2012.
Cookson has resigned from Ikon Communications
Lesley Edwards, chairperson at WPP-owned Ikon, confirmed Cookson’s departure in a statement to Mumbrella: “Sharon has played a significant role in building the Melbourne office into the successful agency it is today and we wish her well for the future.
“She leaves the business in great shape and we are confident the team will continue to produce best-in-class client work during this period of change. Ikon Melbourne has a strong leadership team, and supported by myself, will form the interim agency leadership.”
Before joining Ikon Communications in 2012 Cookson had been at OMD for over five years as the agency’s director of OMD Fuse Melbourne and head of strategy.
Aimee Buchanan, CEO of OMD Australia, said in a statement: “We are excited to have Sharon back at OMD. With the significant growth the Melbourne team have experienced, Sharon
will bring an additional level of support for the team. She has extensive knowledge of the local market and I look forward to her contributing to the ongoing success of our Melbourne office.”
“I’m delighted to be joining OMD, who are committed to delivering excellence across the board. I’m looking forward to working with their very talented team to add value and focus on the success of its impressive group of clients,” Cookson added.
Cookson has also spent time at ZenithOptimedia and KWP Advertising.
In June last year Ikon Communications announced a new national leadership structure stating Cookson would remain as the managing partner of Melbourne and part of the leadership team.
Ikon Communications has already begun a search for her replacement.
OMD Melbourne appointed Di Richardson as its managing director in December after its former MD Margie Reid departed after 11 years, to join creative agency Thinkerbell as managing director.
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
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Good one OMD! Sharon is a great operator. Congrats to both!
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Onya shaz
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A very very surprising choice.
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Huge loss for Ikon. Awesome for OMD. Staff and clients love her.
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Huge loss for Ikon in Melbourrne. Congratulations Sharon
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Well done Sharon. You have consistently made a positive impact at every organisation you have joined. OMD will prosper from your presence.
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