UM Sydney brings in Ikon communications director Tom Rankin for group director role

UM has brought new depth to its business management ranks with the hiring of Tom Rankin (left) as a group director at the Sydney agency. He will lead a significant portfolio at UM Sydney, which includes ING Direct and the National Broadband Network.

Rankin is currently communications director at Ikon, where he has been leading the Commonwealth Bank business for the past two years, specifically focusing on CommBank’s business banking, institutional banking and the bank’s credit card portfolio, as well as the CommSec account. Prior to CommBank, Rankin played a key leadership role on Ikon’s Coca-Cola business for four years.

He takes on the group director role at UM after previous group director Will Spence was promoted to a national role as commercial director, developing and coordinating diversified communications services at UM and across the IPG Mediabrands group, as well as business development and coordination.

Malcom Connor, managing director of UM Sydney, said in hiring Rankin the agency was looking for top class client experience and leadership talent for the open group director role.

Says Connor: “There’s no doubt that Tom has the track record and talents for the role and we are looking forward to him joining us.”

Tom Rankin said he was highly attracted to the new role.

Says Rankin: “UM is totally the in-form agency in the market and has achieved great momentum going into 2013. They have aggressive plans into the future and it is an exciting time to join. I am looking forward to the new role.”

Mat Baxter, UM Australia CEO, said engaging with the highest quality talent from inside and outside the media industry was the highest priority for UM at the national level.