James Greet appointed CEO of Ikon Group

STW Group’s Ikon Communications today announced a new chief executive officer, appointing current Mindshare Australia chief executive James Greet (left) to the role. Greet will commence at Ikon in July, overseeing the business across Australia and New Zealand.

Greet is one of the most proven and successful media agency leaders in Australia. Under his leadership during the past three years, Mindshare has doubled its size and been transformed into a fast growing, multi-award winning industry leader. A 2012 MFA Award winner, Mindshare Australia was also named the world-wide office of the year in the organisation’s annual global accolades.

Greet achieved similar stellar success when CEO at OMD from 2002-2006; three years after joining the company it became the first media agency to win both B&T and AdNews Media Agency of the Year in the same year. In 2009 OMD was named AdNews Media Agency of the Decade.

Says Simon White, chairman of STW Media and Ikon founder: “James is the real thing; everyone in this industry knows that. The combination of two awesome winners – Ikon and James Greet – will shake up this industry for years to come. It is quite simply just about the most potent combination that could be created currently and more importantly for our future plans.

“Ikon is in outstanding shape and delivering great value to clients. It is and will always be known for its absolute passion for driving client results. We refuse to rest on our laurels. We have to keep evolving. As announced several weeks ago, changes were needed for Ikon to shift gear and accelerate towards a new and different, sharper industry leading capability, right for today and ahead for tomorrow. It shall be delivered by the balance of using the science of instant and long term intelligence and getting back to the art of pure focussed creativity and innovation. Our success is defined by the success of our clients. We build and reward customised teams to do whatever it takes to deliver on those goals.

“The gear changer is James Greet. Clients want something new, and we are going to give it to them. It’s a challenge perfect for where James is in his career, and enables him to keep learning and growing while staying home, in Australia.

“And what is that new ‘agency for tomorrow’ strategy going to be? Ask James when he joins – it’s his strategy. He’s unlikely to tell you too much though. He’ll be too busy doing it with clients and prospects.”

Says Greet: “Since Ikon was founded it has from day one sought to find a different way of doing things and provide a new way for clients. In a world where media is genuinely changing every day the Ikon spirit, entrepreneurial approach and hunger for innovation has never been more important in helping clients move forward and innovate with confidence, and not take the easy way out by simply dusting off last year’s media plan.

“While the past three years with MIndshare has been both fun and full of achievement the opportunity to join one of Australia’s most successful ‘people’ brands and lead Ikon into its next stage of progress was too good to miss. It also allows me to focus my time and energy in building a business here in Australia. That said, with the history and provenance of the brand here, a terrific and supportive client list, combined with a fabulous team and culture, the opportunity to be a world leader in contemporary media is there for us to

grab with both hands. I can’t wait.”

Prior to joining Mindshare in May 2010, Greet was managing partner at global executive search firm The Ladder for three years. He was also CEO of OMD Australia from 2002-2006, and has worked at a range of outstanding media organisations in the UK, China and Australia including PHD, BBH and Starcom