EXCLUSIVE: Major changes are afoot at Ikon following the installation of Simon White as STW media chairman. National digital director Ellie Rogers, people and culture director Leonie Kerley and data analytics director Bevan Davies have all left the company, AdNews has learned.
It is thought that up to nine management team members could be shown the door, although STW strongly refuted that suggestion when questioned by AdNews.
The company would not initially confirm the departures other than Johns. However, a source inside Ikon confirmed that the three had gone. A fourth staff member from the HR department has also left.
Last night, AdNews revealed chief executive Dan Johns departed the agency.
Updated: STW has now confirmed that both Rogers and Kerley have gone.
STW has issued a statement in an attempt to clarify what is going on at Ikon and try to end speculation caused by the absence of information issued by the company.
White said:
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.
“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."
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