Ketchum expands regional footprint through Icon partnership

The two agencies already work together on clients such as Kodak, and the deal is designed to strengthen regional and global support for their clients through their national offices in Australia and Singapore.
 
Jerry Olszewski (pictured), senior partner and chief client officer of Ketchum, explained: “Beyond the important client service that Icon provides in Australia and Singapore, we intend to work with the firm’s senior leaders to define a Southeast Asia expansion strategy, which will mark the next phase of Ketchum’s development in the Asia-Pacific region.”
 
“Icon’s senior executives and Ketchum Greater China CEO Kenneth Chu have worked together in various businesses for nearly 20 years,” Olszewski added.

“This relationship and their vast knowledge of the Asia-Pacific marketplace enable us to hit the ground running with a fully integrated regional offer for clients.” 
 
Ketchum’s Jon Higgins, who was recently appointed senior partner, international, will work with Icon’s current senior management line-up which is unaffected by the deal. Icon will continue to operate independently.

Phil Burfurd, chairman and CEO of Icon, said: “Icon and Ketchum share similar business philosophies, company cultures and approach to client service. We are on the same page in relation to harnessing the opportunities that exist in the expanding Asia-Pacific markets beyond China and Japan.”