Ketchum, Icon ink affiliate agreement

Omnicom Group's Ketchum has signed an exclusive affiliate agreement with Icon to form a strategic alliance in the Australia and Singapore markets.The partnership will enable the two public relations firms, which already work together on client assignments for Kodak and other brands, to provide national, regional and global support to clients. Icon will remain an independent, privately held company within the agreement. Ketchum's Jon Higgins, who was recently appointed senior partner, international, will work with Icon to grow Ketchum's presence in this region."Icon adds deep expertise in two key geographic markets and a professional approach that aligns exceptionally well with Ketchum. Beyond the vitally important client service that Icon provides in Australia and Singapore, we intend to work with the firm's senior leaders to define a SE Asia expansion strategy, which will mark the next phase of Ketchum's development in the APAC region, " Jerry Olszewski, senior partner and chief client officer, Ketchum said.Icon was founded in Sydney in 2000 and opened its Singapore office five years later.