Iris appoints top duo as 'lifers' make way for new blood

Global agency group Iris has drafted in the senior duo of Accenture Song’s Zoe Eagle and House337’s Katy Hopkins as two of its most senior executives step down following a combined 45 years at the business.

Eagle succeeds London CEO Claire Humphris, who has been at Iris since 1999 as its first employee. She joining from IMP as a co-founder alongside Ian Millner and Stewart Shanley. During her tenure, she has held various roles, from managing partner to global CMO, and her most recent appointment over three years ago to CEO of Iris London.

Eagle joins from Accenture Song where she rose from managing partner to managing director and then to her current role of creative agency co-chief in just three years.

Before that she was managing director at Karmarama, having previously worked at BBH, Creature and DLKW.

During her career Eagle is said to have built a reputation for delivering effectiveness for clients, having been awarded IPA, Effie, APG and Marketing Week awards across the British Army, Lidl, Virgin Media, Weetabix, The Trainline and Stroke Awareness.

Hopkins, meanwhile, will take over from global chief creative officer Grant Hunter, who joined in 2004 as creative group head, rising through the ranks and holding leadership roles that have included regional creative director, executive creative director Europe and global and most recently chief creative officer for the network.

Prior to Iris he had worked at IMP, Maverick and Leo Burnett, and founded his own consultancy, White Matter.

Hopkins joins from House337, where she was creative director, overseeing work for brands including Now TV, B&Q, PETA and Green Flag. During her 17-year career, which started at WCRS, her work has been awarded by Cannes Lions, Creative Circle, British Arrows, One Show, Kinsale Sharks and D&AD, among others.

Eagle and Hopkins will be tasked with steering Iris through its next phase of growth, enhancing its creative output, and driving innovation.

Iris Worldwide co-founder Ian Millner, who has himself been at the business virtually man and boy, said: “Claire and Grant have been at the heart of Iris for decades, shaping the agency into the force it is today. Their vision, leadership, and creativity have been instrumental in building a legacy that will continue to thrive.

“While it’s always hard to say goodbye to such remarkable talent, I couldn’t be more excited about the future. Zoe and Katy bring a fresh perspective, a wealth of experience, and a shared passion for innovation that will propel Iris into its next chapter.

“Their combined expertise and creativity make them the perfect leaders to carry forward our mission of delivering impactful work for our clients.”

The duo join other senior appointments at Iris this year, which have included Elisha Pearce, promoted to MD of growth and marketing; Marie Little, appointed managing director of health at Iris; Benita Meswania, named global chief people officer; Andrea Basserman appointed managing director of Iris Germany and Eduardo Maruri, as global creative chair of Iris Worldwide.