Willoughby Design, the longest continuously running woman-owned branding firm in the United States, has joined ICOM, a global network of over 70 independent advertising and marketing agencies spanning 50 countries.
This partnership signals a significant opportunity for Willoughby and its clients. With access to ICOM’s extensive international network of marketing experts, the agency can tap into innovative strategies, emerging trends, and cross-border insights to help clients drive measurable results.
Emma Keenan, CEO and president of ICOM, said the network is proud to see a healthy balance of male and female owners in its network.
“We’re proud of this fact, and I’m excited to welcome the team at Willoughby into our network. When I joined ICOM nine years ago, one of my objectives was to have more woman-owned agencies in our network.
The woman-owned team at Willoughby Design has continued to show that not only can you do great work and be recognized for it, but you can also lead with empathy.”
Willoughby has garnered numerous accolades for creating iconic brands such as the Kansas City Current, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team.
The agency recently made the Clio Sports Shortlist for its work on the KC Current environmental branding at CPKC Stadium, the first professional sports stadium in the world built for women.
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Willoughby’s inclusion in ICOM is sure to create opportunities for growth through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise.
As an ICOM member, Willoughby can leverage these partnerships to expand its customer base, enhance brand awareness, and explore new markets.
Celebrating Women-Owned Leadership
As part of its commitment to supporting women leaders, ICOM hosts a Women in Leadership group, a dedicated space for women leaders who recently took CEO or second-in-command roles.
The group meets every six weeks to exchange insights and currently consists of 10 agencies from their global network.
Nicole Satterwhite, co-CEO and owner of Willoughby Design, told DesignRush she knew the agency had to be a part of the ICOM network after attending the North American 2024 meeting as a guest.
“The network is full of smart, savvy business leaders. The decision to join ICOM will not only help us run a stronger business but also provide a platform with a diverse global network that provides incremental resources and peer knowledge sharing.”
Meanwhile, Megan Stephens, co-CEO and owner of Willoughby, underscored the benefits of joining ICOM:
“Willoughby has a 46-year history as an independent agency. By joining ICOM, we are able to maintain the agility and strong culture that has been core to our success since the beginning, while, at the same time, getting the benefits that come from a large network of like-minded people and resources."
By joining ICOM, Willoughby Design continues to champion women-owned leadership and the benefits of working with independently-owned agencies, while marking a new chapter in strengthening its global presence.
