ICA Boosts Board with Injection of Senior Agency Talent and New Vice Chair

The Institute of Canadian Agencies is putting extra weight behind its manifesto commitments to drive agency growth and increase global recognition of Canada's agency sector with the appointment of three new board members.

Brent Choi, partner and CEO of Angry Butterfly; Sacha Lai-Svirk, VP, partner of Outpost379; and Paulo Salomao, founder and CEO of King Ursa, each take a seat at the ICA's boardroom table. At the same time, longstanding board member Ryan Timms, president of McCann, steps up to the role of vice-chair.

Brent, who co-founded independent agency Angry Butterfly in 2020, was previously CEO and chief creative officer at DDB Canada and president and chief creative officer at JWT Worldwide. Angry Butterfly sits in fifth place on the ICA's Creative Power List after winning prestigious global and local awards for its work with Stok'd, Porsche, and Jane/Finch Centre.

“It’s a critical time to consider how Canada’s agency sector not only competes today but thrives.” said Brent. “Our creative product is among the world's very best, and through the ICA and its board, I’m honoured to help ensure our industry’s trajectory continues to build upon our incredible talent.”

Sacha is a healthcare advertising specialist and has spent the past 16 years in digital and leadership roles at Outpost379. Outside advertising she's passionate about advocacy and community-building and exploring how strategy and storytelling shape the places we live, work, and connect.

She said, "I’m fortunate to work alongside great people who are shaping the future - whether in advertising, healthcare, or local communities. The ICA board is a great stage to make a positive impact on the health of the agency community."

Salomao, a Brazilian-born entrepreneur and thought leader, launched King Ursa 10 years ago and has grown the independent agency's reputation for integrating creative, media, and AI-driven performance.

"I believe that here in Canada the agency sector has the opportunity to embrace technology, innovation and integration to a greater degree," he said. "I can't wait to work with the ICA to push forward on this thinking."

The board appointments follow the selection of Beverley Hammond, founding partner and chief business officer at Toronto-based agencies Broken Heart Love Affair and Lifelong Crush, as chair in early 2024.

Beverley said, "I am excited to extend a warm welcome to Brent, Sacha, and Paulo as they join the ICA board and thank them for their commitment to our industry. As we strive to support agency growth and promote Canadian creativity across our country and globally, each of them brings invaluable experience and the leadership we require, especially in this pivotal time."

The new recruits join the existing board members in reflecting the range and diversity of Canada's agency sector. They are Ira Baptiste (vice-chair), Evolve Agency Group; Julien Bissuel, Forsman & Bodenfors; Elyse Boulet, Pigeon; Beverley Hammond (chair), Broken Heart Love Affair & Lifelong Crush; Scott Knox (president and CEO), ICA; Devon MacDonald, Cairns O'Neil; Lorri MacDonald, Diamond; Melody MacPherson, LPi Group; Eve Rémillard Larose, TBWA\Group; Ben Tarr, Leo Burnett; Ryan Timms (vice-chair), McCann Canada; and Emma Toth, VML.