Iris Appoints Zoe Eagle as CEO, and Katy Hopkins as Executive Creative Director

From left to right: Grant, Katy, Ian, Zoe, Claire

Iris, the global creative network, has announced the appointment of Zoe Eagle as CEO, Iris London, and Katy Hopkins as executive creative director, Iris London. The appointments come as Claire Humphris, London CEO and Grant Hunter, global chief creative officer, step down after 25 and 20 years at the agency. 

Zoe 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 she has 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.

Katy joins from House337, where she was creative director, overseeing work for brands including NOW (SKY), 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, amongst others.

Zoe and Katy will be tasked with steering Iris through its next phase of growth, enhancing its creative output, and driving innovation to ensure the agency continues to lead the way in delivering transformative and award-winning work for its clients.

Ian Millner, co-founder, Iris Worldwide commented, "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."

Claire was Iris’ first employee when it launched 25 years ago, 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. 

Grant joined Iris in 2004 as creative group head, rising through the ranks and holding leadership roles that included regional creative director, executive creative director Europe and global and most recently chief creative officer for the network. He has led award-winning campaigns that have been recognised at D&AD, Eurobest Glass, Clios, LIA, Cannes, Campaign BIG Awards, One Show and Spikes, and led the design team on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Mascots. Prior to Iris he had worked at IMP, Maverick and Leo Burnett, and founded his own consultancy, White Matter. 

Zoe Eagle, new CEO of Iris London, said, “Iris has a phenomenal legacy of creativity and fearlessness. After five years working at the intersection of creativity, consultancy and technology at Song, I’m incredibly excited to join this progressive team and entrepreneurial culture. Claire and Grant have left an indelible mark, and I’m eager to build on the strong foundation they’ve established. Together with Katy and the entire Iris team, I look forward to driving even more transformative work that drives growth for our clients and continues to shape the future of our industry.”

Katy Hopkins, new executive creative director, Iris London, added, “Iris has always been an interesting agency, with a unique proposition that I find intriguing and exciting. I love that they are thinking differently about how to entertain and engage to bring brands and customers together. They value creativity and have a wealth of incredible talent. I’m looking forward to helping take their creative product to the next level.”

Zoe joins in November and will report to Ian Millner, co-founder and chair of Iris Worldwide. Katy joins this week and will work closely with Eduardo Maruri, the multi-award-winning former president and chief executive of Grey Europe, who was appointed as global creative chair of Iris Worldwide in June. 

Claire commented, “After 25 incredible years at Iris, it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together, and I know the agency is in great hands with Zoe and Katy. Their fresh energy, combined with their proven track records, will undoubtedly lead Iris into an exciting new era. I look forward to watching them continue to push boundaries and create impactful work that stays true to the values we built this agency on.”

Grant commented, “I joined Iris when we were only 75 people strong and growing fast - for the first six months I didn’t have a desk, the only place to sit was in the window. Over my 20 years at Iris, the only constant has been change. That entrepreneurial spirit is in our DNA. It’s been a pleasure to work with the array of creative talent that’s been onboard over those two decades. Together, we’ve created world firsts, agency firsts and ideas that have become a part of culture.  It's now time for something entirely different for me – the bees, a crumbling cottage and the Chiltern Hills are calling.”

Zoe and Katy 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.