ICOM, the global network of independent advertising and marketing communication agencies, is delighted to welcome Willoughby Design as its newest member. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Willoughby Design is a woman-led, award-winning branding agency with a legacy of empowering bold ideas and creating iconic brands. With this addition, ICOM continues to strengthen its community of agencies that thrive on collaboration and innovation, each bringing a unique perspective to the network.
Founded in 1978, Willoughby Design holds a remarkable position as the longest continuously running woman-owned (WBE) branding firm in the United States. The agency has become a renowned creative force, celebrated globally for the naming and brand identity designed for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, the Kansas City Current and CPKC Stadium, the world's first professional stadium for women's sports. Willoughby Design’s impressive client roster includes brands such as Georgia Pacific, Pet Supplies Plus, Platinum Guild International, and Panera.
Emma Keenan, CEO and President of ICOM, commented on the onboarding of Willoughby Design: "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. There are still not enough female agency owners globally, and the USA is no exception. When you walk into an ICOM North America Regional Meeting however, you’ll see a healthy balance of male and female owners in the room. We’re proud of this fact, and I’m excited to welcome the team at Willoughby into our network."
ICOM’s Women in Leadership group aligns with this commitment, providing a dedicated space where women leaders who have recently taken the roles of CEO or second-in-command meet every six weeks to exchange insights and explore the complexities of their professional and personal journeys. Currently, 10 agencies from several countries are represented in this dynamic group, creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and authentic connections among women in ownership roles.
Alan Brown, ICOM North America Regional Director, shared his enthusiasm for the newest member: “Nicole Satterwhite, one of the two co-owners of Willoughby Design, joined us at our North America Regional Meeting in Philadelphia last month. We had the opportunity to hear Nicole’s vision for the company and see some of the incredible design work they have done for their clients in the US and around the globe. Everyone was blown away, and we are so excited to have Willoughby join ICOM, adding this leading brand design agency to our group.”
Nicole Satterwhite, Co-CEO and Owner at Willoughby Design, shared her excitement, stating, "We are excited and honored to join the ICOM Network. After attending the North American 2024 meeting as a guest, I knew our company needed to be a part of this group. 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."
About ICOM
ICOM is the global network of independent advertising and marketing communication agencies, connecting more than 70 agencies across 50 countries. ICOM's mission is to create opportunities for growth by fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise among its members. Together, ICOM agencies deliver world-class creative and strategic solutions while maintaining their independence, contributing to a dynamic network that celebrates diversity, adaptability, and excellence.
About Willoughby Design
Willoughby Design, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a woman-led brand design agency celebrated for its creative vision and leadership in the industry. With over four decades of experience, the agency has a team of seasoned strategists, writers, and designers dedicated to bringing brands to life. Willoughby Design’s impressive portfolio and commitment to community make it a powerful addition to ICOM’s global network.
For More Information:
Emma Keenan, ICOM President & CEO
[email protected] | +33 6 63 48 01 37
Fanny Miriel, ICOM Communications
[email protected] | +356-99-78-56-71