iris unveils new look + proposition; Starbucks appoints iris Singapore as full service agency

iris is ending 2017 with a bang – with the launch of a new logo and new proposition and an impressive new win with iris Singapore being appointed the agency of record for Starbucks.

The new logo, based around the ‘I’ of iris, is a bold move away from the existing identity, and a bold visual representation of moving forwards. ‘For the Forward’ focuses on streamlining and strengthening its multi-specialist network offering for clients.

Globally, iris has grown 13% year on year since 2015 and predicts the network will generate £100m+ worth of revenue for the first time in 2018.The announcement follows the successive expansions of the agency with its office opening in Bangkok, and senior hires across the region. The growth also reflects the progressive brands that the agency works with within the APAC region – the likes of Starbucks, Samsung, Philips, Jägermeister, Chang Beer, LEGO, to name a few.

The new tagline is a statement that reflects the network’s skill set and what it delivers for clients – the reality of how to approach and benefit from disruption. A commitment to taking ‘bold leaps’ rather than playing it safe.

All offices within the network will work with the new branding, existing brands will be streamlined to offer more clarity of service to clients, and acquired companies within the iris network will rebrand to fully sit within the iris ecosystem. 

Says Ian Millner, founder and CEO of iris: “We asked ourselves, how can we be the most valued and valuable partners our clients can have?  Networks are struggling to grow; consultancies are coming in, in-sourcing is growing…  For the Forward is representative of our belief that in these unstable and disruptive times the last thing a client should do is play it safe.  Our promise to clients is that we will move their business forward and navigate this new landscape. The ability to evolve and move forward is one necessary for survival – and it is something we share with the clients we work with.”

Says Graham van der Westhuizen (left), managing director of iris Bangkok: “Opening our Bangkok office in 2017 was a bold move forward and one born of the restless optimism that is distilled within our renewed positioning.”

Sorcha John, managing director of iris Singapore said: “We all know that it’s been a tough couple of years for the entire industry, so it’s more important than ever that we are clear on who we are, and why we exist.  Iris has always been a home for those with an adventurous spirit – clients & talent alike.  ‘For the Forward’ is our promise to put that adventurous spirit to good use, to evolve & grow the brands & businesses we work with in a significant way.

In demonstration of the spirit, iris has announced that agency has been appointed as the creative AOR, digital and social for Starbucks APAC following a competitive pitch to support across 15 markets, working with the regional team, with new work expected to launch in Q2 2018. 

John (right) added: “We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end 2017 on a high. We are thrilled to have found such smart, passionate, ambitious creative partners in Starbucks.

“For the pitch, Starbucks asked us to ‘make the team sweat’ with our ideas and ideals for the brand, and that’s what we did. We’ve got a fantastic year ahead of us working together with the regional & local market teams to shape one of the world’s most recognisable brands in digital & social. Time to get to work.”

iris Singapore has seen great success following a very focused year, simplifying the creative vision and strengthening the diversity and depth of talent across the creative tech, innovation and production fields. This announcement follows the agency’s recent winning streak by adding Hugo Boss,Jägermeister, Kerry foods onto its impressive client roster.

The iris network now consists of iris, serving as the integrated creative shop; Iris Concise providing management consultancy, data analytics and CRM; and Iris Culture specialising in sports marketing, brand experience and entertainment.  Some existing clients will work with iris across all of these areas of the business; others will work with iris on a specialist discipline level.