Icon Agency (ICON) has elevated Tom Lock to Head of Queensland.

In the new role, Tom will continue to lead the agency's Queensland operations, while supporting national growth and driving activity across corporate, consumer, and government communications. He also remains responsible for the agency’s overall national consumer PR remit.

Since joining ICON in 2023, Tom has assisted in expanding the Queensland team and strengthening national client partnerships. He brings experience across both holding group and independent agencies, spanning various industries, including consumer brand, healthcare, finance, technology, tourism, retail, automotive, not-for-profit, and government. He has led work for brands such as Instagram, Schneider Electric, MyFitnessPal, Royal Canin, and Amplar Health.

ICON's Executive Director; Brand, Creative and Communications, Georgina Rees, said: "Tom's appointment builds on ICON's mission to provide a strong, locally grounded communications offer that connects national expertise with regional insight."

ICON's Co-founder and Managing Director, Joanne Painter, added: "Queensland is at the centre of Australia's next decade of growth, from infrastructure and innovation to global events and cultural leadership. Tom's appointment recognises that significance. His experience and vision ensures ICON continues to deliver meaningful impact for our clients and the communities we serve."

Bacchus has officially opened its Saudi Arabia office, expanding the agency's presence across the GCC region. From Riyadh, Bacchus, will be the seventh agency location, joining London, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dubai, and Doha.

The agency has appointed Tarek ElMoukachar (pictured) as Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Bacchus KSA to lead the growth strategy in the territory, working alongside Bacchus UAE Co-Founder Fiona Wishart, and global support from Bacchus Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Anouschka Menzies. This unified approach aimed to leverage Bacchus’ global network and strengthen the agency’s presence throughout key growth markets.

Anouschka said, “Having worked extensively in the Kingdom we are delighted that Tarek joins Bacchus to lead our local team alongside Fiona. Tarek is highly experienced and brings a wealth of expertise from his previous roles, already driving significant campaigns for some of the region’s most pioneering developments, hospitality brands and corporate entities.”   

Tarek said on his appointment, “After working with the incredibly talented Bacchus team in my previous role, I’m immensely looking forward to this next chapter of growth and expansion for the agency. Bacchus’ global reach and powerful understanding of a highly influential community are an incredible opportunity to bring world-class expertise and service to the region.”

The Riyadh office offers the agency’s suite of integrated services, including consumer, corporate, and crisis communication, strategy and advisory, reputation management, digital and social media, as well as event management and production. The agency focuses on sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, including real estate, hospitality, tourism, luxury, fashion, and F&B.

The team is already supporting clients such as Boutique Group, the 5* luxury hotel, Rosewood Jeddah, Leylaty Group, and Jayasom Wellness Resort AMAALA. For events in the Kingdom, the team has supported Incorta, a San Francisco-based data delivery platform, at their NoLimits event in Riyadh, and the launch of Benoit, helmed by Chef Alain Ducasse in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Bacchus KSA will also extend the global agency’s work in corporate and reputation management, with key clients including the Maldives International Financial Centre and MBS Global Investments.