RYAN TIMMS APPOINTED CHAIR OF CANADA’S ADVERTISING INDUSTRY BODY ICA

Ryan Timms has been appointed Chair of the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA), pledging to represent the interests of member agencies across Canada’s advertising sector. Drawing on decades of experience in both independent and global networks, Timms emphasised collaboration, industry growth and support for agencies shaping Canadian and international brands.

Ryan Timms has been appointed Chair of the Institute of Canadian Agencies, stepping into the role with a pledge to champion the interests of member agencies and strengthen Canada’s advertising industry.

Timms, a long-time advertising executive whose career spans both independent and global network agencies, described the appointment as a significant honour. Reflecting on his professional journey, he said his career began at the renowned Canadian independent agency Vickers & Benson before spending many years at the internationally celebrated advertising network McCann.

The experience of working across both independent and multinational agency environments, he said, had shaped his view of the industry and reinforced the importance of organisations that represent and support its diverse players.

“Indie and network. Big and small. I’ve been the beneficiary of both,” Timms said, noting that Canada’s advertising sector has thrived through the coexistence of different agency models. He added that the ICA’s mission has always been to advocate for the entire ecosystem, ensuring that agencies of all sizes can flourish.

Timms acknowledged the weight of the role, saying he felt “intimidated by the size of the shoes” he is stepping into. He paid tribute to outgoing leadership, particularly Beverley Hammond, with whom he worked closely over the past two years. Timms said the collaboration had been both professionally rewarding and personally inspiring.

He also expressed appreciation for the ICA’s board of directors, whose members contribute their time and expertise to support the organisation and the wider industry. Among those he recognised were Paulo Salomao, Dave Hale, Brent Choi, Julien Bissuel, Jill Smith, Lisa Pasquin, Emma Toth, Eve Remillard-Larose, Greg Power, Ben Tarr, Devon MacDonald and Elyse Boulet.

Timms emphasised that the ICA’s work extends beyond agency representation, noting the organisation plays a broader role in supporting employment, nurturing talent and helping businesses grow through effective marketing and communications.

He also thanked ICA president and chief executive Scott Knox and the organisation’s staff for their behind-the-scenes efforts in supporting member agencies. Timms described the team as “unsung heroes” whose work sustains the industry’s collaborative spirit and advocacy efforts.

Addressing the ICA’s member agencies directly, Timms expressed gratitude for their contributions to the Canadian economy and creative landscape. He noted that agencies not only generate jobs across the country but also help Canadian brands expand domestically and internationally, while supporting global companies operating in the Canadian market.

Timms said the success of the advertising industry ultimately rests on the willingness of agencies to look beyond their own businesses and contribute to the collective progress of the sector. As he takes on the chairmanship, he indicated his focus will remain on strengthening that sense of shared purpose and ensuring the ICA continues to represent the evolving needs of its members.

With decades of experience across the advertising spectrum and strong ties to both independent and multinational agencies, Timms now takes on the challenge of guiding one of Canada’s most influential industry bodies at a time when agencies face rapid technological, creative and commercial change.