ICON International Communications Indonesia (ICON) has appointed Chris Barnes as managing director and equity partner in its Jakarta office.
ICON is one of Asia Pacific’s most recognised and respected independent strategic communications agencies, and ICON Jakarta is the exclusive affiliate in Indonesia of Ketchum, one of the world’s largest communications agencies, providing access to a global network and local experience.
ICON’s president commissioner Phil Burfurd, said, “We are delighted Chris has joined the ICON team to lead our expansion in Indonesia. Indonesia is an emerging economic powerhouse and a key growth market for ICON and the appointment of someone of Chris’ calibre and experience will significantly improve the strategic communications counsel we provide to our global clients.”
Barnes previously held senior roles with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, including General Manager, Business Development, International Financial Services, where he developed offshore growth opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region, and General Manager, Government & Industry Affairs with responsibility for all global and domestic government relations. He was also Senior Adviser (Political & Media) to the Australian Finance Minister.
Barnes said: “I am honoured to join such a talented team of communications professionals who are constantly striving to provide the highest level of counsel to some of the world’s leading global brands.”
ICON designs and implements innovative corporate communications, marketing communications, crisis communications, public affairs and stakeholder relations strategies for global companies operating in Indonesia.
The ICON team has in-depth communications experience in industry sectors such as banking and financial services, accounting, aviation, travel, FMCG, education, telecommunications and logistics.
Barnes holds a number of key advisory roles as a member of the Indonesia Australia Leadership Dialogue, the NSW Government’s Export & Investment Advisory Panel, the Indonesia-Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle Sector and a member of the Business Partnership Group (BPG) advising the Australian and Indonesian Governments on the Indonesia Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
(IA-CEPA).
He is a former National President of the Australia Indonesia Business Council (AIBC) and a former Director of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Australia. He was recognised by the Indonesian Government as a Presidential Friend of Indonesia in 2009.
Barnes has a Bachelor of Arts in politics and economics (Sydney University) and Bachelor of Laws (University of Technology, Sydney).
He was awarded a British Chevening Scholarship to study for a Master of Letters (Management, Economics and Politics) at the University of St Andrews in the UK.
