In a moment that highlights the strength of independent creative agencies, ICOM welcomes Tbilisi-based digital powerhouse Leavingstone as its first member agency in Georgia. The partnership, announced as Georgia stands at a crucial juncture in its journey toward deeper European integration, represents a significant step forward for both organizations in their commitment to fostering independent creative excellence across borders.
The connection sparked at the Cannes Lions Festival, where Leavingstone's innovative work caught the attention of ICOM's leadership. "When their team presented at our World Meeting in Madrid earlier this year, our members were captivated by their creative prowess and digital expertise," says Bob Morrison, ICOM Board Chairman and chairman of Morrison, Atlanta.
Founded in 2010 by four university friends, Leavingstone has grown into one of Eastern Europe's most decorated agencies, winning multiple Cannes Lions and establishing itself as a creative force across the region. Under the leadership of Levan Lepsveridze, co-founder and creative chairman, and Erekle “Eke” Zurmukhtashvili, CEO, the agency serves global brands including Borjomi, Royal Swinkels' Bavaria, and VISA Inc.
"This partnership arrives at a pivotal moment for Georgia's creative industry," says Emma Keenan, ICOM President and CEO. "As the country moves closer to European integration, we believe in the power of creative independence and global collaboration. Through ICOM's network, agencies like Leavingstone gain strength in numbers while maintaining their unique identity – a model that has proven successful across our 70-plus member agencies worldwide."
Leavingstone's name and philosophy draw inspiration from Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," reflecting their commitment to pushing boundaries. "We're building a culture where people can learn to fly," explains Zurmukhtashvili. "Joining ICOM expands our horizon, connecting us with like-minded creatives who share our passion for independence and innovation."
The partnership promises to further energize ICOM's strong European presence. Leon Dominitz, ICOM Regional Director for Europe and founder of BrandGalaxy Group, Cologne, looks forward to facilitating connections between Leavingstone and other European partners. “Their unique creative approach and innovative mindset align perfectly with ICOM's collaborative culture. Our priority now is to connect Leavingstone with our European partners, and I look forward to that”, he notes.
ABOUT ICOM
ICOM is the global network of independent advertising and marketing communication agencies, connecting more than 70 member agencies across 50 countries. We create opportunities for growth through collaborative thinking and shared expertise, enabling agencies to deliver world-class creative and strategic solutions while maintaining their independence.
ABOUT LEAVINGSTONE
Tbilisi, Georgia-based Leavingstone is a highly awarded full-service creative digital agency believing that through combining human-centric creativity with digital innovations, the agency helps its partner businesses grow and transform for the better. With more than 200 international awards Leavingstone has renown reputation across the region (including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan) as Leavingstone was the pioneering agency to bring the historical first Cannes Lion into the region back in 2015. Nowadays there are around 70 full time talented individuals at the agency.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Emma Keenan, ICOM executive director
emma@icomagencies.com, +33 6 63 48 01 37
Fanny Miriel, ICOM Communications
comms@icomagencies.com, +356-99-78-56-71