Sairah Ashman, previously global COO, is first female CEO of Wolff Olins.

Wolff Olins announces the appointment of Sairah Ashman as CEO. Her appointment follows 23 years with the company, and seven years as global COO. She succeeds Ije Nwokorie, who will remain with the company mentoring client teams.

Ashman says, “It’s really special to be stepping into this role, in a company I love, surrounded by people who constantly inspire and amaze me.”

Nwokorie adds, “Sairah is one driven leader; privately and professionally committed to making a positive impact in the world. She's an important voice for equality in our industry and I am excited by our continuing partnership.

“We are not a business that is obsessed with hierarchy. Sairah and I have been each other’s boss more than once over the past few years. This change is a part of our long term transition programme, for the benefit of our clients, our people, our business and our impact on the world.”

Ashman elaborates, “We are a business that champions diversity and equality, both through our hiring and retention practices, as well as through our creative partnerships with clients. My focus will be to grow our social and creative impact on the world. We intend to be evermore ambitious and radically creative.”

Chairman Brian Boylan adds, “I very much enjoy working with both Sairah and Ije and look forward to continuing to do that in their new roles, all at a time when we are pushing forward across all aspects of our business.”