Evolve Agency Group has named Ira Baptiste as its new president, promoting the executive internally. Baptiste has been with the agency for six years and has won several awards along the way.

She also serves as chairwoman of the Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA) and now plans to instill a collaboration with the organization that will support her in her new role.

“You get to the top of your game by doing hard work with people who believe in and support you,” says Baptiste. “It takes a village of colleagues and peers to share ideas, learn from each other and create amazing results.”

As one of few Black women in industry management, Baptiste understands the importance of representation and diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives at all levels.

“The industry has a very bright future, and diversity, equity and inclusion can only help increase value and creativity,” says Baptiste. “You have to see it to be it, and if I can be one of those faces as proof that it can happen, then I feel I’ve contributed – I’ve done my job.” 

Evolve Agency Group was created through the merger of OKD Marketing and Brandfire Marketing. Since then, the agency has been named one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies in both 2021 and 2022.