LONDON — Axicom has hired Cathy Pittham as its new global CEO, as the Cohn & Wolfe technology firm steps up its global expansion plans.

Pittham joins the agency after departing Racepoint last year, where she spent six years as European MD. At Axicom, she replaces co-founder Helen Ridgway who took on CEO duties last year. Ridgway is stepping down after 22 years with the agency, but will remain with the business through the end of September.

Axicom, which was acquired by Cohn & Wolfe in 2008, currently operates a global network that includes offices in London, Paris, Munich, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam and Stockholm, employing more than 100 people and delivering revenues of around $15m.

It is understood that Pittham will focus on geographic expansion of the Axicom brand and extension of its digital services, reporting to Cohn & Wolfe CEO Donna Imperato.

"I am looking forward to working with Axicom’s teams in the UK and across Europe to drive continued growth by expanding the agency’s capabilities to capitalize on emerging client needs and by creating a differentiated brand in the marketplace," said Pittham.

Pittham will also work closely with Axicom co-founder and former CEO Julian Tanner, who became global technology leader at Cohn & Wolfe last year. Prior to her stint at Racepoint, Pittham previously held senior positions at Text 100, Weber Shandwick and Grayling.