LONDON—Axicom has named Helen Ridgway as global CEO, succeeding Julian Tanner who has moved to new role with parent agency Cohn & Wolfe.

Ridgway, who co-founded the agency with Tanner in 1994, was previously UK managing director. She will continue to work alongside Tanner, who retains a chairman role at Axicom, in addition to his new position as global tech lead at Cohn & Wolfe.

"Having worked with Helen for the past 20 years to build AxiCom into a European tech PR powerhouse, I know she is the right person to manage the future growth and success of the agency," said Tanner. 

"With an enhanced set of product offerings including digital, content generation and analyst relations, which are all fully integrated into our PR services, AxiCom will continue to lead in Europe and be a valuable partner in Cohn & Wolfe’s plans for global growth in the technology space."

Ridgway takes on oversight for Axicom's global network, which includes offices in London, Paris, Munich, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam and Stockholm, employing 100 people.

“I feel immensely proud of what we have been able to achieve at AxiCom over the past 20 years," she said in a statement. Looking ahead, I am really excited to continue managing the business as we grow in Europe across all technology sectors – as well as being able to participate at a global level as part of Cohn & Wolfe Group.”

Following Ridgway's shift to CEO, Henry Brake has been promoted to UK MD of Axicom.