MINNEAPOLIS — ICF Olson, the umbrella group for marketing and comms agencies including PR shop Olson Engage, has tapped former IBM iX North American leader John Armstrong to head the company.

Formally titled executive VP and group lead, Armstrong brings more than 20 years of running agency business including digital strategy, creative, technology and platforms and design. He replaces former CEO Louise Clements, who parted ways with the company in February.

Before his four years at IBM iX, where he served as general manager as well as North American leader, Armstrong was partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers leading their customer relationship and experience strategy practice.

Armstrong’s hiring is the latest step in a series of ICF Olson leadership changes, which has included the expansion of Olson Engage president Bryan Specht’s role to include leadership of the larger company’s brand work. Other moves include hiring Chip Knicker, a former We Are Unlimited and Accenture exec, to lead digital business.