Tim Elsen appointed COO of iO: accelerating AI-driven value for clients

iO announces the appointment of Tim Elsen as Chief Operating Officer (COO). This move strengthens iO's internal organisation and lays the foundations for further growth as an AI-native marketing and technology partner.

19/04/2026

In recent years, iO has grown from 35 agencies into a single, integrated organisation with campuses in the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark. To reinforce this development, iO is now taking the next step: the appointment of a COO to steer operational coordination and the go-to-market approach across all markets and campuses.

Tim Elsen has been with iO for over 12 years already, and has held a variety of management and executive roles, always driven by the same ambition: to improve iO, grow the business, and do the right thing for clients, colleagues, and the company. In his new role as COO, he will ensure that iO operates more quickly and consistently across borders and campuses.

Tim Elsen, COO of iO: “For years, our mission has been to create added value for our clients at the intersection of marketing and technology. With the innovative power of AI, we are now taking our capabilities to the next level. We have reached a tipping point where quality and time-to-market reinforce each other. I look forward to realising that potential for our clients with the help of our talented teams. What a time to be alive!"

Companies and organisations are under pressure to start using AI. iO helps its clients make the right strategic choices and implement them effectively, ensuring that AI becomes a sustainable building block within the organisation.

Pieter Janssen, CEO of iO: “With our focus on becoming a fully AI-native agency, now is the right time to strengthen our operational foundation. Tim knows iO inside out. His appointment as COO enables us to continue developing as a single, integrated organisation. At the same time, it frees up more of my time as CEO to focus on our long-term vision and explore new opportunities. I’m looking forward to it.”