OMD Australia launches Exec Next program to drive greater diversity and inclusivity
OMD Australia has launched OMD Exec Next, an internal program consisting of up-and-coming talent who will serve as an extension to the national executive team.
The program is made up of a highly selective group of national OMDers who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and have been identified as potential future agency leaders. The seven members, who will act as a collective for the next 12-months, undertook a rigorous selection process before being announced as the inaugural cohort of OMD Exec Nexters.
Laura Nice, co-CEO, OMD Australia, said: “we were overwhelmed by how many OMDers took the opportunity to put themselves forward for the OMD Exec Next program. This demonstrates the calibre of talented and passionate people that we have at OMD who are eager to contribute to the future of our agency. In line with our Performance with Integrity positioning, we are excited that this program will provide the opportunity to develop business strategies for our people, by our people.”
Nice and former chief digital officer, Sian Whitnall were appointed as co-CEOs of OMD in November 2021, ending several months of speculation over the vacant role. The joint appointment signifies OMD’s belief in promoting internally.
Sian Whitnall, co-CEO, added: “OMD Exec Next forms part of our wider people strategy that is taking a fresh approach to the way we work, grow and celebrate in a post-lockdown world. We understand, now more than ever, that diversity and inclusivity in thinking will set us up for greater success. Fresh perspectives and different ways to tackle real business challenges is what will deliver for the future of our agency, our people, and our clients. We congratulate everyone who participated in the selection process and look forward to what the next 12-months will bring for our final seven Exec Nexters.”
Several inaugural Exec Nexters have already been appointed, including Brisbane-based account director Matt Evans and Sydney-based interactive director Vianna Kim.
Evans said of the program: “The OMD Exec Next initiative has been amazing in giving OMDers the opportunity to feed into OMD’s business challenges. It’s empowering to be able to work with the senior leaders in the business to help ensure we’re futureproofing the agency as we emerge from a post-Covid world,” while Kim adds “This program is yet another way for those not in formal leadership roles to propose plans that will influence our work in a big way.”
OMD’s Exec Nexters will meet in person in the coming weeks to commence their journey on the program and tackle their first brief.
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