News

OMD nabs Atomic 212’s Ian Czencz and promotes Gavin Gibson

OMD has promoted Gavin Gibson to the role of chief strategy officer for APAC, and appointed Ian Czencz as chief strategy officer for Australia.

Czencz was managing director of Atomic 212. He left in March with chairman of the agency, Barry O’Brien, noting Czencz wanted to return to his first love: strategy.

Gavin Gibson (left) and Ian Czencz

Czencz commences his new role on 1 July, while Gibson kicks off his expanded APAC role in October.

Czencz has more than 21 years’ experience in the Australian industry, starting his career with J Walter Thompson (JWT) and joining one of Australia’s first strategy-only media agencies, The Media Palace, before becoming CSO and partner at Match/Blue 449 and moving onto Atomic 212 as MD.

CEO of OMD Australia Aimee Buchanan said Czencz is one of the leading strategic media specialists in Australia.

“His experience of building ground-up strategic capabilities into industry recognised examples is almost unparalleled. With a strong team in place at OMD, we are very excited to work with Ian on driving growth for our clients,” she said.

Czencz will be responsible for OMD Australia’s overarching communications strategy, and has also been appointed to the executive committee.

“It’s a privilege and extremely exciting to be joining OMD, who really are at the top of their game. Obviously a credit to Aimee, Gav and the broader team,” Czencz said of his appointment.

“I’ve watched from afar with keen interest for a while, so I’m dead keen to roll up my sleeves and help continue that momentum on an extremely enviable client roster.”

Of Gibson’s promotion, Buchanan said: “Gavin has done an amazing job over the last two years. His strategic leadership has resulted in sustainable business growth and award-winning work for OMD Australia.

“Gavin deserves this recognition for his incredible contribution and his promotion to regional chief strategy officer. We wish Gavin all the best and look forward to continuing to work with him in his APAC role.”

Gibson added: “I’m thrilled to be continuing on the journey with the OMD family. My time with OMD Australia has been an absolute highlight and I’ve loved working with the team and incredible client base. I leave the OMD product in fantastic hands with Ian and the strategy crew”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.