OMD signals importance of PR in media mix by appointing Alistair Henderson as strategy chief
OMD has become the first Australian media agency to appoint someone with public relations experience to lead its strategy. It has promoted Alistair Henderson, who previously ran sister engagement and branded content agency Fuse, to national strategy director.
Earlier in his career, Henderson spent three years at PR agency Hill & Knowlton where he was director of consumer comms.
He said: “Brands today need to be dynamic and highly active in a whole range of new channels to stay relevant to their consumers. Helping OMD clients plan to best exploit the relationship between bought, owned and earned media is a top priority for us.”
Henderson will report in to OMD CEO Peter Horgan. Horgan said: “Alistair is a strategic heavyweight with nearly 20 years experience. His diverse background including PR, strategy, and Fuse leadership brings a unique approach to solving communications challenges. Alistair’s passion and flair for uncovering things that people care about, and moving clients into innovative, interesting and effective spaces is absolutely unique. This fits hand in glove with the overall direction of the OMD business”.
Prior to his seven years with OMD, Henderson worked on sponsorship at Carat for three years and before that was with Hill & Knowlton. He established Fuse Australia in 2006.
Mumbrella understands that an announcement on a new boss for Fuse will follow in the next few days.
Henderson’s appointment comes five months after Paul Payne departed the agency to lead strategy at Mediacom.
It was the latest of several internal promotions featuring OMD staff in recent days. Joint MD Leigh Terry stepped up to CEO of Omnicom Media Group while Horgan was promoted to CEO.
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Well done Al. Best of luck with the new gig
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Huge Congratulations Al- well done!!!
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Mumbo, what do you reckon, maybe time for media buying agencies to hire that FlashHilliard ex PR scott rhodie who features on your podcasts? Do suggest to him that he sends his CV to media folk.
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Great to see a person with a strong understanding around generating newsworthy, real and engaging content for brands (i.e. a PR!) getting a strong seat at the table with paid media side of the business. Expecting some interesting custom content and brand engagement case studies for OMD soon I’d predict!
Best of luck with the new role Alistair! 🙂
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Three cheers for PR!!!!!!
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