OMG announces ‘agency and industry leader’ for newly-established COO role
Omnicom Media Group (OMG), has announced the appointment of a newly-established chief operating officer for OMG Australia.
On Wednesday, the group confirmed current chief investment officer, Kristiaan Kroon, for the position.
In his new role, Kroon will be responsible for “ensuring that OMG, including agencies OMD, PHD and Hearts & Science, have the future-fit talent, tools and technology needed to drive the next chapter of growth for OMG clients, agencies, and talent in Australia”.
Kroon — who has served as OMG Australia’s CIO for the past eight years — will oversee the leadership team that previously reported to Peter Horgan, OMG ANZ CEO, who will be stepping down in 2025.
The appointment is effective immediately.
“As one of the most respected and well-known investment professionals in the market, Kristiaan is the best candidate to lead OMG Australia during a transformative time in the business of helping brands connect with consumers,” OMG Asia Pacific CEO, Tony Harradine, said.
“His appointment reflects an impressive track record as both an agency and industry leader. During his tenure with OMG, he has played an instrumental role in elevating our investment capabilities, solutions, and partnerships to deliver added value for our clients. I am confident Kristiaan will effectively supercharge growth and transformation for our business and clients.”
Kroon has previously worked in leadership roles at Fairfax Media (now Nine Entertainment Company) and UK commercial news publisher, Trinity Mirror Group.
“OMG is a phenomenal business because of its exceptional people and the amazing brands that choose to work with us every day,” Kroon said.
“In my new role, I will ensure that we remain focused on the mission: delivering both the deep specialisation and deep integration our clients need to grow sales and share in a complex marketplace.”
The news comes just over a week after Omnicom’s acquisition of Interpublic Group was unanimously approved by Board directors at both companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, for each Interpublic common stock they own, Interpublic shareholders will receive 0.344 Omnicom shares. Following the close of the transaction, Omnicom shareholders will own 60.6% of the combined business, and Interpublic shareholders will own 39.4%, on a fully diluted basis.
The transaction is expected to generate annual cost synergies of $750 million. The combined company will retain the Omnicom name and trade under the OMC ticker symbol on the New York stock exchange.
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Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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