OMG Australia moves pieces into place as Laura Nice shifts to PHD
New PHD Australia CEO Laura Nice
Omnicom Media Group (OMG) is laying the groundwork for its future merged operations as OMD co-CEO Laura Nice shifts over to PHD.
The manoeuvre leaves Sian Whitnall as sole CEO at OMD Australia and positions former PHD CEO Mark Jarrett for an as-yet unspecified leadership role within OMG’s ranks.
The move comes as Omnicom Group globally prepares to finalise its landmark acquisition of IPG Mediabrands, with the deal now awaiting final regulatory clearance from the European Union, anticipated later this month.
Both Nice and Whitnall have served as Co-CEOs of OMD Australia since November 2021, having previously been OMD’s managing director and chief digital officer, respectively.
Sian Whitnall
Jarrett, meanwhile, has been with PHD Australia since May 2016, initially serving as managing director before being elevated to CEO in 2019.
He is set to form part of a new leadership structure under Kristiaan Kroon, who took on the newly established role of chief operating officer in December last year.
Kroon, the group’s former chief investment officer, is widely tipped to formally become leader of the newly restructured Omnicom Oceania, reporting to new group CEO Nick Garrett.
Omnicom recently revealed major changes across the region, establishing a new market and single management structure for Oceania. The restructure also brings Omnicom Media Group and Omnicom Advertising Group together under one P&L.
In a statement, Kroon pointed to the group’s future under the new structure of Omnicom Oceania, noting the group’s “business and capabilities” evolution.
“Laura, and Sian exemplify our culture of nurturing talent and building leaders who prioritise client success,” he said.
“As OMG enters an exciting phase of growth and expansion, the formation of Omnicom Oceania will further enhance our ability to deliver scale and unlock new opportunities for our clients, people and partners.”
