OMG New Zealand appoints first-ever local chief executive officer
Omnicom Media Group (OMG) New Zealand has named a new chief executive officer, effective immediately, marking the first time that the NZ operations will be separate from Australia.
Recognising New Zealand as a growth market, OMG has promoted PHD NZ’s chief executive officer, Nikki Grafton, to the newly established role, with executive oversight being solely local for the first time ever.
Nikki Grafton
As CEO of OMG NZ, Grafton will lead the ongoing expansion and evolution of the business, ensuring its agencies – OMD, Hearts & Science, and PHD – are equipped to drive brand growth and evolve with the landscape.
In her new role, she will be supported by OMD NZ’s chief executive Nigel Douglas, Hearts & Science ANZ chief executive Jane Stanley, and Abby Parkin – current PHD NZ managing director – who will move into the CEO position left vacant by Grafton, effective March 1.
Grafton will report to OMG’s APAC chief executive, Tony Harradine.
“As one of OMG’s epicentres of growth in Asia Pacific, New Zealand represents a crucial market for our continued progress in the region. A tenacious leader, Nikki understands what makes consumers tick and is adept at translating clients’ ambitions into tangible results,” Harradine said of the appointment.
“The close-knit client relationships she has forged signify brand confidence in OMG’s Agency as a Plattform proposition and our talent, making Nikki a key pillar in delivering competitive advantage for our clients and the business in New Zealand.”
(L-R): Abby Parkin and Nikki Grafton
During her two decades at PHD NZ, Grafton played a key role in establishing the agency’s reputation. She worked closely with Parkin – and will continue to do so during the transition period – to innovate and grow the agency.
She said OMG has a “solid bench” of innovative thinkers, and she’s excited to lead the agencies and their teams to keep up the momentum.
“This is an exciting time for OMG in New Zealand and I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to drive innovation, deepen partnerships and create meaningful impact in the market,” Grafton commented.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the agency beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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Abby Parkin
CEO
chief executive officer
Media agency
Nikki Grafton
OMG
OMG NZ
Omnicom Media Group
PHD
promotion
Tony Harradine
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