OMD Australia has launched OMD Exec Next, an internal program consisting of up-and-coming talent who will serve as an extension to the national executive team.
The program is made up of a group of representatives from around the country who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and have been identified as potential future agency leaders.
The seven members, who will act as a collective for the next 12-months, undertook a rigorous selection process before being announced as the inaugural cohort of OMD Exec Nexters.
Laura Nice, co-CEO, OMD Australia, said: “We were overwhelmed by how many OMDers took the opportunity to put themselves forward for the OMD Exec Next program. This demonstrates the calibre of talented and passionate people that we have at OMD who are eager to contribute to the future of our agency.
“In line with our Performance with Integrity positioning, we are excited that this program will provide the opportunity to develop business strategies for our people, by our people,” she added.
Sian Whitnall, co-CEO, OMD Australia added: “OMD Exec Next forms part of our wider people strategy that is taking a fresh approach to the way we work, grow and celebrate in a post-lockdown world. We understand, now more than ever, that diversity and inclusivity in thinking will set us up for greater success.
“Fresh perspectives and different ways to tackle real business challenges is what will deliver for the future of our agency, our people, and our clients. We congratulate everyone who participated in the selection process and look forward to what the next 12-months will bring for our final seven Exec Nexters,” she added.
Matt Evans, account director, OMD Brisbane, an inaugural Exec Nexter, said of the program: “The OMD Exec Next initiative has been amazing in giving OMDers the opportunity to feed into OMD’s business challenges. It’s empowering to be able to work with the senior leaders in the business to help ensure we’re futureproofing the agency as we emerge from a post-Covid world.
“As a Brisbane representative in the full national group, it’s great to have a truly borderless agency approach with all offices represented. I’m proud that it is such a diverse group of people in the team and can’t wait to see how we can crack the challenge together,” he added.
Vianna Kim, interactive director, OMD Sydney, also an inaugural Exec Nexter, added: “This program is yet another way for those not in formal leadership roles to propose plans that will influence our work in a big way.
“The program is not only a chance to challenge myself, but also a huge opportunity to help propel OMD forward as our industry landscape continually changes. I look forward to our group drawing from our diverse perspectives to deliver practical proposals that represent the whole of OMD and will ultimately help us deliver the best work possible.”
OMD’s Exec Nexters will meet in person in the coming weeks to commence their journey on the program and tackle their first brief.
