The Outdoor Media Association has gathered members and guests to farewell CEO Charmaine Moldrich.
Around 150 current and OMA former colleagues, association members and invited guests gathered in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Walsh Bay on Friday evening.
Charles Parry-Okeden, OMA chairman and global CEO of Executive Channel, spoke first. He was followed by Kylie Green, OMA general manager.
A video compilation of industry leaders followed who spoke talking about Moldrich and her impact on the industry. After wiping away a few tears, Moldrich then spoke about her 13 years running the organisation.
Incoming OMA CEO Elizabeth McIntyre was among the guests celebrating the reign of the outgoing leader.
Moldrich joined as CEO of OMA in 2010 bringing 30 years of business experience to the role, having worked in a variety of sectors including media, the arts, higher education and in government as a marketer.
She has been an integral part of the OOH industry’s growth in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
In 2022, Moldrich was the joint winner of the coveted World Out of Home Organisation’s Leadership Award, in recognition of her contributions to the OOH industry.
At the time of making her announcement to depart in September 2022, Moldrich telegraphed she would be taking six months off to recharge and revitalise before she considered her next move.
Charmaine Moldrich: ‘Time to move on’
At that time Moldrich said: “It’s a bittersweet moment, but after more than a decade working in an industry it is time to move on.
“Out of home (OOH) has become so much a part of my life and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished in that time – particularly how we’ve seized the opportunities of digital OOH and developed tools to help advertisers, buyers, and planners understand the effectiveness of the channel,” she said.
“While there’s much more to do, I know it is the right time to step away and create space for new energy and ideas, to shepherd the industry into the next phase,” Moldrich added.
The Board of the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) announced in February this year that Elizabeth McIntyre had been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the association and MOVE, commencing 3 April 2023.
The announcement followed an extensive and thorough executive search to replace Moldrich.
McIntyre has spent the past 12 years as group CEO for Think Brick Australia, Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and the Australian Roofing Tile Association, collectively. As an industry leader, she delivered over a decade of growth to the three boards that support the $900 million industry.