Omnicom has promoted Mike Cooper, global chief executive of PHD, to a newly created role as chief executive of Omnicom Media Group APAC and EMEA.
US-based Omnicom Media Group says in a press release it wants to simplify its operations to ensure “greater speed and consistency” and Cooper’s appointment is the first time that the media buying division has brought its Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa regions under one leader.
Cooper has led PHD since 2007 and secured its biggest win in 2016 when the network won Volkswagen Group’s £2bn global media business in one of the advertising industry’s largest account consolidations.
Cooper, who is 57 and British, runs PHD from London and has previously headed sister network OMD in Asia.
Omnicom Media Group said Cooper’s experience made him “uniquely qualified” for the new position, which he starts in July. He will continue to be based in London.
“Cooper will be responsible for assuring service standards across OMG agencies Hearts & Science, OMD and PHD in markets outside the Americas and driving consistent adoption of transformative technology, products and practices across these markets”, the company said.
Daryl Simm, chief executive of Omnicom Media Group, said: “Mike’s proven talent for creating and expanding best practices across vastly different local markets has been critical to OMG’s global growth strategy. His record, and the respect he has earned from clients and agency teams at every level, speak to his energy, commitment and professionalism – qualities that he will bring to his new role, working with Hearts & Science, OMD and PHD leadership to assure the best outcomes for our clients across APAC and EMEA”.
Those clients include Apple, Daimler, Disney, Google, HSBC, Liberty Global, McDonald’s, the UK government and Volkswagen Group.
As part of his new role, Cooper is taking on the responsibilities of Colin Gottlieb, the long-serving chief executive of Omnicom Media Group in EMEA, who is stepping down and will not be directly replaced.
Peter Poelzlbauer, chief financial officer at Omnicom Media Group in EMEA, will take on an expanded role as CFO for APAC and EMEA.
Tony Harradine, chief executive of Omnicom Media Group in APAC, will continue in his role, based in Singapore.
Cooper’s successor at PHD will be announced shortly.
