Omnicom Media Group appoints Nikki Grafton as CEO of OMG New Zealand

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has announced the appointment of Nikki Grafton as CEO of OMG New Zealand, a newly established role that underscores the group's commitment to the New Zealand market.

This appointment marks a strategic shift, establishing OMG New Zealand as a standalone market with executive oversight, separate from the combined Australia and New Zealand leadership structure. In her new role, Grafton will lead OMG’s New Zealand agencies, including OMD, PHD, and Hearts & Science.

Supporting Grafton in this leadership transition will be Nigel Douglas, CEO of OMD New Zealand, and Jane Stanley, CEO of Hearts & Science, ANZ. She will report directly to OMG APAC CEO Tony Harradine, with her appointment taking effect immediately.

Harradine highlighted the importance of the New Zealand market, referring to it as a key growth hub within the Asia-Pacific region.

"As one of OMG’s epicentres of growth in Asia Pacific, New Zealand represents a crucial market," said Harradine. "A tenacious leader, Nikki understands what makes consumers tick and is adept at translating clients’ ambitions into tangible results. The close-knit client relationships she has forged signify brand confidence in OMG’s Agency as a Platform proposition and our talent, making Nikki a key pillar in delivering competitive advantage for our clients and the business in New Zealand."

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Grafton emphasized her vision for driving innovation and strengthening partnerships within the market.

"This is an exciting time for OMG in New Zealand. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to drive innovation, deepen partnerships, and create meaningful impact in the market," said Grafton.

In addition, PHD New Zealand’s Managing Director, Abby Parkin, will be elevated to the role of CEO, effective March 1. Parkin will collaborate closely with Grafton to ensure a seamless transition.

The leadership restructuring signals OMG’s commitment to strengthening its presence in New Zealand, reinforcing its dedication to delivering cutting-edge media solutions and fostering business growth in the region.