New Zealand – Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has named PHD New Zealand CEO Nikki Grafton to the newly established role of CEO of OMG New Zealand, marking the first time that OMG’s New Zealand operations will have executive oversight as a stand-alone market, rather than under a combined ANZ leadership team.
As CEO, Grafton will lead the ongoing expansion and evolution of OMG’s future-ready business model, ensuring OMG’s New Zealand agencies OMD, PHD and Hearts & Science have the talent, tools and technology needed to drive brand growth in a robust marketplace, and tap into the dynamic opportunities available in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In her new role, Nikki will be supported by Nigel Douglas, CEO of OMD New Zealand, and Jane Stanley, CEO of Hearts & Science, ANZ. Nikki will report to OMG APAC CEO Tony Harradine, effective immediately.
During her two decades with PHD New Zealand, Grafton played a key role in establishing PHD’s reputation for building strong client relationships, fueled by innovation and measurable brand growth.
Meanwhile, PHD New Zealand Managing Director Abby Parkin will be elevated to CEO of PHD New Zealand, effective 1 March, working closely with Grafton to ensure a smooth transition. As MD, Parkin delivered market-leading communications solutions for clients while nurturing PHD’s talent.
She also worked together with the leadership team to evolve PHD’s products and services to meet the industry’s evolving needs. As CEO, Parkin’s primary goal is to ensure that PHD New Zealand consistently delivers innovative and future-proofed solutions to drive results for clients and the business.
Commenting on her new role, Grafton said, “OMG has a solid bench of innovative thinkers who are passionate about unlocking new possibilities and delivering incredible work for our clients. 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.
Meanwhile, Harradine commented, “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. 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.”
