Sydney, Australia – UM Australia has appointed Jessica Lauria as Managing Director of its Sydney office, a leadership change aimed at sharpening client relationships and accelerating growth in an agency market still bruised by budget caution and shifting media spend across Asia-Pacific.
She brings 25 years of experience spanning brand and marketing leadership roles across Gopuff, Chobani, S’well, and Hint, alongside early agency stints at BBDO, Anomaly, and Berlin Cameron.
She will take charge of UM Sydney with a mandate to strengthen client partnerships and push the agency further into outcomes-led planning.
Lauria most recently served as CMO of OoMee and was previously Head of Brand Marketing at Gopuff, where she oversaw global brand strategy, media, and innovation.
“Rather than following the traditional path, we prioritised finding a leader who not only deeply understands the real impact agency output has on marketers but brings a fresh perspective to UM,” said Stevie Douglas-Neal, CEO of UM Australia.
“With extensive client-side experience and international kudos, Jess brings first-hand insight into the pressures marketers are navigating in 2026, and the role UM can play as true business partners,” Douglas-Neal said.
He added, “Our ambition is to be the media agency that best understands our clients and brings the full spectrum of thinking to drive business impact; Jess is a powerful reflection of that and we’re excited about the energy and leadership she will bring to UM Sydney.”
Lauria said, “UM’s ambition is to be the most impactful agency in its client’s ecosystems. That starts with deeply understanding our client’s business needs, pressures and routes to growth.”
“I’ve always believed media is one of the most powerful levers a business has, not just for reach, but for brand-building, culture-shaping and creating impact at scale. Right now, we’re in one of the most dynamic moments the industry has ever seen,” Lauria said.
“I’m excited to join UM Sydney to help shape the strategy and bring my experience to the table to ensure creativity and media are truly connected to drive meaningful growth for our clients,” she added.
Douglas-Neal said the appointment is part of a wider effort to reset leadership capability across the agency. Lauria will assume the role on 18 May.
