OMD hires MEC APAC boss Stephen Li as Steve Blakeman assumes global role | M&M Global

OMD hires MEC APAC boss Stephen Li as Steve Blakeman assumes global role

MEC’s Asia Pacific boss Stephen Li is to join Omnicom’s OMD as its APAC chief executive, with imcumbent Steve Blakeman returning to London to take on an as-yet unannounced global role.

Stephen Li

Li, who has led the GroupM agency in the region since 2011, and first joined WPP as regional director of Team HSBC in APAC, will take up his new post at OMD in October.

He will be based in Singapore and report to both Omnicom Media Group APAC chief executive Cheuk Chiang and OMD worldwide CEO Mainardo de Nardis.

Chiang said: “We conducted an extensive and intensive search across the region to find OMD’s next leader, someone who is not only experienced, but capable of taking the OMD brand to the next level.

“[Li’s] proven track record in building strong client partnerships, driving digital growth, evangelizing creativity and inspiring teams is the perfect combination needed to ensure that a powerful brand like OMD stays at the forefront.”

MEC added in a statement: “[Li’s] larger than life personality, passion and energy will be missed, but thanks to him, MEC APAC is an incredibly strong network with a bright future. More news when we announce his successor.”

Blakeman joined OMD in 2011, after five years with IPG Mediabrands agencies Initiative and UM in the APAC region. He confirmed the move to M&M Global, saying details of his new job will be revealed in “a few weeks’ time”.

On Blakeman’s departure, Chiang said: “He has driven four years of continued success for OMD on all fronts – growth, thought leadership and creativity. OMD is currently one of the most awarded agencies in the region with a great competitive edge.

“He could not have left the brand in a stronger place and we can’t thank him enough for his leadership.”

Both Chiang and Blakeman spoke at the recent Festival of Media Asia Pacific in Singapore – watch their sessions below.

 

 

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply