March 31, 2008


Matt James will take up the position of Managing Director of OMD International, UK with immediate effect. He succeeds Peter Magnani who has recently been made Director of International Clients across the EMEA region.

Returning from OMD France to take up this role, Matt brings with him a wealth of international media management experience, having been the Nissan Global Media Director for the past four years. In addition to working at WPP and Naked during his 18 year tenure in the industry, Matt is an OMD veteran, having been appointed Managing Director of Manning Gottlieb OMD in 1999.

"Our International proposition has grown from strength to strength over the past three years, clearly reflected in our performance. International is where the future growth of our business lies and in turn OMD International in London must continue to help spearhead and contribute to the development of our global proposition. We have 70 dedicated people in the division firing on all cylinders which makes OMD International an incredibly exciting place to be." says Matt.

In developing a new management team, Damian Winstanley and Oliver Stroh have been promoted to joint Deputy Managing Directors. With comprehensive account management experience between them, having worked on a range of international businesses including Sony, Carlsberg, Sara Lee, PepsiCo and Elizabeth Arden, both will work with Matt to further develop OMD’s international media management capabilities.

According to Peter Magnani, “Driving client benefit through improved international account management is a priority for us. Knowing Matt, Damian and Oliver as I do, I am confident that they have the experience, skill and passion to deliver this. I look forward to working with them in these new roles to drive our mutual agenda of delivering enhanced client service to our international clients.”

Nikki Mendonça, President of OMD EMEA said, “We are so pleased that we have the necessary bench strength within the OMD Network to make these succession management changes. This is all part of our talent migration strategy to ensure that we get the right people in the right place at the right time across the region. Personally, I am also very flattered by the fact that many people in the industry have told me that our International Senior Management is one of the strongest and most entrepreneurial. Long may it continue.”