Nikki Grafton appointed CEO of Omnicom Media Group New Zealand

Omnicom Media Group has appointed Nikki Grafton as CEO of OMG New Zealand, marking the first time the company’s operations will have dedicated leadership separate from the ANZ structure.

Grafton, previously CEO of PHD New Zealand, will oversee OMG’s agencies OMD, PHD and Hearts & Science, will drive the talent, technology and tools needed to continue the group’s growth in the New Zealand market.

Grafton will report to OMG APAC CEO Tony Harradine and work alongside OMD New Zealand CEO Nigel Douglas and Jane Stanley, CEO of Hearts & Science ANZ.

“As one of OMG’s epicentres of growth in Asia Pacific, New Zealand represents a crucial market for our continued progress in the region,” Harradine said. “A tenacious leader, Nikki understands what makes consumers tick and is adept at translating clients’ ambitions into tangible results.” 

Under Grafton’s leadership, the agency has outperformed the market and secured major clients including Lion NZ. She takes on the role as OMG New Zealand maintains its top position in RECMA locally and leads New Zealand’s COMvergence New Business rankings for 2024.

As part of the leadership transition, PHD New Zealand managing director Abby Parkin will be promoted to CEO from 1 March. Parkin has played a key role in evolving PHD’s product and talent strategy and as CEO will focus on delivering innovative, future-ready solutions for clients.