Omnicom Media Group promotes Rochelle Chhaya to Thailand CEO

Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has promoted Rochelle Chhaya to CEO of Thailand. In her new role, Chhaya (pictured) will be tasked to drive profitability and efficiency across OMG’s media agencies OMD and PHD in Thailand. Additionally, she will also oversee and support the development of the network’s digital transformation roadmap as well as the operationalisation of products to foster stronger client partnerships, drive digital growth and creativity in the market. Chhaya will report into Tony Harradine, CEO OMG APAC.

Prior to this, Chhaya helmed the role of chief operating officer, APAC, OMD. In that role, the agency said she was instrumental in scaling a client-centric, digitally-powered and data-led agency model across the region. According to OMG, the promotion is said to be "a testament to Chhaya’s stellar track record" during her time at the organisation and underscores its commitment in nurturing talent by promoting from within its ranks.

“Thailand has always held a special place in my heart and I am humbled to take on this responsibility,” Chhaya said, adding that now is an important time of change in the Thai media landscape. Together with the Thai leadership team, Chhaya said she is fully commited to build on the fantastic momentum and harness all opportunities to drive OMG’s continued growth and ambition in the market.

Previously based in Thailand, Chhaya spent close to four years establishing OMG’s digital offering and footprint in the market as managing partner. Under her leadership, OMG Thailand’s digital capabilities is said to have grown from strength-to-strength. Chhaya subsequently moved back to Singapore in 2016 and took on roles within the network that included managing partner and chief digital officer for OMG in APAC. 

Harradine said Chhaya has done an outstanding job of improving OMD’s organisational processes for growth while enhancing its operational capabilities and efficiency. "With Chhaya’s comprehensive knowledge and experience, coupled with her unrivalled visibility over the entire client-agency-partner ecosystem, I am confident that OMG Thailand will reinforce its position as an innovative and digitally-forward agency brand,” he added.

Earlier this year in August, OMD was appointed as Danone's media agency for both its Malaysia and Thailand markets. The appointment is for three years, and followed a multi-agency pitch. The agency is responsible for media duties across traditional and digital channels. Additionally, OMD Thailand expanded its remit. Previously only responsible for digital media planning and buying for Dumex, the agency now oversees all media planning and buying for Growing Up Milk brands under Dumex and Hi-Q in Thailand. 

Closer to home in Singapore, OMG promoted its MD of OMD Singapore, Chloe Neo, to chief operating officer of OMG Singapore in September. Neo has been with OMG for 12 years and under her leadership, OMD Singapore has built a balanced and diversified client portfolio across global, regional and local businesses. Among the list of clients it works with include Beiersdorf, McDonald's, Singtel and MBS. 

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