OMD Australia has unveiled the third-year cohort for its internal leadership program, OMD Exec Next. The program is designed to identify and nurture potential future leaders within the agency, with eight members selected based on their demonstrated leadership qualities.

The selected members will provide counsel to OMD's national executive team and take on strategic briefs throughout the year, aiming to bring fresh thinking, creativity, and innovation to drive the agency forward. They will also gain firsthand experience of senior decision-making processes by attending national executive team meetings and receiving one-on-one executive mentoring sessions.

Managing Director of OMD Sydney and Exec Next program lead, Amanda Watts, spoke highly of the program's impact on the agency. "The impact our Exec Nexters have had on our agency is nothing short of remarkable, I am consistently impressed by the motivation and dedication they have for our business. Bringing a fresh lens to our business ambitions, last year's cohort launched new initiatives, delivered excellent responses to strategic briefs and made their mark on our national business strategy. I cannot wait to work with our new cohort and see what they create for OMD."

Among the newly appointed OMD Exec Nexters for 2024 are Raina Vijay, Performance Director - OMD Melbourne, and Alex Mencinsky, Senior Account Manager - OMD Sydney. They join a cohort that includes Sophie Nicol (Partnerships Manager), Emma Hook (Account Director, Entertainment Partnerships), Meghan Papadoulis (Investment Director), Annabel Williams (Account Director), Andrew Hudson (Account Director), and Hattie Dinger (Account Director, Entertainment Partnerships).

"I am beyond thrilled to be selected for the OMD Exec Next program. Just one year into my time with OMD and in the Australian market, this opportunity to collaborate with OMD's experienced executive team will be invaluable as I continue to grow and develop within my career. I'm eager to contribute to the agency's success alongside my fellow Exec Nexters. I can't wait to get started, absorb as much as possible and put my stamp on OMD," said Vijay.

"OMD is full of amazing talent and Exec Next is an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best in our business. I'm excited to step outside of my day-to-day role and tackle broader agency challenges alongside this year's cohort. With the media industry changing so rapidly, I'm keen to learn how our national executive team adapt and stay ahead of the curve. Let's see what we can achieve as the next generation!" said Mencinsky.

OMD Australia has more than 600 employees nationally across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Tasmania.