OMD has announced the appointment of Dianne Richardson as managing director of its Melbourne operation.

Richardson joins OMD from her US-based position of executive vice president and chief strategy officer at UM.

Her career spans more than 20 years in Australia, the UK. and the US, working within media agencies UM and Starcom, as well as client side with Mars Inc. and PepsiCo.

Richardson’s key passion is utilising media as a lever for client growth, which she has contributed to for brands such as BMW, MINI, H&M as well as platforms such as Hulu.

Her Australian experience is also extensive, having worked with some of Australia’s biggest and most progressive brands, including Optus, Virgin, Suncorp, Mars, Lion Dairy and Drinks, GM Holden, Subaru, Sportsbet and Seek.

In her new position, Richardson will lead the OMD Melbourne team and be responsible for the agency’s overall output. She will also join OMD’s national executive team.

Aimee Buchanan, CEO of OMD Australia, said: “We are extremely excited to have someone of Dianne’s calibre join the OMD family. She will bring an enormous wealth of global experience and knowledge to lead our outstanding Melbourne team into the next chapter.

“I was immediately impressed with Dianne’s passion for growing client businesses and I know she will be a great cultural fit for our business.”

Commenting on her appointment, Richardson said: “It was clear to me through every conversation that OMD is an agency that walk the talk with integrity and have a real focus on creating a thriving agency culture.

“I’m really looking forward to leading the OMD Melbourne team to further unlock great opportunities for client success.

“And of course, it’s so exciting to be returning home to Melbourne, there are so many talented people that I can’t wait to collaborate with.”

Richardson will report into Aimee Buchanan and will commence with OMD in February 2018.