Omnicom Media Group has named PHD Worldwide CEO Mike Cooper to the newly created position of Group CEO, APAC and EMEA.

As Group CEO, Cooper will be responsible for assuring service standards across OMG agencies Hearts & Science, OMD and PHD in markets outside the Americas; and driving consistent adoption of transformative technology, products and practices across these markets.

It is a role for which Cooper is uniquely qualified, having spent the better part of the past two decades building OMG agencies in APAC and EMEA.

As the first regional CEO – and first employee –  of OMD, he established OMD’s footprint in Asia Pacific and laid the foundation for the agency’s global expansion.

Since returning to his native UK as CEO of PHD Worldwide in 2007, he has grown PHD from a small group of agencies in APAC and EMEA into an award-winning global network serving many of the world’s biggest brands.

OMG chairman & CEO, Daryl Simm commented: “Mike’s proven talent for creating and expanding best practices across vastly different local markets has been critical to OMG’s global growth strategy.

“His record, and the respect he has earned from clients and agency teams at every level, speak to his energy, commitment and professionalism – qualities that he will bring to his new role, working with Hearts & Science, OMD and PHD leadership to assure the best outcomes for our clients across APAC and EMEA.”

The new group CEO’s executive team will include current OMG EMEA chief financial officer Peter Poelzlbauer, who has been promoted to group CFO, OMG APAC and EMEA; OMG APAC CEO Tony Harradine, stationed in Singapore; and, following Colin Gottlieb’s stepping down as CEO of OMG EMEA to move to an advisory role, all EMEA-based senior leadership.

Commenting on his new role, Cooper said: “APAC and EMEA encompass an exciting mix of established and emerging markets where OMG enjoys significant market share through three strong media networks.

“Working with our extraordinary talent across these geographies, I will be focused on growing that share by delivering the technology, products and service that translate to business results for our clients.”

Cooper’s appointment is effective July 1. He will be based in London.