Omnicom Media Australia has appointed Tom Kirkham to the newly-created role of chief solutions officer.
Kirkham joins from WPP Media, where he has served as GM of partnerships, data and platforms.
He will help connect client strategy, operating models, data, technology and delivery into more scalable growth solutions for client partners.
The strategic leadership position is designed to accelerate Omnicom Media’s next growth phase via connected digital capabilities and integrated client solutions.
Kirkham returns to Omnicom after spending most of his career with OMD in both the UK and Australia, where he had risen to head of transformation in the agency’s Sydney office.
He will now work closely with David Gatt, Omnicom Oceania’s group managing director, marketing operations and ecosystem design.
Kirkham, who commences in his new role in October, reports to Omnicom Media Australia chief executive Kristiaan Kroon.
“This role is a clear signal of how Omnicom Media is evolving our structure and capabilities, harnessing the broader capabilities of Omnicom Oceania. Our clients are asking for greater simplicity, sharper specialist thinking and more joined-up solutions,” he said.
“We are investing in the leadership team that Tom will lead to connect that capability in a way that supports our agency leaders, strengthens our specialist teams and creates greater value for clients.
Kroon described Kirkham as “one of those rare leaders who combines deep technical expertise with exceptional commercial thinking, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to make the complex simple”.
Kirkham said he was excited to be returning to Omnicom Media at a time when clients are looking for greater simplicity, connectivity and strategic leadership.
“Returning to Omnicom Media in a leadership role designed to shape the next era of client solutions is an incredible opportunity,” he said.
“I believe brand growth will increasingly come down to how well data, media and technology connect as a system. I can’t wait to work with the talented people already enabling Omnicom Media’s solutions today to uncover new levers of growth.
“I’m grateful to the people, and for the depth of learning I’ve had over the last couple of years, which I’ll carry with me into this new challenge.”
