Omnicom Media’s Australian operation has confirmed a major addition to its leadership bench, with EssenceMediacom’s Stephanie (Stevie) Douglas-Neal set to join the business in early 2026.
Her appointment adds further momentum to a sweeping restructure that follows the Omnicom–IPG merger and the launch of the newly rebadged Omnicom Media brand across Australia.
While Douglas-Neal’s exact remit has not been formally announced, industry sources suggest she is a strong contender to lead Hearts & Science locally, a role left vacant after Jane Stanley’s departure earlier this year.
Currently managing director of EssenceMediacom Sydney, Douglas-Neal has spent the last three years helping steer one of WPP’s flagship media businesses through its global integration and rebrand.
Her CV spans more than a decade in senior agency leadership, including seven years at PHD, where she held the Managing Director role, plus earlier positions within UM and ZenithOptimedia. Across these roles, she built a reputation for shaping high-performing teams, nurturing emerging leaders and driving creativity-led, digitally progressive media solutions for major brands.
EssenceMediacom Australia & New Zealand CEO Pippa Berlocher praised Douglas-Neal’s impact on the agency, particularly her leadership of its Sydney team.
“Stevie has left an indelible mark on EssenceMediacom and our Mission to deliver Breakthrough ideas for clients, particularly through her leadership in Sydney. We are incredibly proud of her journey and, while we’ll naturally miss her presence, we wholeheartedly congratulate her on this exciting new chapter,” Berlocher said.
The confirmation of Douglas-Neal’s move comes as Omnicom Media officially names Kristiaan Kroon as CEO, ending months of speculation after he had been operating in the role in all but title following Peter Horgan’s exit in March.
Kroon’s leadership team continues to expand, with PHD Australia’s long-time chief, Mark Jarrett, stepping into the newly established COO role. Donna Bartlett has also been formally appointed CFO after acting in the role for six months and spending a significant portion of her career within the wider Omnicom network.
On the IPG side, Initiative CEO Jo McAlister and UM CEO Anathea Ruys will join the combined entity, ensuring the group maintains six global media agency brands: OMD, PHD, UM, Initiative, Hearts & Science, and Mediahub.
In Australia, those brands will continue to operate independently while sharing capability at the Omnicom Media level.
