OMD UK has promoted chief digital officer Suzy Ryder to succeed Laura Fenton – who was named CEO of parent Omnicom Media Group UK in September – as just reward for helping clients create better business outcomes through media, data, and technology.
In her new role, which is effective immediately, Ryder will be responsible for leading the agency, focused on the continued development and future growth of client partnerships, commercial operations, product, talent and culture.
Having started her career at one of the pioneers of direct media, Tri-Direct, in 2006, Ryder then spent nearly three years at Zed Media before joining Maxus in 2010, becoming head of digital in 2013.
In 2015, Ryder joined OMD UK as managing partner for digital, data, technology and analytics and has been chief digital officer since January 2021.
Fenton said: “As CDO, Suzy has played a key role in developing the vision, operational excellence, and empowered and diverse culture that have seen the agency go from strength to strength in recent years.
“Her passion, energy and tenacious approach to driving transformation across all core areas of the business, will ensure that OMD, its clients and its people are set up for continued success with Suzy at the helm in her new role.”
During her tenure, Ryder has been responsible for bringing new solutions and opportunities to clients across a range of priority areas to enable them to expand, grow, and evolve how they use media, data, and technology.
Internally, she has transformed OMD’s operating model, ensuring the agency is set up to leverage parent company OMG’s “agency as a platform” approach, connecting media, content and commerce to deliver better outcomes for clients.
Ryder also played a pivotal role in leading global partnership with Barclays, alongside powering OMD’s recent new business success, with wins including Compare the Market and British Gas.
Ryder, who will report to Fenton, said: “My priority will be to ensure we continue to drive business critical success for our clients, through a future-focused, ongoing dedication to the development of our people, our process and our product.”
OMD Worldwide has added almost $1bn in net new business billings since the beginning of the year.
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