Russ Mitchinson joins OMD Sydney in head of strategy role across the McDonald’s business

OMD has today announced the key hire of Russ Mitchinson (left) to lead its over-arching communications strategy development across the McDonald’s business.

This is a further example of OMD bolstering its strategic offering following the recently announced appointment of industry specialist Michael Pilz.

Mitchinson joins with a wealth of award winning international strategic planning experience across creative agencies both in the UK and Australia, and specifically on McDonald’s having worked extensively on the account at DDB.

Mitchinson has judged the Effectiveness category at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, and has led sessions on Innovation with Google, Creativity from Cannes, and the Battle of Big Thinking. He has chaired the Account Planning Group (APG), and also sits on the board of the Communications Council, Australia.

Says Mark Jarrett, MD, OMD Sydney: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome a strategist of Russ’ calibre to the OMD Australia team. His experience will inject a fresh approach to our thinking and help drive forward our strategic output for both McDonald’s and the wider agency.”

Says Mitchinson: “We live in exciting times, with new and unexpected ways to engage consumers in ideas… which can come from anywhere. I bring a deeper level of brand knowledge, and always put people first. I’ve consistently respected the quality of thinking from OMD, and I look forward to driving the strategic product and helping to grow the business.”

Mitchinson will be based in the OMD Sydney office, and his appointment is effective immediately.