OMD Sydney snares Yvette Mayer from Starcom in New York for managing director position

OMD has today announced the appointment of Yvette Mayer to managing director, OMD Sydney. The announcement follows the promotion of Aimee Buchanan to chief executive officer OMD Australia, in October.

Mayer joins OMD from her New York based position of EVP, Group Director at Starcom US, where she leads the ESPN business, is head of digital for Mars Wrigley, and a member of the Senior Leadership Council.

Mayer’s career has spanned more than 20 years Australia, the UK and the US. She has worked across every facet of the media agency business with a number of leading brands, including Mars, Subaru, ESPN, Suncorp, Sony, Bank West, GE and National Foods. After roles within planning, buying, strategy and client service, Mayer made a career defining switch to digital specialisation in 2008. Her truly holistic experience positions Mayer as a thought leader grounded in deep digital acumen.

In her new position Mayer will lead the OMD Sydney office and be responsible for the agency’s output. Mayer has also been appointed to the OMD Executive Team.

Says Buchanan: “We are delighted to have Yvette join the OMD family. She is a proven leader with a reputation for strong client relationships, building great teams and fostering a strong workplace culture. Her pedigree will see digital capability move to the core of the agency offering and enable OMD continue to push the boundaries in product development.”

Says Mayer: “I’m enormously looking forward to joining OMD and excited for the agencies future. The appeal of a business focussed on results with integrity was irresistable. It will be great to be home reconnected with an industry of so many incredible friends and peers. I plan to unleash my passions for winning culture, digital at the core, and authentic relationships to the role.”

The news follows OMD’s chief digital officer, Stuart Bailey, moving over to PHD.

Adds Buchanan: “Stu has been an incredible asset to OMD for the past 4 years. He has helped drive the evolution of OMD’s digital offering forward. We thank Stu for his dedication and contribution to the great year that OMD has had and wish him all the best within the network at PHD.”

Mayer will report into Buchanan and will be joining OMD in 2017, exact timing TBC.