Omnicom Media, an Omnicom Connected Capability, has appointed David McCallen as chief strategy officer, Asia Pacific, effective immediately.

In the role, McCallen will lead strategic excellence across the region, bringing fresh thinking and innovation to client solutions while helping shape the next phase of growth for Omnicom Media in Asia Pacific.

The appointment comes as Omnicom Media establishes strategy as a core discipline within its global operating model. The function brings together talent across the region to combine human ingenuity, evidence-based research, cultural understanding and Omnicom Media’s connected capabilities to help clients navigate an increasingly complex marketplace and drive transformational growth.

McCallen, who has relocated from Auckland to Singapore for the role, will develop strategies for clients, work with markets to localise and operationalise global strategy across APAC, and support the growth of local strategic teams through coaching and capability development.

He will report to Tony Harradine, CEO, Omnicom Media Asia Pacific.

McCallen was previously at OMD as chief strategy officer, APAC. 

Harradine said, “David’s appointment reflects our commitment to strategic excellence across the region. His proven ability to elevate strategic thinking and drive transformational outcomes, as demonstrated by OMD’s remarkable rise within APAC, will be instrumental in shaping the future of our business. David brings the strategic rigour, creative insight, and commercial acumen we need to help our clients navigate an increasingly complex landscape and unlock genuine competitive advantage.” 

McCallen added, “It’s a huge honour to take on this role. We’re at a point where the industry needs to rethink what great strategy looks like and build a model fit for the complexity our clients navigate every day. At the same time, APAC continues to be an increasingly important source of growth, innovation, and influence for the global industry. The depth of talent we now have across the region is immense. For me, the exciting part is bringing that talent together, building something genuinely different and proving what this region is capable of.”

In a career spanning more than two decades, he has also worked with Colenso BBDO and DDB New Zealand.