Post-IPG deal reshuffle sees Anathea Ruys exit UM, Douglas-Neal appointed CEO
Omnicom has parted ways with UM CEO Anathea Ruys, appointing Essencemediacom managing director and former PHD executive Stephanie Douglas-Neal as her replacement.
Ruys exits the agency just two months after the completion of Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG Mediabrands, following the departures of Omnicom Media Group Australia CEO Mark Coad and Asia-Pacific CEO Leigh Terry.
She joined UM four years ago from Carat in Los Angeles and also led Omnicom’s Fuse offering across the Asia-Pacific region during her tenure.
Ruys has not formally commented on her departure. However, in an internal memo to UM, seen by Mumbrella, she addressed her team after the news:
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with each of you over the past five years, and we have achieved some incredible things together, both for our clients and the business.
“Businesses change and evolve, and never more so than when there is a major change like the acquisition of IPG by Omnicom. So, it makes sense that leadership will also change and new structures will be implemented. What won’t change is that sense of why UM is as special as it is. That’s not based in a structure, or frankly, even a leader. That’s all about you, and you will continue being the incredible individuals and team that you are.”
She added: “It’s all been such a wonderful journey, and that is because of you. Thank you all so very much.”
Newly appointed Omnicom Media Group Australia CEO Kristiaan Kroon said Ruys had made a significant contribution to the business.
“Anathea has led UM for the past four years with care, commitment and integrity, and has made a meaningful contribution to the agency, its clients and its people,” Kroon said.
“As the business evolves, we are making changes to our leadership structure to ensure UM is well positioned for the future. I want to thank Anathea for her leadership and the impact she has had, and wish her every success in what comes next.”
Enjoying Mumbrella? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
Douglas-Neal, meanwhile, previously spent seven years in leadership positions at PHD Australia, including as managing director until December 2022.
She has spent the last three years as managing director of WPP’s Essencemediacom and left at the end of last year. Mumbrella understands that WPP Media is currently recruiting for her replacement.
UM Australia’s new CEO Stephanie Douglas-Neal
“Stepping into UM at this moment feels like a once-in-a-career opportunity,” she said in a press release statement.
“The market is transforming quickly, and with Omnicom Media entering a new phase of scale and capability, this creates real upside for a business like UM.”
Related Content
