OMD Taps Diversity Expert for Brisbane Growth Ahead of 2032 Olympics

OMD has appointed Harry Jayaweera as Managing Partner of its Brisbane office, marking her return to the Omnicom Media Group network after senior leadership roles at competing agency groups.

Jayaweera Returns to Omnicom With 15-Plus Years of Cross-Sector Experience

Jayaweera brings more than 15 years of media industry experience spanning agency, sales, and consulting roles. She most recently served as Managing Director of Carat NSW and dentsu X Sydney.

Her return to Omnicom Media is notable for one specific reason. During her previous time with the group, Jayaweera founded and led Omnicom Media's national Diverse Media division in Australia. The unit was built to help clients reach Australia's multicultural audiences through inclusive and accountable media planning.

Alison Costello, Managing Director of OMD Brisbane, cited that background directly. "Harry brings an exceptional combination of strategic rigour, commercial leadership and humanity," Costello said. "She has a wonderful reputation both within OMD and across the industry for building and nurturing high-performing teams and delivering meaningful outcomes for clients."

Jayaweera described the move as both familiar and motivating. "Having spent different stages of my career at Omnicom, this move feels both familiar and energising," she said. "The opportunity to call Queensland home at such a pivotal time for the state makes this role even more compelling."

Brisbane Appointment Tied to 2032 Olympic Games Growth Cycle

The timing of the hire is deliberate. Costello explicitly linked the appointment to Brisbane's growth trajectory ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. "With Brisbane entering a critical growth phase as we look ahead to the 2032 Olympics, I'm looking forward to partnering with Harry to create what's next for our clients," she said.

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Mission MediaMission Media

The appointment adds a second senior leadership layer to the Brisbane office, with Jayaweera joining as Managing Partner alongside Costello as Managing Director. OMD Australia currently holds the number one ranked position among media agency networks per RECMA, the independent body that evaluates agency performance across new business, client retention, and capabilities.

The concurrent promotion of Katy Eng to national director of OMD Diverse, the agency's specialist diversity and inclusion unit, signals a coordinated investment in inclusive media infrastructure across both national and regional levels.

Senior Leadership Moves Reshape Australia's Agency Landscape

The Jayaweera appointment sits within a broader wave of senior restructuring across Australia's media agency sector. Special Australia made four senior appointments in 2025, including a permanent Managing Director and two Executive Creative Directors. Publicis Groupe ANZ completed its acquisition of Atomic 212° under CEO Michael Rebelo and incoming Chief Media Officer Imogen Hewitt, expanding its full-funnel media capabilities across the market.

Nunn Media also made senior hires in Sydney, framing both appointments around data, technology, and AI growth. IPG Mediabrands Australia CEO Mark Coad was appointed Chair of the Media Federation of Australia in February 2025, placing a direct OMD competitor at the center of industry debates on transparency and AI standards.

Peter Horgan, formerly CEO of Omnicom Media Group Australia and New Zealand, departed the network in September 2025 to become Group CEO and Co-Principal of independent agency JOY, reshaping the senior talent landscape that network agencies are now navigating.

OMD Brisbane Office Details

OMD Brisbane operates from Level 3, 200 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000. The national OMD operation is led by co-CEOs Laura Nice and Sian Whitnall. Jayaweera's appointment is effective immediately.