OMD BRISBANE WELCOMES HARRY JAYAWEERA BACK AS MANAGING PARTNER AMID GROWTH MOMENTUM

OMD Brisbane has appointed Harry Jayaweera as Managing Partner, marking her return with over 15 years’ experience. The move comes as Brisbane prepares for significant growth ahead of the 2032 Olympics, with a focus on inclusive, data-driven strategies and high-performing teams.

OMD Brisbane has announced the appointment of Harry Jayaweera as Managing Partner, signalling a strategic leadership move at a time when the Queensland capital is poised for accelerated economic and cultural expansion. Jayaweera’s return to the Omnicom Media network reflects both continuity and renewal, bringing together deep institutional knowledge and a forward-looking approach to media strategy.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning agency, sales and consulting, Jayaweera has built a reputation for combining data-led thinking with commercial acumen. Her most recent roles as Managing Director of Carat NSW and dentsu X Sydney saw her leading high-impact campaigns and shaping integrated marketing strategies in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Her career trajectory has consistently centred on delivering measurable outcomes while fostering inclusive and high-performing teams.

Her earlier tenure within Omnicom Media was marked by a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion in advertising. Jayaweera established and led the group’s national Diverse Media division, an initiative aimed at helping brands connect more authentically with Australia’s multicultural audiences. The division was widely recognised for advancing accountability and representation in media planning, reflecting a broader industry shift towards inclusivity.

Alison Costello, Managing Director of OMD Brisbane, described the appointment as a pivotal moment for the agency. She highlighted Jayaweera’s blend of strategic discipline and empathetic leadership, noting her strong reputation across the industry. Costello also pointed to Jayaweera’s swift integration into Brisbane’s close-knit media community, despite being new to the market, as a testament to her adaptability and leadership capability.

The timing of the appointment is particularly significant. Brisbane is entering a transformative phase as it prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, an event expected to drive investment, infrastructure development and global attention. For media agencies, this presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring innovative approaches to audience engagement and brand storytelling. Jayaweera’s expertise in data-driven strategy positions her well to help clients navigate this dynamic environment.

In her own remarks, Jayaweera expressed enthusiasm about returning to OMD and taking on the leadership role in Brisbane. She described the move as both familiar and energising, reflecting her longstanding association with the Omnicom network. The opportunity to relocate to Queensland at such a critical juncture added further appeal, aligning personal and professional aspirations with the region’s growth trajectory.

She also acknowledged the leadership of Alison Costello and the strength of the existing team, emphasising her commitment to collaboration and shared success. Her focus will be on driving strong outcomes for clients while contributing to the agency’s next phase of growth, leveraging both local insights and global best practices.

Jayaweera’s appointment underscores a broader trend within the media industry, where leadership roles increasingly demand a balance of analytical expertise and human-centred management. As brands seek to connect with diverse audiences in more meaningful ways, the ability to integrate data with cultural understanding has become a critical differentiator.

For OMD Brisbane, the return of a seasoned leader with a proven track record offers both stability and ambition. As the city gears up for a decade-defining period, the agency’s leadership team appears well positioned to guide clients through the complexities of a rapidly changing media landscape, ensuring that strategy, inclusivity and performance remain at the forefront.