OMNICOM MEDIA APPOINTS DAVID MCCALLEN AS CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, ASIA PACIFIC

Omnicom Media has named David McCallen as chief strategy officer for Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. With over 20 years of experience across APAC, Oceania and Europe, McCallen will lead regional strategy, localise global initiatives and strengthen strategic teams, reporting to CEO Tony Harradine.  

Omnicom Media (OM), an Omnicom connected capability, has announced the appointment of David McCallen as chief strategy officer for Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Based in Singapore, McCallen will be responsible for shaping strategy for clients across the region, ensuring the localisation of global initiatives, and building strong strategic teams to support growth. He will report directly to Tony Harradine, CEO of OM Asia Pacific.  

McCallen’s appointment marks a significant moment for Omnicom Media, as the company continues to expand its influence across the Asia Pacific region. With more than two decades of experience spanning agency and client-side roles in customer experience, creative and media, McCallen brings a wealth of expertise and proven leadership to the role. His career has been defined by a commitment to strategic excellence and innovation, qualities that will now be channelled into Omnicom Media’s regional ambitions.  

Prior to joining OM, McCallen served as Asia Pacific chief strategy officer at OMD for four years. During this time, he played a pivotal role in elevating the agency’s standing within the region. Under his leadership, OMD rose from fifth to first in RECMA’s rankings, a remarkable achievement that underscored the effectiveness of his strategic vision. The agency also secured APAC Media Network of the Year at Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the field. In 2025, OMD was recognised as APAC Digital Innovation Network of the Year, a testament to its forward-thinking approach under McCallen’s guidance.  

Before his regional role, McCallen spent five years leading strategy at OMD New Zealand, where he honed his skills in developing market-specific strategies and fostering creative solutions tailored to local contexts. His career trajectory reflects a deep understanding of both global frameworks and regional nuances, an asset that will be crucial in his new position at Omnicom Media.  

Commenting on the appointment, Tony Harradine, CEO of OM Asia Pacific, 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 himself expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting the importance of rethinking strategy in today’s dynamic industry. “It’s a huge honour to take on this role,” he said. “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.”  

With McCallen at the helm of strategy, Omnicom Media is poised to strengthen its position in Asia Pacific, leveraging his experience and vision to deliver innovative solutions for clients navigating a rapidly evolving media landscape.