Omnicom Media (OM), an Omnicom Connected Capability, has appointed David McCallen as Chief Strategy Officer – Asia Pacific, effective immediately. In his new role, McCallen will focus on strengthening strategic capabilities across the region, driving innovation in client solutions and supporting OM’s next phase of growth.
The appointment comes as OM places strategy at the heart of its global operating model, bringing together expertise across markets to help clients navigate an increasingly complex media and business environment. The new structure will combine research, cultural understanding, data and OM’s connected capabilities to create more effective growth strategies.
McCallen has relocated from Auckland to Singapore for the new role. He will work closely with markets across APAC to translate global strategies into locally relevant solutions, while also supporting the development of strategic talent across the region. He will report to Tony Harradine, CEO, OM Asia Pacific.
With more than 20 years of experience across APAC, Oceania and Europe, McCallen brings experience spanning agency and client-side roles across CX, creative and media. His career has focused on connecting data, creativity and media to deliver measurable business outcomes.
Before taking on his new position, McCallen served as Asia Pacific Chief Strategy Officer at OMD, where he spent four years helping shape the agency network’s strategic direction. During his tenure, OMD rose from #5 to #1 in RECMA rankings and continued to strengthen its position across the region.
OMD also won APAC Media Network of the Year at Campaign Asia’s Agency of the Year Awards for two consecutive years, while being named APAC Digital Innovation Network of the Year in 2025.
Prior to his regional role, McCallen led strategy at OMD New Zealand for five years, helping the agency achieve strong results in new business, billings and industry recognition. Under his leadership, OMD New Zealand was named Campaign Asia’s Media Agency of the Year four times in five years and was also a runner-up for Global Media Agency of the Year.
Commenting on the appointment, Tony Harradine said McCallen’s elevation reflects OM’s focus on building strategic excellence across the region. He highlighted McCallen’s track record of strengthening strategic thinking and delivering transformational outcomes as a key factor behind the appointment.
McCallen said the industry is at a point where it needs to rethink what effective strategy looks like, particularly as clients deal with increasing complexity. He also pointed to APAC’s growing importance as a source of innovation and growth for the global industry.
In his new role, McCallen will bring together strategic talent across OM’s APAC markets while helping build a more connected approach to strategy, with a focus on turning regional expertise into meaningful client and business outcomes.