Tom Kirkham returns to Omnicom Media as inaugural Chief Solutions Officer

Omnicom Media Australia has appointed Tom Kirkham as its inaugural Chief Solutions Officer, with the former WPP Media executive returning to the business to lead its connected digital capabilities and integrated client solutions.

The newly created role has been established to accelerate Omnicom Media's next phase of growth by bringing together client strategy, operating models, data, technology and delivery. 

Kirkham will work alongside Omnicom Oceania Group Managing Director, Marketing Operations & Ecosystem Design, David Gatt, and report directly to Omnicom Media Australia CEO Kristiaan Kroon. 

He starts in October.

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Returns from WPP Media

Kirkham joins from WPP Media, where he served as General Manager, Partnerships, Data & Platforms. The appointment marks a return to Omnicom Media, having previously spent much of his career with OMD in the UK and Australia.

Kroon said the appointment reflects Omnicom Media's continued investment in strengthening its integrated capabilities across media, data, technology, strategy and AI.

"Tom is one of those rare leaders who combines deep technical expertise with exceptional commercial thinking, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to make the complex simple. He’s a genuine human being who excels at bringing clients, our teams and partners with him. As marketers face increasing complexity across channels, platforms, data and technology, Tom has an extraordinary ability to cut through the noise.

"This role is a clear signal of how Omnicom Media is evolving our structure and capabilities, harnessing the broader capabilities of Omnicom Oceania. Our clients are asking for greater simplicity, sharper specialist thinking and more joined-up solutions. We are investing in the leadership team that Tom will lead to connect that capability in a way that supports our agency leaders, strengthens our specialist teams and creates greater value for clients."

Focus on connected growth

Kirkham said he was looking forward to rejoining the business.

"Returning to Omnicom Media in a leadership role designed to shape the next era of client solutions is an incredible opportunity.”

“I believe brand growth will increasingly come down to how well data, media and technology connect as a system. I can't wait to work with the talented people already enabling Omnicom Media's solutions today to uncover new levers of growth.”

“I'm grateful to the people, and for the depth of learning I’ve had over the last couple of years, which I’ll carry with me into this new challenge.”