OMD Australia has promoted Thad King to Chief Planning Officer and Richard Garratt to National Head of Planning, with both appointments effective as the agency expands its national planning leadership structure.
King joins OMD Australia’s National Executive Team after more than three years as National Head of Planning. Garratt steps into the National Head of Planning role from his previous position as Comms Planning Lead.
King has been with OMD for 12 years and has led planning capability across the agency nationally. Garratt brings 13 years of experience with OMD across Australia and the UK.
Sian Whitnall, CEO of OMD Australia, said the appointments reflected the agency’s focus on planning and product integration.
“Planning sits at the heart of how OMD creates impact for clients, and Thad’s promotion to Chief Planning Officer is a natural progression of his leadership of our business,” Whitnall said.
“He has taken the role of OMD’s planning to new levels – not just in terms of craft, but in how our product community comes together to deliver creativity and effectiveness. Rich’s promotion recognises the depth of leadership he has built within OMD. He is highly respected for his collaborative approach, his rigour, and the role he plays in shaping the culture we foster at OMD.”
Whitnall added, “Together, Thad and Rich represent the strength of our planning leadership today and what we aspire to for the future. I’m incredibly proud that both of these appointments come from within our agency, reflecting the impact both have made for our clients and our people.”
The appointments follow the arrival of Chief Strategy Officer Rob Frost late last year, with OMD stating the changes strengthen its broader product and planning leadership structure.
Focus on planning capability
King said the new role reflected OMD’s approach to planning and media effectiveness.
“At OMD, planning has never been about silos – it’s about creativity in the craft of media, grounded in effectiveness, and helping brands navigate complexity with confidence,” King said.
“I’m excited to step into this role at a time when our planning talent has never been stronger, and the product community is deeply connected. Our potential to create meaningful impact for clients has never been greater.”
OMD said the appointments reinforce its focus on developing leadership internally and strengthening the communities supporting its “We Create What’s Next” positioning.
Main image: Richard Garratt and Thad King