UM appoints Stephanie Douglas-Neal as CEO, replacing Anathea Ruys

Omnicom Media Australia has appointed Stephanie Douglas-Neal as CEO of UM, replacing Anathea Ruys after four years, as the group reshapes leadership following its Interpublic acquisition.

The change, effective immediately, is positioned as part of Omnicom Media’s evolving leadership structure as the business enters its next phase.

Douglas-Neal returns to the network after three years in a senior leadership role outside Omnicom, having previously spent seven years in leadership positions at PHD Australia. She will lead UM through its next phase, with a mandate to build on the agency’s Full Colour Media positioning while accelerating its impact within Omnicom’s broader connected ecosystem.

The leadership change comes as Omnicom Group continues to evolve its operating model following the completion of its acquisition of Interpublic in November, with holding groups globally sharpening structure and leadership as they enter the next phase of scale.

“Stepping into UM at this moment feels like a once-in-a-career opportunity. The market is transforming quickly, and with Omnicom Media entering a new phase of scale and capability, this creates real upside for a business like UM,” Douglas-Neal said.

“UM has a distinct brand soul, one that champions Full Colour Media, embracing the full spectrum of what a brand can be in market and my focus is on protecting that while accelerating its impact within a powerful, connected ecosystem.”

She said she was “incredibly excited to get started, to listen, learn, and begin building the next chapter of UM with our teams and our clients”.

Ruys exits after more than four years leading UM in Australia. Her next move has not been disclosed.

Kristiaan Kroon, CEO of Omnicom Media Australia, said Ruys had made a meaningful contribution to the agency.

“Anathea has led UM for the past four years with care, commitment, and integrity, and has made a meaningful contribution to the agency, its clients and its people,” Kroon said.

“As the business evolves, we are making changes to our leadership structure to ensure UM is well-positioned for the future. I want to thank Anathea for her leadership and the impact she has had and wish her every success in what comes next.”

Kroon said Douglas-Neal brings a strong track record of building agency businesses.

“We are pleased to welcome Stephanie Douglas-Neal as CEO of UM and, more broadly, back to Omnicom Media. Stevie has a strong track record of building agency businesses that deliver exceptional outcomes for clients. She brings deep experience, clarity of leadership and a genuine commitment to people, and I’m confident she is the right leader for UM as it enters its next chapter.”