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OMD US Restructuring Puts Digital at Strategic Core

Mark Stewart to Lead Global Visa Account; Scott Hagedorn Named Managing Director, OMD East

January 28, 2008

Keeping ahead of changing consumer and marketplace demands, OMD has realigned its management structure to position digital at the core of its clients’ media strategy. Following the recent expansion of the Visa global media business, OMD’s Mark Stewart was named the brand’s Global Account and Strategy Director. In addition, Scott Hagedorn, formerly US Director of OMD Digital, has been appointed Managing Director of the East Coast region.

Previously head of the OMD East office, Stewart will shift his focus from regional operations to a broader role as head of the Visa global account, effective immediately. He will manage day-to-day activities across all divisions of account service, from digital, broadcast and print strategy to investment, research and strategic business units.

Hagedorn, most recently US Director of OMD Digital, will become Managing Director of OMD East, a role that has been redefined with a stronger focus on digital.

The new structure was put into place to ensure that digital capabilities and insights are fully integrated within client teams. Ongoing employee training will help to nurture digital media and new technologies as a core competency amongst all team members.

"These shifts represent the industry's move to a more digitally focused media strategy," said Page Thompson, CEO of OMD North America. "So-called traditional media is certainly still a critical component of the media mix but we are preparing for the future, as media and technology evolve and as digital platforms become more prolific."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Mark to offer his expertise on a larger, global scale. He will be responsible for the strategic direction of the Visa account across the globe for the entire OMD network," said Thompson. "With Scott's strong digital background and outstanding client management skills, he is the ideal candidate to lead our East Coast region. His unique talents cross the boundaries of online and offline media – a mix that is key to the evolution of the media business and a mix leaders of the media business will increasingly possess."