Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPR) has unveiled a new regional leadership structure as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and strengthen integrated client delivery across global markets.
Effective July 1, Joanne Wong (pictured) will take over as CEO of OPR APAC, while Hugh Taggart becomes CEO of OPR EMEA and Greg Power assumes the role of CEO for OPR Canada.
The appointments bring together senior executives from across Omnicom’s communications portfolio. Taggart previously served as CEO EMEA at Weber Shandwick, while Power was president and CEO of Weber Shandwick Canada. Wong joins from FleishmanHillard, where she most recently served as APAC president.
All three executives will report to Chris Foster, CEO of OPR, and oversee agency brands across their respective regions in collaboration with local leadership teams and global agency heads.
According to the company, the new structure is intended to provide clients with more seamless and integrated support across markets, disciplines and agency networks.
The move follows OPR’s recent efforts to simplify its global portfolio structure by creating a more coordinated governance model across its communications agencies, including Golin, Ketchum, Weber Shandwick and FleishmanHillard.
“OPR is strengthening our market presence by bringing the OPR network together in a more coordinated and effective way,” Foster said.
“Our agency brands each bring a unique value proposition and a commitment to client service excellence. By showing up as a cohesive, integrated partner, we preserve those distinctive capabilities while ensuring we deliver the seamless experience our clients expect.”
The company said the US and UK operations will continue under their existing agency-led structures, while the new regional model will be introduced in phases across other markets. Additional country-level leadership appointments are expected in the coming months.
The restructuring comes during a period of wider leadership transition within Weber Shandwick.
Earlier this month, the agency announced that Susan Howe will retire in September after nearly three decades with the firm. She will be succeeded by Karen Pugliese, currently global president, who will officially assume the CEO role on September 1.
Separately, Weber Shandwick North America CEO and global president Jim O'Leary is also set to exit the agency to join Penta as CEO.
