OMG business director for md role

Omnicom Media Group’s (OMG) EMEA business development director Nikki Mendonca has emerged as one of the front-runners to take over from Simon Francis, OMD Europe’s managing director, who is thought to be leaving to join Saatchi & Saatchi as EMEA chief executive.

Mendonca, who was recently moved into the OMG role, having previously been marketing director at OMD Europe, is understood to be one of a number of candidates being considered for the role.

Sources say Mendonca would be the most likely internal candidate, although several senior media- industry figures from outside OMG are thought to have thrown their hats into the ring.

OMG EMEA chief executive Colin Gottlieb says: “It’s an interesting idea, but nothing has been decided yet. Simon Francis has only just resigned and I haven’t spoken to Mendonca. I am not rushing to do anything.”

Francis is expected to be announced as Saatchi & Saatchi’s European chief executive next week.

He will replace Jim O’Mahony, who is likely to be moved to another role within the global network.

Earlier this year, IPC board director Philippa Brown was appointed chief executive of OMG UK. It is thought she has taken up the role this month.