Omnicom Media Chooses Stephanie Douglas-Neal as UM CEO

Omnicom Media Australia has today announced a leadership change across media agency UM, with Stephanie Douglas-Neal (Stevie) appointed chief executive officer, succeeding Anathea Ruys, effective 2 February 2026.

Stevie returns to Omnicom following three years in a senior leadership role outside the network, after previously spending seven years with Omnicom in leadership positions at PHD Australia. Stevie brings deep experience across media, clients and teams, and will lead UM through its next phase.

Stephanie Douglas-Neal said, “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.

"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.

"I’m incredibly excited to get started, to listen, learn, and begin building the next chapter of UM with our teams and our clients. I’m grateful for the people I’ve worked with and the experiences I’ve gained over the past few years, which bring a broader perspective as I step into this role.”

The appointment forms part of Omnicom Media’s evolving leadership structure, as the business enters its next phase.

Kristiaan Kroon, CEO of Omnicom Media Australia, said, “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.

"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.

“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.”