Following the news that our very own Laura Fenton has been promoted to Managing Director of OMD UK, we sat down with her to hear more about her journey since joining the agency 14 years ago as a graduate.
Hi Laura – thanks for taking the time to talk to us today and congratulations on your exciting promotion! Can you tell us a bit about your path from graduate to managing director?
Thank you – it’s such an exciting move for me and I can’t wait to get going!
Well, I spent the first seven years of my career working my way up through communications planning roles at OMD UK, learning the craft of media planning and brilliant client servicing. I worked on a number of different clients and categories and threw myself into as many ‘extracurricular’ activities as I possibly could, such as running the graduate training scheme and sitting on the OMD social committee.
In 2011, I moved to Drum, OMG’s branded content agency, to take up the role of Client Services Director. I helped to develop and deliver lots of award-winning content platforms such as ‘What’s Cooking? From the Sainsbury’s Kitchen’ on Channel 4, and the Boots Feel Good Forum radio series.
I then moved back to OMD as Client Partner in 2014 to run our new Disney relationship and went from there to Managing Partner overseeing a broad and diverse mix of clients and becoming part of the agency leadership team and OMD UK Board. I also had my two lovely children, Ruby and Thomas, and two fantastic maternity leaves along the way!
What’s been your highlight at the agency so far?
This is such a difficult question to answer as there have been so many! But I would say becoming Managing Director as it has been my ambition since joining the agency 14 years ago. OMD is a special place and I feel incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to help move us into our next phase. Watch this space!
What’s your focus going to be on now that you’re taking up a new position?
I will be ensuring the smooth day to day running of our business and working with our Managing Partners and their teams to ensure we are delivering outstanding service levels and brilliant, highly effective work for our clients.
What’s the best thing about working at OMD UK?
That’s an easy one – the people! We have the best, most creative, collaborative and committed people at OMD UK and there is an energy about the agency that makes each day an adventure!
Any advice to those looking to follow in your footsteps?
Be curious and be courageous. We are lucky to work in an industry where there are opportunities everywhere. Work back from your next move so you are focussed on achieving the right things. And enjoy it every step of the way!
And finally, can you tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m a bit of an over-sharer so that’s a tricky one… I was once on the Channel 4 Big Breakfast Door-step Challenge with Keith Chegwin and won a Star Wars box-set?! I appreciate that most of you won’t know what on earth I am talking about here!
