OMG CMO Kim Hamilton Isn’t Fearful of Uncertainty

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2024 involved a changing of the guard at Omnicom Media Group: stalwart Peter Horgan stepped down as CEO after 21 years with the business, chief investment officer Kristiaan Kroon became chief operations officer, and Kim Hamilton started in the newly-created role of chief marketing officer.

“2024 was a pivotal year for me,” Kim tells LBB. “After 11 incredible years at OMD, I made the leap into my current role as CMO at OMG. It wasn’t an easy decision, OMD had been such a significant part of my career and felt like home, but it was absolutely the right move.

“I’m so energised and passionate about the marketing and growth work we are doing across the Group. Our marketing team is truly exceptional, some of the best in the industry, and I’m excited about how we’re supporting the business in fresh, impactful, and new ways.”

Looking down the barrel of the first quarter of 2025, Kim is eager for the “fresh chapter” that comes with a new phase of leadership. She is confident OMG’s leadership will “build on the strong foundation that’s been laid, driving our business forward with energy and vision.”

“Working alongside KK [Kristiaan Kroon] and the rest of our ex-co team is a huge source of energy and enthusiasm for me,” she adds.

“I’ve said it before, I’m so passionate about OMG and our people. Our client roster is exceptional, and we have so much talent under our roof.” 

Of Peter Horgan’s exit, Kim says, “His leadership has been instrumental in shaping our business, and I have the utmost respect for all he has done for our company and its people.

“It’s been a privilege to work with him, and he will certainly be missed, not just for his wisdom and guidance, but also for the dry humour and perspective he brought to every situation. He’ll remain a close friend to us all.”

Broadly, it was a challenging year for the industry, because “growth was tougher to come by, structural changes became more frequent, and many talented individuals faced career uncertainties.”

It was an easy year in many ways for her, though. Her son Alfie started kindergarten - “he absolutely loved it and poured so much effort into everything he did” - and watched her stepson Lalakai get married.

“We celebrated with a small, family wedding on Waiheke Island in New Zealand at the end of the year. It was truly perfect—a magical moment for our family to come together and create memories that will last forever.”

Her second stepson, Beau, is getting married this year in October, so she is “once again gearing up for another family wedding which just makes me giddy with excitement.”

Then there’s the family home that’s being built, and has been “about four years in the making”, so she is looking forward to “watch that come up around us and become our forever family home.”

There isn’t fear offsetting the excitement, professionally or personally. She knows change is inevitable, and it presents an opportunity. As Kim puts it, “the best will adapt quickly and evolve.”

“While it can be uncomfortable at first, I find that it doesn’t take me long to shift my mindset to one of optimism,” she adds.

“The only thing that I find challenging is not having a plan. Once I have a clear direction, I’m confident I can handle whatever comes my way.”