MAM
OMD ropes in MEC’s Stephen Li as Asia Pacific CEO
MUMBAI: OMD has appointed Stephen Li to lead the Asia Pacific region as its CEO. Li will replace Steve Blakeman, OMD’s current regional CEO who will be relocating to OMD in London in a senior, global role.
Li’s appointment will be effective from October 2015.
Li will be joining OMD from MEC where he is currently the regional CEO for Asia Pacific. Li has over two decades of experience in advertising, media and marketing communications. After holding senior roles with Batey and Lowe, and a role heading up WPP’s team HSBC in the region, Li moved to the media side of the business with MEC in 2005, where he quickly established a reputation of delivering profitability, efficiency and building a culture of positive change.
Omnicom Media Group CEO Asia Pacific Cheuk Chiang said, “We conducted an extensive and intensive search across the region to find OMD’s next leader, someone who is not only experienced, but capable of taking the OMD brand to the next level. Stephen’s proven track record in building strong client partnerships, driving digital growth, evangelizing creativity and inspiring teams is the perfect combination needed to ensure that a powerful brand like OMD stays at the forefront.”
On outgoing CEO, Steve Blakeman, Chiang added, “Steve has driven four years of continued success for OMD on all fronts – growth, thought leadership and creativity. OMD is currently one of the most awarded agencies in the region with a great competitive edge. He could not have left the brand in a stronger place and we can’t thank him enough for his leadership.”
“Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the world and vitally important as we continue to build a strong and consistent offering for our clients. The appointment of a leader of Stephen’s calibre will ensure OMD’s accelerated growth. Stephen’s strong client relationship skills and passion for innovation will be invaluable to OMD and I welcome him to the OMD family. Steve over the past few years has made countless contributions to our organisation and we are thankful for his leadership,” said OMD CEO Worldwide Mainardo de Nardis.
Li said, “OMD is a brand which epitomises creative communications planning, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the brand in Asia Pacific. It’s going to be an exciting future and I am committed to driving OMD’s continued growth and ambition in the region.”
Li will be based in OMD’s regional headquarters in Singapore and he will report to Chiang and de Nardis.
AD Agencies
Tawana Burnett to lead social and influencer jury at Abby Awards 2026
Meta’s Apac leader takes the reins for Abby Awards, adding flair to social content
MUMBAI: Tawana Burnett, Meta’s Head of Top Accounts and Agencies for Apac, has been named jury chair for the new social content and influencer ,arketing category at the Abby Awards 2026, powered by The One Club | The One Show.
With a 25-year career spanning the US, EMEA, Latam, and Apac, Tawana has worked on campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands and leading advertising agencies. At Meta, she guides CMOs, business leaders, and agencies on harnessing digital and emerging advertising solutions to accelerate brand growth.
Before joining Meta, Tawana led award-winning product teams at Intuit, LeapFrog, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, helping launch iconic products including QuickBooks, Listerine, Advil, and ChapStick.
A champion of diversity, she was featured in Adweek’s Women Trailblazers in 2019 for mentoring more than 15 women-led startups and for her work on the #biascorrect campaign that promotes women in leadership. She was also recognised in Ad Age’s Global Leading Women Class of 2023, The List in 2024, and served as juror for Spikes Asia and Mad Stars 2024.
Tawana has held leadership roles in the Singapore Inclusion Council at Meta, the IAB SouthEast Asia & India Board, and currently serves on the boards of IAA SEA and the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. Originally from New York, she now lives in Singapore with her husband and daughter.
The Abby Awards 2026, presented by The One Club | The One Show, will be held during Goafest 2026 from 20 to 22 May in Goa, celebrating creativity across the region.
