IPG Mediabrands has announced the appointment of Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Australia and New Zealand chief executive officer Leigh Terry as Asia Pacific chief executive officer.

The announcement, made by global chief executive Henry Tajer, focussed on how the APAC region will be a key priority for regional investment over the next five years.

“The region continues to hold enormous potential for our clients and our business and Leigh possesses the talent, experience and vision to deliver on the plans we have in place,” said Tajer. “Leigh is a very highly respected and effective executive who has been on our most-wanted list for quite some time and I am very excited he has chosen to join us.”

In his latest role, Terry oversaw 900 people across 16 offices in seven international media businesses, innovating in the digital medium for 16 years since launching OMD’s digital capabilities in London before moving to Australia.

“After an amazing 18 years at Omnicom it was not an easy decision as I leave many friends, not just colleagues. However, with the broader international opportunities, energy, vision and leadership at IPG Mediabrands, I am excited to be entering a new chapter in my career,” said Terry.

“I am really looking forward to working with Henry and the team to deliver the vision and in doing so help take IPG Mediabrands to new heights.”

Terry starts with IPG Mediabrands at the end of 2016, partnering with Mediabrands Asia Pacific chief financial officer Reg Davidson, who formerly held the equivalent role at IPG Mediabrands Australia.

Omnicom Media Group has announced that Terry will be replaced by OMD Australia chief executive officer Peter Horgan.

“Having led OMD for the last five years, I am looking forward to supporting the OMG businesses across ANZ to drive even greater success,” said Horgan. “We have built a diverse suite of capability in this region, and I feel we are uniquely placed to embrace the future landscape.”