In 2004, Laura joined OMD UK as a fresh-faced graduate, determined to make her mark on the industry. After years of hard work and dedication, she became the agency's first-ever female CEO in December 2020, a remarkable 16-year journey.
The unique brand of leadership that Laura has displayed has enabled her to make remarkable progress and achieve incredible business success.
After attending Leeds University, Laura wasn't sure what career she wanted to pursue. But when she met another graduate whilst travelling, he spoke about a placement programme in advertising that sparked her interest. When Laura returned from her travels, she went to WHSmith and bought a copy of Campaign Magazine. She flipped to the back to find the graduate jobs, one being for OMD. She applied and was invited to a graduate day, which was essentially like X-Factor. Graduates had to go through various rounds of interviews and presentations, and by the end of the day, everyone was split into two rooms - those going through and those not. Laura made it to the room that was going through and started as a graduate planner.
Not long after, Laura found herself increasingly drawn to the CEO of OMD. She was captivated by the role and ambition, and soon made it her mission to one day become the CEO of the company. She was determined to make her dream a reality.
Laura moved up the ranks, becoming Communications Planner to Associate Director and then a side step, becoming Client Services Director at Drum OMG. Laura would now be working with various agencies and clients, along with learning more about the creative and production side of advertising. Despite enjoying this new role, Laura felt as if she had hit a plateau. Laura would then go on to become Client Partner.
Laura decided to take a chance and pitch the idea of her becoming the Managing Director of OMD to her boss. Despite her nerves, she went through with the meeting and was delighted when her boss agreed. This was one of the proudest moments of Laura's career.
After years of dreaming, Laura's vision finally came true in December 2020 when she was appointed CEO of OMD. Although she was excited, she was also a bit apprehensive about taking on the role. She created a 90-day plan and began her journey as CEO in January 2021. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Laura eventually found her footing and was able to get back into the office and interact with clients. She soon realised that this was exactly what she had been dreaming of. With each passing day, Laura felt more and more confident that she had made the right decision in taking on this role.
Laura is a firm believer in showing that women and mothers can be successful in senior leadership roles while still being true to themselves. Laura is also an advocate for encouraging and supporting people from underrepresented groups to help shape the future of the media industry.
To hear Laura’s advice on motherhood, achieving your dreams (no matter how big they are) and letting your authentic self shine, listen to this episode of ‘How I Became’.

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This is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UNIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast. Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Unity & Motion⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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