Pete Coates, currently MD of the UK client group at Dentsu’s iProspect, is to head up Omnicom Media Group’s recently announced new base in Newcastle.
Coates will join OMG in January 2024 and report to Laura Fenton, chief executive of OMD UK.
OMG’s Newcastle expansion plans to employ around 170 people over the next three years and also intends to sign up to the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Good Work Pledge and form partnerships with the city’s universities and college groups to help nurture local talent and create new opportunities for graduates.
Coates will join senior talent manager Rosie Harkness in Newcastle – Harkness was appointed over the summer and is tasked with filling the numerous roles available at the new office.
Announcing his new job on LinkedIn, Coates said: “Returning full time to my home city to do this was one of those once in a career opportunities so I naturally I jumped at the chance to take on this new role.
“While I’m sad to say goodbye to so many great people I’m unbelievably excited to get started in the new year and I’m looking forward to working with an equally great bunch of people at Omnicom Media Group UK to continue the journey.
“I’m quite rightly employee #2 in this project. Rosie Harkness is already on the ground and up and running. She has the most important role; leading recruitment. There are so many exciting career opportunities on the horizon, so if you want to find out more then make sure you connect to her now.”
