OMG's Leadership Gambit: Kristiaan Kroon To Finally Land CEO Role, Mark Jarrett To Become COO

OMG's Leadership Gambit

B&T analyzes the evolving leadership dynamics at Omnicom Media Group (OMG) amid a potential takeover.

Leadership Shakeup Context

Following a recent leadership change at the agency level, OMG has begun repositioning key senior executives in anticipation of a late November acquisition of Interpublic. The identity of the successor remains unclear, though speculation points toward a strategic move.

Kristiaan Kroon’s Role and Prospects

Kristiaan Kroon assumed leadership from the long-serving Peter Horgan with what seemed to be a provisional status, at least formally. Despite being a top candidate to immediately succeed Horgan as CEO, OMG initially assigned him a different path shaped more by circumstance than a clear succession plan.

In December, Kroon was promoted from Chief Investment Officer to Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing expectations that he would eventually become CEO. Though de facto leader of OMG since then, his official advancement to CEO has been delayed by Omnicom’s advanced talks to acquire the rival Interpublic holding company.

Pending Acquisition and Leadership Moves

The leadership structure changes at OMG are on hold until Omnicom finalizes the takeover of Interpublic, expected before the end of November. Despite this, internal moves have already commenced, signaling significant shifts ahead.

"It was only a matter of time before ‘KK’ would get the CEO number plate."

B&T expects the leadership reshuffle to follow the acquisition’s completion, as the chess pieces on the OMG board are already shifting.

Summary

Kristiaan Kroon’s eventual elevation to CEO hinges on Omnicom’s Interpublic deal, with preliminary leadership adjustments signaling imminent changes.

B&T — 2025-11-07