OMD Dubai appoints two new directors

David Johnson is now the agency's global media director for Etihad Airways, while Nick Tapley becomes the new OMD Ignition director.

In keeping with OMD's high standards in international client management, David has been selected for his wealth of knowledge and highly developed strengths in international communications and strategy.

Having occupied senior positions with OMD in both London and Turkey, he is accustomed to working across multiple brands and categories with extensive international experience in the UK, South Asia, South East Asia, China, GCC, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria and France. David replaces Dennis Tuckwell who is pursuing his career outside the network.

With a career spanning almost a decade, Nick joins OMD's unique thought-starter unit OMD Ignition, after two years in the same division at OMD's EMEA headquarters in London. OMD Ignition is the compelling force behind OMD's ideas and award-winning success.

Nick replaces Karim Abbas who decided to pursue his academic studies. Nick will be responsible for further fostering OMD's culture of innovation and creativity and delivering continued success at the major advertising festivals.

"This is an exciting time for OMD, with two distinguished thought leaders bringing a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to the group," said Shadi Kandil, General Manager of OMD Dubai. "Both Dennis and Karim are tough acts to follow, as they both contributed greatly to our performance in their respective fields, but I have every confidence David and Nick have what it takes."

"The success of OMD, as well as that of our operations, is largely explained by our attention to identifying, attracting and nurturing the best talent in the industry and both men are well equipped to further OMD's success both regionally and internationally," he added

Both placements took effect on February 1, 2009.