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Dan Clays

Operator

Dan Clays is one of the most prominent media agency leaders in the EMEA region, appointed CEO of Omnicom Media EMEA in 2026. He is widely recognised for his role in modernising media agency operations, championing data-driven and programmatic approaches to media planning and buying, and driving significant commercial growth across major client portfolios. His leadership style is noted for combining strategic vision with a strong operational focus, making him a respected figure across both the agency and broader AdTech ecosystem. Clays spent a significant portion of his career at OMD UK, where he rose to become CEO and led the agency through a period of substantial transformation, embracing digital acceleration, audience-first planning, and advanced analytics. Under his stewardship, OMD UK was recognised as one of the leading media agencies in the UK market, winning major new business and industry accolades. His tenure at OMD UK positioned him as a key voice on the future of media agencies in an increasingly programmatic and data-centric landscape. Prior to his elevation to the EMEA CEO role at Omnicom Media, Clays also served in leadership at Annalect, Omnicom's data and analytics division, further deepening his expertise in marketing technology, identity, and data strategy. His career trajectory reflects the broader industry shift from traditional media buying toward technology-enabled, insight-driven media investment.

Last updated Jul 10, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jul 13, 2026

Role
CEO, EMEA
Based
London, United Kingdom
Connections
3
Years in industry
20 years

Bio

Dan Clays is one of the most prominent media agency leaders in the EMEA region, appointed CEO of Omnicom Media EMEA in 2026. He is widely recognised for his role in modernising media agency operations, championing data-driven and programmatic approaches to media planning and buying, and driving significant commercial growth across major client portfolios. His leadership style is noted for combining strategic vision with a strong operational focus, making him a respected figure across both the agency and broader AdTech ecosystem. Clays spent a significant portion of his career at OMD UK, where he rose to become CEO and led the agency through a period of substantial transformation, embracing digital acceleration, audience-first planning, and advanced analytics. Under his stewardship, OMD UK was recognised as one of the leading media agencies in the UK market, winning major new business and industry accolades. His tenure at OMD UK positioned him as a key voice on the future of media agencies in an increasingly programmatic and data-centric landscape. Prior to his elevation to the EMEA CEO role at Omnicom Media, Clays also served in leadership at Annalect, Omnicom's data and analytics division, further deepening his expertise in marketing technology, identity, and data strategy. His career trajectory reflects the broader industry shift from traditional media buying toward technology-enabled, insight-driven media investment.

Career

  • CEO

    OMD UK · 2016-2025

  • CEO

    Annalect UK · 2013-2016

  • Managing Director

    OMD UK · 2011-2013

Expertise & education

Expertise

Programmatic AdvertisingData-Driven Media PlanningMedia Agency OperationsAudience TargetingMarketing TechnologyDigital TransformationAnalytics and MeasurementClient Strategy

Speaking topics

The future of media agencies in a programmatic worldData and identity in modern media buyingDigital transformation in agency modelsAudience-first media planning

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Appointed CEO, EMEA of Omnicom Media in 2026, overseeing the group's media operations across the region
  • Led OMD UK as CEO, growing it into one of the UK's most awarded and commercially successful media agencies
  • Drove integration of Annalect data and analytics capabilities into OMD UK's media offering

Awards

OMD UK recognised as Media Agency of the Year during his tenure (multiple industry awards)
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