Omnicom Media Group's unit for international media management, OMD International, has been strengthened with the appointment of Dennis Tuckwell as Director.

An Australian national, Dennis joins from OMD Europe in Paris where he was International Media Director. He brings with him more than 15 years of experience, gained on brands as diverse as Compaq, Nissan, TAG Heuer, Hertz, Polaroid, Michelin, Groupe Accor (Sofitel), Samsonite and Coty/Lancaster.

Besides his wealth of technical and practical experience, he also has a deep understanding of the international media marketplace and a valuable address book of contacts around the world.

'With many Middle East companies looking to market their brand beyond the Arab world, a credible international media strategy and plan is only possible when the lead comes out of this region, with a comprehensive support from the network offices,' comments Ravi Rao, Omnicom Media Group's executive director-group development. 'Dennis fills this void in the region as he is a truly global media professional, with an experience that already includes international campaign planning for regional brands.'

He first got involved with Middle Eastern clients back in 1994 and his decision to pursue his career here has a lot to do with the region's impressive growth.

'Many people refer to the growing emerging BRIC markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China. We definitely need to add an A for Arabia,' Tuckwell argues. 'The region has certainly become very visible around the world not only thanks to high-profile acquisitions but certainly with iconic brands too. This is clearly where the action is and where I can use my experience to contribute to this exciting development.'

Both OMD and PHD portfolios feature major home-grown clients with a global standing and Omnicom Media Group's response to their international media needs has seen it growing rapidly from strength to strength. OMD International is dedicated to managing regional client's investments in international media, with a similar level of service in planning, buying and reporting as they would expect locally.

'The work to date has been a key decision factor, as some of the campaigns have created a real buzz in London and Moscow for example,' Tuckwell adds. 'We can build on the fantastic work that has been achieved so far and create even more exciting communications solutions for our clients across various markets and in international media.'

As part of the upgrade, the unit has moved into new premises in the Al Shatha Tower in Dubai Media City.