Dan Clays
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 Oct 26, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team
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- 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.