Dentsu International appoints Nnenna Ilomechina as Global Chief Operating Officer

Dentsu International has announced the appointment of Nnenna Ilomechina as Global Chief Operating Officer. Ilomechina joins the business in May 2022, as Neil Gissler retires from the global COO role at dentsu in Q1 2022.

With deep industry capability focused on consulting services across strategy, digital, technology, media and business services, Ilomechina will drive and support the delivery of profitable growth for the business globally. This important internal facing role will oversee all activities relating to business transformation and operational excellence. Ilomechina will work closely with Global CEO Wendy Clark and the DI leadership team to bring together capabilities in Media, CXM and Creative to help realise DI’s ambition to be the most integrated agency network driving growth and value for clients and the business.

Ilomechina joins dentsu with over 20 years leadership driving digital and organisational transformation. She moves from Accenture Strategy where she has been Managing Director & Partner, Head of Communications, Media & High Tech (CMT) Strategy Practice for UK & Ireland, since 2016.  Her career has also seen strategic leadership roles at Alix Partners and Sapient (now Publicis Sapient).

Clark says: “Nnenna’s proven capability and rich experience leading transformative outcomes across digital, technology, media, and business services make her the perfect addition to our global executive team. She’s an exceptional leader with the rare combination of business savvy, operational know-how, cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of people and their motivations. This fusion of capability is critical for dentsu as we move into the final phases of our own transformation.

“I am delighted to welcome Nnenna to our executive team in May and would also like to thank Neil Gissler for his outstanding contributions to both dentsu and Merkle and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Ilomechina’s impressive accolades include Senior Professional Services Finalist at the 2020 Black British Business Awards 2019, 50 Board ready Women to Watch in 2019 and shortlisted for Women in The City Future Leaders Award 2014. She is a member of the Development Advisory Board for Music Masters and Mentor for Women in Cable and Telecoms.

Ilomechina said: “Dentsu is a dynamic and modern organisation, with a unique cultural heritage rooted in Japan. I have been truly impressed by the resilience, authenticity and openness of the leaders I have met.

“Wendy has set an ambitious agenda to become the most integrated agency network. I am energised by the opportunity to work together with the exceptional talent within dentsu, across media, CXM and creative to create an environment and operational infrastructure that will enable dentsu to seamlessly offer a truly integrated client experience, making our teams successful and delivering long-term value for dentsu.”

Ilomechina’s appointment follows several key Executive hires by Clark including Michael Komasinski as Global CEO, President Merkle & CXM, Fred Levron as Global Chief Creative Officer and more recently, Alex Hesz as Global Chief Strategy Officer.