MUMBAI: Omnicom Group Inc. has appointed Serge Dumont as Omnicom Group Inc senior vice president and Omnicom Asia-Pacific president.

Dumont will report directly to Omnicom Group Inc vice chairman and Omnicom Asia-Pacific chairman and CEO Michael Birkin.

He will help spearhead Omnicom's strategic expansion in Asia, initially focusing on Greater China.

"Omnicom is extremely ambitious in the Asia-Pacific region. We continue to grow our brands to meet the increasing needs of our clients in this vital region. Serge has a brilliant reputation, a proven track record and extensive experience in Asia. We see his appointment as a critical step in driving many of our strategic initiatives. We are delighted to welcome Serge aboard," said Birkin.

Omnicom comprises advertising brands such as BBDO, DDB, and TBWA; specialist media-buying companies, OMD and PHD, and the Diversified Agency Services group ("DAS"). Through its networks, the group serves many multinational and local clients throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

"I am delighted to be joining Omnicom, the undisputed world-leading communications holding group, at this time of major expansion in Asia-Pacific. Omnicom has built an extraordinary reputation in the industry for its commitment to excellence and creativity. Omnicom agencies' breadth of expertise and depth of talent provide unparalleled marketing solutions to clients around the world. I am looking forward to working with the leadership of the group and its agencies to ensure that we continue to anticipate and meet our clients' needs in this fast growing part of the world," said Dumont.

Dumont, a French businessman with close ties to the US and Europe, has worked in Asia, particularly in China, for over 20 years, founding a strategic communications consultancy in the People's Republic of China, that advises Fortune 500 clients.