Sydney. May 7, 2026: Leading media agency, UM Australia today announces the appointment of Jessica Lauria as Managing Director, UM Sydney, a strategic hire designed to accelerate the agency’s next phase of growth and deepen its client partnerships.
Lauria steps into the role with a clear remit to spearhead UM Sydney’s vision, continuing to build a high-performing culture while driving strategic growth for clients. Her appointment reflects a deliberate shift away from traditional agency leadership pathways, bringing a fresh, client-centric perspective to the agency.
With a 25-year career spanning senior global brand marketing and leadership roles, Lauria is widely recognised for her skills to drive transformation from the inside out. Her experience building and scaling consumer brands, includes leading brand strategy, innovation and growth agendas across markets, where she built a reputation as a brand disruptor by challenging the norm, unlocking new revenue streams and embedding customer-first thinking, at scale.
Most recently, she served as CMO of OoMee and previously as Head of Brand Marketing at Gopuff, where she led global brand strategy, advertising, media, social and innovation. Earlier, she held leadership roles at S’well, Hint, and Chobani. She began her career in advertising at BBDO, Berlin Cameron and Anomaly, creating award-winning work for iconic brands including Coca-Cola, Sephora, and Procter & Gamble.
Lauria’s appointment signals UM’s continued commitment to building a leadership team that reflects the realities of today’s marketing landscape and delivers meaningful business outcomes for clients.
Stevie Douglas-Neal, CEO, UM Australia said that Jess’s appointment reflected a deliberate choice to bring a fresh perspective into the business.
Douglas-Neal said: “Rather than following the traditional path, we prioritised finding a leader who not only deeply understands the real impact agency output has on marketers but brings a fresh perspective to UM.
“With extensive client-side experience and international kudos, Jess brings first-hand insight into the pressures marketers are navigating in 2026, and the role UM can play as true business partners.”
Douglas-Neal continued: “Our ambition is to be the media agency that best understands our clients and brings the full spectrum of thinking to drive business impact; Jess is a powerful reflection of that and we’re excited about the energy and leadership she will bring to UM Sydney.”
Newly appointed Managing Director, Jessica Lauria said: “UM’s ambition is to be the most impactful agency in its client’s ecosystems. That starts with deeply understanding our client’s business needs, pressures and routes to growth.
“I’ve always believed media is one of the most powerful levers a business has, not just for reach, but for brand-building, culture-shaping and creating impact at scale. Right now, we’re in one of the most dynamic moments the industry has ever seen.
I’m excited to join UM Sydney to help shape the strategy and bring my experience to the table to ensure creativity and media are truly connected to drive meaningful growth for our clients,” she concluded
Douglas-Neal added that Lauria’s appointment represents a broader investment in strengthening leadership across the agency and enriching the client experience.
“Jess’s appointment is a huge part in UM’s commitment to invest in our brand, and she will not only build momentum in UM Sydney to support our existing clients and team, but she will also help us transform and grow at pace.
“Our team deserve it, our clients deserve it, and we’re excited for the future,” Douglas-Neal concluded.
Lauria’s appointment is effective May 18.
