Omnicom Health Group Faces Executive Departures Amid Interpublic Merger

In a significant shake-up within the pharmaceutical marketing landscape, Omnicom Health Group is experiencing a series of high-profile departures as it progresses towards its merger with Interpublic Group. These developments come at a crucial time for the company, which recently earned the distinction of 2025 Network of the Year at the Med Ad News Manny Awards.

Key Executive Exits

Craig Romanok, Chief Marketing Officer of Omnicom Health Group, announced his departure on Wednesday via LinkedIn, marking the end of his 25-year tenure with the company. Romanok's exit follows closely on the heels of former CEO Matt McNally's departure in late December 2024. McNally has since taken up the position of global CEO at Publicis Health.

Romanok reflected on his career, stating, "I've worked with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and brave people in the business. Together, we pushed boundaries, built something meaningful, and earned the distinction of 2025 Network of the Year."

Merger Progress and Regulatory Scrutiny

The executive changes are unfolding against the backdrop of Omnicom's ongoing acquisition of Interpublic Group, announced in early December 2024. The merger, set to create the world's largest advertising agency, is currently under regulatory review in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Omnicom has reported receiving a second request for information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which the company describes as "a standard part of the regulatory process." Additionally, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority has initiated its information-gathering process prior to launching a formal investigation into the merger.

Despite these regulatory hurdles, Omnicom secured shareholder approval for the merger in March 2025 and aims to complete the buyout in the second half of the year.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The merger between Omnicom and Interpublic is poised to have significant implications for the healthcare and life sciences marketing sector. In 2024, Omnicom reported $1.35 billion in revenues from its health segment, while Interpublic listed healthcare as one of its three largest client sectors.

As the industry awaits the completion of this landmark merger, Omnicom Health Group continues to operate under interim leadership. Michael Larson, CEO of Omnicom's Diversified Agency Services division, has stepped in to fill the CEO role temporarily, with plans to name a permanent successor to McNally later in 2025.