By Christie U. Omonigho
Universal McCann (UM), a flag bearer and worldwide advertising agency, says it is proud to recognize its ebullient Managing Director Mrs. Oyebimpe Fayemi who is also known and popularly called “Bimpe”, for what it has referred to as “her outstanding leadership, strategic vision, and service” to the organization and its stakeholders. Energy Window International (Media) learnt that since assumption of office as the Managing Director of UM, Mrs. Fayemi has been able to steer the company into greatness through effective revenue drive, expansion of the company’s market presence coupled with visible transformation initiatives that have reinforced UM’s position as a leader in the advertising industry globally.
The agency noted that under Fayemi’s stewardship, Universal McCann Nigeria has been able to prioritize integrity, customer-centricity, sustainability, diversity and inclusion – an effective combination which also translated into measurable outcomes for clients, employees, and partners. It extolled her method of leadership which has according to the statement, combined thorough execution of programmes with a commitment to ethics while driving long-term value creativity.
In her statement Mrs. Oyebimpe Fayemi said: “I am grateful for the dedication of our team and the trust of our stakeholders as we continue to build a resilient and innovative Universal McCann. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional outcomes for our customers while investing in our people and communities.”
The agency had outlined key achievements under Mrs. Fayemi’s leadership to include:
- Over 40% year-on-year revenue growth which ultimately reflects a strong track record of business expansion and market resilience.
- Strategic acquisitions of three major brand accounts, significantly strengthening the agency’s portfolio.
- Strategic partnerships with leading agencies that expanded service reach and unlocked new opportunities for collaboration and long-term sustainability.
- A comprehensive internal transformation: restructuring systems and workflows to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks, and improve agility, resulting in a 2-day reduction in average turnaround time and improved client satisfaction.
- Embedding innovation into Universal McCann’s DNA, including launching an AI-driven planning platform in collaboration with global partners. This data-driven approach enhances accuracy, efficiency, and speed in media planning, strengthening UM’s competitive edge and,
- Believing that people are the agency’s greatest asset, Mrs. Fayemi has championed a culture of learning, development, and employee wellbeing.
Other initiatives include a structured training program, mandatory regulatory certifications to ensure industry compliance, and a comprehensive welfare program to cushion the effects of inflation – all these efforts UM said, have contributed to a remarkable 95% staff retention rate while fostering loyalty, engagement, and high morale.
- Under her leadership, the company has grown more on community impact, which is a core focus. In partnership with clients and NGO partners, the “Billboards to School Bags” initiative upcycles used billboard advertising materials into durable school bags. Adding that to date, over 4,000 bags have been donated to underserved schools, supporting children’s access to education while reducing environmental waste and underscoring Universal McCann’s commitment to social impact.
Energy Window International (Media) has equally learnt that the vibrant Mrs. Oyebimpe Fayemi is an astute media strategist with more than 15 years of experience in strategic and disruptive marketing communications and brand investments. UM disclosed that Bimpe started her career as a media executive at STB McCann where she handled everything about media planning. She has also been in the job of ensuring that her company has on its clients’ list prominent companies like UBA PLC, British Airways, UNICEF, and Kaneka Corporation Japan. Under her leadership as the MD/CEO of Universal McCann Nigeria which is also an affiliate of IPG Mediabrands, the agency has “expanded its client base, set strategic goals, and overseen financial performance to ensure profitability and growth.” She is decisive, one great quality which has helped the company in fostering innovation, and a strategic approach to decision-making. She is currently pursuing an MBA at the Metropolitan School of Business and Management.
It is worth stressing that Universal McCann (UM) is a global media agency and a part of IPG Mediabrands, a subsidiary of the Interpublic Group (IPG). It operates in over 100 countries, offering services focused on media planning, buying, and strategy. The agency is known for its data-driven approach, future-proofing businesses through innovation, and a consultative approach.