OMD APAC CEO Steve Blakeman says Cannes 'Media Agency of the Year' win was a 'dream come true'

"Winning a prestigious accolade such as a Cannes Lion is difficult enough in itself," Blakeman told The Drum. "When you consider that there were over 3,000 media entries this year, representing the industry's absolute best work, submitted by agencies from every corner of the planet to even get your work shortlisted is no mean feat.

"To then go on and win six Cannes Lions for OMD Asia Pacific for our clients such as McDonalds and Pepsico plus then take the coveted global gold Cannes Lions for Media Agency of the Year is quite simply a dream come true."

Now based in Singapore, Blakeman's career began in Manchester, where he served as boss at media buying agencies PHD and CIA. He launched PHD North in Manchester in 2003 and was named Adline's Agency Head of the Year. Blakeman was also once tipped by the Drum as a 'high flyer'.

He landed the Asia-Pacific role with OMD in 2011 after five years in the Far East, originally relocating to join Initiative.

OMD Worldwide took two Gold Lions, three Silvers and four Bronze from the 2013 festival, with the majority in recognition of work created for McDonald's. Blakeman paid tribute to his team at OMD and said the Cannes wins were well deserved.

"It is testament to the talented individuals we have working for OMD in Asia Pacific. They are without doubt the best in the industry and these awards are a recognition of the hard working, incredibly smart and super creative people we have within the organization".

CEO of OMD Worldwide, Mainardo de Nardis, said he was proud to accept the awards and praised the worldwide agencies for "consistently exceeding" standards in a market meeting the challenges of changing technology and economics.