Peter Horgan, the former ANZ CEO of Omnicom Media Group, has joined independent agency JOY as co-principal and group chief executive. He will lead the agency’s media, performance, creative, brand, and fully integrated service offerings.
Horgan, who has a long professional and personal history with JOY, said of his new role: “I have had a long history with JOY professionally and personally, and I am excited by what we can achieve and build together. JOY has invested in a truly connected proposition to help maximise client outcomes in a way we can be proud of. I plan to use my profile and experience as an accelerant for JOY, its clients, and its people.”
JOY co-founder Simon Rush welcomed Horgan’s appointment, saying, “Peter is one of the most successful leaders in the industry, having overseen consistent growth built on media transparency and accountability at OMG. While we’re not looking to recreate a holdco, we aim to rapidly accelerate our growth through key investments, particularly in digital and data capability. We’re particularly excited about the difference he will make for our clients and our people. We couldn’t think of a better person to lead our ambitious growth plans than Horgs.”
Horgan’s appointment follows several key hires at the agency. At the end of July 2025, Dan Brown joined as Head of Activation and Performance, while Matthew Keegan and Philip Pollock joined as partners in May. JOY has also recently won accounts for Picklebet and Mecca, and has delivered campaigns for the Australian Olive Oil Association and AMP Bank Go. Notably, Mecca was founded by Horgan’s sister, Jo Horgan.
Horgan added, “The agency has added high-level capabilities and connections in performance to complement its existing media, creative, and brand strengths, making it a serious scale-up opportunity. The team has a very ambitious agenda for the agency and its clients, along with a renewed sense of energy and urgency. Independents are on the rise, and they present a whole new challenge for me. I’m looking forward to seeing what a freer, more entrepreneurial model can achieve for clients.”
Horgan will commence his role on October 1, 2025.
Throughout his career at OMG, Horgan served as CEO for 15 years, first at OMD Australia from October 2009 to March 2011 as Managing Director, then as CEO from March 2011 to October 2016. He also served as Managing Partner and Executive Director of Trading at the media agency and chaired the Media Federation of Australia for over a decade.
Horgan’s appointment is expected to strengthen JOY’s capabilities and accelerate its growth, reinforcing the agency’s position as a leading independent creative, media, and performance powerhouse.
