Meet the CEOs: Omnicom Media Group Philippines' Mary Buenaventura

Mary Buenaventura (pictured) has built her leadership on resilience, integrity, and a people-first philosophy. From her early days in hospitality and public relations to transforming perceptions of her capabilities in media, she has consistently turned challenges into opportunities for growth.

In an industry often driven by speed and spectacle, she stands out for a grounded approach that marries courage with compassion - one that continues to shape the direction of Omnicom Media Group Philippines. What defines Buenaventura is not just her strategic acumen, but her conviction that leadership is about lifting others and protecting the value of both people and craft.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What was your first job?

After graduating from Boston University in 1997, I wasn’t immediately certain about joining our family business in Manila. I still wanted to gain more independence and experience in Boston before making that decision. To do so, I took on a customer service role at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, which gave me valuable exposure to world-class hospitality, client experience, and service.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What was your first role in advertising?

My career in advertising and communications began at Strategic Edge, the local affiliate of global public relations firm Burson-Marsteller. While my role was rooted in PR, managing brands such as Pond’s and Axe sparked a deeper interest in advertising and brand strategy.

This experience became a defining inflexion point, leading me to pursue a more comprehensive path in integrated marketing. I subsequently transitioned into mainstream advertising with Y&R Philippines, where I established the foundation for my career in brand building and communications.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What was your first impression of advertising?

Advertising was never as glamorous as the movies made it out to be. Behind the bright lights and clever campaigns was the reality of hard work - meticulous attention to detail, relentless creativity, and an unwavering commitment to putting clients first. I learnt early on that success in this industry wasn’t about chasing awards or recognition, but about listening to business needs and crafting work that truly connected with audiences.

It was also a test of resilience. I knew that if I wanted to thrive, I had to be tough enough to navigate demanding expectations, yet disciplined enough to balance business outcomes with creative integrity.

That balance between strategy and imagination, between discipline and passion, became the foundation of how I approached every challenge in my career.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: Who was the mentor who influenced you the most, and how?

I’ve been blessed with many mentors throughout my journey in this industry, but if I had to name one who truly shaped me, it would be Chiqui Lara.

For more than 14 years, I had the privilege of working under her guidance. Chiqui believed in me, trusted my decisions, and gave me the space to innovate and grow. She supported me through every challenge and celebrated every success with encouragement and kindness. Her trust and mentorship gave me the courage to take bold steps and the confidence to stay true to my path.

I will always be deeply grateful for the opportunities she opened for me, and for the lasting impact she has had on my career and my life.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What’s the harshest criticism you’ve received, and how did you cope with it?

When I transitioned into media in 2015, there was scepticism about my ability to lead a media agency given my creative agency background. I chose to take that criticism as fuel. It pushed me to accelerate learning, apply creativity with agility, and meticulously chart the transformation of Omnicom Media Group Philippines.

The words “She doesn’t know media” became a challenge I carried with purpose. They drove me to study harder, strategise deeper, and build a vision that elevated both the agency and its people.

For me, criticism is not a deterrent but an engine for progress. With focus, prayer, and hard work, I believe I’ve shown that doubt can be turned into proof of performance and that leadership is about creating opportunities for people to rise and succeed.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: Describe your own management style now as a leader

Over the years, my management style has naturally evolved alongside the fast-changing environment of our industry.

What has never changed is my belief in leading by example - being willing to roll up my sleeves, work side by side with my team, and create opportunities for others to grow into leadership roles.

I’ve learnt that leadership is not about holding authority but about enabling others to succeed. At the heart of it, I aspire to lead with transparency, integrity, and a constant balance of putting both clients and people first.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What’s one thing you wished employees understood about being a leader?

Being a leader is both an honour and a profound responsibility. It is not about popularity, but about courage - the courage to make difficult decisions that place the welfare of people and the organisation above all else.

Leadership means carrying the weight of both triumphs and failures, yet never allowing failure to define you. A true leader rises again and again, because people look to them for strength, for guidance, and for hope. Leadership is not about standing above others - it is about lifting others, inspiring them, and walking with them toward success.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What do you do during your free time?

I married in my mid-forties and welcomed my first child at 45, a milestone that has deeply enriched my life. Much of my free time is dedicated to my family and our school community, where I remain actively engaged. I enjoy travelling with my family when schedules permit, and equally value quiet moments at home, often spent unwinding with Korean dramas on Netflix.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: Where do you find your inspiration?

What keeps me going is my family and the people who have placed their trust in me at work. Watching my son overcome challenges with his developmental delays gives me the strength to face my own as an adult. His resilience reminds me every day that perseverance leads to progress.

I also draw inspiration from the young leaders within OMG Philippines. Their drive and potential fuel my commitment to continue paving the way for them, ensuring they have the opportunities, guidance, and support to succeed. They remind me that leadership is not only about what I achieve today, but also about the legacy I help build for the future.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: If not in advertising, where would you be?

I honestly cannot imagine myself working in another industry, as advertising has always been both my passion and purpose. But if I were not here, I think I would pursue an entrepreneurial path in the education sector - one that allows me to give back, shape futures, and make a lasting impact in a different but equally meaningful way.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in the industry?

My advice is simple: if you choose this industry, enter it with courage. Be fearless, be hungry, and never let the fear of failure hold you back. Every setback is a lesson, every challenge a stepping stone. And no matter how far you go, stay humble.

Because at its core, this industry is about serving clients and the greatest asset any agency will ever have is its people. Protect them, nurture them, and you will succeed.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What issue would you like to see the industry change in 2025?

Our industry must put greater value on both our work and our people. If we continue to undervalue our contributions by dropping fees to unsustainable levels just to win accounts, we risk devaluing not only the expertise we bring to our client partners but also the people who make this work possible.

To drive long-term growth, we must protect the worth of our craft and the talent behind it.

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