PHD Worldwide promotes Holden to global role

PHD Worldwide has promoted Mark Holden to the role of global strategy director, responsible for driving the growing network’s strategic planning capabilities across all regions.  Holden, who is currently managing partner at PHD’s Australia operation, will start the role in January, reporting to worldwide CEO Mike Cooper.  Recently appointed managing director Toby Hack will replace Holden. Holden’s global remit will see him remain involved with PHD Australia across key clients.

“Mark has made a fantastic contribution towards establishing PHD in Australia – namely helping bring in an incredible team of very talented people across different disciplines.  Although we will all miss Mark, PHD is well and truly established – we now have a company that can genuinely and consistently deliver on the PHD vision of finding a better way” said Barry O’Brien, CEO of PHD Australia.

“Mark is one of the industry’s most brilliant strategic thinkers and has continually driven innovation, creativity and though leadership during his time at PHD.  Our history as the world’s first strategic planning media agency has seen us attract some of the best talent, and in Mark we have the perfect person to drive thought provoking opinion and pioneering thinking at a global level, as the network continues to grow” said Mike Cooper, Global CEO of PHD.

“I am very satisfied with what we have established here in Australia.  The culture, people and the systems are of a very high standard.  And with Toby Hack joining the team the future looks very bright.  I am also excited about being able to help build upon the success the PHD network has already achieved.  PHD is a wonderful and unique company as it is genuinely driven by a higher purpose – that of finding a better way.  It is a complete privilege to help steer this amazing company and this amazing group of minds” said Holden.

Holden, who has this month been named ‘Asia-Pacific Media Planner of the Year’ by Campaign Asia magazine, moved to Australia in 2007 to set up a PHD Australia. He led the decision to purchase TOTAL Advertising Pty Ltd in 2008 and has been the driving force behind overhauling the company and turning it into an authentic PHD operation. This included bringing in new people, new systems and new training and coaching programmes.

His contribution has seen PHD Australia win 16 new clients in the past 12 months including PepsiCo, Guthy Renker, National Australia Bank and Google – making PHD Australia the fastest growing media agency in 2010.  It has also led to awards – winning Strategic Insight for both 2009 and 2010, Best Innovation 2009, Pro-Bono 2010 and Best Clothing & Retail 2010 at the MFA Awards, while this month’s B&T Awards saw PHD win the commendation in the ‘Media Agency of the Year’ category.