ASIA-PACIFIC – SYDNEY, JULY 25, 2012: OmnicomMediaGroup welcomed the return of Mark Coad, former CEO of OMD Australia, as CEO of the PHD Group Australia effective August.
Coad fills a newly created role which was brought by the recent expansion of the PHD Network in Australia. It will encompass the PHD Sydney operation, and will include the recent successful launch of PHD Melbourne – set up to handle the A$120m global ANZ media account. It also includes responsibility for the Foundation business, a media activation joint venture business between Clemenger Group and OmnicomMediaGroup. This business will remain to operate as a stand alone entity, but will form part of the consolidated PHD Network in Australia.
Coad, left OMD at the end of 2009 to take up the position of CEO of CHE, a Clemenger Group creative agency.
Barry Cupples, CEO, Omnicom Media Group APAC, said, “Mark’s coming back into the media world is a real coup. He is a world class talent and we welcome him home with open arms. Truly, great news for PHD and the wider Omnicom Media Group network. We have worked hand-in-glove with the senior management at Clemenger Group (50% shareholder in OmnicomMediaGroup, ANZ) to make this work seamlessly and cohesively for mutual benefit.”
Mark Coad commented on his appointment: “I have loved the challenge of running a creative agency for the last 2.5 years. But I have missed the media side. When this opportunity came up – working with people who I know, trust and have great respect for, it was a no-brainer. I relish the opportunity and challenge of working with the PHD team and clients. I know and respect Toby and Martin and am really looking forward to working with them and their management teams.”
Toby Hack and Martin Patton will report directly to Mark Coad and continue in their current roles as MD’s of PHD Australia & Foundation, respectively.
