Mark Coad moves back to media as CEO of PHD

OmnicomMediaGroup announced today that Mark Coad, former CEO of OMD Australia will be re-joining the group in the capacity of CEO of the PHD Group Australia.

This is a newly created role necessitated 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.

Says Leigh Terry, CEO OMG ANZ: “Mark Coad is without doubt one of the best media operators around, both locally as well as internationally.  The growth ambitions for the PHD network, globally, regionally and locally are aggressive and Mark’s intricate knowledge of the Omnicom Group and the Melbourne media market – in combination with existing strong agency leadership to support him – make him the only candidate for this role.”

Says Barry Cupples, CEO, Omnicom Media Group APAC: “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.”

Says Coad: “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.

Following a handover period with his successor at CHE, Coad will start his role in August, 2012.