Omnicom Media Group partners with I&S BBDO to launch PHD in Japan

PHD Japan will operate alongside I&S BBDO to service the media agency network’s global clients through a combination of its own media tools with I&S BBDO’s media servicing capabilities and knowledge of the local market.

The agency will be led by Kazutoyo Kato, CEO of I&S BBDO and managed by Tsuyoshi Endo, executive director of I&S BBDO’s media group, who is an industry veteran with nearly 30 years experience.

“We have been in discussion for some time as to how to ensure the expansion of PHD’s footprint in the region. In a market as important as Japan, this partnership is a significant development. We hope to continue the momentum and success that PHD has enjoyed in the past year,” said Barry Cupples, chief executive of Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific.

PHD’s Asia Pacific chief, Cheuk Chiang (pictured), added: “Japan is a unique market and we have been looking to expand our footprint in this major economy for quite some time. The establishment of PHD Japan will bring together two great ideas-led cultures to form an even more vibrant team. It will also bring to Japan a new approach to communications planning delivering a more creative media product which Japanese clients now seek.”

PHD was recently named Media Agency of The Year at Media's 2009 Agency of the Year Awards show.