PHD Worldwide appoints Mark Holden as global strategy director

Holden, who is currently managing partner at PHD’s Australia operation, will report to worldwide CEO Mike Cooper.

Holden’s global remit will see him remain involved with PHD Australia across key clients. He will start the role in January.

Barry O’Brien, CEO of PHD Australia said: “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.”

Commenting on the appointment, global CEO of PHD, Mike Cooper said: “Mark is one of the industry’s most brilliant strategic thinkers and has continually driven innovation, creativity and thought leadership during his time at PHD."

He added: "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.”

Recently appointed managing director Toby Hack will replace Holden, taking on responsibility for new business development and agency growth.

Holden said: “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."

Holden moved to Australia in 2007 to set up a PHD Australia. He led the decision to purchase TOTAL Advertising in 2008 and has this month been named ‘Asia-Pacific Media Planner of the Year’ by Campaign Asia.

His contribution has seen PHD Australia win 16 new clients in the past 12 months including PepsiCo, Guthy Renker, National Australia Bank and Google, and numerous awards.

Holden has also recently co-authored two books called ‘2014 – PHD on the Future of the Media Agency’ and ‘Fluid – Harnessing the Rising Speed of Influence’ with all profits going to UNICEF.  

Holden started his career with Saatchi and Saatchi as a planner before joining OMD where he ran a planning group, which included Gillette, Boots Plc and Volkswagen. 

In 2006, Holden was named as one of the top three best media planners in the UK in Campaign’s Book of Lists.