PHD has announced that chief executive Louise Bond will transition into the role of chairperson for PHD New Zealand in November. The agency will work through the process of selecting a new chief executive over the coming months with Bond’s guidance.
After almost 20 years, she has decided to move into a governance and strategic counsel role.
“Choosing to spend more time with my teenagers before they fly the nest is absolutely the right decision for me for now, “ Bond says.
“However, it goes without saying that moving on from the chief executive function was not a decision I reached easily. Spark, our agency name before we joined the PHD network, was the media independent I launched with business partners in 1999. I had my two sons in the early years, but the agency was my first creation and I remain hugely proud of where it has come today.”
PHD worldwide chief executive Mike Cooper says Bond has been an outstanding leader of one of PHD’s most successful agencies in the network, consistently delivering business success for over two decades.
“She has also overseen the most incredible record of award wins, including Gold Cannes Lions and multiple Agency of the Year titles. We are grateful for her significant contribution to the network and we wish her all the best for the future.”
Omnicom Media Group ANZ chief executive Peter Horgan will lead the appointment of a new chief executive, with the support of Bond.
“With the continued involvement of Louise in the business, we have the advantage of time in finalising an appointment of a proven leader who embodies the PHD values, is a great cultural fit and who can build on the agency’s unique strategy-first approach and thought-leadership positioning,” Horgan says.
“In the face of change, PHD also has the advantage of having the most stable and experienced leadership team in the New Zealand market,” he added.
From November, timed with Bond’s reduced hours, Nikki Grafton will assume an acting chief executive role, supported by Lee-Ann Morris (PHD), Dallas Gurney (Spark PR & Activate) and the rest of the senior leadership team.
