PHD Aotearoa’s Amanda Palenski recognised on Campaign 50 over Fifty list

PHD Aotearoa’s Amanda Palenski has been named on Campaign’s 50 Over Fifty 2026 list, recognising her outstanding leadership, commercial acumen and contribution to the advertising industry. 

During her 18-year tenure with PHD, Palenski has established herself as one of the industry’s most commercially astute and creatively influential leaders.

PHD Aotearoa CEO Abby Parkin says: “Amanda blends relentless curiosity with a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and a leadership style that empowers.

“She has an exceptional ability to listen closely to clients, uncover the real business challenge and connect people, ideas and opportunities to elevate the work and deliver meaningful results. Our clients, partners and team value Amanda for her rare combination of business intuition, emotional intelligence and creative ambition.”

‘Call Amanda‘

The agency’s regard for Palenski’s leadership was reflected in its creation of the bespoke creative integration lead role in 2022, before her promotion to managing director in 2025.  

Colenso BBDO chief creative officer Si Vicars says: “Ambitious ideas go nowhere without ambitious partners. ‘Call Amanda’ has become a catch phrase at Colenso. For over a decade she’s been a crucial part of pulling off our hardest projects. She’s our secret weapon – clever, unfazed and always excited to do impossible things. We couldn’t be more proud to see her recognized on this list.” 

Palenski has driven three Cannes Grand Prix-winning campaigns and played a key role in the agency achieving WARC’s number-two global media agency ranking and number-one global media campaign ranking.