PHD Australia appoints Alex Pacey to the role of head of implementation planning and Joel Pearson to the role of head of digital innovation

PHD has announced two new appointments in Alex Pacey (left), head of implementation planning and Joel Pearson (right), head of digital innovation. The roles have been created to drive continued focus on product excellence ensuring PHD delivers the very best work for all clients.

Former general manager at Ikon Communications, Pacey will be responsible for the implementation output of over 40 employees at PHD. He will be using his 16 years’ experience in the media industry to translate PHD’s market leading commutations strategies into best in class execution.

Says Pacey: “I was looking for a place to lay my hat that had the support of a global network but the spirit of an independent. I found that in PHD. I’ve met some like-minded folks hungry to do great work.”

Returning from 2 years in London in the PHD Global Strategy Unit, Pearson will be elevating the digital output of the agency; driving an innovation agenda through the business. During his time in London Joel was awarded a slew of awards including multiple Cannes Lions, 3 Festival of Media wins and Grand Prix at The Internationalists; these were awarded for some outstanding work for Dove campaigns and Unilever’s master- brand. He will be bringing this wealth of experience to Australia.

Says Pearson: “I am delighted to be joining the team here in Sydney. I’ve worked for and with PHD in multiple roles over the years and believe they have a unique perspective and positioning which makes them one of the most interesting agencies in the market. I’m looking forward to delivering some odd and interesting work that not only excites the industry, but also delivers hard business results to our clients.”

Pacey and Pearson will work alongside one another and the other PHD community heads to enhance the capabilities for PHD’s offering and grow new business development. Both new hires are of immediate effect and will report into managing director, Toby Hack.

Says Hack: “We already have a fantastic team at PHD. Alex and Joel are both superb talents and fit perfectly into our growing agency.”

Says Susana Tsui, APAC CEO, PHD: “Our ability to acquire and retain such exceptional talent, reflects PHD’s commitment to deliver best in class output in everything we do – from strategy to execution, end to end. PHD Australia no doubt will continue to lead the region as a center of excellence.”

The appointments comes on the heels of a successful year for PHD Australia. In 2014 the agency significantly expanded the business with 21 new business wins including Bayer, Priceline, Infiniti and amaysim. It is this rapid growth which has triggered the need for a number of new roles across the agency.