PHD has appointed Brendan Hewitt as its new Sydney head of strategy, replacing the outgoing Remi Baker.
Baker has spent 11 years all up at PHD, joining in 2013 in the UK. She had a brief stint at Bauer Media in London in 2016, before relocating to Sydney in 2017 and rejoining PHD. In 2021, she was promoted to head of strategy.
Hewitt, who begins in the role on 17 June, is an internal promotion. He has spent almost 15 years at the Omnicom media agency, working in strategy and innovation roles across New Zealand, and the UK, and with clients such as ANZ, Diageo, Volkswagen Group, and Unilever.
Pia Coyle, PHD Australia Sydney managing director, said: “We are so happy to welcome Brendan to the PHD Sydney team. It’s an exciting new era at PHD, as we explore what it means to be at the cutting edge of where our smart and experienced people meet the world of assisted intelligence.
“Brendan’s experience in a wide range of categories across many markets will really help drive our best thinking for our current and future clients.”
Most recently group strategy director at PHD in Auckland, Hewitt said he was “chuffed” about the new role.
“They’re a talented bunch, great people, and have a fantastic set of clients. It’s a dynamic time in the world of media and advertising, I’m excited to get stuck in and help take the agency and our partners forward.”
Coyle also thanked Baker for her contributions to PHD.
“I wanted to thank Remi on behalf of PHD, she has been a core part of the strategy team and wider agency. Her tenure speaks to her dedication and passion for what PHD does differently as an agency and we wish her well with her next opportunity.”
Baker said of her time at PHD: “After 11 incredible years of growth, learning, and innovation at PHD, the time has come to embark on the next chapter of my career.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, having learnt so much from some of the best and brightest in the industry and having made friendships that will truly last a lifetime. I’m excited for what’s next and wish PHD all the best for the future – I have no doubt Brendan will smash it.”
–
Top image: Brendan Hewitt