PHD has hired former Dentsu X APAC managing director James Hawkins for the role of the chief executive officer in the Asia Pacific. Having spent over a decade in digital in Asia and over 15 years working in digital media and creative agencies globally, PHD hopes Hawkins will bring expertise to its agency as it develops its future-facing stance. Hawkins will report to both Tony Harradine, CEO of Omnicom Media Group Asia Pacific, and Mike Cooper, CEO of PHD Worldwide, with agency leads from PHD’s 16 APAC markets reporting to Hawkins.

Harradine, CEO of Omnicom Media Group said that the agency is optimistic about the next phase of growth, buoyed by its recent win of HSBC, which moved the account from WPP. He also said that over the years, PHD has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in APAC and shows no signs of slowing down, bringing home the global HSBC account just last month. Given the unique growth opportunities, PHD have taken time to identify the best candidate to take the helm in APAC, one who can harness its energy and continue building an agency of the future.

Hawkins steps into the space of Susana Tsui, who left Omnicom in January this year to take on a Group CEO role at Dentsu Aegis Network in China. Hawkins said that PHD has certainly commanded the industry’s attention over the past few years, surpassing larger competitor networks with its new business and awards performance. However, its strong people-focused culture and impressive talent pool are what have impressed him the most about the network. He is really  excited to  join such a dynamic and inspirational team and looks  forward to working with them on continuing PHD’s powerful growth journey in the Asia Pacific