PHD Group appoints FCB Auckland planning director Simon Bird as group strategy director

PHD Group has today announced the appointment of leading strategist Simon Bird to group strategy director. Bird, who was most recently at FCB Auckland as planning director, joins PHD Group to head up the agency’s growing strategy team.

The news follows the group’s recent appointment announcements of Nikki Grafton to managing director of Spark PHD and PHDiQ, and Jane Stanley to managing director of Resolution Media and programmatic buying arm Accuen. Bird replaces Stanley in her previous PHD group strategy director capacity.

Louise Bond, CEO, PHD Group says Bird is a very welcome addition to the agency of ‘connected specialists’ and clients will be on the receiving end of an unparalleled strategic approach in a world that is increasingly digitised, socialised and connected.

Says Bond: “Simon brings with him a wealth of strategy experience, having worked in a number of large creative and media agencies, both locally and internationally.  Working together with Gareth O’Connor and James Davidson, this trio will continue to deliver great strategic thinking across Spark PHD, PHDiQ and Spark PR & Activate.”

Says Bird: “Insight driven strategy is what PHD was founded upon, it remains at the agency’s heart, and this approach is becoming increasingly important for clients as media choices continue to expand.  I’ve worked and played with a number of people at PHD and have a huge amount of respect for the team there. I’m really excited to be joining them and the fact that Gareth also happens to be a keen golfer is a nice bonus.”

Bird commences with the business in May.