CAANZ board appoints PHD Group CEO Louise Bond as new president replacing Simon Lendrum

The CAANZ board has elected Louise Bond, CEO of PHD Group, as president of the association, following Simon Lendrum’s decision to step down, following his two and a half year stint in the role.

Says Paul Head, CEO, CAANZ: “Louise has been actively involved with CAANZ for a number of years; firstly as part of the media committee, where she is the current chair, and over the past four years, on the board. She has served as board vice-president for the past two and a half years and has done a great job in that capacity. She was the unanimous choice of the board to take over from Simon.”

Says Bond: “CAANZ plays an important role in a very exciting and challenging industry. The nature of communications is changing by the minute and we’re certainly moving into a space where consumers are telling brands what they expect, how they want them to behave and how they would like to hear from them.

“There is constant pressure on every member of our industry to perform to the highest possible standard to ensure that we meet both client and consumer needs while also advancing the industry. CAANZ offers critical leadership and support.  It’s a privilege to be elected as President – and I look forward to meeting every challenge, head-on.”

The appointment is the first time that the head of a media agency has been elected to lead the industry body which represents creative, media, social, digital, PR and experiential agencies.  Bond will also be the first female to lead CAANZ, setting an example for women throughout the industry. PHD Group is easily one of the largest and most respected media agencies in New Zealand – and that’s thanks to Louise’s business ethic and acumen, passion for her craft and skill for spotting the right people at the right time.  Bond will no doubt bring this passion to her new role.

Adds Head: “I’d like to thank Simon for his leadership of the organisation over the past two and a half years. He’s made a genuine difference for the industry.”

Bond takes over her new role effective immediately.