PHD Group promotes Nikki Grafton to the role of chief executive officer to push Group into new era

PHD Group has appointed Nikki Grafton as chief executive officer for the agency’s operations in New Zealand, which constitutes the full-service media agency as well as Spark PR & Activate. Grafton will now lead the 130-strong team to continue delivering market-leading work that ultimately generates better results for its clients, having recently been named ‘Agency of the Year’ by the CCC Beacons in 2018.

Formerly the people and culture director for the Group, Grafton has been serving as acting CEO since last November, when former leader, Louise Bond, began transitioning into the role of chairperson for the Group. Ever since she joined the Group in 2000, Grafton has been instrumental in its growth and success, having held several leadership roles within the agency, including managing director from 2013 to 2016.

Omnicom Media Group ANZ CEO, Peter Horgan, said he is delighted Grafton will continue to lead PHD Group into a new era.

Says Horgan: “Nikki is a focused, innovative and personable leader with exceptional commercial, operational and strategic expertise. She has demonstrated her long-time commitment to the agency and its people, and since moving into the acting CEO role, it was quickly obvious that she was the ideal candidate to continue building on PHD Group’s success.

“Nikki knows the business inside and out; is well-loved and respected by clients and the wider industry; understands PHD Group’s vision; and epitomizes its values. She has also been integral in developing a culture of mentoring, collaboration and development across the organisation.

“With the support of a very experienced and talented senior leadership team, I am confident that Nikki will lead PHD Group to even greater heights.”

Grafton said she is thrilled to have the opportunity to help shape and guide the future of PHD Group: “After a very successful 2018, PHD Group is in great shape and we have exciting plans to continue this forward trajectory. I am fortunate to work alongside some of the smartest and most creative colleagues and clients in the business, and I am looking forward to building on this success together in 2019 and beyond.”