AUCKLAND, Today: PHD Aotearoa’s Amanda Palenski has earned a spot on Campaign’s 50 Over Fifty 2026 list, recognising her leadership, commercial smarts and impact across advertising.
During 18 years with PHD, Amanda has become one of the industry’s most commercially sharp and creatively influential leaders, which is a handy combo when big ideas need to actually happen.
Abby Parkin, CEO, PHD Aotearoa, says: “Amanda blends relentless curiosity with a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and a leadership style that empowers.
“She has an exceptional ability to listen closely to clients, uncover the real business challenge and connect people, ideas and opportunities to elevate the work and deliver meaningful results.
“Our clients, partners and team value Amanda for her rare combination of business intuition, emotional intelligence and creative ambition.” adds Parkin.
“‘Call Amanda’ has become a catch phrase at Colenso. For over a decade she’s been a crucial part of pulling off our hardest projects. She’s our secret weapon – clever, unfazed and always excited to do impossible things. We couldn’t be more proud to see her recognized on this list.” – Si Vicars, Chief Creative Officer, Colenso BBDO
PHD’s belief in Amanda’s leadership was clear in 2022, when the agency created a bespoke Creative Integration Lead role for her.
That was followed by Amanda’s promotion to Managing Director in 2025, marking the next step in a long and influential run with the agency.
Si Vicars, Chief Creative Officer, Colenso BBDO says, “Ambitious ideas go nowhere without ambitious partners. ‘Call Amanda’ has become a catch phrase at Colenso. For over a decade she’s been a crucial part of pulling off our hardest projects.
“She’s our secret weapon – clever, unfazed and always excited to do impossible things. We couldn’t be more proud to see her recognized on this list.”
Amanda has helped drive three Cannes Grand Prix-winning campaigns and played a key role in PHD’s international momentum.
That includes the agency achieving WARC’s number-two global media agency ranking, as well as the number-one global media campaign ranking.
For PHD Aotearoa, Amanda’s recognition on the 50 Over Fifty 2026 list is another nod to a career built on sharp thinking, trusted partnerships and making ambitious work possible.
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