Arrivals & Departures: PHD taps Forsyth Thompson, Spark PR & Activate welcomes back Katie Walton

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PHD has appointed Forsyth Thompson to the newly created role of Head of Performance. Forsyth, who joins the agency on 1 August, will take charge of leading integration and performance across both Search and Programmatic.

“Search and Programmatic should be symbiotic in a world where digital is assuming more and more importance in a media strategy,” said PHD ceo Louise Bond. “We’re hot on solutions which enhance the way data, trading and technology work together.

“Forsyth brings with him vast experience across digital marketing strategy, search engine optimisation and biddable media. He’s hugely respected in his field and we’re really excited to have him joining our team.”

“The position further solidifies PHD’s unique position of senior specialists sitting alongside the client service teams,” she said.

Spark PR & Activate builds creative team
Spark PR & Activate has welcomed back Katie Walton in a new role as Creative Services Director for the 25+ strong team of award-winning PR and activation practitioners. Also joining the crew is Shea O’Neill as the new Head of Content – replacing Mike Harland who is heading off on his second OE.

“I am delighted to have Katie re-join the agency with her creative expertise,” says Nikki Grafton, Managing Director, PHD Group. “A great idea which engages with our clients’ audience is always at the heart of what we do, however with an explosion of media platforms, channels and messaging it’s critical that we find creative ways to cut through and ensure we meet our clients’ objectives.

Shea O’Neill is a Kiwi who has headed home after a three-year role heading up a creative digital agency in Vietnam having worked previously in New Zealand. “He brings a wealth of digital and social expertise from working with clients such as Red Bull, Nokia, Samsung and Chevrolet,” Grafton says.

“These two new appointments signal the fact that great story telling and engaging content is essential to campaign success and solidifies Spark PR’s position in the market as a creative hub with access to state of the art media thinking thanks to the relationship with PHD.”


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