EssenceMediaCom has appointed Stephanie Douglas-Neal as managing director for Sydney as it shapes the future merged agency and prepares to officially launch in 2023.
The EssenceMediacom merger brings together the digital, data and technology capability of Essence, with the strategic and network capabilities of MediaCom.
Most recently, Douglas-Neal has been the managing director of PHD Sydney. She has a long history of agency experience – steering PHD through some very successful years of growth, great work and many culture accolades.
Douglas-Neal will take over from Mike Worden, who is moving to a client-side role.
Douglas-Neal will join the agency’s national executive committee and will lead the 300-strong agency team in Sydney, bringing to life the promise of the EssenceMediacom merger through its largest office in Australia.
Douglas-Neal says: “I have absolutely loved my time at PHD. Working with Mark, Stu and the team has been a huge career highlight for me, and it was incredibly hard to make this choice. The PHD team is remarkable.
“However, the opportunity to work with Pat, Aimee and the team to build the new EssenceMediacom proposition was one I couldn’t pass up. The vision they have for the business is inspiring. I look forward to working with the team to build a vibrant new culture.”
Pat Crowley, EssenceMediacom ANZ CEO, said: “Stevie is a key hire for our growing Sydney office and will work with our national and NSW team to bring to life the merger, develop our culture and continue our focus on award winning work for our clients.
“As we’ve formed EssenceMediacom, our Sydney office has become a very large organisation in its own right. It’s 300 people, and an extensive client list.
“Stevie has the necessary experience and qualities to lead it and ensure success for our people and our clients. Her appointment is a demonstration of our commitment to building the strongest agency in Australia.”
Douglas-Neal will commence in the role in February 2023.
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Top image: Stevie Douglas-Neal