PHD names Ali Jones Sydney managing director

PHD Australia has promoted Ali Jones to managing director of its Sydney office, replacing Pia Coyle, who moves into the national role of chief investment transformation officer.

Both appointments take effect immediately. Jones will oversee the Sydney agency’s staff, client relationships, performance and growth, while Coyle will lead media partnerships and investment nationally.

The changes follow PHD’s retention of ANZ and new business wins including Officeworks.

Jones takes charge in Sydney

Jones joined PHD five years ago as group business director, working across clients including Pepsi, Reckitt, 2K, Zurich and Merlin.

She has 17 years’ experience in client management, strategy and media performance across FMCG, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, real estate and finance.

PHD Australia CEO Laura Nice said:

“We’ve built incredible momentum this year, and these appointments are about carrying that forward with two exceptional leaders who know our business, our people, and our clients. Ali combines strong commercial thinking with genuine care for people and a hard-to-match passion for the business. She has already made a significant impact across our clients, teams and culture, and I’m excited to see her build on that as she leads PHD Sydney into its next chapter.

“Pia has been instrumental in building the momentum we have today. Her experience, energy and deep industry relationships make her the right person to lead our investment offering nationally and create even greater value for our clients. I’m incredibly proud that both appointments recognise leaders who have grown their careers at PHD and show our people what is possible here.”

Jones said:

“I’m incredibly proud to be stepping into the role of Managing Director at PHD Sydney. PHD has always had a real sense of ambition and energy, and that’s what drew me here in the first place.

“We’ve built some great momentum over recent months, and I’m excited to work with our talented team to build on that. For me, it’s about creating an agency our people are proud to be part of, our clients love working with, and the wider industry wants to work with too.”

Coyle returns to investment

Coyle takes on the national investment role after four years as PHD Sydney’s managing director. She will work with clients, media partners and the wider Omnicom network.

“After four years running PHD Sydney in the MD capacity, I am so excited to be returning to my passion area of Investment. We have all lived through a very tough market over the last few years, and I feel energised to come back and deliver meaningful value to clients and do pioneering work with our partners. Now more than ever, we need strong partnerships, new ideas and a fresh approach to drive desire for some of Australia’s most loved brands.”

Jones and Coyle will work through a handover as they take up their new roles.