PHD Melbourne head of trading Joanna Barnes has been promoted to national head of trading which will see her take responsibility for PHD’s trading capabilities across Australia.

Barnes will sit on the national leadership team and will work closely with PHD’s local and global teams on their continually evolving market leading proposition and transparent approach.

Over her five years with the business, she has been instrumental to the success and growth of the PHD Melbourne office, working across clients such as ANZ, Carlton & United Breweries, 7 Eleven, Priceline, Bakers Delight and Porsche in a continually diverse and changing landscape.

Barnes will continue to report into Lucy Formosa Morgan who was promoted to chief investment and commercial officer earlier this year.

Commenting on the promotion, Formosa Morgan said: “Jo is a superstar. She is a curious, passionate and talented leader with the skills we need to continue to futureproof PHDs innovative trading approach as we move further into our data and tech journey.

“The promotion is thoroughly well deserved.  Jo has never missed a trading KPI and has built a market leading investment community within the Melbourne agency.  Jo has been an integral member of the Melbourne Leadership Team, helping to develop the great company culture and growth we have in Melbourne.”

Barnes added: “It has been an absolute pleasure to lead the Melbourne trading product and work with passionate smart people.  I am very excited at the opportunity to expand on this in a national capacity.

“PHD continues to evolve, innovate and lead our clients through change with a dedication to delivering real business results for our clients, I am immensely proud to be a part of that.  The talent we have across the business and the culture at PHD is first class, I look forward to the exciting journey ahead”.

The promotion is effective immediately.