Phil McDonald, most recently group managing director for Y&R Group’s Brisbane operation, has been promoted to Y&R Group CEO, Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately.

Global CEO of Y&R David Sable said, “Since Phil joined us, nearly 10 years ago, he’s been instrumental in leading and influencing many of our key new business and creative successes in the region.

“I have great confidence in Phil, with his extensive knowledge of our business and our people, to lead Y&R Group’s management team across the ANZ region. He’ll continue to be an important strategic partner for many of our major long-standing clients.”

In 2015 Y&R Group ANZ’s work was recognised with 13 Cannes Lions, four EFFIEs and added a number of new clients including McDonald’s and Microsoft.

Phil McDonald said, “I look forward to working with all the leaders of Y&R, GPY&R, VML, IdeaWorks and Blaze in the ANZ region. I am especially looking forward to my partnership with our Regional CCO Ben Coulson, who has been the heart and soul of our creative renaissance.

“Ben has built a formidable creative culture in the region; his award-winning work has elevated our creative reputation to new heights, and has been key to our success. Together, we will ensure that our agencies continue to flourish and our clients receive the very highest standards of partnership across the region.”