PHD has announced that Toby Hack, the current managing director of PHD Australia, has been promoted to the newly created role of CEO of PHD International, based in London.

The appointment follows a successful year of moving and shaking for for PHD, which won a number of high profile global assignments in last year’s ‘Mediapalooza’, including Unilever’s search business, the communications planning and buying for SC Johnson and over 50 per cent of GSK’s global business.

Hack has been in his current role for the past five years,  and will report to the president of PHD EMEA Hilary Jeffrey, kicking off his new role in April.

As CEO he will oversee and strengthen the network’s international unit, which handles a number of global clients and services, including global comms planning, media strategy development and international media buying.

During his time at PHD Australia, Hack has played a significant role in the success and growth of the business, which included the agency scooping the biggest account move of 2015, with Unilever appointing PHD after a competitive pitch.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to be the MD of PHD Australia through the last few years of transformative growth and I have loved every second,” Hack said.

“The role of CEO PHD International will help build on the fantastic global success of the PHD network. The team is incredibly talented and I am really looking forward to this new challenge.”

The current managing director of OMD Sydney, Mark Jarrett, has been recruited to take on the new role of MD for PHD Australia, making the move in early May.

Jarrett has been with the group for nine years in Australia, and has played an integral role during his time at OMD, winning multiple awards for campaigns, agency of the year and employer of choice.

“Joining PHD is an exciting prospect, they have experienced tremendous growth since their inception in the Australian market and helping to continue that positive momentum is a great challenge,” Jarrett said.

“There are a number of exceptionally talented individuals at PHD both locally and globally so it’s a fantastic time to be joining the team.”

Commenting on the announcements, PHD CEO Mark Coad added, “Everything about these moves speak volumes about the strength of leadership in our network, and the ability to recognise that talent with strong career progression.

“Toby has been an incredible asset to PHD and has played a pivotal leadership role in our success. He leaves with our thanks, and our support. This is great recognition for that achievement.”