Omnicom Media Group EMEA CEO Guy Marks To Succeed Philippa Brown as CEO of PHD Worldwide

Omnicom Media Group (OMG), the media services division of Omnicom Group Inc. today announced OMG CEO EMEA Guy Marks will succeed Philippa Brown as CEO of PHD Worldwide.

“Guy is one of our industry’s most entrepreneurial leaders, with an approach that transformed first OMD’s and subsequently Omnicom Media Group’s offering in EMEA over the past six years,” said OMG global CEO Florian Adamski. “By enabling our agencies to quickly identify, adapt and respond in real time to the challenges of a dramatically changing consumer marketplace, he’s unlocked growth for our clients and made OMG the #1 media agency group for net new business in the EMEA region for the year-to-date, according to the most recent COMvergence reporting.

Adamski continues, “The fact that - at the same time - he was also one of the network’s key people coordinating Omnicom’s boots-on-the-ground Ukrainian relief and rescue efforts tells you everything you need to know about both his character and his leadership skills.”

Brown, who has served as PHD’s global CEO since 2019, is stepping down following almost four decades in the media industry – including 16 years in leadership positions with OMG - to focus on non-executive advisory roles at both the corporate and advocacy levels.

Commenting on Brown’s contributions, Adamski said, “As CEO, Philippa’s passion for great work that advanced our clients’ business goals was matched by her dedication to helping young talent advance their career goals. After leading the agency through the Covid crisis, she brought PHD back stronger than ever, earning Media Network of the Year honors at the 2021 Cannes Festival; winning Diageo, Chanel, Unilever, and most recently, the $300 million Grupo Bimbo account. She also launched and oversaw OMG’s Talent Management Community, an initiative offering professional development across the entire career life cycle.

“We are deeply grateful for her tireless leadership, creative vision, and unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of her clients and her people, and we wish her all the best as she redirects her singular energy, experience, and expertise to an exciting new chapter in her career.”

In 2022, PHD was ranked #2 globally for net new business gains – second only to sister OMG agency OMD - adding $902 billion in incremental billings in 2022.

Marks joined OMG in 2014 following Omnicom’s acquisition of Mobile5, the global UX, design and tech consultancy service that he co-founded. As CEO of OMG EMEA, he helped establish Omnicom’s Transact connected commerce and retail media consultancy in the region; and co-architected the expansion of OMG’s TRKKN analytics and cloud consultancy from five European countries to 20 markets across APAC, EMEA and North America.

“The thread that can be pulled through all my professional experience is driving growth through transformation,” said Marks. “As the CEO of PHD - an agency that was born from a transformative concept of media as a strategic tool - my priority will be assuring that every PHD account team around the world have the talent, tools, technology and collective commitment to excellence they need to deliver the transformative ideas, solutions and service that drive growth for our clients, our agency, and our people.”

Marks, whose appointment is effective October 1, will be headquartered in London, reporting to Adamski. His successor as leader of OMG EMEA is expected to be named next week.

Onboards Kuldeep Sengar, ex-Microsoft and Praveen Sridhar ex-Freshworks

Tech Visionary, Kuldeep Sengar joins as Group Chief Technology Officer, while Growth Strategist, Praveen Sridhar comes onboard as VP for Growth & Special Projects

Netcore Cloud, a leading global MarTech and Customer Experience company, is thrilled to introduce two significant additions to its leadership team. Kuldeep Sengar, a distinguished technical leader with over 17 years of experience with renowned global organisations, joins as the Group Chief Technology Officer (Group CTO), further enhancing the company's technological prowess. Praveen Sridhar, a seasoned expert with a remarkable 15-year journey in customer engagement and advocacy, comes aboard as Vice President, Growth and Special Projects, reinforcing Netcore Cloud's commitment to innovation and sectoral leadership. These strategic appointments will help further elevate Netcore Cloud's innovation-first, leadership positioning in the industry.

With over 17 years of global experience from leading organizations like Microsoft, Loylty Rewardz (A BillDesk Company), Snipp Inc., and pioneering startups, Kuldeep possesses a profound understanding of modern technologies and their alignment with business processes. His proven ability to harmoniously blend technological and business strategies, complemented by his extensive knowledge of international markets, uniquely positions him to spearhead the company's ongoing technological innovations, especially in AI-driven customer engagement.

Praveen Sridhar's distinguished tenure in customer engagement, advocacy and having worked with a wide range of cultures as part of successful growth journeys with notable companies like Freshworks, TCS, and Lummo, positions him as a pivotal force in Netcore Cloud's worldwide expansion plans and customer retention strategies. His experience in personalising customer experiences at scale, providing value for customers’ investments, and maintaining a continual partnership with customers will help reinforcing Netcore’s focus on customer experience in the global market.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Kapit Jain, Group CEO, Netcore Cloud said, “Netcore Cloud is at a pivotal juncture as the company continues to strengthen its presence globally and venture into newer international markets. While Kuldeep’s profound technological insights and ambitions perfectly align with our ethos, Praveen’s deep understanding of consumer experiences will prove its vitality in our expansion and growth trajectory in the times ahead. We are confident these appointments will fortify our capabilities and strengthen the company’s position as a worldwide leader in technology and customer engagement experiences.”

Speaking on his appointment, Kuldeep Sengar, Group CTO, Netcore Cloud said, “It brings me immense pleasure and gratitude to join the Netcore Cloud family. With our shared dedication and passion, I am confident that we will consistently push limits, explore uncharted territories, and set new industry standards globally. The future looks promising, and I'm eager to contribute to Netcore's next growth chapter."

Praveen Sridhar, Vice President - Growth & Special Projects, expressed, "Netcore Cloud has been a pioneer in the global MarTech industry, setting benchmarks since its inception. As we start to place a renewed emphasis on customer delight and invest in building a strong community of customers, our goal is to ensure they achieve business success with Netcore's suite of products. Focusing on Emotional Investment and Continual partnership are the two barrels that need to fire in sync for us to grow. In this new phase of prioritizing consumer experience, I'm thrilled to join the company's leadership team. Through our insight-backed systems, we aim to enhance customer intelligence in consumer engagement endeavors and to be a guiding force in businesses' journey to profitability."

Having played a pivotal role in Asia's dot com revolution, Netcore Cloud is renowned for nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit. The recent additions of Kuldeep Sengar, Praveen Sridhar, and Mahesh Narayanan (Chief Marketing Growth Officer) to the team highlight this commitment. The company's dedication to innovative solutions remains strong as it continues its global expansion under revitalized leadership.

Shahrukh Khan becomes the third global icon to interact with Aaj Tak’s AI Anchor SANA after PM Modi, Brad Smith Vice Chairman and President of Microsoft.

After winning hearts of millions of fans across the globe, Shahrukh Khan created a flutter in the heart of an AI Anchor too. India’s first, AI Anchor On social media, SANA during an interaction with Shahrukh Khan said “Aap ka charm dekh kar Mere AI dil mein bhi kuch kuch hota hai”.

With this interview Sana has now interviewed the most renowned global Icons including Prime Minister Modi, Microsoft Vice Chairman and President, Brad Smith amongst others.

Launched in end March 2023, Sana is Aaj Tak and India’s first AI Anchor. She has a daily appearance on prime time and award-winning program Black and White apart from providing Weather updates, Astrology and fact checking programs for the channel.

Global icon and Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan is currently promoting his forthcoming film JAWAN across the world. King Khan as he is known for fans around the globe is also known to be an early adopter of the power of technology and social media to inspire and connect with his millions of fans.

On Sunday the trailer of his upcoming film was displayed on the towers of Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol days before India readies to host the G20 Leaders Summit, PM Narendra Narendra Modi spoke at length on global issues, India’s growth prospects and its role in G20 and the overall economy.

In an hour-long conversation at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg office with Network18 Editors, the Prime Minister also shared his views on inflation and the dangers of freebies.

Talking about the India growth story, the Prime Minister said, “India’s growth is not only good for Indians but also for the world. India’s growth is clean and green growth. India’s growth is being achieved with a human-centric approach that can be replicated in other countries too. India’s growth helps further the interests of the Global South.”

It’s the Prime Minister first interview to a digital-only publication in his second term. The full interview will be published on Moneycontrol.com at 7:30 am on Wednesday-September 6.

Sharing his views on India’s role in the G20, the Prime Minister said that India has been advancing the interests of the developing world, including the interests of nations not represented in the G20, such as the countries of the African Union.

“Perhaps for the first time in the history of G20, the troika is with the developing world—Indonesia, India, and Brazil. This troika can amplify the voice of the developing world, at a crucial time when there are increased tensions due to global geopolitics.”

The Prime Minister said that India has been proactive in finding solutions for global issues and the same is also reflected in the country’s agenda for G20. “When we laid out our agenda for the G20, it was welcomed universally, because everyone knew that we would bring our proactive and positive approach to help find solutions for global issues.”

The Prime Minister Modi also said that the world is now convinced that India will play a larger role in shaping the global future.

“When global leaders meet me, they are filled with a sense of optimism about India due to the efforts of 140 crore Indians across various sectors. They are also convinced that India has a lot to offer and must play a larger role in shaping the global future. This has also been witnessed in their support for our work through the G20 platform.”

Talking about the G20 events and conferences that took place across the length and the breadth of the country in the last few months, the Prime Minister said, “Our democratization of the G20 Presidency is our investment in the capacity building of the people, especially youth, of various cities across the country.”

Asked about India’s guiding principle for engaging with the world, the Prime Minister said it was no different from what his government followed at home.” We have followed the approach of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas in our country over the last 9 years…. This is our guiding principle in global relations as well.”

Talking about the problem of heightened inflation globally and its impact on India and countries of the Global South, the Prime Minister Modi said, “As far as India is concerned, we have taken a number of steps to control inflation. Even in the face of adversities and global dynamics, India’s inflation was two percentage points lower than the global average inflation rate in 2022. Yet, we are not resting at that and are continuing to make pro-people decisions to boost ease of living. For example, recently on Raksha Bandhan, you saw how we reduced the prices of LPG for all consumers.”

Sharing his views on debt vulnerabilities and damage to the economy from freebies, “The long-term implications of such policies destroy not only the economy but also society. The poor pay a heavy price. Yet again, the good thing is that people are becoming increasingly aware of the problem,” the Prime Minister said.

“In this information age, news about the debt crisis in one country is travelling to many other countries. People are analysing the situation and awareness is spreading. This is helpful for other countries to take precautionary steps to avoid a similar situation in their own countries, with the people’s support. In our own country too, on multiple platforms, I have spoken about the need to be alert against financially irresponsible policies,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that India’s political stability is the main reason why every sector could see deep reforms which led to stronger economic prospects for the country. “Due to this political stability, every other sector could see deep structural reforms. The economy, education, social empowerment, welfare delivery, infrastructure – I can keep on mentioning sectors that have seen reforms.”

The 2023 Gerety Awards jury have awarded 4 Grand Prix, 27 Gold, 69 Silver, 65 Bronze, with 159 entries remaining on the shortlist.

See all the winners at www.geretyawards.com

The campaigns taking home the Grand Prix represent creativity at its best for big world issues like climate change, refugees and immigration, diversity but also humour, a cherished and missed trait in the industry today.

McCann Worldgroup wins Gold in the Work For Good Cut with the campaign “Shagun Ka Lifafa” for Ujjivan Small Finance Bank; Dentsu Creative wins Silver in the Work For Good Cut with TVS Responsible Manhole for TVS Motor Company and VMLY&R wins Silver in the Health Cut with their campaign Arogya Bindu, a khol dot that saves infants from life-threatening diseases, for Maxx Flash mosquito repellent brand. Back in June, Vanilla Films had been awarded Indian Production Company of the Year as chosen by the local executive jury.

Grand Prix were Awarded to The Monkeys, Edelman, McCann and DDB:

Grand Prix for Alternative media in the Innovation Cut:

The First Digital Nation for The Government of Tuvalu, by The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song

Grand Prix for Integrated Campaign in the Experience Cut:

See My Skin, Vaseline Healing Jelly for Unilever by Edelman

Grand Prix for Strategy in the Work For Good Cut:

Where To Settle for Mastercard by McCann Warsaw

Grand Prix for Integrated Campaign in the Humour Cut:

Apologize the Rainbow for Skittles by DDB Chicago

Globally the most Awarded piece of work is THE GLITCH for Alzheimer Forschung Initiative by BBDO Germany, winning 3 Gold, 3 Silver and a Bronze.

The second most awarded piece of work is Apologize the Rainbow for Skittles by DDB Chicago winning 1 Grand Prix, 2 Gold, and a Silver.

Shout for Movistar by VMLY&R Mexico is the third most awarded piece of work picking up 1 Gold, 4 Silvers and a Bronze.

The most awarded brand in the world at the 2023 Gerety Awards is McDonald’s. Joan Colletta Senior Director, Global Brand Marketing McDonald's had the following to say: “Being recognized by the Gerety awards in this way is especially meaningful given McDonald’s relentless focus on building more relevant connections with our diverse fan base around the world. Congratulations to all the brands recognized this year and we’re proud to be in your company.”

This year’s winners come from 34 different countries. The Gerety Awards, is the only creative prize to reward advertising campaigns that resonate most with a female audience. With judging sessions held around the world each year Gerety brings together some of the greatest creative leaders to look at work from a powerful perspective.