September 10 2026, 1:27 pm | BY Ricki Green | No Comments
PHD Aotearoa continues to strengthen its senior and specialist offering with the appointment of Sarah Wilson (left) to the newly-created role of Head of Digital Enablement, Alice Franklin (centre) as Client Service Director and Georgia Gardien (right) as Senior Account Director, PHD Content.
The appointments reflect the agency’s future-focused offering and reinforce its reputation for combining strategic expertise, intelligence and client partnership to drive growth for many of New Zealand’s leading brands.
Returning to PHD Aotearoa as Head of Digital Enablement, Wilson will join Sam Sherson, Chief Technology Officer, in leading the agency’s digital capabilities, upskilling broader teams, providing strategic direction for the use of emerging technologies and supporting clients’ adoption of agentic tools.
Abby Parkin, Chief Executive Officer, PHD Aotearoa said: “To ensure our clients always have access to the best strategic guidance on emerging technologies, it’s vital that we invest in exceptional talent who can build the capabilities that will define the future of our industry. Our Head of Digital Enablement role has been created to bridge the gap between emerging technology and practical application, helping our teams and clients turn innovation into measurable outcomes. I can think of no one better than Sarah to help shape and lead this capability for our agency and clients”.
Franklin joins PHD as Client Service Director, bringing extensive experience in media strategy, client leadership and integrated planning. She will lead a portfolio of key client relationships, helping connect strategy, data and execution around clients’ broader brand, customer and commercial objectives.
Parkin said: “Alice has quickly established herself as a key contributor to the business, leading a number of significant projects across her client portfolio. Her ability to combine strategic thinking, commercial acumen and strong client leadership is exactly what helps create the competitive advantage we deliver for our clients every day.”
Gardien returns to Omnicom Media from maternity leave to join PHD Content, the agency’s multi-capability content, experiential and social division. In her role, Gardien will work with clients to create connected brand experiences and innovative content solutions that help brands engage audiences in meaningful and culturally relevant ways.
Says Angela Spain, Chief Content Officer, OM Content: “I have worked closely with Georgia for more than ten years; I know first-hand her passion for integrated and immersive consumer experiences. I’m excited for our clients to benefit from her expertise and see the work she will help create.”
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