PHD and Opera forge second global network

The cross-market expansion, set to cement Omnicom's place within the global media market, will begin in the fourth quarter of 2005, with completion of the project across most of the Asia Pacific and European regions expected to be completed in early 2006.

David Pattison, chief executive of PHD Worldwide, said that the expansion would help his network chase more multi-national clients: "This is very exciting news for PHD. Given our success in North America and the needs of multinational clients, there has never been a better time to extend our network globally."

To manage the expansion of PHD and Opera, Omnicom is expanding its structure for its Omnicom Media Group (OMG), which includes PHD and OMD, as well as a number of specialty firms.

Daryl Simm is appointed chairman and chief executive of OMG with Mark Amabile, previously OMD Worldwide chief financial officer, appointed as the group's chief financial officer.

An Omnicom Media Group global board has also been established with Joe Uva, OMD Worldwide CEO, adding the role of president of OMG to his current duties.

David Pattison retains responsibilities of PHD Worldwide CEO, while Colin Gottlieb, previously OMD Europe CEO, becomes OMG Europe CEO with responsibility for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mike Cooper becomes the OMG Asia Pacific CEO.

OMD Europe and PHD Europe will operate as separate media networks reporting to OMG Europe.

OMD Europe will be headed by new managing director Simon Francis, previously director of strategy, while PHD Europe will be led by managing director Hilary Jeffrey, previously general manager at OMD Europe.

John Wren, president and CEO of Omnicom Group said that the move would add more parity to the Omnicom offering: "This approach allows us to provide alternative media network solutions to meet individual client needs. And whether their preference is OMD or PHD, we want all our media clients to benefit from the full scale and resources of our group."

This article was first published on Media Week