Guy Marks, the current CEO EMEA of Omnicom Media Group (OMG), is set to become the new CEO of PHD Worldwide, stepping into the role previously held by Philippa Brown. Brown, with nearly four decades of experience in the media industry, including 16 years in leadership roles at OMG, is departing to focus on non-executive advisory positions at corporate and advocacy levels.
Marks has been serving as CEO EMEA at OMG since January 2022 and prior to that, he held the position of CEO of OMD EMEA for four years. His journey with OMG began in 2014 following Omnicom’s acquisition of Mobile5, a UX, design, and tech consultancy service co-founded by Marks.
Speaking about his new role, Marks emphasized the importance of ensuring that every PHD account team worldwide is equipped with the talent, tools, technology, and a commitment to excellence necessary to deliver transformative ideas, solutions, and services driving growth for clients, the agency, and its people.
Marks, a British national like Brown, is scheduled to take on his new role as of October 1st. He will be based in London and will report to Florian Adamski, the OMG global chief executive. The successor to lead OMG EMEA is expected to be announced shortly.
Florian Adamski praised Marks as one of the industry’s most entrepreneurial leaders, acknowledging his transformative impact on OMD and OMG in EMEA over the past six years. Adamski highlighted Marks’ ability to help agencies quickly adapt and respond to the evolving consumer marketplace, making OMG the #1 media agency group for net new business in the EMEA region, according to recent COMvergence reporting. Adamski also commended Marks for his involvement in Omnicom’s Ukrainian relief efforts, illustrating both his character and leadership skills.
Philippa Brown assumed the role of PHD chief executive in 2019 after serving as UK chief executive of OMG since 2007. In a memo to staff, Brown expressed gratitude for her time at OMG, which she found to be even more rewarding than she had imagined. She lauded Guy Marks for his deep understanding of PHD’s challenger brand culture, commitment to innovation, and ability to drive growth for brands and opportunities for talent.
Adamski acknowledged Brown’s leadership during the COVID-19 crisis and her role in strengthening PHD, earning recognition as Media Network of the Year at the 2021 Cannes Festival. Her accomplishments included securing clients such as Diageo, Chanel, Unilever, and the $300 million Grupo Bimbo account. Additionally, Brown initiated and oversaw OMG’s Talent Management Community, providing professional development throughout employees’ careers. Adamski praised her tireless leadership, creative vision, and dedication to clients and staff as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
