Barry O’Brien exits PHD
One of media agency land’s most colourful characters, Barry O’Brien, CEO of PHD, is leaving the agency.
He is to be replaced by Toby Hack, currently the agency’s MD.
In an announcement from the agency, O’Brien said:
I’m very proud to have led PHD to where it is today; it’s been a fantastic journey, but following discussions with management over the last few months, the time now feels right for me to leave. What we have built is a thriving business and with the launch of the Melbourne office it will only continue to go from strength to strength. I am phenomenally proud of the achievements made over the last 3 years and confident that there is a fantastic management team in place to take the business to new heights.
Leigh Terry, CEO, Omnicom Media Group ANZ said: “I’d like to thank Barry for his long service to PHD, our Group and to the media industry in general. Barry is not only a fantastic bloke but one of the best operators around; he has been instrumental in developing the business leading its transformation and as such we have seen substantial growth as a result under his tenure of leadership. We wish him all the best in the future.”
Barry Cupples CEO for OMG APAC added: “Barry has done a job that few thought was possible. From the moment I met him and OMG agreed to purchase his operation and make it a PHD outfit, we have gone in one direction, upwards. Top bloke, great operator and today’s PHD is a testament to his leadership.”
Supporting Hack will be senior management team of Martin Hadley as general manager, head of strategy Chris Stephenson, head of trading Lucy Formosa Morgan and Kate Madden, finance director.
topics
Barry Cupples
Barry O'Brien
Chris Stephenson
Leigh terry
Lucy Formosa Morgan
Martin Hadley
PHD
Toby hack
total legend. all the best, Baz
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Barry, you’re a class act. Good luck and well done on all you built and achieved with the agency.
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Baz – you are a total Rockstar and an absolute pleasure to deal with for many many years. All the best in the future. Let’s hope you’ll make an appearance again soon.
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All here at Mumbrella House are going to miss Barry.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Last of the old school. A great guy.
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All the best Barry!
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Barry is a 24 carat legend in the business. His departure is great loss to the business. Hope to see him somewhere soon. Our loss if he doesn’t re-appear.
On the other hand Toby Hack s a highly experienced, most capable & insightful ad man. Good luck to him as the next generation takes the helm.
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Hands down one the most genuine operators in the business. Best of luck on your next adventure
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Wishing you the absolute best in whatever new adventure awaits you, can’t wait to hear about it
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Too right Gezza, last of the old school and therefore last of advertising’s true gentlemen. Hopefully there’ll be some more future “old-schoolers” being bred in the same genre. It’ll be a sad old industry without his ‘type’ around.
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May the road rise to meet you Barry. It has been a privilege and fun working with you over the years.
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Go bazza!!! A legend of the business with a cracking few years against his name recently!
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Agree with all the comments. A true legend.
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And a huge thank you to Barry for your amazing generosity in your support of our charity and our Stay in Bed Day event (www.stayinbedday.org) – you are indeed a legend!
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Barry you are a true gentleman, a legend and a star – as CEO of Total and PHD you have helped us raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. Best of luck for the future
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