Mediacom’s Mike Worden to lead Endeavour in-house media team; PHD’s Stephanie Douglas–Neal in as replacement

Mike Worden has joined Katie Dally at Endeavour Drinks Group in its newly created marketing leadership team, while PHD’s Sydney MD, Stephanie Douglas–Neal has joined EssenceMediacom as its new Sydney managing director, Mumbrella can reveal.

Mumbrella reported yesterday that Dally has been appointed as general manager marketing – creative, and now Worden, who leaves the GroupM agency a year after joining from OMD, has been appointed as general manager, media and marketing effectiveness.

Worden moves to the ASX-listed company, while Douglas-Neale replaces him at the merged agency

After being asked last week about its new in-house media function, Endeavour said there will be no changes to its agency roster, which is led by dentsu’s Carat.

A spokesperson told Mumbrella: “We remain committed to our external and creative media agencies, and we have strong relationships with all of our partners including dentsu. As we continue to evolve our Endeavour Marketing function, we will continue to partner with organisations that we believe can best bring our Group purpose to life.”

The company said it does not envisage a time when it will not require external agencies, both creative and media.

Worden’s 18 years in the media industry, across agencies including OMD, Zenith, UM has led to his appointment to lead the in-house media and effectiveness team across its stable of brands including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, ALH Group, Jimmy Brings, Langton’s and Pinnacle Drinks.

Douglas-Neale was promoted into her current role at PHD in October 2021 as part of a leadership restructure at the agency, which saw it appoint managing directors across its Melbourne and Sydney offices.

Pat Crowley, CEO of EssenceMediacom, which officially launches in January told Mumbrella: “Stevie is a key hire for our growing Sydney office and will work with our national and NSW team to bring to life the merger, develop our culture and continue our focus on award winning work for our clients. As we’ve formed EssenceMediacom, our Sydney office has become a very large organisation in its own right. It’s 300 people and an extensive client list. Stevie has the necessary experience and qualities to lead it and ensure success for our people and our clients. Her appointment is a demonstration of our commitment to building the strongest agency in Australia.”

Crowley welcomed Douglas-Neale on the eve of the agency’s official launch

Douglas-Neal added: “I have absolutely loved my time at PHD. Working with Mark, Stu and the team has been a huge career highlight for me, and it was incredibly hard to make this choice. The PHD team is remarkable. However, the opportunity to work with Pat, Aimee and the team to build the new EssenceMediacom proposition was one I couldn’t pass up. The vision they have for the business is inspiring. I look forward to working with the team to build a vibrant new culture.”

On her departure, CEO Mark Jarrett told Mumbrella: “We want to thank Stevie for an amazing 7 years with PHD. She has made a number of important contributions to the agency during her time, starting with us as a GBD, through to leading our Sydney office and people and culture efforts. We wish her all the best in the future.”

She will join in February, and PHD said her replacement will be announced in due course.

Former Tennis Australia CMO, Josie Brown has also joined EDG as general manager of marketing for BWS, while Phil Oneile joins as general manager – ALH marketing & loyalty marketing.

CMO at Endeavour, Jo Rose

“It has been incredible to see our vision for one Endeavour Marketing team come to life over the last few months. We are so excited to see the potential unlocked by this new centralised marketing team, working in collaboration with the Group’s existing brand teams,” group chief marketing officer, Jo Rose said.