PHD China names new CEO

Omnicom Media (OM) agency PHD has appointed Cynthia Zhang (pictured) to CEO of China, positioning the agency for the next phase of growth and innovation. She reports to Joey Zhao, chief operating officer of Omnicom Media China.

In her new role, she will be responsible for business development, client leadership, and operations, while driving PHD’s competitive advantage through integrated capabilities across data, technology, commerce, and content.  

Zhang, who was most recently chief operating officer at PHD China, brings over 20 years of experience in media and marketing, with deep expertise spanning brand strategy, organisational management, and business growth. 

Since joining PHD in 2021 as managing director, Zhang has been instrumental in elevating client partnerships, accelerating innovative business offerings, and strengthening cross-functional collaboration. Her leadership has helped deepen relationships with leading brands across multiple industries while accelerating PHD’s market influence and growth trajectory in China. 

Joey Zhao, chief operating officer, Omnicom Media China, said, “Zhang is an exceptional leader with strong commercial acumen who has consistently driven client growth, strengthened business collaboration, and built high-performing teams."

"As China's media landscape becomes increasingly integrated and AI-powered, we are confident that Zhang's leadership will accelerate PHD China's data and technology capabilities, grow the agency’s talent pool, and unlock the next phase of growth for our clients," she added.

Zhang added, “PHD China is driving the next phase of evolution for clients by harnessing our connected capabilities across data, technology, strategy, and content to solve their most critical business challenges. We look forward to continuing to help brands outthink, outpace, and outgrow the competitive landscape and build sustainable growth.” 

Zhang's elevation comes on the back of PHD China’s strong business momentum and market position, powered by Omni, Omnicom’s advanced intelligence platform. According to MediaSense’s 2025 China Marketing Trends Study, PHD earned broad recognition from existing clients for its access to global resources and the strength of its specialist teams. 

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