PHD Aotearoa announced three senior appointments on September 10, 2026, naming Sarah Wilson as Head of Digital Enablement, Alice Franklin as Client Service Director, and returning Georgia Gardien as Senior Account Director for PHD Content to strengthen the agency’s specialist digital and client service capabilities.
Leadership Additions at PHD Aotearoa
PHD Aotearoa continues to expand its senior and specialist roster with three key appointments designed to bolster the agency’s future-focused operations. The additions bring specialized expertise across digital enablement, client service, and multi-channel content strategy to support New Zealand brands.
Chief Executive Officer Abby Parkin emphasized the importance of investing in talent capable of translating innovation into practical results for clients.
Bridging Emerging Technology and Practical Application
Sarah Wilson returns to the agency in the newly created role of Head of Digital Enablement. In this position, Wilson will work alongside Chief Technology Officer Sam Sherson to guide the agency’s digital capabilities, upskill wider teams, and assist clients with the adoption of agentic tools and emerging technologies.
“To ensure our clients always have access to the best strategic guidance on emerging technologies, it’s vital that we invest in exceptional talent who can build the capabilities that will define the future of our industry. Our Head of Digital Enablement role has been created to bridge the gap between emerging technology and practical application, helping our teams and clients turn innovation into measurable outcomes. I can think of no one better than Sarah to help shape and lead this capability for our agency and clients.”
Alice Franklin joins the leadership team as Client Service Director, taking charge of a portfolio of key client relationships. Franklin brings extensive background in media strategy, integrated planning, and client leadership to connect data and execution with commercial objectives.
“Alice has quickly established herself as a key contributor to the business, leading a number of significant projects across her client portfolio. Her ability to combine strategic thinking, commercial acumen and strong client leadership is exactly what helps create the competitive advantage we deliver for our clients every day.”
Concurrently, Georgia Gardien returns from maternity leave to step into the role of Senior Account Director for PHD Content, the agency’s experiential, social, and multi-capability content division. Gardien rejoins under Angela Spain, Chief Content Officer at OM Content, following a professional history together spanning more than a decade.
“I have worked closely with Georgia for more than ten years; I know first-hand her passion for integrated and immersive consumer experiences. I’m excited for our clients to benefit from her expertise and see the work she will help create.”
Angela Spain, Chief Content Officer, OM Content
Gardien's return to the agency marks a significant addition to the leadership team as they continue to develop immersive and integrated content experiences for their diverse range of clients.
