Simon Lawson.
PHD has made Simon Lawson's role as Melbourne managing director redundant, ending his 14-year tenure at the agency.
Lawson confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, saying he finished up with the agency last week.
“I am incredibly proud of all that we achieved at PHD Melbourne over such a long period,” Lawson wrote.
“What started in the backstreets of Richmond as a start up back in 2012 has, through the efforts of many, grown into one of Australia’s best and most respected media agency offices."
Lawson was one of the founding members of PHD Melbourne, joining as group business director for the ANZ Bank account.
He was promoted to general manager in June 2017 and to managing director in October 2021.
Laura Nice, CEO at PHD Australia thanked Lawson for his work with the company.
“As PHD continues to refine its leadership structure, Simon Lawson will be leaving the business," Nice told AdNews.
"We want to thank Simon for his contribution and leadership to our Melbourne office over many years and wish him every success for the future.”
PHD Melbourne won the Bunnings media account in May 2025 after a competitive pitch against WPP, Publicis Groupe and IPG Mediabrands. Initiative had held the account since 2010.
The account is worth an estimated $50-60 million.
ANZ Bank remains PHD Melbourne's founding client but put its media account to pitch in August 2025 after 14 years with the agency. PHD was invited to defend. The pitch is ongoing.
The redundancy comes amid structural changes at Omnicom following its US$13 billion acquisition of IPG Mediabrands. Laura Nice, former co-CEO of OMD, moved to lead PHD Australia. Former PHD CEO Mark Jarrett became Omnicom Media Group COO.
Kathryn Weatherlake, PHD Melbourne's general manager, is leading the office in the interim.
Lawson said he would take time off to work on his garden and perfect his chicken curry recipes.
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