PHD Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

PHD has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, media planning, operations, marketing, and financial management.

Focused on pioneering creative communications planning, PHD delivers innovative media solutions that prioritize strategic depth over simple transactional buying to drive global market impact.

Leadership Roles at PHD

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bright Ladzekpo
  • CEO/首席执行官 - Joey Zhao
  • Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina) - Martin Guirado
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michelle Diehl
  • Chief Operating Officer - Stuart Bailey
  • Chief Operating Officer, Fwa (Nigeria) - Chima Amadi
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Henry Ononiwu
  • Bright Ladzekpo - Chief Executive Officer

    Bright Ladzekpo, the Chief Executive Officer at PHD, directs the overarching strategic vision for the agency. By prioritizing creative communications planning, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that media buying remains secondary to high-level strategic output. Ladzekpo oversees the integration of data-driven insights into client campaigns, fostering a culture of innovation across the organization. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with regional heads to maintain consistent service standards across diverse markets. By aligning agency capabilities with evolving client needs, Bright Ladzekpo secures long-term growth and market relevance. The Chief Executive Officer manages the balance between creative excellence and operational efficiency, ensuring that the agency remains a leader in the communications planning sector. Through rigorous oversight of agency performance, Ladzekpo drives the expansion of service offerings, ultimately strengthening the competitive position of the firm within the global media landscape.

    Joey Zhao - CEO/首席执行官

    Joey Zhao, the CEO/首席执行官 at PHD, directs the strategic expansion and operational excellence within the Asian market. By focusing on the unique demands of the regional media landscape, the CEO/首席执行官 architects bespoke communications planning frameworks that resonate with local consumer behaviors. Zhao manages cross-functional teams to ensure that creative planning remains the core differentiator in a competitive industry. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics to deliver high-impact media buying solutions. By optimizing internal processes, Joey Zhao enhances the agency's ability to scale operations while maintaining high standards of service. The CEO/首席执行官 fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of media innovation. Through strategic foresight and disciplined execution, Zhao drives sustainable growth and reinforces the reputation of the firm as a premier partner for brands seeking sophisticated media strategies.

    Martin Guirado - Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina)

    Martin Guirado, the Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina) at PHD, directs all agency operations across the South American market. By implementing advanced communications planning methodologies, the Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina) ensures that clients receive strategic value that transcends traditional media buying. Guirado oversees the development of local talent and the refinement of service delivery models to meet specific regional challenges. This leadership role involves coordinating with global teams to align local initiatives with the broader agency mission. By fostering a culture of creative problem-solving, Martin Guirado drives significant improvements in campaign performance and client retention. The Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina) manages the financial and operational health of the regional office, ensuring that resources are allocated to maximize impact. Through consistent focus on innovation and strategic growth, Guirado secures a dominant market position for the agency within the competitive landscape of Argentina.

    Michelle Diehl - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michelle Diehl, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at PHD, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the agency. By overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm has the capital necessary to invest in creative communications planning and innovation. Diehl manages the financial risks associated with global operations, providing the stability required for long-term growth. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to align financial goals with the broader strategic mission of the agency. By implementing robust financial controls, Michelle Diehl optimizes profitability and ensures that the agency remains a leader in the media industry. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer manages investor relations and financial planning, providing the transparency needed to support sustainable expansion. Through disciplined financial management, Diehl drives the overall success and operational viability of the firm.

    Stuart Bailey - Chief Operating Officer

    Stuart Bailey, the Chief Operating Officer at PHD, directs the internal infrastructure and operational workflows that support the agency's strategic mission. By focusing on the optimization of media buying processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the agency maintains high levels of efficiency and service quality. Bailey oversees the implementation of new technologies and project management systems that facilitate seamless collaboration between creative and planning teams. This leadership role involves managing the day-to-day operations to ensure that client deliverables meet the highest standards of excellence. By streamlining internal communication, Stuart Bailey enhances the agility of the agency in responding to market shifts. The Chief Operating Officer manages the allocation of resources across departments, ensuring that the firm remains profitable while delivering superior strategic value. Through rigorous operational oversight, Bailey supports the long-term scalability of the agency and reinforces the commitment to creative communications planning.
    Stuart Bailey

    Chima Amadi - Chief Operating Officer, Fwa (Nigeria)

    Chima Amadi, the Chief Operating Officer, Fwa (Nigeria) at PHD, directs the operational execution and service delivery within the West African market. By focusing on the integration of strategic planning into local media buying, the Chief Operating Officer, Fwa (Nigeria) ensures that the agency provides unique value to regional clients. Amadi oversees the development of operational protocols that enhance efficiency and support the growth of the local team. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics and client relationships to ensure consistent service quality. By fostering a culture of innovation, Chima Amadi drives the adoption of advanced planning tools that differentiate the agency in the local market. The Chief Operating Officer, Fwa (Nigeria) manages the financial performance of the regional operations, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively to support business objectives. Through disciplined management and strategic focus, Amadi secures a strong competitive advantage for the agency in Nigeria.
    Chima Amadi

    Henry Ononiwu - Chief Marketing Officer

    Henry Ononiwu, the Chief Marketing Officer at PHD, directs the global brand strategy and market positioning for the agency. By emphasizing the unique value proposition of creative communications planning, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the agency remains distinct from competitors focused solely on media buying. Ononiwu oversees the development of thought leadership content and marketing campaigns that highlight the agency's strategic capabilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional executives to ensure brand consistency across all international operations. By leveraging data-driven marketing tactics, Henry Ononiwu expands the agency's reach and attracts high-value clients. The Chief Marketing Officer manages the public image of the firm, ensuring that the mission of providing strategic depth is clearly communicated to the industry. Through proactive engagement with market trends, Ononiwu drives brand awareness and supports the overall growth objectives of the agency in a rapidly evolving media environment.
    Henry Ononiwu

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PHD Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PHD?
    PHD is led by Bright Ladzekpo (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joey Zhao (CEO/首席执行官) and Martin Guirado (Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina)).
    Who is part of PHD’s executive team?
    The executive team of PHD includes leaders such as Bright Ladzekpo (Chief Executive Officer), Joey Zhao (CEO/首席执行官), Martin Guirado (Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PHD have?
    PHD has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PHD’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PHD includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, CEO/首席执行官, Chief Executive Officer, PhD (Argentina), Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.