PHD US has unveiled Katie Klein as its new president of integrated investment, replacing Harry Keeshan, who is retiring. Klein’s appointment coincides with PHD US redefining its investment offering to have scope beyond the video landscape into new channels like commerce.
Klein joins PHD from Zenith Media, where she most recently served as senior VP, national video investment. During her tenure with Zenith, Klein was also a member of the agency’s client leadership team. She will report to Catherine Sullivan, CEO, PHD US and Geoffrey Calabrese, OMG North America chief investment officer.
Keeshan is retiring after four decades in the industry, 20 years of which were spent at PHD. In honour of Keeshan’s contribution, PHD has set up an annual award for people who are considered role models for their team and the agency.
Klein is the latest new hire by Sullivan since becoming CEO in September 2020; Joshua Palau was named chief media and activation officer last month.
“The market has obviously changed substantially over the past year. We are thinking differently about how the world works and clients’ expectations of us,” Sullivan says. “The lines are getting blurred between commerce, digital and linear, and we will see a lot more expertise required for these skill sets. As an agency, we are looking at commerce the way we looked at digital 15 years ago.”
