Omnicom Media Group has named Michael Solomon CEO of PHD USA, effective June 1. Solomon, takes on the new role following three years as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer. He succeeds Catherine Sullivan, who has held the title since 2020, and is stepping down to return to the sales side of the business.  

Solomon joined PHD in 2020 following 16 years with sibling agency OMD. He is credited for helping  brands like Bacardi and Clorox to make the shift from traditional advertiser to data-driven, digital first marketer. 

At PHD Solomon helped redefine organizational priorities as the industry adapted to post-pandemic investment and cultural realities. Concurrent with his agency remit, he also led Omnicom Media Group’s Black Leadership Network, driving D&I and multicultural initiatives, while advocating for more inclusive investment strategies to increase diverse-owned media’s share of advertising spend. 

“Mike’s record of leading iconic brands through transformation agendas, building talented teams and never straying too far from the work, will assure PHD USA continues to be a valuable and trusted strategic partner to our clients,” said PHD Worldwide CEO Philippa Brown. 

Prior to joining PHD as CEO, Sullivan was Chief Investment Officer for Omnicom Media Group North America and is credited with building OMG’s digital-and-audience-first investment practice. In 2018, she launched OMG’s Partners’ Summit, an annual three-day media marketplace where the industry’s top networks, platforms and publishers present customized offers to Omnicom clients.  

Prior to joining OMG in 2016, Sullivan spent two decades in senior positions at Disney and NBC.    

Commenting on her departure, OMG North America CEO Ralph Pardo says, “Catherine led the evolution of PHD USA’s model and talent during an unprecedented time of disruption within the industry...We are grateful for her many contributions to the company and look forward to watching her continued success in our industry.”  

The transition follows a strong year for PHD on the new business front, with the agency adding $656 million in incremental billings in 2022 with wins like Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Horton’s).