Cynthia Zhang Appointed as CEO of PHD China

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 13 May 2026

• PHD China appoints Cynthia Zhang as CEO of China
• Cynthia brings 20+ years of media and marketing experience
• Joey Zhao says her leadership will strengthen AI, data, and growth capabilities

Integrating its capabilities in data, technology, commerce and content, PHD China has appointed Cynthia Zhang as its new Chief Executive Officer for business development, client leadership and operations.

Cynthia joined the agency as its Chief Operating Officer, where she had over 20 years' experience in media and marketing, spanning brand strategy, organizational management and business growth.

Cynthia was appointed Managing Director at PHD in 2021, where she has led programmes to enhance client relationships, grow the agency's business capabilities and drive greater inter-disciplinary working. She has also collaborated closely with brands from a variety of industries in the wake of PHD China's market growth.

“PHD China is driving the next phase of evolution for clients by harnessing our connected capabilities across data, technology, strategy, and content to solve their most critical business challenges.” “We look forward to continuing to help brands outthink, outpace, and outgrow the competitive landscape and build sustainable growth”, Cynthia said.

Her hire comes during a time of business expansion at PHD China, bolstered by Omni, data and intelligence arm of Omnicom Media Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Joey Zhao, Chief Operating Officer at Omnicom Media China, said, “Cynthia is an exceptional leader with strong commercial acumen who has consistently driven client growth, strengthened business collaboration, and built high-performing teams.”

He added, “As China’s media landscape becomes increasingly integrated and AI-powered, we are confident that Cynthia’s leadership will accelerate PHD China’s data and technology capabilities, grow the agency’s talent pool, and unlock the next phase of growth for our clients.”