Former PHD Exec Toby Hack Joins Kepler as APAC and EMEA CEO

Why It Matters

Kepler’s leadership change positions the agency to capture rising ad spend in Asia and Europe, enhancing its competitive edge against global media networks. Hack’s digital pedigree could translate into stronger client performance and higher revenue streams.

Key Takeaways

• Toby Hack appointed CEO for APAC, EMEA at Kepler.
• Hack previously led PHD's global media operations.
• Mallory Simmonds exits after tenure overseeing APAC, EMEA.
• Appointment signals Kepler's growth focus in Asia, Europe.
• New leadership may boost client win rates and revenue.

Pulse Analysis

Kepler, a fast‑growing media services firm, has long relied on strategic hires to fuel its expansion beyond North America. Toby Hack’s arrival follows a pattern of recruiting leaders with deep programmatic and data‑analytics backgrounds, mirroring industry shifts toward performance‑driven advertising. At PHD, Hack oversaw multi‑regional campaigns that integrated AI‑powered buying tools, delivering measurable ROI for Fortune‑500 brands. His expertise aligns with Kepler’s ambition to become a technology‑first agency capable of scaling complex, cross‑border initiatives.

The APAC and EMEA regions represent the bulk of the world’s projected digital ad growth over the next five years. By installing a CEO who has navigated both mature European markets and rapidly evolving Asian economies, Kepler signals intent to capture a larger share of this spend. Competitors such as WPP and Publicis are also bolstering their regional leadership, making talent a differentiator. Hack’s familiarity with local regulatory environments and emerging platforms positions Kepler to win new programmatic contracts and deepen existing client relationships.

For advertisers, the transition promises more sophisticated media planning, leveraging Hack’s track record of integrating first‑party data with real‑time bidding. Agencies that can demonstrate transparent measurement and agile execution are increasingly favored by brands seeking to justify marketing budgets. As Kepler rolls out its revised service model under Hack’s guidance, the market can expect a sharper focus on ROI‑centric solutions, potentially reshaping agency‑client dynamics across APAC and EMEA. The appointment thus serves as a bellwether for how media firms will compete in a data‑rich, performance‑oriented landscape.