Comms agency The PHA Group expands into U.S.

The PHA Group has launched PHA U.S., marking the agency’s formal entry into the American market and extending its international footprint.

The earned-first, integrated communications agency has appointed Renée Austin as President, PHA U.S. The agency has already begun work in the U.S. with OneDell and Hallmark’s Crayola Studios.

PHA U.S. leadership and market strategy

Renée Austin joins The PHA Group with more than two decades of senior leadership experience across global agency networks and independent firms. Most recently, she led growth at Civic Entertainment Group. She previously spent over 20 years at Interpublic Group, where she held roles including Global Chief Client & Growth Officer and President at Current Global, as well as Executive Vice President at Weber Shandwick.

Her background also includes leadership positions at technology-focused communications agencies and startups, with experience spanning corporate, consumer, health and technology sectors. Renée Austin has led work for brands including Apple, American Airlines, Abbott, Bayer, FedEx, IBM, Kith, L’Oreal, Mastercard, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Radio Flyer, PwC and Samsung.

Client advisory focus and reputation expertise

In addition to brand and communications strategy, Renée Austin is known for advising C-suite leaders on reputation management, brand positioning and thought leadership in complex sociopolitical environments. Her work also includes social impact and sustainability initiatives for companies and foundations.

George Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, The PHA Group: "Renée is an incredible talent. She’s very well-known across the industry, highly respected by clients and has an impeccable track record of delivering creative, high-impact work. I’m delighted she has joined PHA. It’s an exciting time for the agency as we look to expand our footprint globally. We’re on a fast-track growth mission and I couldn’t think of anyone better to lead our U.S. operations."

Agency positioning in the U.S. market

Renée Austin: "There’s a clear opening in the U.S. for agencies that combine global credibility with the speed and focus of a boutique. Clients want senior access, creativity, and clarity in an increasingly fragmented landscape, and PHA has a formula that’s already proven internationally. Expanding into the U.S. now helps us meet that demand with a model built for the next era of communications."

Renée Austin: "George and I teamed together previously to scale a mid-sized agency globally. So we already have a great working relationship and proven model based on shared trust and a passion for growth."

Building on existing U.S. operations

The launch of PHA U.S. builds on the performance of Dig & Dig, The PHA Group’s boutique digital and social agency brand. Dig & Dig was established in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2024 and reached seven-figure fee income in 2025.

PHA U.S. adds earned media and creative capabilities, expanding the group’s ability to deliver an integrated communications offering in the U.S. market. The U.S. operations are led from New York, alongside The PHA Group’s UK offices in London, Manchester and Leeds.

www.thephagroup.com

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