UK communications agency The Academy has appointed Daisy Phillips as Creative Director, strengthening its senior creative leadership team as the agency continues to expand its client portfolio and build on recent business growth.
Phillips joins The Academy from Manifest, where she spent four years and was promoted to Creative Director in 2023. Prior to Manifest, she spent more than six years at DeVries Europe, having begun her career in communications at Hill & Knowlton.
In her new role, Phillips will work across The Academy's client portfolio, leading creative development and helping shape campaigns that combine strategic communications with measurable business outcomes.
The appointment comes during a period of continued momentum for the agency. The Academy has secured a number of new business wins in recent months, including audio brand Shokz, and works with Edgewell Personal Care, the owner of brands such as Bulldog Skincare and Wilkinson Sword.
Commenting on the appointment, Mitch Kaye, CEO and co-founder of The Academy, said Phillips brings both creative talent and energy to the business.
"Daisy is another big signing for us and brings talent and energy to our team. She is someone whose work we've admired over many years, and we are excited about the impact we can have together," he said.
Kaye added that the agency delivered its strongest performance to date in 2025 and has continued its growth trajectory in 2026.
"Ideas are our currency, work that works is what we promise, and investing in the best creative talent is how we continue to scale and offer this with confidence. So bringing in Daisy is a boost and strengthens the team ahead of a big period of time ahead," he said.
Phillips said she was attracted by the opportunity to join an agency that combines strategic thinking with impactful creative work.
"I'm excited to join The Academy at a time of real momentum for the agency. What drew me to the opportunity was the chance to be part of a growing creative team that's ambitious about producing ideas that don't just win attention but deliver meaningful results for clients," she said.
"The Academy combines strategic thinking with creativity that works, creating campaigns that drive genuine, real-world impact. That's the part that resonates with me most. The opportunity to help lead creative for organisations where the work has the potential to make a tangible difference to people's lives."
Phillips' appointment follows another senior hire at The Academy earlier this year, with Matt Wilcock joining the agency to lead one of its consumer PR divisions. Wilcock previously served as Managing Director at Cow and later took on the role of Executive Creative Director before joining The Academy.
The latest appointment underscores The Academy's continued investment in creative leadership as communications agencies increasingly look to deliver integrated campaigns that blend creativity, strategy and business impact for clients across sectors.
