Firstly, unless your PHD takes straight into a relevant job (research/academia etc) it is only going to make you a person with a very well tested brain but little professional experience. ie, it is not going to a lot for you in the short term. In the longer term, however, when you get more senior, you will suddenly find that you are wanted on the key projects because you can be positioned as someone with X, Y and Z experience + a PHD. PHD + nothing = not a lot. PHD + 3-5 years of consulting experience = a hell of a lot.As far as the comments go, has it occured to you that your colleagues might be threatened by you? They do not want Mr or Mrs PHD floating around, making them look bad. If you in a large and respected player as you seem to be, you can be assured that the company can cope with you. You may have some frustrations early on but stick with it, I say. If you do not, you may end up having one of those CV's, which cries out "bright academic who could not cut it in the real world". Seriously though, if you are with a good company and do well, you will be fine and will progress. Those who mock you are just threatened.
