EssenceMediacom names key global leadership positions for merged agency

Nick Lawson, who will be Global CEO of EssenceMediacom when it opens its doors Jan. 1, 2023, has announced the first round of the agency global leadership team.

The team represents an equitable balance of the brightest and best global leaders from across Essence and MediaCom. They will now meet regularly in order to map out the new agency’s structure, processes and proposition to ensure a smooth path to launch.“In announcing our global leadership team, we are providing a clear statement of intent to both our clients and our people that the result of combining Essence and MediaCom will be a market-leading proposition that will deliver great work, integrated across brand and performance, as well as exciting career opportunities for the brilliant people who work for us,” said Lawson.

The key appointments:

• Josh Krichefski is Global Chief Operating Officer responsible for day-to-day leadership of the combined global operation.

• Richard Mooney takes on the role of Global Chief Data Officer. He will help EssenceMediacom harness the power of data and technology to unlock greater efficiency and effectiveness.

• Claire Camara becomes Global Chief People Officer, responsible for developing a compelling colleague proposition and creating culture that brings together the best of Essence and MediaCom. 

• Charlotte Frijns is Global Chief Financial Officer, leading the commercial and finance strategy for the agency, overseeing client negotiations, financial management and reporting.

• Sarah Walker becomes Global Chief Marketing Officer, leading the development of the agency brand, business strategy and go-to-market approach. She will also be responsible for continually innovating EssenceMediacom’s positioning and offer to clients.

• Frances Ralston-Good is now Global Chief Transformation Officer, and she will build the transformation agenda for the agency’s clients and people, defining what changes and how these changes are achieved.

• Ian Rotherham takes on the task of Global Chief Growth Officer with a brief to drive growth through new business and identify opportunities for organic growth.

• Matthew Mee is Global Chief Strategy Officer and will lead the communications strategy function. He will have overall responsibility for the quality of the agency’s integrated planning product.

• Tim Irwin becomes EMEA CEO, overseeing a 4,500-strong workforce.

• Marina Gunther is LATAM CEO, responsible for the nine offices in the region.

• Rupert McPetrie becomes APAC CEO, responsible for more than 1,600 people across 21 offices.

This leadership team is currently finalizing plans for the strategic development of the proposition for North America, where the agency is looking to increase investment with a clear ambition to grow. Once this process is complete, the regional appointments will be announced, alongside further select local market appointments around the globe.

There are more global leadership announcements planned in the coming months, ahead of launch.

“EssenceMediacom will lead the way in balancing the needs of brand and performance, the right mix of digital, traditional and channel innovation, as well as the art of great ideas combined with the science of greater efficiency and effectiveness. It will enable advertisers to access the very best digital and data and blend that with brilliant ideas that truly connect. The road to success starts now,” said Lawson.