GroupM Elevates Richard Hartell to CEO of EssenceMediacom U.S.

The media executive will lead the network’s largest agency and client roster through its next era of media innovation  

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced the elevation of Richard Hartell as CEO of EssenceMediacom U.S. Effective immediately, Hartell will lead U.S. operations, client relationships, and new business for the agency, which was recently named one of the best-performing networks in this year’s WARC Media 100 and WARC Effectiveness 100 rankings, and was recently declared the world’s biggest media network by billings according to COMvergence.

He will remain on the Global EssenceMediacom leadership team and join the GroupM North America leadership team, reporting to Sharb Farjami, CEO of GroupM North America. Hartell most recently served as the Global CEO of Media Futures Group (MFG), GroupM’s bespoke and dedicated team for Google, one of the network’s largest and longstanding accounts. He will continue in his role as the overall WPP global client lead for the Google account.

“Richard is a bright, capable and proven leader at GroupM,” said Farjami. “He successfully led one of our most significant client relationships and has an unbeaten track record for driving success for the world’s leading brands over the years. His strategic skillset, industry expertise, and deep existing relationships with our clients make him a natural fit to lead EssenceMediacom U.S. into the future. We’re excited for Richard to continue his success at the agency, delivering the best of what GroupM has to offer.” 

Hartell holds more than 25 years of experience leading global media agencies and powerhouse brands in a variety of roles across multiple regions, verticals, and categories. He joined GroupM’s EssenceMediacom (formerly Essence) in 2021 as the Global Chief Client Officer for the Google account, overseeing the agency’s longstanding relationship with the tech leader. Since joining EssenceMediacom, Hartell has successfully led teams across strategy, planning, content, data and technology; developing global agency products and workflows, winning numerous industry awards, and creating profitable growth for clients. Most recently, Hartell was instrumental in negotiating the first-ever paid activation on the Las Vegas Exosphere and guided Google’s industry-defining investment in women’s sports.  

“Leading media for Google, at such a progressive agency as EssenceMediacom, has been the highlight of my career,” said Hartell. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey as we shape the next era of media within one of the world’s largest media agencies. This agency is home to the best talent in the business and we’re well-positioned to lead the way on how modern marketing through media, data and technology can make advertising work better for everyone.”  

“Richard’s track record with Media Futures Group makes him a great fit to lead EssenceMediacom in the U.S.,” said Nick Lawson, Global CEO of EssenceMediacom. “His dedication to the transformation and growth of our clients and our talent is unmatched. Richard’s tenacity and humanity is a winning combination.”  

“Richard is a force of nature in our business and a trusted partner of one of the world’s most premium brands,” said JiYoung Kim, Chief Operating Officer at GroupM North America and interim CEO of EssenceMediacom U.S. “His expertise has no limit, and his deep understanding of our clients’ needs and challenges makes him uniquely positioned to secure their future growth. I’m thrilled to continue working closely with Richard as I return to focus on my day-to-day role at GroupM.”  

Before EssenceMediacom, Hartell spent nearly 20 years at Publicis Media, where he held the positions of Global Chief Strategy Officer and President of Strategy & Transformation. He also held various leadership positions at Starcom and Spark Foundry, working with clients including Samsung, Mondelez, Heineken, and Citi working in both the UK and U.S.

Outside of the office, Hartell has worked closely with Junior Diabetes Research Fund. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children and will continue to be based in New York in his elevated role.  

ABOUT GROUPM 

GroupM is WPP’s media investment group and the world’s leading media investment company with a mission to shape the next era of media where advertising works better for people. The company is responsible for more than $60 billion in annual media investment, as measured by the independent research bureau COMvergence. Through its global agencies Mindshare, Wavemaker, EssenceMediacom, and T&Pm, and cross-channel performance, data and technology, entertainment and investment solutions, GroupM leverages a unique combination of global scale, expertise, and innovation to generate sustained value for clients wherever they do business. Discover more at www.groupm.com.