• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, January 31, 2023

Last spring, GroupM announced that it was merging two of its big agency networks — Essence and MediaCom -- and today marks the official unveiling of the merged entity.

EssenceMediacom is now GroupM’s largest agency, with 10,000 people across 120 offices, with Nick Lawson at the helm. He was named Global CEO shortly after the merger announcement.

The two agencies have been tending to ongoing business during the merger integration process.

In December, for example, the new entity was awarded global PlayStation media duties. MediaCom had previously handled the account.

The agencies bring different strengths to the table, including Essence’s performance, data, analytics, and creative technology and MediaCom’s scaled multichannel audience planning and strategic media expertise. Globally, the agency will be responsible for $21 billion in global media billings (COMvergence, 2021).  

EssenceMediacom has 10 offices across the U.S. and a roster of clients including Adidas, Airbnb, Bayer, Dell, EY, Google, Mars, NBCUniversal, PlayStation, Procter & Gamble, Signet, Target, The Coca-Cola Company and Uber.

As previously announced Jill Kelly runs the U.S. operation as CEO. “There is no better time to launch a new agency built on a proud heritage of media, data, creativity, and technology,” Kelly stated.