Digital Agency Essence Builds on Massive Growth; Promotes Rob Reifenheiser and Cathy Carl, Hires Mike Selman as Managing Director of Seattle
Agency Announces New Roles via Managing Directors and Head of Business Development
NEW YORK, March 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence, a global digital agency and the largest independent buyer of digital media, today announced three new senior level appointments. Rob Reifenheiser, the head of media for North America, has been promoted to Managing Director of the region, and Cathy Carl, global marketing director, will add new business to her list of responsibilities by simultaneously serving as head of North American business development. The agency has also hired Mike Selman as managing director of the Seattle office. These appointments come on the heels of the agency experiencing over 40 percent revenue growth in 2014, with headcount doubling every year since 2010.
Reifenheiser came to Essence in 2014 from Starcom MediaVest, and most recently served as its North American Head of Media, overseeing the agency's programmatic, biddable, planning, account management, investment and advertising operations teams across its New York, San Francisco and Seattle offices. The role of Managing Director, North America will hold Reifenheiser responsible for the management of all US offices, supporting business development initiatives and identifying regional growth opportunities. He will remain based out of the agency's New York office.
Carl also started at Essence last year when she was named Global Marketing Director after heading Communications for Razorfish. In addition to her duties of promoting and protecting Essence's brand and reputation with press and analysts, managing its official social channels and crafting thought leadership and collateral, Carl's expanded position as Head of North America Business Development will task her with identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in the US. This is familiar terrain for Carl, who earlier in her career ran business development for DDB Seattle. To accommodate the various responsibilities of her new position, Carl has relocated to San Francisco.
Selman joins Essence after a six year stint at Razorfish, where he was Group Vice President, leading the strategy practice for its West Region. Other previous roles include Senior Director of Marketing for T-Mobile, Product Manager of Allied Telesyn and marketing positions at Ripcord Systems, Headbone Interactive and The Walt Disney Company. His appointment as Managing Director of the Seattle office for Essence will call on Selman to apply his broad client and agency-side background in the media, strategy and creative businesses, to track the day-to-day operations of the office, which consists of 30 people, support new business efforts and manage its client roster.
"Essence is at a pivotal time of growth and scale, and it's incredibly exciting," said Christian Juhl, global CEO of Essence. "With expansion comes demand for top-notch, seasoned talent. I'm excited to welcome Mike to the agency, and support Rob and Cathy as they carry out Essence's mission to continue making advertising more valuable to the world."
"It's an honor to take on the role as managing director for North America," said Reifenheiser. "Since I came to Essence, I've been blown away by the media team's commitment to exercising an objective, transparent and accountable approach to media. I'm eager to get more involved in the other facets of our business to ensure we remain poised for continued growth and success."
"I'm so thrilled to have the opportunity to marry my background in brand marketing and communications with my passion for business development," said Carl. "Essence is one of the few independent agencies in the industry that consistently delivers cutting edge digital experiences for some of the world's most influential brands. I look forward to further diversifying our portfolio and helping brands utilize our service offerings to form deeper connections with their consumers."
"Essence's reputation for merging media, technology and creative to deliver engaging experiences and business results is among the best in the industry," said Selman. "Given I have a strong background in all three of these areas, I was intrigued with the opportunity to not only manage a growing office, but to help monetize our dynamic creative product to a greater degree. I can't think of another agency as well positioned for this next step."
Reifenheiser will continue reporting directly into Global CEO Christian Juhl, as will Carl for marketing-related activity, while reporting into Reifenheiser for business development. Selman will also report into Reifenheiser. All appointments are effective immediately.
About Essence
Essence is a global digital agency and the world's largest independent buyer of digital media. We blend data science, objective media and captivating experiences to build valuable connections between brands and consumers. Clients include Google, eBay, Expedia and Barclays. The agency is more than 450 people strong, manages over $650MM in media spend and deploys campaigns in 71 markets via offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Singapore and Tokyo.
Visit essencedigital.com for more information and follow us on Twitter at @essencedigital.
SOURCE Essence
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