Essence Appoints Dave Marsey to Lead Agency's Longstanding Client, Google

Industry Leader to Hold a Global Remit

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Jun 30, 2017, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence, a global digital-first agency, today announced the appointment of Dave Marsey to oversee one of the agency's largest clients, Google, for which it serves as global digital media agency of record. Marsey joins Essence after a decade-long stint at DigitasLBi where he most recently served as Chief Growth Officer. The hire marks the sixth addition to Essence's global leadership team in the past three weeks, following GroupM's recent commitment to adding offline media capabilities, an expanded geographic footprint and an influx of talent to the agency.

In his role, Marsey will oversee the Google business, managing a team of over 300 people across 10 offices in North America, APAC and EMEA. Accountable for the Google client relationship globally, he will be responsible for driving overall account strategy and managing relationships with Essence's most senior clients. Marsey will also act as a member of the Essence Executive Committee. Essence has worked with Google for more than ten years. In 2016 alone, the agency managed over 570 campaigns in 45 markets around the world.

While at DigitasLBi, Marsey led the team that opened the agency's San Francisco office and doubled it in two years. He also oversaw the launch of Taco Bell's mobile app, earning a Silver Cannes Lion. Prior to serving as DigitasLBi's Chief Growth Officer, Marsey held additional roles at the agency, including EVP/Managing Director; SVP/Media Practice Lead for North America; and SVP/Group Media Director. Earlier, he held account directing positions at ID Media and Avenue A (now SapientRazorfish). Marsey is President of the Board of Directors for First Graduate, a program that helps San Francisco students become the first in their family to graduate college, and for 12 years taught as an adjunct marketing professor at the University of Chicago.

"Dave's impressive leadership experience and strong media backbone makes him well-poised to inform and drive media decisions for Google," said Christian Juhl, global CEO of Essence. "As our foundational client, Google and Essence have evolved alongside each other over the years, co-creating innovative campaigns that drive significant business impact. We're excited for Dave to continue advancing Google's ambition to be the world's greatest digital marketer."

"I've long admired Essence for its transparent model, creative use of data and depth of talent," said Marsey. "The addition of offline capabilities makes Essence a contemporary agency that few can match. I'm thrilled to join at such an exciting time and to work with an iconic brand."

Marsey will begin his new post July 17. He will be based in San Francisco and report directly into Juhl. Marsey is replacing the role previously held by Alastair Boyle, who as Client Partner was behind many acclaimed campaigns including Google Search App's "Perfect Pinpoint Personalization." Boyle will be leaving San Francisco to lead Essence's global strategy practice from London.

About Essence
Essence is a global digital-first agency that blends data science, objective media and captivating experiences to build valuable connections between brands and consumers. Clients include Google, FrieslandCampina, and the Financial Times. The agency is more than 750 people strong, manages over $1B in media spend and deploys campaigns in 71 markets via offices in Chicago, Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. Part of GroupM, Essence is majority owned by WPP, the world's leading communications services group.