Digital Agency Essence Promotes Christian Juhl to Global CEO and Matt Isaacs to Executive Chairman

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 20, 2014) - Essence, the world's largest independent buyer of digital media, has promoted Christian Juhl into its top post as partner and global CEO, effective immediately. This appointment marks the first time the agency has announced a new leader to serve in this role since opening its doors in 2005. Juhl will remain in Essence's San Francisco office, having previously served as the head of its North American operation. With this elevation, founding partner Matt Isaacs, who previously held the partner and global CEO title, becomes executive chairman.

"I'm honored and humbled to have the trust of such an incredible team of people," said Juhl. "I first joined Essence so we could go deeper and faster into inventing the digital future. Not only have we realized this, but we've also created a culture and built a team that truly celebrates our human values. I cherish this opportunity and will continue to work tirelessly to lead our agency to the next level of creation, innovation and digital transformation on behalf of our clients."

"Having grown tenfold in four years and recently added significant agency of record assignments such as Method Home and DoubleDown Interactive, our business is incredibly healthy, so now is the perfect time for this evolution to take place," said Isaacs. "And perhaps more importantly, having worked with Christian very closely for the past seven months, I have the utmost confidence that he's hands down the best individual to propel Essence into our next phase of growth."

Juhl joined Essence in October of 2013 from Razorfish, where he was president of the agency's West region consisting of the Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle offices. Before becoming president, Juhl held a number of ascending titles including senior vice president and managing director, vice president of client service, head of North American media and director of business development. Prior to Razorfish, Juhl worked at marchFIRST, US Web/CKS and GE Capital.

Before founding Essence in London nine years ago, Isaacs held various executive-level posts at companies such as Goldfish Bank, Accucard and McKinsey spin-off Mitchell Madison Group. In his new role which will still be based out of London, Isaacs is tasked with overseeing the Board of Directors, supporting the execution of corporate strategy, acting as brand guardian and helping to ensure the legacy of Essence exists well beyond the agency and the industry.

Essence's two other founding partners are also taking on new roles as part of this evolution. Effective today, Andrew Shebbeare, previously chief strategist and based out of the agency's San Francisco office, will be moving into the role of founding partner and global innovation director. And Andy Bonsall, formerly CIO and located in New York, will now be executive consultant. Both Shebbeare and Bonsall will be relocating back to London this fall in their new positions.

About Essence
Essence is a global digital agency and the world's largest independent buyer of digital media. We help top brands, such as Google, eBay, Expedia, and Barclays, earn valuable connections with their consumers. With expertise in data science, objective media, and captivating experiences, our mission is to make advertising more valuable to the world. The agency is more than 450 people strong, manages over $500MM in media spend and deploys campaigns in 71 markets via offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Singapore. Visit essencedigital.com for more information and follow us on Twitter at @essencedigital.