WPP’s GroupM named Richard Hartell CEO of EssenceMediacom U.S., the holding company announced today.

Hartell replaces JiYoung Kim, GroupM North America’s chief operating officer, who held the EssenceMediacom role in a temporary capacity since the exit of former U.S. CEO Jill Kelly earlier this year.

Hartell joined GroupM in 2021 as the global chief client officer for the Google account at EssenceMediacom (then Essence). He will remain the global client lead for Google and take the lead on all U.S. operations, client relationships and new business at EssenceMediacom. Hartell will report to Sharb Farjami, GroupM North America CEO.

“Richard is a bright, capable and proven leader at GroupM,” said Farjami in a statement. “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.”

GroupM North America has been in a period of transformation as it finalizes a years-long restructuring of its agencies, including the merger of Essence and MediaCom in 2023, to simplify operations and centralize agency teams. Numerous new leaders have been set this year for the region as well. This comes after a string of recent account losses, most recently eBay at EssenceMediacom, as well as others at GroupM’s other agencies.

Before he joined GroupM Hartell spent nearly two decades at Publicis Media, including roles across Starcom and Spark Foundry. His final role within Publicis was global president and chief strategy officer for Publicis Media.