Essence Promotes Tim Irwin to Global COO, Ryan Storrar to EMEA CEO
Essence Global, part of GroupM, has promoted Tim Irwin to global chief operating officer.
In his new role, he will drive Essence’s growth and operations across the globe and help ensure the agency’s ambitious business plans come to fruition. He will continue to be based in London.
Irwin was most recently CEO of the agency’s EMEA region, overseeing all aspects of Essence’s clients, including Google, BT, Financial Times, L’Oreal and ITV, as well as its people across its offices in the UK, France and Germany.
He is an experienced leader with more than 20 years of executive roles at media agencies, joining Essence in 2018 as COO of the EMEA region. He was promoted to CEO of the region a year later. Under his leadership, the Essence business in EMEA has virtually doubled in size. Before Essence, Irwin was COO at GroupM’s Maxus.
Kyoko Matsushita, Global CEO, Essence: “Tim has a sharp eye in identifying growth opportunities and helping solve some of the most complex business problems we face today. He knows inside and out what makes Essence great, and he will excel at helping move the agency forward. With Tim in this role, I am excited to scale our business and agency in partnership with our people across the world.”
Irwin: “I feel privileged to be taking on this role at such an important time in our evolution. I’m looking forward to helping Essence grow and continue to be the most innovative agency.”
Essence is also promoting Ryan Storrar to replace Irwin as EMEA CEO. Most recently, he was COO in EMEA, where he was responsible for delivering innovative strategies and execution across all media channels. He joined Essence in 2016 as Head of Activation. Prior to Essence, he held a number of senior digital media roles at companies including Marin Software.
Irwin: “Ryan is the perfect person to take on the role in EMEA. He is a true visionary, who will inspire our people and our clients. He has deep-rooted knowledge of the landscape and will galvanize those around him to seize the opportunity afforded by what’s ahead”
Storrar said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead the next chapter of Essence EMEA. We are privileged to work with clients who are truly wonderful partners and our people constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in media. Taking this role is a huge honor and I’m incredibly excited for what we’re going to achieve.”
