Murakami Named Essence Japan MD

WPP-owned data and measurement-driven media agency Essence has named Kota Murakami Managing Director for Japan, responsible for leading innovation in data, analytics and technology, as well as business growth in the market.

Essence combines data science, media and customer experience skills to help clients build connections between brands and consumers. Two years ago, the agency launched an innovation, research and development hub called Essence Global Ventures (EGV), to help develop its 'product proposition'. More recently, it introduced tools called Media Health Check and Data Health Check, to help brands develop their audience data strategies.

Murakami (pictured) joined Essence in 2016, and most recently served as Associate VP, Client Services for Japan and Korea. Before this he spent six years at TAG, latterly as Global Account Director in the United States, streamlining creative production processes for brands and agencies.

Based in the Tokyo office, Murakami will report to Essence APAC CEO, T. Gangadhar, as part of the agency's APAC leadership team, and GroupM Northeast Asia CEO, Michael Beecroft, as part of GroupM Japan's executive committee. Gangadhar comments: 'Kota has done an excellent job in spearheading, in collaboration with the leadership team, Essence's growth and development in Japan over the past few years. In addition to global and local industry experience, he has a deep understanding of our business, product offering, clients, work, people and culture. I am excited about his vision for Essence in Japan and how he will take the agency to new heights'.

Web site: www.essenceglobal.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.