Essence, a global data and measurement-driven media agency which is part of GroupM, today announced the appointment of James Graver as vice president, managing director, Australia.

Based in Sydney, Graver leads Essence’s Australia operations across its offices in Melbourne and Sydney.

He also oversees the delivery of consistent work quality to the agency’s portfolio of clients including Google and Tigerair, as well as its operational effectiveness and financial performance. As part of Essence’s APAC leadership team, he will support the agency in delivering its strategic priorities in the region.

With over 12 years of media experience, Graver was most recently Head of J3 APAC at UM in Singapore, where he led the Johnson & Johnson account across the region. Previously, he worked in digital and strategy roles, including at MEC in Australia and OMD in the United Kingdom.

“It is an incredible feeling to be back in Australia and working with such a supremely talented team. Essence is unlike any other agency I have worked at, and is uniquely positioned to help drive our clients and industry forward,” said Graver.

“James has a proven track record in growing businesses and building strong relationships with clients, agency teams and external partners alike. He is a strong communicator with a creative and analytical mind. We are confident that he will bring greater success to Essence and our clients in Australia,” said Kyoko Matsushita, incoming global CEO at Essence.

Graver’s appointment further strengthens the agency’s skills and capabilities in line with its strategic priorities, product vision and business development plans, as it continues its rapid growth across the APAC region.