EssenceMediacomX brings in Wilding to head strategy

EssenceMediacomX, the WPP division created to avoid client conflicts with the merged main agency, has appointed former Twitter executive David Wilding as chief strategy officer with a brief to help create new ways to deliver data and insight-driven communications.

The agency, whose clients include Google, Mars, Sony PlayStation, L’Oréal, The Financial Times, BT, and Sainsbury’s, recently brought back Clare Chapman as CEO, after a spell at Carat UK.

As CSO, Wilding will lead the company’s long-term strategy and innovation, and, drawing from his experience working with leading global brands, he will help EMX’s clients deliver integrated solutions that span media, experience, data and tech.

Previously, he spent eight years at Twitter (now X)as senior director of planning where he focused on helping the social media platform grow commercially through strategic planning of data and behavioural insights.

Since leaving Twitter, he has been working with a range of brands on strategic projects, including as an adviser to green growth consultancy EdenLab. Prior to Twitter, Wilding held senior roles at PHD, Mindshare, and Zenith Media.

He will work across all EMX’s client and report directly to Chapman, who said: “I’m delighted that David has decided to return to agency-land and has chosen to do this with us. I’ve admired his work for many years and cannot wait to welcome him to EMX.

“David’s appointment further strengthens our brilliant leadership team, in which he’ll play a pivotal role in helping drive breakthroughs by harnessing the combined potential of media, creative and data.”

Wilding added: “The best roles are the ones where you’re constantly learning and so I’m thrilled to be joining EssenceMediacomX. It’s an agency with a world class reputation for data-driven excellence, a top notch leadership team and brilliant clients.

“More than anything else I’m really struck by how optimistic the agency is about the future of media, tech, data and creativity. It’s an optimism I share and I can’t wait to get started.”