Pugh (pictured) was most recently global client leader for Publicis Groupe and prior to that led west coast operations for PHD in the US.

Other leadership roles previously held by Pugh include at Publicis Groupe, Omnicom and Dentsu in New York, Sydney and San Francisco.

Theo Zisoglou, former executive director at Essence’s Brisbane agency, has taken on a newly-created role as chief media officer.

The role will cover planning and investment across Essence’s Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney offices, with Zisoglou remaining based in Brisbane.

Celia Wright will become Essence’s first chief growth officer, tasked with driving growth and leading cultural change.

Wright was previously general manager, media, at Spark Foundry, and has also worked for Commonwealth Bank and WPP agencies Ikon and MediaCom as strategic client lead.

Essence is part of GroupM and has more than 250 people employed across three offices in Australia: Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Pat Crowley, chief executive of Essence Australia, said: “These three appointments are critical as we shape the new, expanded Essence in Australia, amplify the agency’s pioneering spirit and help clients win in the new economy.

“Simon and Celia bring an injection of exceptional new talent that will complement the skill sets that already sit within the agency. Theo’s passion for the craft of investment makes him perfectly placed to take on this newly created role and play a bigger role in shaping this fundamental discipline in our agency.”