GroupM unveils new global agency brand

ESP is made up of two separate businesses: ESP Properties and ESP Brands.

Both businesses will be part of WPP’s media investment management company GroupM, but will remain independent of its media-buying operations.

ESP Properties, GroupM’s first company dedicated to serving rightsholders from the worlds of sports and entertainment, will be formed by new hires, the integration of existing GroupM business units — including sponsorship agency IEG — and the acquisition of data-driven sports agency Two Circles. It will be led by John Kristick (pictured), global CEO of GroupM ESP since 2011.

ESP Brands will be an evolution of the former partnerships consultancy GroupM ESP. It will be managed regionally in North America by Bryce Townsend and through the individual GroupM agencies in other regions.