Sue Unerman to depart EssenceMediacom X after 34 years at Group M network

Sue Unerman is set to depart EssenceMediacom X after 34 years working at the Group M network agency.

Unerman is currently chief transformation officer at EssenceMediacom X, a post she took up in January 2023.

Between 1990-2000, Unerman worked at The Media Business as head of strategic solutions. The agency would grow to become Mediacom.

Unerman then worked at Mediacom (now EssenceMediacom) for 23 years. She joined in 2000 as head of strategic planning, before being promoted to chief strategy officer six years later.

Unerman then became chief transformation officer at Mediacom in 2017 before taking on her most recent role.

Unerman said, “The time has come for me to explore new opportunities.” She added: “I’ve loved my time at EMX and EssenceMediacom, and leave with a heart full of gratitude for the team, our accomplishments, and the lessons learned along the way.”

Alongside her long-standing career at the EssenceMediacom network, Unerman is also the author of multiple books, including The Glass Wall: Success Strategies for Women at Work; Businesses that Mean Business; and Tell The Truth: Honesty is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool.

Her upcoming book, A Year of Creativity: 52 Smart Ideas for Boosting Creativity, Innovation and Inspiration at Work, which is co-authored by Pearl & Dean chief executive Kathryn Jacob, will be released this September.

Clare Chapman, chief executive at EMX, said: “True to her title, [Unerman] has transformed many areas of our business, unlocking new growth opportunities for our people and clients, and challenging all of us to think, work and communicate differently.”

Unerman is also a long standing columnist for Campaign, an IPA fellow and has frequently been named as one of Campaign's top ten media planners in its end-of-year lists.

Nick Lawson, global chief executive at EssenceMediacom, called Unerman “instrumental” in making EssenceMediacom “what it is today”.

He added: “On a personal level, I was Sue’s first appointment when she joined back in 1990 (to what was then The Media Business), so I will miss her as both a colleague and a friend.”

Unerman's final day with EssenceMediacom X be 30 June, and she has not yet revealed her next role.