Claudine Collins, a prominent figure in the UK media agency landscape, is set to depart from EssenceMediacom UK after an impressive three-decade career. Her exit, confirmed by staff at WPP Media on 3 June, marks the end of an era for someone who has become synonymous with media strategy and client relations.
Expressing her gratitude towards her colleagues and the industry, Collins remarked, “I am so grateful and lucky to have had so many years in an industry I have loved and with so many people I love, therefore all I want to say is thank you.” Since joining The Media Business in 1995, she played a crucial role in its transition into MediaCom, which ultimately emerged as Britain's largest media agency. Her tenure saw her overseeing over £1 billion in annual client billings while establishing strong relationships within the industry and hosting events to appreciate media partners.
Her influence extended beyond traditional media roles; in a notable departure from her usual work, she appeared as an adviser on BBC One's The Apprentice in 2011. In 2019, Collins transitioned to focusing solely on client relations, becoming MediaCom’s first chief client officer—an title she retained following the merger with EssenceMediacom in 2023. Her recognition continued when she ranked among the top 10 most-read profiles in Campaign’s A List in 2025, where she asserted that “simplicity will win out” in the coming years for advertising.
Kate Rowlinson, the UK chief executive of WPP Media, praised Collins, saying, “What an honour to have benefitted from the leadership, insight and inspiration that is Claudine Collins.” Rowlinson recognised Collins for her unwavering commitment to clients and her ability to resonate with colleagues, highlighting her profound empathy and professionalism. As WPP Media undergoes significant restructuring to enhance operational efficiency—merging agency-specific roles and integrating brands into a single profit-and-loss structure—Collins’s departure comes amidst a backdrop of change.
The media industry is experiencing considerable turbulence, highlighted by recent leadership departures within WPP’s agencies. Notably, Group M UK chief marketing officer Katie Grosvenor left the company just a week before Collins's announcement, and Josh Krichefski, Group M EMEA chief executive, exited earlier in March after a lengthy tenure of 14 years. This ongoing restructuring indicates a competitive landscape, as WPP pivots to streamline operations in a rapidly evolving industry.
As the agency considers a simplified model with EssenceMediacom, Wavemaker, and Mindshare integrated under a single P&L, the future of these agencies—along with their senior leadership—is uncertain. WPP Media’s global chief executive Brian Lesser anticipates completing these transitions by mid-year, paving the way for a new operational framework that could shift the agency's focus and talent dynamics.
While Collins has made a lasting impact on the media agency sphere, her next steps remain to be clarified. Nonetheless, industry insiders expect her extensive experience and dedication will lead to new and exciting opportunities in the near future.
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Source: Noah Wire Services