Key Points:
- Empower Media and Ocean Media have merged to form Empower Ocean Media Group, the second-largest independent media agency in the U.S. with $1.5 billion in billings.
- The new group employs 400 staff across New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, serving brands like PetSmart, Tempur-Pedic, JD Sports, BetMGM and Mint Mobile.
- Ashlee Clarke and Jay Langan remain CEOs of Empower and Ocean Media, while Chris Clarke becomes Executive Chairman of the merged group.
Empower Media and Ocean Media have combined to form Empower Ocean Media Group, creating the second-largest independent media agency group in the United States.
The partnership unites two established players in the sector, Empower Ocean Media said in a statement. Empower Media is marking its 40th anniversary this year, while Ocean Media has operated for 29 years.
Together, Empower Ocean Media employs around 400 professionals with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and has $1.5 billion in annual billings.
Empower Ocean Media Group will manage accounts for brands including PetSmart, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Whataburger, JD Sports, BetMGM, CarGurus, Rakuten, Realtor.com and Mint Mobile. While Empower and Ocean Media will continue to operate under their individual names, they will share centralized resources in areas such as technology, procurement and media negotiations.
The group’s leadership structure will see Ashlee Clarke continue as CEO of Empower Media, with Ocean Media remaining under the direction of its long-term CEO Jay Langan. Chris Clarke will serve as Executive Chairman of Empower Ocean Media Group, with Ashlee Clarke also named Co-Chairwoman.
Executives said the goal of the merger is to create a larger independent agency that can deliver performance-focused strategies while offering an alternative to traditional holding company models.
“This marks an extraordinary new chapter,” said Ashlee Clarke, CEO of Empower Media. “By combining our talent, technology, and scale, we’re creating a smarter, more agile partner that delivers fearless growth for our clients. Our combined capabilities offer a compelling, full-funnel alternative to the struggling holding company model, appealing to brands frustrated by outdated options.”
“This alliance is about synergy and client success,” added Jay Langan, CEO of Ocean Media. “By doubling down on advanced data insights, proprietary platforms, and performance-driven media strategies, we’re redefining what an independent agency can achieve while staying true to our roots.”
The companies said the new entity will maintain the distinct culture of each agency while pooling resources to drive efficiency and scale. The merger represents a cross-country alliance, combining Empower’s Midwestern roots with Ocean Media’s West Coast presence.
Empower Ocean Media Group said it will focus on independence, innovation and measurable results for clients, aiming to establish itself as a major alternative for brands seeking new agency relationships outside of large conglomerates.
