Empower and Ocean Media merge to form $1.5B independent agency group

Independent media agencies Empower Media and Ocean Media have joined forces to create Empower Ocean Media Group, a new entity that will oversee about $1.5 billion in annual media billings. The move makes the group the second-largest independent media agency in the U.S., behind Horizon Media.

Although the agencies will operate under the new group umbrella, each will maintain its own brand identity and client base. Empower Media will continue to be led by CEO Ashlee Clarke, while Ocean Media remains under the leadership of CEO Jay Langan. Chris Clarke will serve as executive chairman of Empower Ocean Media Group, with Ashlee Clarke also holding the role of co-chairwoman.

Combined, the group will employ roughly 400 staff across offices in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, as well as Huntington Beach, California. Both agencies said there are no layoffs planned, and recruitment is ongoing to support growth.

The alliance is designed to centralize resources in areas such as technology, media negotiations, and procurement, while still preserving the agencies’ distinct cultures. Client teams will remain separate, but staff across regions will collaborate when needed.

Empower, founded 40 years ago, has built a reputation in creative and human-first storytelling, while Ocean Media, with three decades of experience, is recognized for performance-driven strategies and proprietary data platforms. By combining strengths, the group aims to expand its bargaining power with media owners and enhance its ability to deliver cross-channel campaigns.

The group’s combined roster includes major brands such as PetSmart, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Whataburger, JD Sports, BetMGM, CarGurus, Rakuten, Realtor.com, and Mint Mobile.

Executives said the merger positions Empower Ocean Media Group as an alternative to traditional holding company networks, with ambitions to further expand. Ashlee Clarke indicated that the group plans to double its business within 12 to 18 months and hinted at potential acquisitions in 2026.