Empower Media and Ocean Media have merged to create Empower Ocean Media Group, establishing the second-largest independent media agency group in the U.S., with $1.5 billion in combined media billings. Announced on September 2, 2025, this landmark merger unites two industry leaders to redefine the media landscape with enhanced capabilities and client-focused innovation.
Empower Media and Ocean Media merge to form Empower Ocean Media Group.
Second-largest U.S. independent media agency group, managing $1.5B in billings.
Employs 400 professionals across offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Serves clients like PetSmart, Tempur-Pedic, BetMGM, and Mint Mobile.
Led by CEOs Ashlee Clarke (Empower) and Jay Langan (Ocean), with Chris Clarke as Executive Chairman.
Combines centralized technology and procurement with distinct agency operations.
The merger unites Empower Media, a 40-year-old, woman-owned agency based in Chicago, with Ocean Media, a 29-year-old performance-driven agency from Huntington Beach, California. Together, they form Empower Ocean Media Group, a full-funnel independent media powerhouse with 400 professionals across New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The group leverages shared resources in technology, media negotiations, and procurement while preserving each agency’s unique culture and client rosters. This East-West alliance enhances media buying power and client impact, positioning the group as a competitive alternative to traditional holding company models.
Empower Media continues under CEO Ashlee Clarke, while Ocean Media remains led by CEO Jay Langan. Chris Clarke serves as Executive Chairman of Empower Ocean Media Group, with Ashlee Clarke as Co-Chairwoman. “This marks an extraordinary new chapter,” said Ashlee Clarke. “By combining our talent, technology, and scale, we’re creating a smarter, more agile partner that delivers fearless growth for our clients.” Jay Langan added, “This alliance is about synergy and client success. By doubling down on advanced data insights, proprietary platforms, and performance-driven media strategies, we’re redefining what an independent agency can achieve.”
Empower Ocean Media Group serves a prestigious client roster, including PetSmart, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tempur-Pedic, Sealy, Whataburger, JD Sports, BetMGM, CarGurus, Rakuten, Realtor.com, and Mint Mobile. The merger enhances their ability to deliver measurable results through proprietary technology and data-driven strategies, such as Ocean Media’s analytics platform and Empower’s EMPOWER ONE platform, which optimizes media plans across multiple KPIs.
With $1.5 billion in annual media billings, Empower Ocean Media Group ranks as the second-largest independent media agency group in the U.S., behind Horizon Media. The merger aligns with industry trends favoring independent agencies, as brands seek alternatives to the “outdated holding company structure.” The global subscription economy’s growth underscores the demand for innovative media strategies, which Empower Ocean Media Group is poised to meet.
Empower Ocean Media Group, formed by the merger of Empower Media and Ocean Media, is the second-largest independent media agency group in the U.S., managing $1.5 billion in annual media billings. With 400 team members across Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, the group leverages industry expertise, operational excellence, and proprietary technology to drive transformative results for ambitious brands.
Empower is the nation’s leading independent, woman-owned media, creative, and entertainment agency. Built on four decades of strategic innovation, Empower unlocks fearless growth through bold thinking, operational excellence, and proprietary technology platforms like EMPOWER ONE. Its team of media strategists, data scientists, and creative visionaries delivers human-first storytelling and measurable impact. Learn more at empowermm.com.
Ocean Media is a leading independent media and technology firm known for its proprietary data and analytics platform, enabling smarter media investments. The agency manages complex
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