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Andrew Shebbeare

Operator

Andrew Shebbeare is co-founder and Managing Partner of Counteract, a carbon-removal investment firm. He earlier co-founded the media agency Essence (acquired by WPP in 2015), where he was Chief Product Officer.

Last updated May 30, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team

Role
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Company
Counteract
Based
London, United Kingdom
Boards
1
Years in industry
20 years

Career

  • Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer

    Essence · prior

Board memberships

Essence Global

Expertise & education

Expertise

Programmatic AdvertisingAgency Trading DesksData-Driven Media BuyingDigital Media StrategyPerformance MarketingAd TechnologyMedia Agency OperationsTransparency in Digital Advertising

Education

  • University of Oxford (reported; specific degree unconfirmed)

Speaking topics

Programmatic advertising and the future of media buyingData-driven agency modelsTransparency and accountability in digital advertisingThe evolution of agency trading desks

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Co-founded Essence Global in 2005, growing it into one of the world's leading digital-first media agencies
  • Secured Google as Essence's founding client, establishing a landmark agency-client relationship in programmatic advertising
  • Led Essence through its acquisition by GroupM (WPP) in 2015, one of the most significant deals in programmatic agency history
  • Pioneered the agency trading desk model that became widely adopted across the media industry

Awards

Essence named to various 'best places to work' and industry recognition lists under his leadership