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Adam James

Operations executive in the global advertising industry

About Me

I'm a bilingual operations executive with a proven track record of generating profitable growth in the global and Spanish advertising industries. Specialised in corporate leadership, business planning and client relations, I'm passionate about blending human brilliance with AI-driven efficiency to create sustainable transformation that technology alone can't deliver.

Jurisdiction

Spain | United Kingdom

Notable Employer

  • Spain CEO at WPP Media
  • EMEA Chief Operating Officer at WPP EssenceMediacom
  • Global Operations Director & Spain Chief Operating Officer at WPP MediaCom
  • Global Account Director at WPP MediaCom
  • Client Service Director at Havas Media
  • Regional Media Director at Publicis Starcom

Experience

Seniority LevelExecutive
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
Spain CEONotableWPP Media
2025 - 2025

As the interim Spain lead for one of the world’s largest media planning agencies, I managed over €700m in billings and a portfolio of 170+ clients, successfully driving a 10% increase in customer satisfaction during a period of complex structural and leadership transformation. I designed the delivery of a localised AI-implementation plan in collaboration with senior leadership to ensure alignment with global strategic goals. I also reduced HiPo talent churn by 18% for over 700 staff through the cultivation of an inclusive and collaborative organisational culture.

EMEA Chief Operating OfficerNotableWPP EssenceMediacom
2022 - 2025

I drove the business strategy for EMEA's largest media agency, overseeing €9bn in billings and achieving a significant market share. By leveraging AI, I drove a 15% improvement in operational efficiency, resulting in consistent double-digit yearly profit margin growth. In addition to these management successes, I served as the executive point of escalation for prestigious global clients such as Coca-Cola, Bayer, Adidas, Richemont, and Mars. Furthermore, I cultivated a high-performing community of over 120 client leads, fostering an environment dedicated to collaboration and cross-functional knowledge sharing.

Global Operations Director & Spain Chief Operating OfficerNotableWPP MediaCom
2016 - 2022

I helped define the agency’s strategic direction and growth while managing a global account team of over 50 media professionals managing €800m in client investment. As a member of the Spanish executive committee, I achieved an 82% average relationship score for key clients (including Stellantis, Sony, Uber, and Pernod Ricard) and consistently delivered healthy annual revenue growth, exceeding organisational objectives and driving record profit margins.

Global Account DirectorNotableWPP MediaCom
2013 - 2016

In my role leading the global media account for Volkswagen’s SEAT brand, I managed €300m in client billings across 17 markets, successfully transforming VWG into the agency's most prestigious and profitable client through consistent revenue growth. In addition I demonstrated strategic resilience by defending the global SEAT account in a 2013 competitive media review, a move that protected vital revenue and significantly strengthened our long-term client partnership. Throughout this period, I led a high-performing global media team and fostered a collaborative environment with a broader network of 80 specialists to deliver world-class media solutions.

Client Service DirectorNotableHavas Media
2008 - 2013

I developed and activated multi-channel communication strategies for leading global brands, including Nike, Moët Hennessy, Affinity Petcare, and Camper, while building enduring relationships with key stakeholders as a trusted advisor who consistently exceeded expectations. In addition to driving client success, I led a dedicated team of five media specialists, actively shaping their career development and fostering a highly collaborative environment to ensure collective growth and operational excellence.

Regional Media DirectorNotablePublicis Starcom
2005 - 2008

I managed a €50m regional media budget, driving a 35% improvement in ROI through efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. By pioneering innovative communication approaches for key regional clients, including Levi Strauss, Dockers, Cadbury, and Gore-Tex, I established a new standard for operational excellence. Additionally, I coordinated media activity across 10 European markets, ensuring over 95% campaign consistency and effectiveness.

Education

Degree of GeographyUniversity of Nottingham, UK
1996 - 1999

Certification

Total Certifications5

Automated Digital Marketing

Main Jobs

2025

Big Data & Data Governance

Main Jobs

2025

WPP Open: AI in Action

WPP

2024

Martech Lite

General Assembly

2021

IRG 1000 Leadership programme

WPP Institute for Real Growth

2021

Skills

Core skills0
Languages2

Languages

English
Spanish