Jon Cook has been named global CEO of VML, while Mel Edwards will take on the role of global president. The management team of the new entity will bring together prominent leaders from both agencies. According to Cook, this merger responds to the need to connect brand experience, customer experience and commerce, something essential for building solid brands and businesses in today’s world.
“Separately, Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R are two of WPP’s strongest and most successful agencies. Together, they will offer an even broader offering of fully integrated capabilities to our customers in all markets. Marketers today expect seamless connections between their brand advertising and technology solutions and platforms. VML provides an immediate solution to this need”
Mel Edwards, on the other hand, highlighted the unprecedented scale this merger will bring, and how this will help shape the future of modern marketing around the world. The agency will have more than 30,000 people distributed in 64 markets, making it a leading global entity in its sector.
Both Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R are known worldwide, having obtained numerous recognitions and awards in the sector. This breadth of experience has been valued by both technology partners and industry analysts, underscoring the relevance of this merger.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP, highlighted the importance of scale in a world in constant transformation, where artificial intelligence and technology are changing marketing. VML will position itself as a company that combines creativity with deep expertise in data, marketing technology and platforms, offering a competitive advantage to ambitious brands and simplifying customer relationships.
Other immediate leadership appointments include Debbi Vandeven as global creative director; Eric Campbell, Global Chief Client Officer; Juan Pablo Jurado, CEO for Latin America; Ewen Sturgeon, CEO for Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Audrey Kuah and Yi-Chung Tay, Co-CEOs for Asia-Pacific.
It is worth mentioning that Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R have established global partnerships with several clients, such as Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, among others.