WPP Unveils Mega Merger: Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R Combine Forces to Form VML

 

WPP Unveils Mega Merger: Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R Combine Forces to Form VML

WPP Unveils Mega Merger: Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R Combine Forces to Form VML

In a transformative move, WPP has merged two of its industry-leading agencies, Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, to birth a formidable entity—VML. With a global footprint spanning 64 markets and boasting over 30,000 professionals, the newly combined company is set to redefine the landscape of modern marketing.

Effective immediately, the dynamic leadership duo of Jon Cook and Mel Edwards takes the helm as VML Global CEO and VML Global President, respectively. The strategic amalgamation aims to harness the interconnectivity of brand experience, commerce, and customer interactions, positioning VML at the forefront of the industry.

Jon Cook, the Global CEO, commented, "The future of building strong brands and businesses requires the interconnectivity of brand experience, commerce, and customer experiences." Expressing excitement about the venture, Cook emphasized the unparalleled creative prowess and depth in customer experience and commerce that VML brings to the table.

Mel Edwards, the Global President, echoed the sentiment, stating, "This is the right suite of capabilities, offered at just the right moment, at unprecedented scale." Edwards sees the merger as an opportunity to shape the future of modern marketing globally, providing significant growth for clients and team members alike.

Mark Read, WPP's CEO, emphasized the importance of scale in the rapidly evolving world of marketing. He highlighted the combination of world-class creativity with expertise in data, marketing technology, and platforms that VML represents. The move aligns with WPP's ongoing efforts to simplify its business and meet the evolving needs of global clients.

The immediate leadership appointments include key roles such as Debbi Vandeven as Global Chief Creative Officer, Eric Campbell as Global Chief Client Officer, Juan Pablo Jurado as CEO LATAM, Ewen Sturgeon as CEO EMEA, and Audrey Kuah and Yi-Chung Tay as Co-CEOs APAC.

Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, having collaborated globally on projects for clients such as Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, and The Coca-Cola Company, now unite under the banner of VML. The integrated suite of capabilities offered by VML is set to meet the growing demand for seamless links between brand advertising and technology solutions.

As of January 1, 2024, VML is officially operational, heralding a new era in global marketing with its unmatched blend of creativity, customer experience, and commerce.