VML, which launched earlier this month through the merger of WPP’s VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, has unveiled its global creative leadership team.
Led by Debbi Vandeven, the former global VMLY&R chief creative officer, the team has been formed with industry veterans from the two companies to lead VML’s global creativity into the future.
“I’m thrilled to unite the wonderful creative talent from our two agencies. I have no doubt that we will work as a team to deliver brave, smart work that emotionally connects with people to deliver outstanding results for our clients. Anything we can dream up, we can create—we have the talent to do it,” Vandeven said in a statement.
Vandeven will continue to drive the strategic vision and evolution of the agency’s creative product. Since joining the agency in 2000, Vandeven has helped the agency grow and be recognized by top international award shows.
Debbi Vandeven will lead the global creative team at VML.
“VML has a rich legacy of creating culture-shaping brands that connect emotionally and drive growth. This outstanding team of global creatives led by Debbi Vandeven is our industry’s best, bar none, and represent the importance of creativity at the core of our business,” said Jon Cook, global CEO of VML.
Rafa Pitanguy will continue as deputy global chief creative officer and global CCO for The Coca-Cola Company. He has played a pivotal role since joining VML (then Y&R) in Brazil in 2016. He helped transform the agency into a top creative force across LATAM and worldwide.
Kaleeta McDade has been named global chief experience design officer and global CXDO for The Coca-Cola Company. McDade will continue to lead the agency’s growing experience design team, bridging creative storytelling, technology, design and user experience for clients across VML’s client portfolio.
Manuel Bordé will serve as global chief creative officer, commerce. His remit covers global creative responsibilities for the agency’s leading end-to-end creative commerce capability. Bordé previously served as CCO lead for VMLY&R Commerce.
Mel Routhier has been promoted to CCO VML Health. Routhier joined VMLY&R in 2020 to serve as chief creative officer in Chicago.
Bas Korsten has been named global chief creative officer, innovation, and co-chief creative officer, EMEA. Korsten has served as global chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson since 2019.