VML Names Debbi Vandeven Global President
VML has named Debbi Vandeven global president, adding global business leadership to Vandeven's role as the agency's long-time global chief creative officer. The appointment takes effect in January 2027, with Vandeven reporting to incoming global CEO Eric Campbell.
- Agency: VML
- New role: Global president, retaining global chief creative officer
- Effective: January 2027
- Reports to: Eric Campbell, incoming global CEO
Debbi Vandeven's Expanded Role
It is the first major appointment by Campbell, who succeeds Jon Cook as VML's global CEO. Vandeven will drive the agency's vision and business growth across more than 55 markets, with a focus on creativity, customer experience and commerce. VML's recent new business includes Heineken, Kenvue, Natura and Pernod Ricard.
A Creative Record
Vandeven has been with VML for more than 25 years. Under that creative leadership, VML has won more than 500 Cannes Lions, including 10 Grand Prix, and was the second-ranked global creative network in the 2026 Cannes Lions Creativity Rankings. Cannes Lions and The One Club both ranked Vandeven the world's number one chief creative officer. Vandeven has led work for Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company and Wendy's.
What They Said
Campbell said: "Debbi and I have been partnering at VML for more than two decades, and there is no one I trust more to take this role." Vandeven said VML is "at our best when creativity and business leadership move as one." Cook called Vandeven a partner of more than 25 years who "makes the work better."
The Context
Putting a creative chief in charge of the business is unusual for a holding company network, and it signals that VML wants creative reputation to lead its growth pitch. The move comes as WPP reshapes its agencies under pressure on growth. In India, VML's recent work includes Catch's squeezy bottle launch, and the agency saw Kalpesh Patankar exit VML India.
More about the agency is on VML's website.
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