Executive Creative Director

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Executive Creative Director

role at

VML .

Who We Are At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever‑evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end‑to‑end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

The Role in a Nutshell The Executive Creative Director (ECD) is a visionary, digitally‑led leader responsible for establishing and inspiring VML’s creative community, uniquely grasping the link between brand experience and customer experience. You will oversee the agency's creative output and integrity, partnering across teams to deliver innovative, high‑calibre, brand‑led solutions for all clients. Working closely with the wider Leadership Team, you will balance achieving continued success with existing clients with identifying, pitching, and winning new business. This role is pivotal in leading the creative process, fostering the career development of the creative team, and inspiring award‑winning work. Above all, you will collaborate with the Managing Director and Leadership Team to bring VML’s ambitious agency vision to life within the market.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Vision & Excellence

Establish, enforce, and continuously elevate VML's creative vision and standards.

Lead the agency's creative output, ensuring overall excellence, strategic relevance, and impactful results.

Serve as the final arbiter of creative quality, driving award‑winning work and submissions.

Inspire world‑class creative ideas internally and expertly sell them to clients, communicating compelling recommendations.

Strategic & Innovative Thinking

Partner closely with Strategy teams to integrate creative ideas with robust strategic thinking.

Develop and oversee competitive, breakthrough creative plans that transform client businesses.

Lead creative strategy sessions with senior client groups.

Champion "intellectual capital" within VML and the broader network, sharing best practices and building the agency's profile externally.

Project & Financial Management

Collaborate with the Leadership Team to ensure optimal resource alignment and agency profitability.

Play a significant role in agency growth through new business pitches and organic client expansion.

Partner with the Studio Manager/Head of Workflow for maximum efficiency of creative resources.

Manage client relationships, ensuring high‑quality deliverables, profitability, and client satisfaction.

People & Team Leadership

Mentor, inspire, and develop a diverse creative team, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Provide ongoing performance evaluation and guidance to Associate Creative Directors.

Actively identify and nurture new and existing creative talent, elevating their skills and careers.

Build strong relationships across departments and with senior VML regional and global leaders.

Required Experience/Skills/Capabilities

Minimum 8–10 years’ creative leadership experience.

Proven experience in a leadership position – having held Executive Creative Director / Creative Director position previously.

Experience working across a wide range of consumer and corporate client‑businesses.

Good industry connections.

Benefits & Working Style We believe the best work happens when we’re together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That’s why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employment WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Details

Seniority level:

Executive

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industry:

Advertising Services

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