Leadership changes at VML: Debbi Vandeven, Global Chief Creative Officer; Eric Campbell, Global CEO

VML has elevated long-time veteran Debbi Vandeven to global president, an expanded role overseeing more than 55 markets, while she retains her position as global chief creative officer. She is the first major executive appointment under incoming global CEO Eric Campbell, who will officially succeed Jon Cook in the new year. Vandeven will begin the new role in January 2027, working closely with Cook in the interim to ensure a smooth transition.

According to the article, Campbell framed Vandeven's promotion as a deliberate move to remove silos between tech, creative, and business, and as a signal of continuity during a period of transition. Vandeven sees the dual role as an opportunity to demonstrate that creativity is a human-first and business-driving endeavor, and VML and WPP have affirmed they have no interest in divesting in creative.