Jon Cook to step down from VML CEO role, Eric Campbell to succeed

WPP today announced that Jon Cook, Global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative, has decided to leave WPP to pursue the next chapter of his career. Cook will remain in his leadership roles through March 2027 to ensure a seamless, collaborative transition.

Cook has spent three decades helping guide and shape VML from an emerging digital agency in Kansas City into one of the world’s most admired creative networks. In 2024, he led the creation of VML through the combination of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, bringing together brand experience, customer experience, commerce, data and enterprise technology across more than 55 markets. In February 2026, Cook took on the additional responsibility of CEO of WPP Creative, leading a portfolio that includes VML, Ogilvy, Grey, Burson, AKQA, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners. WPP launched WPP Creative as part of the company’s Elevate28 strategy in February.

Under Cook’s leadership, VML has consistently earned the industry’s highest honours across creative and effectiveness benchmarks, including Cannes Lions – where VML was recently ranked the #2 Creative Network of the Year and took home the most Gold Lions of any network – as well as the Effies, Ad Age A-List, WARC Creative 100, Campaign US and New York Festivals. VML has also earned sustained recognition as a leader in commerce and customer experience from Forrester and Gartner. And most recently, VML was named Campaign’s 2026 Global Agency of the Year.

Cindy Rose, CEO of WPP, said: “Jon’s contribution to VML, WPP and our entire industry has been extraordinary. He is an exceptional builder – of enduring client partnerships, world-class agencies and a culture built on generosity, optimism and genuine care for people. I am deeply grateful for everything he has done for WPP, and I appreciate his commitment to partner with us through March 2027 to ensure our teams, clients, and new leaders maintain their incredible momentum”.

Jon Cook said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life. But after three decades of pouring everything I have into this agency and all of WPP, it is time to build something new. VML and WPP Creative are operating from positions of tremendous strength and this is the right moment for other voices to lead. I am immensely proud of our teams, the iconic work we produce with our clients and the one-of-a-kind culture we have built. I look forward to working closely with Cindy and the WPP and VML leadership teams over the coming months to execute a thoughtful transition”.

Succeeding Cook, Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, will become Global CEO of VML in March 2027, while continuing as CEO of WPP Creative North America. Campbell has been with VML for more than 25 years and has held central leadership roles, including President of VML, Global President of VMLY&R, Global Chief Client Officer and CEO of VML North America. Campbell will partner immediately with Cook to begin transitioning global responsibilities.

Cindy Rose said: “Eric has been central to VML’s success for more than 25 years and has helped shape the client relationships, operational strength and culture that make the agency so distinctive. He knows this business deeply, he understands what makes VML special, and he has the trust of teams and clients around the world. I am delighted that he will lead VML into its next era, working closely with Jon and the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for our clients and people.”

Cook has not announced his new plans at this time.