VML names Debbi Vandeven Global President, retains creative role

VML named its longtime Global Chief Creative Officer, Debbi Vandeven, Global President. Retaining her creative role, Vandeven will unite the agency’s creative, technology and global business leadership in an expanded role. 

The news marks the first major leadership move by incoming global CEO Eric Campbell, succeeding Jon Cook. Vandeven takes on the role from January 2027, reporting to Campbell.

As Global President, Vandeven will advance VML’s vision and drive business growth across more than 55 markets. Her remit will focus on world-class creative, customer experience and commerce to build connected brands that deliver greater impact for clients.

Vandeven has played an instrumental role in VML’s new business momentum, including recent wins such as Heineken, Kenvue, Natura and Pernod Ricard, while deepening existing client relationships. Her appointment reflects the contribution of the agency’s award-winning creative and innovative technology work to drive business growth.  

Eric Campbell, Incoming Global CEO, VML:

“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. Our clients rely on her, our people follow her, and her work has defined the creative excellence VML is known for around the world. Elevating Debbi to Global President tells everyone exactly where we’re headed: an even sharper focus on creativity and growth for our clients, built on the culture and ambition that got us here.”

For more than 25 years, Vandeven has served as the architect behind VML's creative rise. The company has experienced unprecedented growth, recognition, and sustained network excellence under her leadership, earning accolades from every top international award show—including more than 500 Cannes Lions and 10 coveted Grand Prix awards. In 2026, the Cannes Lions Creativity Rankings named VML the No. 2 global creative network, while Vandeven herself ranked as the #1 CCO globally at both Cannes Lions and The One Club. The agency was also named to Ad Age’s Agency A-List three years running, Campaign’s Global Agency Network of the Year in 2026, and Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators. Her contemporary creative vision for clients including Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy’s has made creativity one of VML’s most powerful drivers of growth.

Debbi Vandeven, Global President and Global Chief Creative Officer, VML:

“VML has shown that combining human insight with transformative technology has the greatest power to drive business growth. We are truly at our best when creativity and business leadership move as one. I'm honored to take on this role alongside Eric as we continue VML’s momentum and ensure every client feels the full strength of our Human First guiding philosophy.”

“For more than 25 years Debbi has been my partner, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her brilliance in action. She makes the work better, she makes the people around her better, and she does it with more heart than anyone I know. She’s built a creative culture where people feel seen, celebrated and pushed to do the best work of their lives. With Eric and Debbi at the helm, VML is in exactly the right hands for its next chapter,” said Jon Cook, outgoing Global CEO, VML.