VML has announced its global creative leadership team. The agency is the result of the October 2023 merger of WPP’s VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson.

The combined force boasts more than 30,000 staffers operating in 64 markets. 

Debbi Vandeven, former global VMLY&R CCO, is now global CCO of VML. A 23-year agency veteran, her leadership has resulted in numerous international awards.

“Anything we can dream up, we can create — we have the talent to do it. And that’s incredibly exciting,” Vandeven said.

The global creative leadership team comprises top industry veterans from both companies.

Also on board:

*Rafa Pitanguy remains as deputy global CCO and global CCO for The Coca-Cola Company. He joined Y&R in Brazil in 2016.

*Kaleeta McDade is now global chief experience design officer and global CXDO, The Coca-Cola Company. McDade will continue to lead the agency’s experience design team, bridging creative storytelling, technology, design and user experience across VML’s client portfolio.

*Manuel Bordé will serve as global CCO, commerce. His remit covers global creative responsibilities for the agency’s leading end-to-end creative commerce capability. Bordé previously served as CCO lead for VMLY&R Commerce.

*Mel Routhier has been promoted to global CCO, health and wellness. Routhier joined VMLY&R in 2020, serving as CCO in Chicago.

*Bas Korsten has been named global CCO, innovation and co-CCO, EMEA. Korsten has been global CCO of Wunderman Thompson since 2019. Under his leadership, Wunderman Thompson was named Most Innovative Network by the Cannes Lions for 2020/2021.