Six weeks ago, WPP merged its VML and Y&R agencies to form VMLY&R, led by CEO Jon Cook, who had overseen VML.
Today, the agency announced further details regarding its senior creative team, which as disclosed earlier will be led by global Chief Creative Officer Debbi Vandeven, previously global CCO at VML. She’ll lead more than 2,000 creatives across the global network, reporting to Cook.
VML veterans John Godsey and Jason Xenopoulos have been appointed CCOs of VMLY&R North America and the latter will also serve as CEO VMLY&R New York.
Godsey served as North American CCO at VML since January 2017, having joined the agency in 2010.
Xenopoulos previously served as CCO, EMEA, based out of VML South Africa’s office in Cape Town. In 2010, Xenopoulos cofounded NATIVE, which became part of the VML global network in 2013. He previously served as CEO and CCO of VML South Africa.
The agency has confirmed that Tony Granger, global CCO at Y&R is retiring, while NA CCO Leslie Sims is leaving the agency for another position within WPP.
Jaime Mandelbaum has been named Regional CCO of Europe. He has served as CCO of Y&R Europe since January 2016.
Martin “Nino” Goldberg has been named regional CCO of LATAM. He will continue to serve as executive creative director for Telefónica and Movistar globally. In addition, he will continue his role as CCO of Dhélet VMLY&R, a creative boutique based in Argentina that serves both local and global WPP projects.
Paul Nagy has been named regional CCO of Australia and New Zealand. Previously, he served in a similar capacity at Y&R.
Ryan McManus has been named regional CCO, South Africa. He previously served in a similar capacity at VML.
Kalpesh Patankar has been named regional CCO, Middle East and North Africa. He previously served as regional executive creative director of Middle East and North Africa, Y&R.