VaynerMedia EMEA ECD VJ Anand exits agency after five years

VaynerMedia's EMEA executive creative director VJ Anand is departing after five years with the agency. Anand started his journey at VaynerMedia in 2019 as head of creative, APAC as the agency's fourth hire where he partnered with Avery Akkineni, who was VaynerMedia APAC's managing director to build and run the office. Akkineni is currently holding the position of CMO at VaynerX, according to her LinkedIn. 

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Anand said that he is leaving to be closer to family. He added that he left VaynerMedia EMEA in a "good place", adding that "we did some of the biggest projects we've ever done for the Europe office."

In a LinkedIn post, Anand said that he still hasn't "figured out what's next" and that he will focus on family matters before diving into his next journey. 

Don't miss: VaynerMedia appoints new APAC head of strategy and insights 

"Gary Vaynerchuk and I spoke and he even offered several solutions where I could still stay in VaynerMedia. He is still an amazing boss and mentor, but I've also told him I do need a break before deciding what's next. Tune in to my LinkedIn as I find my next thing," Anand told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

During his time at VaynerMedia APAC, Anand worked on global social media campaigns for brands such as SK-II, Subway and Prudential Singapore. Anand then rose through the ranks to become a managing partner at VaynerMedia APAC from 2021 to 2022 before assuming the role of executive creative director EMEA and global creative operations where he is based in London, UK. 

As executive creative director, Anand lead the EMEA team in marketing, social and advertising for new audiences in Europe and beyond. He also helped content creators make content for brands. Anand said his highlights during his time at VaynerMedia includes shooting a music video with musician John Legend for SK-II, collaborating with singer Charlie XCX for digital bank Revolut and working on global campaigns including a seven-market Olympics campaign for Visa. 

"We would like to thank Anand for the last two and half years in EMEA. He has been a brilliant mentor to so many, driven our creative excellence, and he will leave an incredible legacy behind him," said VaynerMedia EMEA when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out. 

Prior to joining VaynerMedia, Anand was the senior vice president of creative, content and social at Gojek, based out of Indonesia, where he headed up Creative Labs, the tech startup's branding and social team. He was also an executive creative director at BBDO Worldwide after a four-year stint at TBWA\Worldwide as creative director and group executive creative director. His other agency experiences include creative director at Cheil Worldwide Malaysia, associate creative director at BBDO/Proximity, head of art at Havas Riverorchid and art director at Ogilvy Malaysia. 

Anand's departure comes as the agency expands its APAC team to include Melanie Cook as its new head of strategy and insights of Asia Pacific. Drawing on cultural insights, emerging trends, and evolving formats, she will help brands shape their narratives in ways that truly connect with real audiences, guiding brands through dynamic "consumer-up" strategies that prioritise relevance and business outcomes over the traditional "brand-down" approach, said VaynerMedia in a statement. 

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