VML names new APAC CEOs following regionwide restructure

Global brand, customer experience, and commerce agency, VML, has announced its new in-market leadership team across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, with co-CEOs Audrey Kuah (pictured right) and Yi-Chung Tay (pictured left) at the helm.

This announcement comes soon after two creative agencies under the WPP group, Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R, united to form VML in October 2023. Under the merger, Debbi Vandeven was appointed global chief creative officer, while Eric Campbell stepped into the role of global chief client officer.

Jon Cook was set to lead the newly formed VML as global CEO, alongside Mel Edwards as global president at the time.

VML works with a diverse range of blue-chip client partners across various industries in APAC, such as Ford, The Coca Cola Company, HSBC, and Unilever.

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Alongside the appointment of Kuah and Tay as co-CEOs, the restructuring will see the appointment of several market leaders by region across its principle offices in Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

In Singapore, Nimesh Desai moves from the role of Singapore CEO for Wunderman Thompson to become VML CEO for Singapore. Rhys Taylor, who was the managing director for VMLY&R in Singapore, will take on the role of VML chief client officer, with a focus on ensuring that VML is providing its full suite of capabilities to clients.

Across the pond, its Malaysia arm will see Kenni Loh take on the role of CEO, moving from his position as CEO for VMLY&R Malaysia.

Indonesia and the Philippines will also see new CEO appointments, with Samir Gupte and Golda Roldan at the helm respectively.

Maggie Wong will lead VML’s Hong Kong branch as CEO, moving from her role as CEO for Wunderman Thompson Hong Kong.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new APAC leadership team, who represent the cream-of-the-crop across two of the most awarded creative agencies in the region. As we unify our storied agencies, there is an exciting opportunity to redefine the possibilities of creativity and set the stage for more innovative and effective work,” said Kuah.

Adding to that, Tay expressed VML’s dedication to creating connected brands which matter to the consumer and drive growth for its client partners.

“Working closely with our leaders across our APAC network, we are well positioned to provide the best possible solutions to our clients’ most pressing business problems via an integrated suite of capabilities which are unsurpassed in the region,” Tay added.

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