WPP has announced a major leadership transition at VML, with longtime Global CEO Jon Cook set to leave the company in March 2027 and Eric Campbell named as his successor.
Cook, who also serves as CEO of WPP Creative, will remain in both roles through March to help manage the transition. He has spent roughly three decades helping build VML from a Kansas City digital agency into a global creative network operating across more than 55 markets.
In 2024, Cook led the creation of the current VML by combining VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, bringing together brand experience, customer experience, commerce, data, and enterprise technology. Earlier this year, he also took on leadership of WPP Creative, overseeing a portfolio that includes VML, Ogilvy, Grey, Burson, AKQA, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life,” Cook said. “But after three decades of pouring everything I have into this agency and all of WPP, it is time to build something new.”
Cook said VML and WPP Creative are both operating from positions of strength and that he believes the timing is right for new leadership.
WPP CEO Cindy Rose called Cook’s contribution “extraordinary,” describing him as a builder of client relationships, agencies and culture.
Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, will succeed Cook. Campbell will become Global CEO of VML in March 2027 while continuing to lead WPP Creative North America.
Campbell has been with VML for more than 25 years and has held a range of senior roles, including President of VML, Global President of VMLY&R, Global Chief Client Officer and CEO of VML North America.
“Eric has been central to VML’s success for more than 25 years and has helped shape the client relationships, operational strength and culture that make the agency so distinctive,” Rose said.
The transition begins immediately, with Campbell working alongside Cook to take on global responsibilities over the coming months.
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Cook leaves VML after a stretch of major industry recognition. The agency was recently named Campaign’s 2026 Global Agency of the Year and ranked No. 2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions, where it also won the most Gold Lions of any network.
WPP said it will announce further details about the leadership structure across WPP Creative later. Cook has not yet disclosed what he plans to do next.
REEL 360 News wishes Jon the best of luck in his new venture.
