WPP has announced that Jon Cook, Global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative, will leave the group to pursue the next chapter of his career. Cook will continue in his current leadership roles through March 2027 to support a smooth transition.
Cook has spent nearly three decades with VML, helping shape its evolution from a digital agency in Kansas City into a global creative network. In 2024, he led the creation of VML through the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, bringing together capabilities spanning brand and customer experience, commerce, data and enterprise technology across more than 55 markets.
In February 2026, Cook also took on the role of CEO, WPP Creative, overseeing a portfolio that includes VML, Ogilvy, Grey, Burson, AKQA, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners.
During Cook’s tenure, VML received recognition across creative, effectiveness, commerce and customer experience. The agency was recently ranked No. 2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions 2026 and was also named Campaign’s 2026 Global Agency of the Year.
Cindy Rose, CEO, WPP, acknowledged Cook’s contribution to VML and WPP, highlighting his role in building client relationships, agency capabilities and the organisation’s culture.
Cook said the decision followed three decades with the agency and that he believed it was the right time for new leadership to take VML and WPP Creative forward. He will work with WPP and VML leadership through March 2027 to support the transition.
Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, will succeed Cook as Global CEO of VML in March 2027, while continuing as CEO of WPP Creative North America.
Campbell has been with VML for more than 25 years and has held several senior leadership positions, including President of VML, Global President of VMLY&R, Global Chief Client Officer and CEO of VML North America.
Campbell will begin working with Cook immediately on the transition of global responsibilities. According to Rose, his long-standing experience with VML and relationships with its clients and teams will support the leadership transition as the agency moves into its next phase.