VML global CEO Jon Cook to leave WPP after three decades

Jon Cook (pictured right), global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative, is leaving WPP after three decades with the business, with Eric Campbell (pictured left) set to succeed him as global CEO of VML in March 2027.

Cook will remain in both roles through March 2027 to support the transition. Campbell, currently CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, will begin working with Cook immediately on the handover.

Campbell has been with VML for more than 25 years, having held several senior leadership roles including president of VML, global president of VMLY&R, global chief client officer and CEO of VML North America. He will continue as CEO of WPP Creative North America alongside his new global VML role.

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Cook has spent much of his career building VML from a digital agency in Kansas City into a global creative network. In 2024, he led the combination of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson to form VML, bringing together capabilities spanning brand experience, customer experience, commerce, data and enterprise technology across more than 55 markets.

In February 2026, Cook also took on the role of CEO of WPP Creative, following its launch as part of WPP's Elevate28 strategy. The portfolio includes VML, Ogilvy, Grey, Burson, AKQA, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners.

Under Cook, VML has picked up recognition across creative and effectiveness awards, including being ranked the second Creative Network of the Year at the 2026 Cannes Lions. It was also named Campaign's 2026 Global Agency of the Year.

Commenting on Cook's departure, WPP CEO Cindy Rose said his contribution to VML, WPP and the wider industry had been "extraordinary", adding that he had built client partnerships, agencies and a culture centred on its people.

“He is an exceptional builder – of enduring client partnerships, world-class agencies and a culture built on generosity, optimism and genuine care for people. I am deeply grateful for everything he has done for WPP, and I appreciate his commitment to partner with us through March 2027 to ensure our teams, clients, and new leaders maintain their incredible momentum," said Rose. 

Cook said the decision to leave was one of the hardest he had made, but that after three decades with the agency and WPP, it was time to "build something new".

"VML and WPP Creative are operating from positions of tremendous strength and this is the right moment for other voices to lead. I am immensely proud of our teams, the iconic work we produce with our clients and the one-of-a-kind culture we have built. I look forward to working closely with Rose nd the WPP and VML leadership teams over the coming months to execute a thoughtful transition," said Cook. 

Further details on the leadership structure across WPP Creative will be announced in due course. Cook has not announced his next move.

WPP has also seen leadership changes across its creative network in Asia Pacific. In June, Ogilvy’s long-time APAC co-CEOs Kent Wertime and Chris Reitermann stepped away from their regional roles after a decade leading the network together. Wertime retired from the agency, while Reitermann moved his focus to his role as CEO of WPP Greater China. The changes followed WPP’s wider efforts to streamline and integrate its agency operations, including the creation of dedicated WPP Creative leadership roles across ASEAN markets.

Cook’s departure comes as major agency groups continue to reshape their senior leadership following large-scale organisational changes. At Omnicom, Troy Ruhanen recently retired as president and CEO of Omnicom Advertising following the completion of the integration of Omnicom and Interpublic, with BBDO Worldwide chairman Andrew Robertson succeeding him.

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