VML will usher in the new year with a new leader. VML CEO Paul Bradbury, who only joined the agency at the start of the year, is leaving the business to pursue another opportunity
Stepping into the CEO hot seat is Dr. Adam Kennedy, award-winning industry leader with 20+ years’ international and local experience.
For the past nine years, Kennedy has been an integral part of VML’s ongoing expansion. He first joined as managing director of VML Brisbane in 2017, before expanding his remit to also lead the Perth office.
During his tenure at VML, Kennedy has been instrumental in winning a raft of new clients including Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, RACQ, TerryWhite Chemmart, University of Western Australia, Good Drinks Australia, Visit Brisbane, Queensland University of Technology, and Goodlife Health Clubs.
“We are thrilled to elevate Adam to the CEO role and have him lead VML into its next phase of growth. Having worked across the business and alongside every VML leader for the past nine years, he has a deep understanding of the people, clients and culture, as well as the agency’s Human First philosophy and approach to building connected brands,” WPP ANZ chief executive Rose Herceg said.
“He has already played a key role in bringing together our local talent and expertise with the breadth of VML and WPP’s global capabilities and is well placed to build on that strength across ANZ.
“This understanding teamed with his significant VML leadership will enable him to step into the CEO role with immediate momentum.”
With a PhD in Brand from Kingston University, Kennedy spent a decade at two of the world’s most awarded agencies prior to joining VML: AMV BBDO in London and Clemenger BBDO in Melbourne.
He has established an enduring and proven creative partnership with Paul Nagy, VML’s chief creative officer, that has consistently delivered business results for clients. His work has been awarded at all the major creative and effectiveness shows, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, AWARD, IPA Effectiveness, and Effies.
“I’ve been lucky to play a part of VML’s creative rise, rapid transformation and human-first approach in recent years. Now, more than ever, creativity is vital to business growth. VML has the talent, technology and knowhow to partner with clients to deliver breakthrough ideas,” Kennedy said.
“There’s no better time to take helm as VML’s approach is gaining real market traction – significant new business wins, electric new talent, and world-class creative ideas, all underpinned by the power of WPP Open, our proprietary AI Operating system. I’ve loved working with Bradders and wish him every success. He’s set some great foundations that have built momentum in a short time. I can’t wait to rip in.”
