WPP has announced the departure of Jon Cook, global CEO, VML and CEO, WPP Creative. Cook will exit the company in March 2027. 

Eric Campbell, currently CEO, VML and WPP Creative in North America, will replace Cook. Campbell will continue as CEO, WPP Creative North America. Campbell has been with VML for more than 25 years and has held central leadership roles, including president, VML, global president, VMLY&R, global chief client officer and CEO, VML North America. 

Cook has spent three decades with VML. In 2024, he led the creation of VML through the combination of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson. In February 2026, Cook took on the additional responsibility of CEO, WPP Creative, leading a portfolio that includes VML, Ogilvy, Grey, Burson, AKQA, Landor and Design Bridge & Partners. 

Cindy Rose, CEO, WPP, said, “Jon’s contribution to VML, WPP and our entire industry has been extraordinary. 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”. 

Cook said, “This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life. But after three decades of pouring everything I have into this agency and all of WPP, it is 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 Cindy and the WPP and VML leadership teams over the coming months to execute a thoughtful transition”. 

Rose added, “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. He knows this business deeply, he understands what makes VML special, and he has the trust of teams and clients around the world. I am delighted that he will lead VML into its next era, working closely with Jon and the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for our clients and people.”