Campaign US Recognizes VML at 2025 Agency of the Year Awards

VML named a finalist for Agency of the Year and multiple individual honors in its first year post-merger; Rafael Pitanguy wins Creative Person of the Year

Published Date: Mar 27, 2025

Rafael Pitanguy Campaign US 2025 — Photos courtesy Campaign US and Donna Alberico Photography

VML was named a finalist in multiple categories at the 2025 Campaign US Agency of the Year Awards, marking a strong debut after the agency’s formation from the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R in January 2024.

The awards, judged by senior brand marketers, celebrate creative excellence, leadership, and business performance across the advertising industry. VML was one of only six agencies shortlisted for the top honor, Agency of the Year, underscoring its rapid impact as a newly unified network.

In individual categories, Rafael Pitanguy, Deputy Global Chief Creative Officer at VML and Creative Lead at WPP Open X, won Creative Person of the Year. Known for his visionary and empathetic leadership, Rafael has redefined creativity through his work with The Coca-Cola Company. His campaigns, such as "Thanks for Coke-Creating" and "Coke Studio," have emphasized cultural authenticity and innovation, helping earn Coca-Cola its first-ever Creative Brand of the Year title at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Rafael's ability to connect with diverse teams and audiences has fostered a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, making him a standout leader in the global advertising landscape.

The awards gala, held March 26 in New York City, brought together leaders from across the industry to celebrate outstanding contributions in advertising and marketing.

VML also had several other individual finalists:

Agency Leader of the Year

Jon Cook, Global CEO of VML, is shortlisted for Agency Leader of the Year. With 28 years at VML, Jon has demonstrated a visionary approach to leadership, emphasizing connection and inclusivity. His guiding principles — "Show Up, Follow Up, and Pixie Dust" — capture his commitment to meaningful engagement and delivering exceptional experiences for both VML'ers and client partners. Under his leadership, VML has successfully navigated transformative mergers and developed innovative frameworks like "Connected Creativity," which integrates brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to offer comprehensive marketing solutions. Jon's focus on fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging, along with his strategic initiatives, have positioned VML as a leader in the advertising world.

Account Person of the Year

Renée Lavecchia, Executive Director at VML Miami, is recognized for her exemplary work as a finalist for Account Person of the Year. Known for her purpose-driven and people-centered leadership style, Renée has built strong client partnerships and driven innovation through initiatives like M-Powered, VML’s multicultural capability. This initiative has not only strengthened relationships with client partners such as Wendy’s but also contributed significantly to VML's revenue growth. Her dedication to fostering authentic connections and cultural sensitivity has positioned VML as a leader in multicultural marketing.

DE&I Advocate of the Year

Nejah Jemmott, North America Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging at VML, is recognized as a DE&I Advocate of the Year finalist. Nejah's leadership is characterized by her dedication to fostering a culture of belonging and empowerment within VML. She has spearheaded initiatives that support employee resource groups and talent development programs, creating pathways for individuals from historically excluded communities. Her work has helped position VML as a DE&I leader, earning accolades such as the American Advertising Federation’s "Mosaic Champion" award. Nejah's personal journey as a mother and community leader informs her passionate approach to DE&I, proving that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation and meaningful impact.

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This year's winners and finalists build on VML's success from last year, when Michelle Baumann, Chief Strategy Officer for VML Commerce, was honored as Strategist of the Year at the Campaign US Agency of the Year Awards gala. The event, held in New York City, brought together many of the advertising industry's most influential figures to celebrate excellence in advertising and marketing.

Joining Baumann in the spotlight were Brian Yamada, Chief Innovation Officer, who received an honorable mention in the Innovation Lead category, and Tasha Gilroy, Global Chief Belonging Officer, who was a finalist in the DE&I Advocate category. Their collective expertise and dedication to innovation, diversity, and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in solidifying VML's reputation as a leader in the advertising world.

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