Simona Maggini is an experienced communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry, spanning client management and leadership roles. She has cultivated extensive international experience, working abroad in Vienna, Eastern Europe, and Moscow for four years.

She joined Y&R (part of the WPP network) in 2004, following three years at Leo Burnett, where she began her career after graduating in Marketing & Communications from IULM University in Milan. In 2015, Simona became CEO of the agency, and in 2018, following the global merger of Y&R and VML, she continued as CEO, driving the development of VMLY&R's reputation, positioning it in the market as an agency specializing in technology and brand experience. Simona redesigned the organizational structure of the Italian office to foster teamwork and support the global mission of creating connected brands to drive growth.

In May 2020, Simona was also appointed Italy Country Manager of WPP.

Since January 2024, Simona Maggini has taken on the new role of Group CEO of VML Italy, the new entity created within WPP through the integration of the two advertising agencies VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, placing her at the helm of one of the largest advertising agencies in the Italian market, with expertise ranging from brand experience to customer experience and commerce.

Included in Forbes' 2024 list of the 100 managers leading their companies towards the new challenges of the future, and for the fourth consecutive year in Business People's ranking of the 100 most influential managers and entrepreneurs in Italy, Simona is recognized as a highly qualified leader with proven experience for clients in various industries.

She has received numerous awards over the years for her commitment and success, including being named Manager of the Year by ADC Group, one of the most authoritative publishers in the communications sector, in both 2024 and 2019. In 2021, Simona participated in the Italian jury of the Gerety Awards, a prize that examines creativity from a uniquely female perspective, where VMLY&R Italy was named Agency of the Year. Since 2022, she has also served on the Board of Directors of UNA, the Italian Association of Communication Companies, where she holds the position of Vice President.

As President in Italy of Stella, WPP's international network aimed at supporting inclusion, Simona is a strong advocate for female leadership and young talent in the communications industry.