Eric Campbell Will Succeed Jon Cook as VML Global CEO
Longtime executive Eric Campbell will assume the role of Global CEO of the advertising firm VML in March 2027.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Advertising
Live Poll
Do you generally trust that leadership changes at large companies result in improvements for stakeholders?
WPP announced that Jon Cook will step down as Global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative in March 2027. Eric Campbell, who currently leads the company's North American operations, will succeed him.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in leadership for an agency that operates in more than 55 markets. Cook, who has spent 30 years with the organization, is departing to pursue the next chapter of his career.
VML maintains a presence in more than 55 markets globally and was named Campaign's 2026 Global Agency of the Year. The firm is currently ranked 2nd in the Cannes Lions Creative Network of the Year awards.
The players
Jon Cook
He is the outgoing Global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative who has served with the company for 30 years.
Eric Campbell
He is the current CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America who has been with VML for more than 25 years.
WPP
This is a multinational advertising and public relations company that owns VML and WPP Creative.
VML
This global advertising agency operates in more than 55 markets and was named the 2026 Global Agency of the Year by Campaign.
WPP Creative
This is an internal division launched by WPP in February 2026 to streamline creative output.
The details
Jon Cook and Eric Campbell will immediately begin a partnership to transition global responsibilities. Campbell will maintain his current role as CEO of WPP Creative North America while assuming his new global duties.
Timeline
February 2026: WPP launched WPP Creative and Jon Cook assumed the role of CEO.
October 2, 2026: WPP announced the upcoming departure of Jon Cook.
March 2027: Jon Cook will step down and Eric Campbell will assume the role of Global CEO.
Market Landscape
The leadership change follows the 2026 launch of WPP Creative, a reorganization designed to consolidate creative services across the group. This move positions Campbell to integrate regional North American strategies into the firm's global operations.
Clients of the firm should expect a transition period as Campbell begins his partnership with Cook to assume global responsibilities. Daily operations across the agency's 55 markets are expected to continue under existing regional leadership structures.
The takeaway
The move underscores the importance of long-term succession planning in major advertising networks. Clients often benefit from such stability as leadership transitions are managed through multi-year partnership periods.
What happens next
Jon Cook will remain in his leadership roles until March 2027, at which point Eric Campbell will officially assume the position of Global CEO.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit the Advertising section.
Live Poll
Do you generally trust that leadership changes at large companies result in improvements for stakeholders?
