VML Promotes Pip Hulbert as its new UK CEO

VML has appointed Pip Hulbert as the new UK CEO. Having spent 11 years at Wunderman, Pip ascended from Chief Operating Officer to CEO.

Michelle Whelan has been appointed as UK Chief Client Officer. In this capacity, Michelle will oversee client relationship management, client planning, and performance by bringing together Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce for the agency’s clientele.

In 2019, Pip assumed the role of UK CEO at Wunderman Thompson, overseeing the integration of Wunderman and J. Walter Thompson and later facilitating the mergers of Acceleration, Mirum, and Prism into the business. During the past four years, Pip played a significant role in expanding Wunderman Thompson into one of the UK’s largest and most honored integrated agencies, securing over 1300 accolades and nominations, including 21 Grands Prix and 128 Gold awards across major award ceremonies.

Pip’s leadership has also led the agency to secure five consecutive Campaign Agency of the Year titles, including the publisher’s first Integrated Agency award, contributing to Wunderman Thompson’s recognition as the Global Integrated Network of the Year in 2022.

Recognized as an IPA Fellow and chair of the IPA Effectiveness Board, Pip has been instrumental in launching several industry-leading initiatives. Noteworthy among these are Magpie, an award-winning mentoring app, the launch of BRiM aimed at improving Black representation in marketing, and the recent introduction of Project 65, the agency’s updated inclusive health offering.

Michelle Whelan previously held roles as co-CEO of VMLY&R and CEO of VMLY&R Commerce, contributing significantly to the integration of Commerce into Cx & Bx. Her efforts have been pivotal in securing notable new business wins and fostering client growth in the UK, including collaborations with The Coca-Cola Company, SC Johnson, Diageo, and Colgate.

Justin Pahl is transitioning to a new role within WPP as Global Client Lead, focusing on Walgreens Boots Alliance’s operations across WPP and VML, building on his successful leadership with WPP’s integrated team for WBA, The Pharm.

Under Michelle and Justin’s leadership, VMLY&R received recognition as Campaign’s Integrated Agency of the Year 2022 and was named a Top 25 Employer by Investing in Ethnicity. The agency also attained an IPA Platinum Accreditation for Continuous Professional Development for two consecutive years.

The integration of VML is scheduled to commence operations on January 1st, 2024, with the integrated team based at Sea Containers later that year.

In response to her appointment as UK CEO, Pip Hulbert expressed enthusiasm, envisioning the combined strengths of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to achieve significant milestones together.

Ewen Sturgeon, EMEA CEO, VML, expressed confidence in Pip’s leadership, highlighting Pip’s track record in business integration and understanding of the marketing ecosystem.

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