Newly-merged WPP agency VMLY&R has hired Justin Pahl for its new London CEO position, focusing on growing the agency’s capabilities to deliver an integrated creative and digital offering.
Pahl most recently served as group chairman of creative agency Abbott Mead Vickers (AMV) BBDO, having worked at the agency for the past ten years. During that time, he also held leadership positions including head of account management, managing partner and managing director.
“I’m excited to be able to use the rich and diverse knowledge, perspectives, skills and talent gathered from the two amazing agencies that have been recently brought together,” Pahl said.
[advert position=”left”]
“The opportunity is to bring something fresh and dynamic to the market to give clients an exciting alternative to traditional roster shops. We will be ambitious in pursuing and developing the talent and building culture and capabilities that can provide creative answers to the newest, toughest questions clients are facing.”
He reports into VMLY&R Europe president, Andrew Dimitriou, who added: “We are thrilled to welcome Justin at the helm of one of VMLY&R’s key growth markets.
“Justin’s dynamic leadership style and razor focus on driving performance will be critical to our expansion in the UK and EMEA. He has a proven track record of building collaborative teams that deliver effective, world-class creative solutions and truly believes in cultivating capabilities, talent and culture to deliver our best work for client partners.”
VMLY&R London had been without a chief executive since the merger last year. In the interim, Chris Wood, the agency’s chief integration officer, had acted as CEO until a permanent replacement was found.
Transition timings are currently in discussion.
