# WPP leadership transition at VML and WPP Creative

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wpp-leadership-transition-at-vml-and-wpp-creative
> Updated: 2026-10-05T20:13:55.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

WPP has announced a leadership transition involving Jon Cook, the Global CEO of VML and CEO of WPP Creative. After a 30-year career with the agency group, Cook will depart in March 2027 to pursue new opportunities. He will remain in his current roles until the transition is complete to ensure continuity.

Eric Campbell, the current CEO of VML and WPP Creative in North America, has been named the incoming Global CEO of VML, effective March 2027. Campbell will begin working with Cook immediately to manage the handover of global responsibilities. While Campbell is set to take over the global VML role, WPP has not yet named a successor for Cook’s position as CEO of WPP Creative.

During his tenure, Cook oversaw the 2024 merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson to form VML and assumed leadership of WPP Creative in February 2026 as part of the company’s Elevate28 strategy.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: WPP announces Jon Cook departure and Eric Campbell succession

Jon Cook will depart WPP and VML in March 2027 after 30 years. Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML North America, has been named his successor for the global VML CEO role.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wpp-announces-jon-cook-departure-and-eric-campbell-succession

### 2026-10-02: WPP announces leadership transition for VML and WPP Creative

Jon Cook will exit WPP in March 2027 after 30 years. Eric Campbell, currently CEO of VML North America, is set to succeed him as Global CEO of VML.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wpp-announces-leadership-transition-for-vml-and-wpp-creative

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Cite as: WPP leadership transition at VML and WPP Creative. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wpp-leadership-transition-at-vml-and-wpp-creative