VML has appointed Kalpesh Patankar, or Kal, as the industry knows him, as group chief creative officer, India. Patankar joins from Leo Burnett Dubai, where he was chief creative officer.
Patankar is no stranger to VML, having previously held the position of CCO at VMLY&R Dubai. His legacy includes transforming agencies into creative powerhouses that are consistently recognised on the global stage. Under his leadership, both VMLY&R Dubai and Leo Burnett Dubai achieved unprecedented success, from driving business wins to creating famous, industry-leading work. His leadership has earned recognitions including MEA Agency of the Decade at Cannes Lions, multiple Agency of the Year awards at Dubai Lynx and MENA Effies. He has also been recognised as Advertising Creative Person of the Year.
Patankar’s deep understanding of the creative craft coupled with his expertise in building strong client relationships, makes him a valuable asset to VML. Returning to India after nearly 20 years in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, he brings a global perspective to the India business. His leadership will be instrumental in driving the agency’s continued growth and success in the region.
“We are looking forward to having Kal back our global creative team. His extraordinary brand skills — particularly in the area of craft — are second to none. Under his creative leadership, brand building and the level of craft will flourish in India. He has a unique ability to bring humanity and creativity together to deliver solutions for clients that transcend marketing,”stated Debbi Vandeven, CCO, VML.
“Kal is fantastic at shattering boundaries to create phenomenal work for our clients,” added Paul Nagy, CCO, VML APAC. “I am excited to have him on board as he leads our teams across India to new heights.”
Throughout his career, Patankar has consistently challenged conventional thinking for globally recognised brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Harvey Nichols, Land Rover, and Colgate. His work has been celebrated and studied by creatives worldwide, and he has served as Jury President at prestigious award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Andys, and ADFEST.
“I have been considering returning to India for a long time, but I was waiting for the right moment, agency and team to do it with,” Kalpesh Patankar stated. “I believe that moment is now, with the team at VML. Creativity has the power to transform businesses, and I’m excited to collaborate with teams across India and APAC to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”
Patankar will be based in the agency’s Mumbai office, reporting to Debbi Vandeven and Babita Baruah, CEO VML India. He will work closely with Paul Nagy, APAC CCO, to enhance VML’s creative reputation in APAC and around the world.
