VML has appointed Richard Williams as the new group executive creative director for its Melbourne and Sydney offices starting in September this year. Williams will arrive at VML with an exceptional history of creative expertise and leadership.
He has spent much of his professional life at Clemenger BBDO, where he has been a driving force behind some of Australia’s most famous advertising campaigns. His tenure includes a 6-year stint as executive creative director leading major accounts, NAB, TAC, CUB, BMW, MINI, and TABTouch. He was part of the leadership that steered Clemenger BBDO to significant acclaim, including being named Campaign Brief and Mumbrella Creative Agency of the Decade in 2020 and Cannes and D&AD Agency of the Year in 2017. He has delivered award-winning work at some of the globe’s largest creative awards shows. His most internationally awarded work includes Carlton Draught’s Slow Mo and Beer Chase, and Bonds’ The Boys.
“I am delighted to be joining VML later this year. I’ve been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to arrive…,” Richard Williams commented. “The creative ambition of the agency, the strong and talented leadership, and its technical proficiency made the decision very easy for me. The creative legacy of George Patterson, Young & Rubicam and JWT is so significant in this country, and I feel privileged to help write the next chapter.”
Williams will lead a creative department of over 30 creatives across Melbourne and Sydney, building upon the strong foundation established by Jake Barrow, who has been promoted to the role of chief creative officer at VML Czech Republic later this year. Williams’ appointment marks a new chapter for VML, promising innovative and impactful work that continues to push the boundaries of creativity.
Paul Nagy, VML APAC chief creative officer, commented, “If I were to list my favourite advertising ideas to ever come out of Australia… Rich has probably done about four of them. Even my Dad was impressed when I showed him his work and believe me when I tell you – that never happens. Rich is super talented, really focused on what he wants to achieve, a genuine leader and a lovely human being…we are so lucky to have him and I can’t wait for him to get started.”
VML Melbourne and Sydney managing director, Sarah Bailey, added, “Rich comes highly awarded and highly regarded. When we did our due diligence on Rich, the word quality was mentioned a lot, as was the word talented, and when we met him, it was clear that the rumours were true. These characteristics are very important to me and the team at VML so we’re all really excited Rich is joining us to build on the incredible creative spirit Jake has cultivated over the past thirteen years.”
