Tom Searle, VML Australia and New Zealand (VML ANZ) CEO is stepping away stepping away from the business after nearly five transformative years at the helm. Paul Bradbury, former president & CEO of TBWA Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed as his successor, effective immediately. Bradbury resigned the role in July 2025. Tom Tearle and Paul Bradbury will work closely together over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition for the agency, its people, and its clients.

Under Tearle’s leadership, VML ANZ has experienced an era of strong growth and creative recognition. The agency’s Australia operation has been crowned #1 in Campaign Brief’s The Work for three consecutive years, delivered groundbreaking, award-winning creative work including the much-awarded FitChix campaign, and co-created tech-forward products such as the Rip Curl Search GPS 2.0.

“Working with the VML ANZ team fills me with immense pride and gratitude,” Tearle stated. “We’ve achieved remarkable things together, building an agency renowned for its creativity, innovation, and an incredible team culture. Witnessing our collective drive and success has been rewarding, and I am proud of the business we’ve created. I have full confidence that Paul, with his vast experience and vision, will lead VML ANZ to even greater heights. I’m committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition, knowing the future is bright for this team.”

Incoming CEO Paul Bradbury commented, “I’ve watched VML ANZ’s impressive rise with admiration. Tom and the team have built a strong legacy of consistent success, culminating in an unprecedented run of Network of the Year titles. VML offers the scale, capability and ambition to continue to build something genuinely differentiated for clients and talent across Australia and New Zealand. I am also energised to be joining WPP – the incredible global new business momentum at the back end of last year is testament to the progressive leadership and future focused innovation across the company.”

Yi Chung Tay, APAC CEO of VML, added, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Tom for his contributions to VML ANZ. His impact has left the agency in a strong, growing position. As we embark on this next chapter, I am thrilled to welcome Paul Bradbury to the VML network. Paul’s proven track record, strategic vision, and deep industry experience make him the ideal leader to build on this success and drive VML ANZ forward. I am excited for the future under Paul’s leadership.”

Bradbury brings a formidable track record to VML ANZ. Under his leadership, TBWA became one of the region’s most influential creative forces, building significant client partnerships with global brands including Apple, Amazon, Kraft Heinz and Tourism New Zealand alongside local powerhouses  including Telstra, NAB, ANZ NZ  and 2Degrees. Bradbury was pivotal in the creation of +61, the specialist agency for Telstra in partnership with Bear Meets Eagle on Fire and OMD, which made headlines by winning a Film Grand Prix and eight Lions at the 2025 Cannes Lions within just 18 months.

His forward-thinking approach, including a keen focus on leveraging generative AI for disruptive creativity, aligns perfectly with VML’s commitment to innovation.