Agency Business
#17: Blending Creative and Tech at Scale, With VML's Jon Cook
Apr 14, 2025
Jon Cook, CEO of VML, a leading global marketing agency, shares insights from his 29 years with the company. He discusses VML's evolution through significant mergers, blending creativity and technology, and the role of their Enterprise Solutions group in driving success. Jon emphasizes the agency’s investment in AI and its adaptation to geopolitical challenges while maintaining core values like DEI. The conversation dives into navigating a competitive market and the balance of brand power amidst financial dynamics.
35:10
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Quick takeaways
- VML's unique evolution from multiple mergers has positioned it at the intersection of creativity and technology in advertising.
- The agency emphasizes strong integration of AI and emerging technologies, fostering adaptability among its workforce to meet client demands effectively.
Deep dives
The Evolution of VML
VML, originally founded as Valentine McCormick Ligabel in Kansas City, has evolved significantly over its 29 years of operation. The agency has undergone various mergers, incorporating notable names such as Wunderman, J. Walter Thompson, and Y&R, which has enriched its creative heritage. This blend of historical brands within VML allows it to uniquely position itself in both the creative and technological sectors of advertising. John Cook emphasizes that VML's strength lies in its capability to offer comprehensive solutions that integrate creativity with deep technological expertise, making it a leading player in a competitive field.
