VML has appointed Richard Williams group executive creative director for its Melbourne and Sydney offices starting in September.
With a career spanning almost 25 years, Williams has spent much of his professional life at Clemenger BBDO, where he has been a driving force behind some of Australia's most iconic advertising campaigns.
His tenure includes a six-year stint as ECD, leading major accounts including NAB, TAC, CUB, BMW, MINI, and TABTouch.
“I am delighted to be joining VML later this year. I’ve been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to arrive...” Williams said.
“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 more than 30 creatives across Melbourne and Sydney, building upon the foundation established by Jake Barrow, who has been promoted to the role of chief creative officer at VML Czech Republic later this year.
VML APAC CCO Paul Nagy said if he were to list his favourite advertising ideas to ever come out of Australia… Williams 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," Nagy said.
“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."
Williams' most internationally awarded work includes Carlton Draught’s 'Slow Mo' and 'Beer Chase' and Bonds' 'The Boys'.
VML Melbourne and Sydney managing director Sarah Bailey said Williams 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," she said.
"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."
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