VML Strengthens Creative Department with New Promotions and Hires

VML is continuing to strengthen its award-winning creative department, including integrated production offerings, with two recent promotions and two new hires. VML’s integrated production department specialises in film and video production for broadcast, interactive, social and mobile as well as the creation of multi-platform content.

Kelly Durham has been promoted to executive producer of integrated production. Since joining VML in 2015, Kelly has played an instrumental role in delivering some of the agency’s best-produced client work including Gatorade. Kelly’s role will focus on managing and elevating the broadcast work done by VML Chicago. Durham will report to Tyler Smith, head of production.

“Kelly has worked around the clock and travelled many miles to help build the clients she has worked with into some of the most recognized and respected accounts at VML,” Smith said. “Through it all, she has also found time to work closely with Chicago leadership in continuing to grow processes and lead workflow within that office. She has been a great advocate for this department, a mentor to other producers and a strong leader every step of the way.”

In addition to Durham’s promotion, Susan Hatten has been hired as a senior producer for the integrated production team, working on Pepsico. Hatten will be producing projects for several brands including Gatorade and Tropicana. She started her career in Kansas City, working for Valentine-Radford before moving to Chicago and later joining Ogilvy & Mather where worked as a senior content producer for the past 11 years. She has been a producer on nearly every national and global account at Ogilvy – producing shoots in more than 22 countries. Susan will relocate back to Kansas City to be based out of VML’s global headquarters. She brings a vast array of production and art buying knowledge to her new role. Hatten will report to Tyler Smith, head of production. 

Derek Clark has been promoted to executive creative director leading Tennessee Department of Tourist Development work and the recently won Electrolux / Frigidaire business. Clark joined VML in 2015 as group creative director of the Gatorade team. Clark has worked on multiple award-winning advertising campaigns including one of the original branded Snapchats with the G Dunk filter takeover during the Super Bowl. The work received five Cannes Lions, including gold, silver, and bronze, across a variety of categories. Clark will report to Debbi Vandeven, global chief creative officer. Prior to VML, Clark worked with several agencies including Leo Burnett, McGarryBowen, and Cavalry.

Rob Romine has been promoted to group director, experience design. He joined VML in 2008 and has lead the experience design for clients such as FordPass, Common Wealth Bank of Australia, Korean Airlines and Electrolux focusing on eCom, user-centred design for mobile, web and retail experiences. Romine reports to Chris Wallen, managing director, experience design.