VMLY&R Hires Laurent Simon as UK CCO

VMLY&R announced today the appointment of Laurent Simon as chief creative officer of VMLY&R London. Simon will report to VMLY&R London CEO, Justin Pahl and work closely with EMEA CCO Jaime Mandelbaum. He will be responsible for the agency's creative vision and output across the UK market, with a clear mission to creatively put the agency on the map in the UK.

"I've known Laurent for years, and he is, if not the best, one of the very best in London and possibly the world. He’s bright, engaging, consistently pushing boundaries, and also happens to be a thoroughly lovely chap. So, I am beyond excited to have him join us on this brilliant endeavour." Said Pahl, CEO VMLY&R London.

Simon joins from BBC Creative - the BBC's in-house agency – where he was executive creative director. In the last year, he had taken a central leadership role following the departure of his long-time creative partner, Aidan McClure. Under his leadership, BBC Creative consistently garnered a wide range of awards, including its first Gold Cannes Lions and Yellow D&AD pencils. He’s also helped in the last 12 months make the work the most effective it’s been in recent years.

At VMLY&R, Simon will lead the 35-strong creative department which brings together a wealth of talent from integrated creatives, to social and content specialist, innovation and design. He will also work closely with the Centre of Excellence for Experience based in London to leverage the complete connected consumer experience. He will be involved across the agency's client portfolio, which includes Center Parcs, Danone, Department for Transport, TUI, and Nestlé, among others.

"I leave the BBC with the satisfaction of having built one of the best creative floors in London and ready for my next challenge. The creation of VMLY&R was a bold move. It shaped something fresh and innovative; and the opportunity to leverage the full power of ideas and experiences to create connected brands, which is truly exciting. I also love the team's positive energy and creative drive. I couldn't think of better people to embark on this new adventure with. We can create something very special and unique for our people and our clients." Said Simon, UK CCO, VMLY&R.

"Laurent has created some of the UK's most beloved and awarded pieces of work. His work naturally places brands into the heart and hands of people and create depth of connection. His hire is a testimony to our commitment to creativity and will help us build on our creative momentum, coming out of Cannes Lions with two Grand Prix." Added Jaime Mandelbaum, EMEA CCO, VMLY&R.

Simon's work - among which John Lewis' The bear and the hare (Cannes Lion Effectiveness Grand Prix), Google's Front Row, BBC1's The Supporting Act and BBC Two idents - has received global recognition and garnered over 200 awards.

Simon was previously a creative director at Adam & Eve/DDB. He also worked as a creative at Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, Bartle Bogle Hegarty and Mother. Originally from Bordeaux, France, Simon holds an advertising degree from Watford University.